Alleged School Violence Victim Returns to South Korea to Pursue Legal Action Against Actress Song Ha-yoon

An individual, referred to as A, who has accused actress Song Ha-yoon of school violence, has arrived in South Korea to cooperate with the investigation.

On the 25th, A announced on an online community platform, "I am currently staying in Korea and will soon file a complaint while cooperating with the investigation." A further stated, "I proposed a way to resolve this matter amicably to Song Ha-yoon's side, but her legal representatives ignored my suggestion. Instead, they maliciously distorted my proposal, demanding that I admit to falsehoods and issue a public apology."

A also revealed plans to file a lawsuit seeking damages amounting to 10 billion KRW (approximately $8.5 million USD). A explained, "I am preparing a damages claim totaling 10 billion KRW for the direct and indirect harm caused by this incident. This case is not just a civil lawsuit but also serves as a punitive warning against organized and repetitive harmful acts. It is not a personal vendetta but a structural response aimed at restoring judicial order and protecting public interest."

A concluded by stating, "As I need to return to the United States from Korea, I plan to appoint a systematic and professional legal firm through a public recruitment process to ensure this case is concluded properly."

The allegations against Song Ha-yoon first surfaced in April last year on JTBC's 'Incident Chief.' At that time, A claimed to have been subjected to group violence by Song Ha-yoon and two other classmates during high school, resulting in injuries requiring more than four weeks of medical treatment. Song Ha-yoon's side denied the allegations, stating, "There is no truth to these claims, and we have no acquaintance with A."

After a year and five months, on the 2nd of last month, Song Ha-yoon filed a defamation lawsuit against A, stating that A, who resides in the United States, was not cooperating with the investigation. In response, A reiterated the claims of being a victim of school violence through an online community, leading Song Ha-yoon to file a second lawsuit against A.

Controversy also arose regarding the travel expenses. Song Ha-yoon's legal representative, Law Firm Jium, stated, "We plan to fully cover A's travel expenses to ensure a swift return for investigation." However, A declined the offer, stating, "I refuse the proposal. Please do not divert the issue."

Reporter: Seyoon Jung, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr