Potential Child Actress Fades from Spotlight After Bullying and Smoking Controversy

Once hailed as a rising child star, Han Ye-rin won hearts early in her career with memorable roles in dramas like Hello, God! and New Heart, as well as films such as Shadows in the Palace and The Crescent Moon and the Boat.

However, her wholesome image shattered in July 2008, when it was revealed that she and a group of classmates had assaulted two fellow students over the course of three hours. One of the victims sustained injuries requiring four weeks of recovery. The disturbing motive? The victims reportedly refused to lend them school skirts.

The scandal intensified in 2009, when a person—believed to be a close acquaintance—posted inflammatory messages online, claiming:

“Han Ye-rin lights a cigarette the moment she sits down,” and “She loves money and cigarettes the most.”

The post also identified one of the assault victims by name and expressed resentment, using vulgar language targeting the school and even the poster’s mother. The comments sparked renewed outrage and further damaged Han’s already crumbling reputation.

In an attempt to return to acting, Han appeared at a 2010 press event for the film Girl Five (tentative title), which ironically told the story of delinquent teens forming a girl group. However, the timing and theme of the film drew harsh criticism. Many called the casting tone-deaf and condemned the comeback attempt, especially in the absence of a public apology to her victims.

The backlash led to an online backlash against Han’s personal homepage, which was quickly made private and later shut down altogether.

Since then, Han Ye-rin has completely withdrawn from public life. With no known broadcast activities, social media presence, or recent appearances, her current status and whereabouts remain a mystery.

The resurfacing of her past continues to stir conversations about accountability in the entertainment industry—especially when it involves former child stars whose real-life controversies stand in stark contrast to their on-screen innocence.