On the 24th, Choi Tae-woong shared an official statement from his legal representative on his Instagram without any additional comment.
The statement revealed that the YouTube channel 'Nareum TV' posted a video on Instagram and TikTok suggesting that an idol, who was eliminated from 'Produce 101' and later debuted, was a school bully in the fourth grade.
The legal representative stated, "There are suspicions that the person in question is Choi Tae-woong, but this is clearly false." They emphasized, "Choi Tae-woong has never engaged in the school bullying activities claimed by Nareum TV during his school years. He has not caused any physical or mental harm."
They added, "Following the video's release, subsequent reports and numerous malicious comments on Choi Tae-woong's social media accounts have led to the indiscriminate spread of baseless rumors, causing serious defamation."
The legal representative announced plans to take civil and criminal legal action against those spreading false information and related posts on behalf of Choi Tae-woong. They also strongly requested the immediate removal of the related videos and posts currently available.
The legal representative warned, "We hope no further damage occurs due to the spread of unverified claims and speculative content," and promised to hold those responsible legally accountable in the future.
Previously, mukbang YouTuber Nareum (real name Lee Eum-ryul) claimed on social media to have been a victim of school bullying. They explained that one of the perpetrators appeared on 'Produce 101' Season 2 and is currently active as an idol. As the claim spread, speculative posts online pointed to Choi Tae-woong.
Meanwhile, Choi Tae-woong gained recognition by appearing on Mnet's audition program 'Produce 101' Season 2 and debuted with the group Bz-Boys.
Jung Da-yeon, Ten Asia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr