Est. November 1st, 1950
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Korea Times
CW mentions of (child) death and sexual abuse of minors
Vol. 10/3. Seoul, 2022.
Dissertation, Dedication & Death25-year-old Chae Empire’s “Problem Child” stuns with revolutionary research
In a breakthrough that could transform modern forensic investigations, Dr. Yejun Chae, a newly minted Ph.D. in pathobiology, has developed a method for decoding what he calls "postmortem molecular echoes", the subtle biological signatures left behind as cells break down after death. Experts say the work could revolutionize both criminal investigations and public health inquiries.Death more predictable than ever thanks to detailed forensic and academic research!In his dissertation Decoding Postmortem Molecular Echoes:
Linking Cellular Breakdown to Time and Cause of Death Dr.
Chae provides the forensic field with new guidelines to determine a person's time and sometimes cause of death more efficiently and accurately. "Unlike human behavior, biological cells are predictable," the Yonsei University graduate states in an exclusive interview with The Korea Times. "I hope that by utilizing the intricate patterns l've devoted months of studying to, autopsy results, and other research alike, will help with pinpointing causes faster and more precise.For investigators, families, and courts seeking answers, Dr.
Chae's discovery offers something rare: clarity in the silent hours after life has ended.Genius or ghoul: experts are dividedDespite his academic success, the aspiring pathologist has also faced criticism from forensic experts. In the lab that he’s actively been working in while also balancing his studies, coworkers describe him as focused, brilliant and dedicated. “He’s undoubtedly an intelligent young man,” his superior tells the press. “He’s often stayed behind late to conduct his research.” This very dedication is where others have begun questioning Dr. Chae. “His doctoral dissertation needs to be criticized ethically,” says Dr. Aaron Velasquez, pathologist at Oxford. “Dr. Chae is young and impressionable. His deep connection with death clearly goes beyond the biological realm. Not only do experts need to keep an eye on him and his work, but the nation should watch out for his dangerous volatility just the same.”The public is divided. While this dissertation is evidently his breakthrough in the forensic field, according to many, others view his personality combined with his chosen career path as morbid and unsettling.
Vol. 3/11. Seoul, 2012.
Chae Heir (16) has his most infamous meltdown yetLady Chae (46) and famous fashion designer Cassandra Vasiliou (48) called out in rumored sexual harassment allegations
In a scandal that has sent shockwaves through elite social circles, 16-year-old Yejun Chae revealed to have suffered years of sexual harassment and abuse from trusted family associate Cassandra Vasiliou. According to Yejun’s earlier deleted social media statement, Vasiliou had cultivated access to him when he was just 14 and continued an unprofessional relationship of inappropriate nature until now. Moreover, he claims that his own mother, Yeonhee Chae, was involved in encouraging Vasiliou in her advances towards him.Yeonhee Chae offers clarity in press conference this afternoon, taking initiative to shield her friend and dismisses her son’s post as nothing but mere rumors:“We’re very aware of the fantasies my son has put out there, so I see it as my duty to publicly express my condolences for everyone he’s fooled and distressed with these childish rumors,” she states. Lady Chae explains how Yejun has been having increasing issues with lying. She promises to take accountability by finding him a professional to talk to. “If medication can fix a liar, I wouldn’t turn down that option either,” she reports. During the press conference, she emphasizes multiple times how serious this situation is for her. She sends strength and love to victims of sexual abuse and their families and bows deeply to show her regretful feelings over Yejun’s ‘meltdown’.Even though there were no statements from head of the family and CEO of the Chae Hotel Resorts Junyoung Chae or Cassandra Vasiliou themselves, their cooperative silence is publicly interpreted as being in agreement with Lady Chae. A personal apology from Yejun on social media was promised to be posted later today.Average meltdown or aristocratic cover-up?Inside sources, friends from school and staff members have claimed that Yejun has been acting increasingly volatile and snappy. “He pushed me the other day when I tried putting a hand on his shoulder. He’s obviously avoiding even friendly touches and isolates himself more,” one of our sources, who prefers to remain anonymous, claimed. “This is a textbook example of how wealth and status can override accountability,” says Jihoon Lee, Director of the Korean Center of Youth Advocacy. “We can all just hope a victim can’t be forced into silence.”
Vol. 2/01. Seoul, 2005.
Nation mourns little Minjae Kim (9)Minjae was unfortunately seized by a car during a fatal play date near the Chae residence.
Today—Sunday January 2nd—the young Minjae Kim was fatally wounded by a car in front of the Chae residence. He died on the way to the hospital. According to the driver, Minjae had run out into the street out of nowhere. The ice had made it impossible to swerve.Minjae was the son of Minho Kim (30) and Eunji Seo (28), young parents who are employed by the Chae family as on-ground staff. Apparently, Minjae and the Chae family’s only son Yejun (8), had taken a liking to each other, resulting in regular play dates when Minjae’s parents were on duty.Chae family offers to pay for funeral and other expenses. A statement was given to the police right after authorities had arrived on the scene earlier this morning.“She seemed more drunk than upset,” an officer tells The Korea Times upon meeting Yeonhee Chae (37), who has recently taken her husband’s surname after their quick rise to popularity. “She kept talking about how her son attracts death and evil,” he explains further. Upon hearing these claims, our journalists immediately got a statement from Lady Chae herself. “It sounds harsh but it’s true,” she confirmed. “Our Yejun understood death early and developed a peculiar connection to it. This incident just proves that it follows him wherever he goes. As his parents, we understand that Minjae’s passing is Yejun’s fault and for that we apologize deeply.” She shares how she believes her son must be cursed and reportedly pours another glass of wine while questioning what she must have done wrong in her past life.Our thoughts and prayers are with the parents of sweet Minjae.
Vol. 18/07. Seoul, 2015.
Yejun Chae (18) faces dating allegationsPaparazzi spotted Yejun on private outings with a girl allegedly identified as Hyeji Kwon (19)
Freshly graduated high school student Yejun Chae is seen going out with who is rumored to be an old classmate. Hyeji Kwon, as insider sources have identified, and Yejun are seen holding hands, bickering and arguing. The pressing main question for the paparazzi is currently to find out how long they have been seeing each other for and whether it is supposed to be something long-term. “We’ve tried getting something out of them,” one reporter states. “We even asked them for future baby names but Mr. Chae only glared at us as usual.”Yejun Chae has recently enrolled at Yonsei University to major in pathobiology. Will these life changes affect the young couple’s relationship?According to eye witnesses, a team of reporters followed them to a dance studio in the afternoon, demanding statements. The young Chae heir was seen with what looked to be hickeys on his neck. Pointing these out got the journalists a snappy and explosive response from Yejun. “I cannot begin to wrap my head around why vultures like you feed off of anything you can get your disgusting hands on,” one of the bystanders recalled part of Yejun’s statement.The energy seemed to have been high between the paparazzi, Yejun and Hyeji—nothing remarkably new when it comes to the Chae son’s history regarding outbursts with the media and press. Others claim his sensitivity is a hint that his relationship might be ending soon. One thing is for sure, the entire nation will keep watching to find out what’s next with Yejun Chae and Hyeji Kwon.
Vol. 05/08. Seoul, 2016.
The absolute dream package: Yejun ChaeThe Chae heir has finally grown into his body, is single and desired by all
At just 19, Yejun Chae has become both infamous and fascinating. The son of Yeonhee Chae, one of Korea’s most recognizable socialites, Yejun defies every expectation of an heir: he is as likely to be photographed at a luxury gala as he is seen brooding alone in a coffee shop. His interest in various honorable creative arts like dancing and practicing an instrument draws people to him, just like his straightforward and honest manner does.His style is as unpredictable as his moods—daring tuxedos one night, thrifted boots and oversized coats the next. And while scandals trail him, admirers insist that his volatility is matched only by his brilliance. “He’s magnetic,” says one classmate at Yonsei University. “Even when he’s a mess, you can’t look away. He’s incredibly smart but not a show-off. It’s attractive.”Yejun Chae: A genius in the making or a ticking bomb?Despite his tendency to seclude himself and his erratic behavior, it seems like that is exactly what gets people to gravitate towards him. Ever since his allegedly mutual break-up with ex-girlfriend Hyeji Kwon, he hasn’t been reported to be in another romantic relationship. “I don’t even need or want to date him,” one fan claims. “All I want is a little spoiling and fun.” Is antisocial the new it-feature a Prince Charming needs? Yejun refused to comment on any dating details and says he prefers to focus on his studies.One thing is for sure: Yeonhee Chae has been actively polishing her son’s public image again. It seems like this time of year, he’s not a problem child, a liar or a disgrace according to Lady Chae. Skeptics believe that there is something the family is trying to cover up by utilizing young Yejun.