On July 2, an individual referred to as 'A,' who claims to be the source of the school bullying allegations against actress Song Ha Yoon, released a lengthy statement on an online community, responding to the actress's recent criminal complaint.
Earlier that day, Song Ha Yoon’s legal representative, JI EUM Law Firm, announced that the actress had filed a criminal complaint against A. They stated that Song had worked to gather evidence disproving the school bullying allegations and had submitted multiple supporting documents to the authorities.
In the online statement, A identified themselves as a U.S. citizen currently residing overseas. They refuted the claim that they had refused to cooperate with police investigations. "Although I am the victim in this case, I was asked by the Korean police to appear for questioning. However, since I am staying abroad for the long term, I would have to cover all expenses, including airfare, lodging, and other travel costs. It is excessive and unreasonable to expect a victim to travel to Korea at their own expense just to be investigated," A stated.
A also maintained that Song’s transfer between Banpo High School and Gujeong High School was not voluntary. They explained that the two schools belong to the same school district, which would make a regular transfer impossible unless disciplinary action was involved. "This supports the argument that it was not a personal choice but a forced transfer due to school bullying," A said.
Denying any fabrication or distortion of facts, A added that they are carefully considering a legal response to Song Ha Yoon’s accusation of defamation and false reporting.
Song Ha Yoon’s legal team stated that although police confirmed the need to investigate A for defamation and other offenses, A has continuously refused to respond. They said A claimed to be a U.S. citizen and cited their overseas residence. Song is currently exploring legal action within the United States and preparing to hold third parties accountable for spreading false information, both through civil and criminal means.
The law firm emphasized that Song Ha Yoon had never engaged in violence during her school years and had not been forced to transfer due to bullying. They submitted official documentation, notarized statements, and testimony from her classmates and homeroom teachers, all of which support her denial of the allegations.
The firm concluded by saying that Song had chosen to wait for the results of an objective investigation rather than making a hasty public statement. They asked for the public's understanding regarding the delay. Song Ha Yoon is now preparing to return to the public with a humble and mature attitude, aiming to regain trust through sincerity and growth.
"Hello. It has been a year since I last spoke publicly.
I am currently a U.S. citizen residing legally in the United States as an overseas Korean. In relation to this case, I have already submitted a written statement to the Korean police as requested, along with a copy of my passport to prove my U.S. citizenship.
As for not officially renouncing my Korean nationality, the reason is that acquiring another country’s citizenship does not automatically cancel one’s Korean citizenship. The nationality renunciation process between South Korea and the United States is not automatic. One must physically visit a Korean consulate, spend at least a full day there, and file a separate report. I did not find it necessary to take a day off from work and dedicate that much time just to renounce my Korean citizenship. There has been no practical disadvantage to maintaining it, and it is neither mandatory nor enforced. Therefore, I am still listed as a Korean national purely out of administrative convenience. This has no bearing on the current case.
My last visit to Korea was in 2017. Since then, I have legally remained in the United States continuously.
Despite being the victim in this case, I was asked by the Korean police to appear in person. However, as I am currently residing abroad long-term, attending in Korea would require me to personally bear significant expenses, including airfare, accommodation, and other travel-related costs. Expecting the victim to cover such expenses just to be questioned is excessive and unreasonable.
I have already submitted sufficient written testimony and supporting evidence and have been fully cooperative with investigators. I remain reachable and willing to assist. There is no legal basis to force me to appear in person, especially when it would require substantial time and money. Enforcing such a demand would go against constitutional protections for the right to defense and the principle of proportionality under criminal law.
Some media outlets have reported that I was placed on a police wanted list due to an official notification of designation, but this is not true.
The police have merely paused their investigation into this case. They have not issued any warrants or taken any restrictive measures such as blocking international travel. I have not received any official notification of being on a wanted list. Therefore, the claim that I am on such a list is exaggerated or inaccurate.
Regarding Song Ha Yoon’s past school transfer, I would like to clarify that Banpo High School and Gujeong High School belong to the same school district, making a regular transfer between them impossible. If not for a disciplinary action such as school violence, such a transfer could not have taken place. This strongly supports the claim that her transfer was not voluntary but a forced transfer due to school bullying.
While Song Ha Yoon’s side claims to have filed a complaint against me for spreading false information, I have never fabricated or distorted any facts.
The events I described were based on real incidents in which Song Ha Yoon physically assaulted me. These incidents were reported publicly on JTBC’s 'Crime Chief' program on four occasions, April 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 8th, 2025. These reports were not based solely on my statements. The broadcasting team conducted its own fact-checking with various parties before airing them.
What I disclosed was factual and truthful, with no exaggeration or distortion. I assert again that my statements fall under the protection of freedom of expression and the right to defend oneself, which are guaranteed under the Constitution.
Neither Article 307, Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Act regarding defamation by spreading false facts nor Article 70, Paragraph 2 of the Information and Communications Network Act regarding distribution of false information apply to my case. My statements are based on facts and therefore are not legally considered unlawful.
I believe that Song Ha Yoon is using this case to cover up her own past misconduct and to shift the blame onto me. This potentially amounts to a false accusation. I intend to review this legally in the near future.
I am currently in contact with a Korean law firm and preparing to take firm legal action, including civil and criminal measures, to protect my rights if necessary.
Once again, I stress that my comments are legitimate expressions made for the public good and within the scope of my legal rights to speak the truth and defend myself. I strongly urge Song Ha Yoon and her representatives to immediately stop making excessive legal threats and manipulating public opinion.
If necessary, I will carefully consider legal action in response to potential false accusations.
I will post again when there are new developments. Thank you for reading this lengthy statement."
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