Song Ha-yoon Legal Team Escalates School Violence Case as Accuser Remains in US

Song Ha-yoon: Courtesy of Instagram

The legal battle surrounding Korean actress Song Ha-yoon's school violence allegations has intensified dramatically, with her legal representatives issuing a stern warning about additional criminal charges while the accuser remains in the United States, effectively avoiding Korean police investigation.

The controversy that has plagued the rising K-drama star for over a year reached a new crescendo this week when Ji-eum Law Firm released their second official statement addressing what they describe as deliberate evasion tactics by the original accuser, identified only as "Mr. A."

Legal Team Disputes Accuser's Claims

The legal team firmly stated that Mr. A "clearly checked the notice and stated his position" regarding the arrest warrant, directly contradicting his claims of not receiving proper notification. The investigator handling the case reportedly expressed confusion over Mr. A's continued refusal to cooperate with the investigation process.

According to the law firm's statement, Mr. A was officially added to the police wanted list after repeatedly failing to respond to investigation requests. The legal team emphasized that Song Ha-yoon has consistently denied all allegations of physical assault and has provided substantial evidence to support her position.

Evidence Submitted to Authorities

Song Ha-yoon's legal representatives have submitted what they describe as "numerous objective pieces of evidence" to investigative authorities, including detailed student records that allegedly prove there was no forced school transfer due to violence. This evidence directly challenges the core claims made by the accuser in the original JTBC "Case Team Leader" report.

The law firm issued a stern warning about filing additional criminal charges against Mr. A for his recent media statements and interviews, expressing deep regret over what they characterize as the continuous spread of false information while the accuser remains safely in the United States.

Timeline of the Controversy

The school violence allegations first emerged in April 2024 when JTBC's investigative program "Case Team Leader" featured an anonymous informant's claims about being slapped and assaulted without provocation by actress "S," later identified as Song Ha-yoon. The informant's account detailed alleged physical violence that occurred during their school years.

Initially, Song Ha-yoon's agency, King Kong by Starship, vehemently denied the allegations, stating they had verified that none of the claims were accurate and that the actress had never met the informant. However, the controversy continued to impact her career and public image throughout 2024.

Recent Developments and Counter-Claims

More than a year after the initial allegations surfaced, Song Ha-yoon broke her silence through her legal team on July 2nd, signaling her intention to return to public life while vigorously fighting the accusations. Her legal team filed defamation and obstruction of business charges against Mr. A, who claims American citizenship as a reason for avoiding the Korean investigation.

Mr. A responded to the legal pressure by claiming he had already submitted a written statement and provided passport documentation proving his American citizenship. He argued that appearing for the Korean police investigation would require him to cover significant expenses including airfare, lodging, and living costs out of his own pocket.

Accuser's Defense and Counter-Accusations

The accuser maintains his innocence regarding spreading false information and provides technical details about school transfer procedures to support his claims. Mr. A argues that transferring schools simply due to district changes would be impossible, and that the specific transfer between the schools in question would only be possible through school violence disciplinary measures.

In response to the mounting legal pressure, Mr. A has announced he is considering his own legal action, including filing false accusation charges against Song Ha-yoon and her legal team. This development suggests the legal battle may escalate further with cross-accusations from both parties.

Impact on Entertainment Industry

The ongoing school violence controversy has significantly impacted Song Ha-yoon's career in the competitive Korean entertainment industry. Recent reports suggest she has been edited out of promotional materials for upcoming projects, highlighting how bullying allegations continue to affect celebrities' professional opportunities in South Korea.

The case reflects broader concerns about school violence accountability in Korean society, where bullying allegations against public figures have become increasingly common and career-damaging. The entertainment industry has seen numerous celebrities face similar accusations, with varying degrees of evidence and resolution.

As this legal battle continues to unfold, both parties appear committed to their respective positions, with Song Ha-yoon's team pursuing criminal charges while the accuser prepares potential counter-litigation. The resolution of this case may set important precedents for how school violence allegations are handled in the Korean legal system, particularly when international jurisdiction issues are involved.

The entertainment industry and legal observers are closely watching this case, as it represents a significant test of how Korean authorities handle cases where accusers claim foreign citizenship to avoid domestic investigation procedures. The outcome could influence future protocols for similar international legal disputes involving Korean celebrities.