Korean rapper Iron has issued an apology on his Instagram account after he was convicted by a court of assaulting his girlfriend last September.
The Seoul Central District Court issued the verdict on July 20 and sentenced him to eight months in prison suspended for two years and 80 hours of community service.
Iron, who real name is Jung Hyun Chul, was found guilty of assaulting his girlfriend by hitting her on her face. He was also convicted for fracturing his girlfriend's finger.
In his apology, he said that "I would like to sincerely apologize to the people around me and those who have continued to support me. I figured a handwritten letter is the best way to express my feelings," according to AllKpop.
He admitted that he didn't think thoroughly of his actions.
"I have hurt many people who have trusted me until now by bringing such disgraceful news. Honestly, up until a few days ago, I did not realize. Instead of trying to figure out what was happening and calculate things, I just did whatever I wanted. I thought that it was a cool thing to be brave and not have any regrets regardless of my actions."
Iron added that "it wasn't me who was carrying the burden as consequence of my actions but those around me, who have cheered for me and believed in me. They were also hurt because of me."
Because of the assault, he said, all the memories of his fans "have become trash."
"I only knew how to pretend to be manly and full of pride. I feel so ashamed and pathetic for my childish actions. I pondered about expressing my apologetic feelings to everyone every time such an incident would occur but I didn't think it was a formal way to do so. I never had the chance to formally apologize to anyone," he said.
He ended by saying that he "would like to deeply apologize to everyone who has been wounded because of me."
"As of now, I am reflecting on my own faults and will do my best to live a righteous life. I deeply apologize once again," Iron wrote.
