After a Year in the Shadows, Song Ha-yoon Declares War on Accusations of School Bullying
On July 2, actress Song Ha Yoon has officially addressed the school bullying allegations that surfaced over a year ago, firmly denying all accusations and announcing that she has filed a criminal complaint against the original accuser.
Her legal representatives from the law firm Jium stated, “Song Ha-yoon has consistently asserted that the school bullying allegations are entirely false. She has now secured substantial evidence and has filed a criminal complaint against the individual responsible for spreading these claims.”
The controversy began in April 2023 when an anonymous netizen, claiming to be a former high school classmate, accused Song Ha-yoon of physical abuse. Despite her immediate denial, the allegations rapidly gained traction online, casting a shadow over her reputation.
According to her legal team, Song Ha-yoon has sued the accuser, known as Ms. Oh, for defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act and obstruction of business. Evidence submitted to the police includes testimonies from other classmates, her homeroom teacher, and official documents from public institutions.
The case took a turn when the classmate identified as a witness by Ms. Oh denied ever seeing any such incident, directly contradicting her claims. Furthermore, the teacher confirmed that no forced school transfer due to bullying had ever occurred. Several classmates also voluntarily submitted statements attesting to Song Ha-yoon’s good character.
Ms. Oh, currently residing in the United States, has refused to comply with the police investigation, citing U.S. citizenship. However, the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that she still holds South Korean nationality. As a result, she has been added to the wanted list, and an arrest notification has been filed with the police database.
Song Ha-yoon’s team is also considering legal actions in the U.S. and against any third parties involved in spreading the false information. The actress’s contract with her previous agency has ended, and she is now preparing for a return to acting under a new management.
“It’s extremely difficult to prove something that never happened,” her representatives said. “Song Ha-yoon has endured severe psychological distress over the past year, but chose to wait for the investigation results rather than respond prematurely.”
Fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely as Song Ha-yoon steps back into the spotlight, hoping her perseverance and truth will restore her standing after a painful year of silence.