Actress Song Ha-yoon Breaks Silence on School Bullying Allegations After a Year

Actress Song Ha-yoon has spoken out regarding the 'school bullying' allegations that surfaced over a year ago.

On the afternoon of the 2nd, Song Ha-yoon's legal representative from the law firm Ji-eum stated, "The school bullying controversy involving actress Song Ha-yoon from over 20 years ago is not true," adding, "It was challenging to actively respond due to the difficulty of proving something that did not happen at the time."

They continued, "Song Ha-yoon has been consistently gathering evidence to prove the initial distributor's claims false and has secured multiple pieces of evidence," and "Based on this, she has currently filed a criminal complaint against the distributor."

Song Ha-yoon's side emphasized, "There was no violence committed against the initial distributor, nor was there any forced school transfer due to school bullying." They further expressed, "Due to these false claims, Song Ha-yoon's reputation, built over 22 years, has been severely damaged, and she is suffering from extreme mental distress."

The legal representative explained, "It took time to make an official statement as we prioritized revealing the truth through objective investigation over hasty explanations," asking for understanding.

Born in 1986, Song Ha-yoon debuted as a magazine model in 2004 and gained recognition for her role as the villain Jung Soo-min in the tvN drama 'Marry My Husband' last year. However, in April of last year, a school bullying controversy arose through a report on JTBC's 'Incident Chief.' The informant claimed to have been assaulted by S, a third-year middle school student in 2004, who was identified as Song Ha-yoon.

According to the informant, Song Ha-yoon was allegedly involved in another group assault incident, received the 8th measure for school violence, and was forcibly transferred to Gujeong High School. The informant stated, "After graduating high school, I immigrated to the United States, but recently decided to report after seeing Song Ha-yoon on a variety show."

Following the controversy, Song Ha-yoon has not pursued any new projects aside from the pre-filmed drama 'History of Losers' and has temporarily halted her entertainment activities.

Song Ha-yoon has filed a criminal complaint against the initial distributor, Mr. Oh, for 'violation of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection (Defamation)' and 'obstruction of business by deception.'

The police confirmed the need for an investigation into Mr. Oh's defamation activities but faced challenges as Mr. Oh, claiming to be a U.S. citizen, has been uncooperative with the investigation while residing in the United States.

Through official channels, the police confirmed that Mr. Oh still holds South Korean nationality and proceeded with the investigation. However, Mr. Oh continues to refuse to enter South Korea, hindering the investigation.

In May, the police issued a 'notification of wanted status' for Mr. Oh due to his unjustified refusal to comply with the investigation, registering him on the wanted list in the police database. If Mr. Oh enters South Korea, the police will be immediately notified, and the investigation will resume.

Song Ha-yoon is currently considering additional legal actions available in the United States and is preparing to hold third parties involved in spreading false information accountable, both civilly and criminally, with her legal representative.

Song Ha-yoon has submitted public institution documents, notarized statements, and evidence to the investigative authorities to prove that she did not commit any violence against Mr. Oh during high school, nor was she forcibly transferred due to school bullying.

Song Ha-yoon confirmed with a high school classmate, whom Mr. Oh claimed witnessed the assault, that no such incident was witnessed. The classmate clarified to Mr. Oh that they had never witnessed such an event, yet Mr. Oh proceeded with broadcasting the claims.

Additionally, Song Ha-yoon contacted her high school homeroom teacher, who confirmed that the claim of her forced transfer due to school bullying was unheard of. Several classmates also came forward, stating, "If anything, she was never someone who harmed others."

Song Ha-yoon has suffered significant damage to her reputation, built over 22 years, due to these illegal acts and has endured extreme mental distress. She asks for understanding for the time taken to make a statement, as she prioritized revealing the truth through objective investigation over hasty explanations.

Song Ha-yoon deeply apologizes to those who have supported and believed in her for any concern caused. With her contract with her previous agency expired, she is preparing to return to the public with a new mindset in a new environment. She promises to repay with a more humble and mature attitude.

Please show continued interest and warm support for Song Ha-yoon's future endeavors. Thank you.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr