The whistleblower who first accused actor Song Ha-yoon of school bullying has arrived in South Korea to cooperate with police ― a potential turning point 16 months after the controversy first surfaced via a JTBC report.
On the 25th, the tipster, identified only as “A,” announced their arrival through an online community and a written statement. “I never set out to expose anyone or spark a dispute,” A wrote, adding that they had proposed a face-saving way to resolve the situation with Song’s camp, but “it wasn’t accepted.” A said they will now file a formal complaint and cooperate with the investigation.
A prepaid all travel and lodging costs, including airfare, hotel and transportation, before entering the country. Song’s side had publicly offered to cover those expenses in full, but A declined, calling the offer “a limited, partial reimbursement.”
A further claimed that, even on a simple calculation, their expected losses are “at least six times greater” than the limited support proposed by Song’s team.
The dispute began in April 2024 after a JTBC 'Crime Chief' report. A alleged they were bullied by Song (Kim Mi-seon) in 2004 while attending Banpo High School. Afterward, additional former classmates came forward, fueling rumors that Song had been forced to transfer schools.
Song has acknowledged transferring from Banpo High School to Gujeong High School, but maintains it had nothing to do with bullying and has denied committing any such acts.
Last month, Song filed a criminal complaint against A, alleging defamation, obstruction of business and intimidation. A has indicated plans to pursue legal action in return, accusing Song and her legal representative of false accusation, defamation based on false information and coercion.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
