Korean Celebrity Song Ha-yoon Faces New School Violence Allegations with Witness Testimonies

South Korean actress and influencer Song Ha-yoon (29) is facing renewed scrutiny over school violence allegations dating back 21 years, as new alleged victims and witnesses came forward with detailed testimonies on SBS's investigative program "Curious Story Y" on September 5, 2025. The case highlights the ongoing reckoning with bullying culture in South Korea's entertainment industry.

The controversy began in August when an anonymous individual, referred to as "A," publicly accused Song Ha-yoon of systematic school violence during their high school years in 2004. What started as a single allegation has now expanded into a complex legal battle involving multiple accusers, witnesses, and a 10 billion won (approximately $7.5 million USD) lawsuit.

Detailed Testimonies Emerge from 2004 Incidents

During the television broadcast, the first accuser "A" provided specific details about the alleged abuse: "In 2004, when I was a sophomore in high school, I was called out during lunch break and slapped by Song Ha-yoon for about 90 minutes without even knowing why. She kept hitting me with her right hand while saying she wouldn't hit me. She's a devil."

More disturbing allegations came from a second victim, "B," who claims to have suffered more severe abuse. "I was unilaterally beaten by three people including Song Ha-yoon and suffered injuries requiring four weeks of medical treatment," B testified. According to B's account, the incident was serious enough to trigger a school disciplinary committee meeting, resulting in Song Ha-yoon's forced transfer to another school.

The alleged group assault represents a more severe form of school violence known in Korea as "wang-ta" (왕따), a systematic bullying culture that has long plagued Korean schools. Unlike individual bullying incidents common in Western contexts, wang-ta typically involves group dynamics where multiple perpetrators target isolated victims, often with devastating psychological effects.

A witness identified as "C" corroborated the testimonies, stating: "She hit with one hand while cursing. People around tried to stop her, but it continued. I still remember the victim's face was red, and they obviously couldn't resist."

Cultural Context: School Violence in Korean Society

The allegations against Song Ha-yoon must be understood within the broader context of South Korea's hierarchical school culture, where seniority-based power structures often enable bullying. The Korean education system's intense competitive pressure, combined with rigid social hierarchies, has historically created environments where school violence can flourish unchecked.

In recent years, the Korean entertainment industry has faced increasing scrutiny over past school violence by celebrities. Unlike Western contexts where childhood mistakes might be more readily forgiven, Korean society tends to hold public figures to higher moral standards, with school violence allegations often resulting in career-ending consequences.

The severity of the current allegations is underscored by victim B's claim that their "entire high school life was ruined" due to the alleged abuse. "Even thinking about it now, it was too cruel. But seeing her show no remorse, I realized she hasn't changed," B stated during the broadcast.

Legal Battle and Public Response

The financial stakes of the case are unprecedented in Korean entertainment legal disputes. Accuser A is seeking 10 billion won in damages, explaining the amount as "a warning to send a message." This figure represents approximately $7.5 million USD, an enormous sum that reflects both the alleged severity of the trauma and the accuser's determination to pursue justice.

Song Ha-yoon has consistently denied all allegations since they first emerged in August. Through her legal team and social media statements, she has maintained her innocence and filed counter-suits against her accusers for defamation and business interference. Her representatives insist that "all allegations are false" and that "no forced school transfer occurred."

The case represents a significant test of South Korea's evolving approach to addressing historical injustices. Unlike the American legal system's emphasis on statute of limitations, Korean society increasingly expects moral accountability regardless of how much time has passed, particularly for public figures.

Industry Impact and Social Implications

As an influencer with substantial social media following, Song Ha-yoon's case demonstrates the unique vulnerabilities facing Korean content creators in the digital age. Korean influencers often build their brands on personal authenticity and moral character, making school violence allegations particularly damaging to their commercial viability.

The entertainment industry impact extends beyond Song Ha-yoon herself. Korean brands and advertising agencies have become increasingly cautious about celebrity partnerships, implementing more rigorous background checks and moral clauses in contracts following several high-profile school violence scandals involving other celebrities.

The case also reflects broader social changes in South Korea, where victims of school violence are increasingly willing to come forward despite traditional cultural pressures to remain silent. The #MeToo movement and growing awareness of trauma's long-term effects have encouraged more victims to seek justice, even decades after incidents occurred.

Authorities are currently investigating both sides' claims to determine the veracity of the 21-year-old allegations. The outcome will likely set important precedents for how Korean society addresses historical school violence cases and the moral standards expected of public figures.

This case underscores the lasting impact of school violence on individuals and communities, while highlighting the ongoing cultural reckoning with bullying culture in South Korean society. As the investigation continues, it serves as a reminder that actions taken during youth can have lifelong consequences, particularly for those who choose to live in the public eye.

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Source: Based on reports from Korean media outlets
Original Korean Article: trendy.storydot.kr