Trot singer Hwang Young-woong officially denied the school bullying allegations and released part of a middle school student record.
Hwang Young-woong's agency said in a statement released on the 27th, "Regarding the school bullying allegations raised at the time of a series of incidents, including the cancellation of the Gangjin Celadon Festival stage in the past, we are breaking our silence to correct the facts," and released a statement.
Hwang's side said, "The reason we did not offer an immediate explanation at the time of the controversy was not because the allegations were true, but because we were concerned that fellow artists who shared the public stage could be harmed."
It added, "There may have been quarrels or waywardness with friends during school days, but there was no fact of persistently harassing a particular person or engaging in sadistic behavior."
Hwang Young-woong's middle school record, released along with this statement, includes teacher evaluations such as "Accepted others' opinions and was understanding, improving peer relationships," and "Polite to teachers and even-tempered, making peer relationships active."
In 2023, during his appearance on MBN "Fire Trot Man," allegations emerged in succession over a past assault conviction, assault of a disabled classmate during school days, and dating violence, embroiling him in controversy, and he eventually left the program.
At the time, Hwang said, "I judged that, having advanced to the finals, no one should be harmed because of me," and apologized to the production team, colleagues, and viewers.
After a period of self-reflection, Hwang Young-woong is resuming activities for the first time in about three years. On the 22nd, he said through his official fan cafe that he plans to take the stage at the 54th Gangjin Celadon Festival "Sound of Celadon" concert on the 28th of next month.
Hwang appealed to fans, saying, "I will not evade responsibility by saying it was something from childhood," and "I want to reflect on the past and live as a better person and a member who helps society."