Actor Song Ha-yoon, who had suspended her activities due to controversies surrounding school violence, has made a statement after a year.
Song Ha-yoon's legal representative, Law Firm Ji-eum, issued a statement on the 2nd, saying that they have filed a criminal complaint against A, who claimed to be the initial distributor and victim, for defamation and other charges, and an investigation is underway.
According to Song's side, although the police have commenced the investigation, A, who resides in the United States, has continually refused to cooperate, and is currently receiving a 'notification of designation' and has been registered on the police computer system's wanted list.
Song's side further explained that after the police began the investigation, A claimed to be a 'U.S. citizen' and refused to cooperate, repeatedly emphasizing that the allegations of school violence are also groundless.
The legal representative noted that there is no record of being forcibly transferred due to school violence and has submitted relevant public institution materials and notarized statements to the investigative authorities to prove this.
Additionally, they reported that they confirmed the allegations of school violence were unfounded through A's homeroom teacher and a classmate who claimed to be a witness.
They stated, 'We believed that uncovering the truth through an objective investigation is more important than a hasty explanation, which is why it took some time to convey our position,' and apologized for the concern caused.
Actor Song Ha-yoon is reported to have completed her contract with her former agency and is currently preparing for her next activities.
Below is the full statement from Song Ha-yoon's side.
Actor Song Ha-yoon has filed a criminal complaint against A, the initial distributor of the school violence controversy she was involved in, for violation of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection (defamation) and obstruction of business by deception.
The police confirmed the necessity of an investigation regarding the defamation by Mr. Oh and intended to proceed with the relevant investigation; however, A, who currently resides in the United States, has continued to refuse cooperation, claiming to be a U.S. citizen.
Consequently, the police confirmed through official channels such as the Ministry of Justice that A still holds South Korean citizenship and proceeded with the investigation, but A has refused to enter Korea and continues to be uncooperative.
The police issued a 'notification of designation' for A around May, as she did not respond to the summons from the investigative authorities without legitimate reason, and has registered A on the wanted list in the police computer system. Thus, when A enters the country, the fact will be immediately reported to the Korean National Police Agency, and the investigation will promptly resume.
Currently, Actor Song Ha-yoon is reviewing additional legal measures she can take in the United States and is preparing to hold accountable third parties involved in spreading false information, along with her legal representative.
Actor Song Ha-yoon has stated that she has never committed any acts of violence against A during her high school years and has not been forcibly transferred due to school violence. She has submitted evidence, including public institution materials and notarized statements that demonstrate this claim is false to the investigative authorities.
Actor Song Ha-yoon has confirmed with a high school classmate whom A had identified as a witness to the assault incident that there is no evidence of such an assault. The classmate has clearly informed A that they have never witnessed such an event, yet A reportedly proceeded to frame the classmate as a witness and conducted media reports.
Additionally, contact was made with her homeroom teacher from high school, who confirmed that the claims of Song Ha-yoon being forcibly transferred due to school violence are completely unfounded. Several classmates have also come forward to state, 'If there were actual victims, that would be one thing, but she is definitely not someone who would harm others.'
Actor Song Ha-yoon has suffered significant harm and severe mental distress due to illegal acts that have seriously damaged her reputation built over 22 years. Believing that uncovering the truth through an objective investigation is more crucial than a hasty clarification, she kindly asks for understanding regarding the time it took to convey her position.
Actor Song Ha-yoon deeply apologizes for the concern caused to those who have supported her during this time. She is currently preparing to stand before the public again with a renewed mindset in a new environment, as her contract with her previous agency has ended. She will strive to respond with greater humility and maturity.
Please give your warm support and attention to Actor Song Ha-yoon's future endeavors.