Nam Joo-hyuk addresses school violence allegations amid 'The East Palace' success
Korean actor Nam Joo-hyuk has spoken publicly about school violence allegations that surfaced in 2022, saying the matter is still being resolved through legal proceedings.
In an interview with Korean media while promoting his new series "The East Palace," Nam was asked about the controversy, which first emerged four years ago.
"Regarding that matter, the facts are currently being clarified. I am watching the situation closely and quietly going through the process. There are aspects that are difficult to discuss in detail here. I am not the type of person to make such things public, so I am just letting time flow by," he said.
He added, "As reported, a court ruling was issued, and the facts are being set right."
The allegations first surfaced in June 2022 when an individual claimed through a Korean media outlet that Nam and a group of classmates had subjected him to school violence over six years during middle and high school. Nam's agency denied the accusations, calling them baseless. Two other individuals later came forward with similar claims.
Nam enlisted in the military in March 2023.
In March 2024, the Goyang Branch of the Uijeongbu District Court issued summary orders imposing fines of 7 million won (about $4,700) each on the original informant and the reporter who published the allegations.
According to the court, the informant made false claims with the intent to defame the actor, and the reporter published them despite the allegations being untrue. The ruling stated that Nam had not committed acts of school violence, including accusations that he bullied classmates or associated with a group of school bullies.
The informant subsequently requested a formal trial. His lawyer argued that the case had been mischaracterized, saying the informant had alleged he was victimized by Nam's friends rather than by Nam himself.
"The East Palace" has enjoyed a strong start internationally, debuting in the top 10 in 27 countries and territories, including reaching No. 1 in South Korea and Thailand.