Actors Sim Eun-woo and Song Ha-yoon Set to Return Amid School Bullying Allegations

Actors Sim Eun-woo and Song Ha-yoon, who both faced allegations of school bullying, are gearing up for a comeback.

Sim Eun-woo recently launched a YouTube channel, releasing a video titled 'It's Been 5 Years' to reconnect with the public. In the video, she shared, "It's been a while since I greeted everyone. I'm an actress and an 8-year yoga instructor. I've been on a break from acting for about five years, during which a school bullying issue arose."

In 2021, Sim Eun-woo was accused of being a school bully by a middle school classmate, known as A. However, in March, she officially stated that evidence proving her innocence had emerged during the investigation, clearing her name.

Sim Eun-woo expressed, "After a long battle, it was concluded that it was not school bullying. It was a tough time, but I endured and tried to maintain my daily life," she said, shedding tears.

Having only auditioned once in five years, Sim Eun-woo expressed her desire to return to acting, saying, "I hope to have the opportunity to show a good side of myself as an actress again. I've rested long enough and want to stop resting."

Song Ha-yoon is also hoping for a comeback. After starring in the tvN drama 'Marry My Husband' in April last year, she faced school bullying allegations. Despite denying the claims as "groundless," public reaction was cold.

Song Ha-yoon's legal representative, Law Firm Jium, filed a criminal complaint against B, who claimed to be a victim, about a year later. They stated, "B is wanted by the police," and explained that B was sued for defamation by spreading false information but has refused to return to Korea for investigation.

However, B denied being wanted on the 7th and reiterated the bullying allegations against Song Ha-yoon. In response, Song Ha-yoon's legal team expressed regret and announced plans to file additional criminal charges for defamation and obstruction of business, drawing attention to her potential return.

There are actors who have successfully returned after clearing such allegations. Kim Hieora, who gained recognition through Netflix's 'The Glory' in late 2022, faced school bullying allegations in 2023. Reports emerged in September that she had been part of a delinquent group in middle school, which she admitted to.

Kim Hieora, who played a bully in 'The Glory,' faced criticism and ridicule, with some saying her role was not just a character but her real life.

In a handwritten letter, Kim Hieora admitted to being part of a delinquent group due to her struggles but denied participating in malicious bullying or violence. She paused her activities and, after seven months, resolved the issue by meeting with those involved and understanding each other. She has since returned to the musical stage after two years.

As Sim Eun-woo and Song Ha-yoon's hiatuses continue indefinitely due to school bullying allegations, attention is on whether they can resolve their issues and return to the public eye like Kim Hieora.

By Dayeon Jeong, TenAsia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr