Actress Song Ha Yoon has firmly denied allegations of school bullying, calling the claims “groundless and malicious,” according to a statement issued by her legal representatives at Kim & Kim (MEA Law Firm) on Tuesday.
The statement addresses accusations first made public last year by a woman identified as Ms. Oh, who alleged that Song had been involved in a bullying incident more than two decades ago. Song, known for her roles in Fight for My Way and Please Don’t Date Him, has remained largely silent on the issue until now.
“From the outset, Song Ha Yoon made it clear that these allegations were untrue,” the firm stated. “However, it has been incredibly difficult to prove that something never happened, which limited her ability to respond actively at the time.”
Legal Action Underway
The law firm revealed that Song has since filed a criminal complaint against Ms. Oh, citing defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act and obstruction of business. Korean authorities launched an investigation but encountered difficulties due to Ms. Oh’s status as a U.S. citizen currently residing in the United States.
Despite multiple requests for cooperation, Ms. Oh reportedly refused to participate in the investigation. However, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed that she still holds Korean nationality. In May, authorities issued a wanted notice and registered Ms. Oh in the police database. Should she enter South Korea, she will be subject to immediate investigation.
In addition to legal proceedings in Korea, Song is also exploring possible civil and criminal actions in the United States to hold Ms. Oh and others accountable for spreading what she claims are false accusations.
Evidence and Testimonies
Song’s legal team provided multiple pieces of supporting evidence, including public records, notarized statements, and testimonials from former classmates and teachers. One classmate, whom Ms. Oh identified as a witness, denied witnessing any such incidents and claimed to have informed Ms. Oh of this prior to her media disclosures.
“Despite knowing this, Ms. Oh presented the classmate as a witness in media reports,” the firm stated.
A former homeroom teacher also confirmed that no such incidents were ever reported during Song’s school years. Additional classmates have publicly vouched for the actress, describing her as someone who was “more likely to be hurt than to hurt others.”
The firm emphasized that the actress has endured significant reputational and emotional harm due to the prolonged controversy. “Rather than issue a hasty denial, Song believed it was more important to allow a fair investigation to uncover the truth. This is why it has taken time for her to respond publicly,” the statement read.
Looking Ahead
Song Ha Yoon temporarily suspended her professional activities in April 2024 following the emergence of the allegations. With her contract with her former agency now expired, the actress is preparing to return to the entertainment industry under a new management setup.
“Song Ha Yoon deeply apologizes for the concern caused to those who have supported her,” her legal team said. “She will strive to show a more humble and mature version of herself moving forward.”
The unfolding legal proceedings mark a critical step in Song’s efforts to clear her name and resume her career after a year-long hiatus.
