A South Korean comedian turned director has confessed to molesting a sleeping man in a sauna but denies that he is gay.

Baek Jae Hyun, 45, performed oral sex on the man, only identified as A, in the sleeping room of a 24-hour sauna in Seoul.

The comedian, or ‘gagman’ as they are known in Korea, was booked without detention at around 3am on 17 May.

‘Baek Jae Hyun said that he is not gay and this was only a mistake he made while intoxicated,’ police told reporters last week.

‘The suspect molested the victim by touching and sucking his genitals multiple times and also touching and licking the victim’s chest, making him feel sexually humiliated against his will.’

News of Baek’s arrrest went viral in Korea and netizens speculated about his sexuality and brought up past gay rumors.

‘I heard he got married and then divorced because he’s gay. What a sad life… he used to be so popular,’ wrote one.

‘That sauna is known for being a popular gay hang out,’ said another.

Police said they would send the case to the prosecutor.