Court reviews arrest request on K-pop singer Jung Joon-young

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — K-pop singer Jung Joon-young was attending a South Korean court hearing Thursday on whether a warrant will be issued for his arrest on allegations he illegally shared sexually explicit videos of women taken without their knowledge or consent.

He told reporters at the Seoul Central District Court that he was sorry and apologized again to the victims and to "everyone who has showed affection for me." People involved in scandals in South Korea often issue public apologies even as they maintain their innocence.

Jung was questioned by police last week about allegations that he secretly filmed his sexual encounters and shared them in private group chats with his friends.

Police are also investigating another K-pop star, Seungri, who soared to international stardom as a member of the group Big Bang, over suspicions that he attempted to arrange unlawful sexual services for his business investors.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency requested an arrest warrant for Jung on Monday through state prosecutors. The court's decision is expected Thursday night or early Friday.

The scandal has caused uproar in South Korea where women are increasingly speaking out against what they describe as a culture of misogyny and the rampant spread of intimate photos and videos taken by hidden cameras, which they say have women living in constant anxiety and distress.