The controversy surrounding actor Song Ha-yoon and allegations of past school violence shows no signs of ending. An attorney representing Song Ha-yoon has offered to cover all expenses related to the return of whistleblower A, but A has declined this offer and announced plans to file a counter-complaint.
The law firm Jium stated on the 22nd that "A is expected to have all expenses, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and transportation costs, fully covered to ensure a swift return for questioning," adding, "We have already prepared to verify each of the claims made after entry."
Earlier, Song Ha-yoon's side disclosed that they had additionally filed a complaint against A, who first raised allegations of school violence, for defamation. Law firm Jium informed on the 18th that "in addition to defamation, a secondary lawsuit was filed for obstruction of business and coercion charges."
The allegation of school violence against Song Ha-yoon emerged last year. At that time, he was drawing attention for his role as the antagonist Jeong Su-min in the tvN drama "Marry My Husband," and shortly after the show's conclusion, A, claiming to be a high school classmate, accused him of being a perpetrator of school violence during their school years. Song Ha-yoon rebutted through his agency, stating, "This is groundless, and I have never met A," but he could not overturn public criticism and suspended his activities after terminating his contract with his former agency.
About 1 year and 5 months later, last month, Song Ha-yoon's side claimed once again that A was making false accusations and filed a complaint against A for spreading false information. However, investigations were delayed due to A's residence in the United States, and A reiterated allegations of school violence against Song Ha-yoon through an interview with a domestic media outlet.
In response, Song Ha-yoon's side urged A to return and expressed their willingness to cover expenses, but A rejected this through an online community. He stated, "Song Ha-yoon's side portrayed it as if (the financial burden) is fully covered, but in reality, it is only partial reimbursement. The damages I have to bear are at least six times greater than the amount that Song Ha-yoon's side planned to support. I will enter Korea at my own expense and cooperate sincerely with the investigation."
A plans to file a complaint against Song Ha-yoon and the law firm for false accusation, defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, and coercion," stating that he will release a fourth statement on the 25th. He remarked, "From the beginning, I had no intention of dragging this issue into further disputes," but regarding Song Ha-yoon's side's response, he claimed, "It is an organized revenge aimed at socially eliminating a public interest whistleblower and is, in effect, character assassination."
Song Ha-yoon's side still maintains their stance of false accusations, while A has expressed a determination to confront the issue head-on after returning. The truth battle between them is expected to ultimately be resolved in court.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]