Actor Jo Byung Kyu Responds To School Bullying Accusations During “The Uncanny Encounter” Season 2 Press Meet

Actor Jo Byung Gyu is reportedly still involved in a lawsuit against an individual who had claimed that the actor was a school bully.

Jo Byung Gyu | @bk_arta/Instagram

In 2021, when Jo was riding fresh on the success of the hit K-Drama, The Uncanny Encounter, an individual, “A,” accused him of being a bully during middle school in New Zealand. “A” had created a dedicated Instagram account just for the exposé.

This is about school violence. Firstly, I ask for your understanding. I grew up in New Zealand so I’m more comfortable speaking in English and my Korean is insufficient.

Hello everyone. I was a victim of school violence. I attended Westlake Boys High School (I will call it Westlake for short.) Now he’s a famous actor, but JBG was a terrifying existence to me. You may be asking why I’m writing about my experiences now. I first learned about JBG’s acting career after his drama ‘SKY Castle.’ At the time, I tried to bring it up in KakaoTalk Open Chat with numerous reporters, but the story didn’t stick. I didn’t know where else to turn or who to tell. Every time I tried, it got buried.

— @victimofmr_cho/Instagram

The actor denied the claims and filed a defamation lawsuit against the accuser. His hope was that with a legal ruling, he could prove his innocence. But the accuser resides in New Zealand and has constantly refused to abide by any summons of the South Korean police for further questioning. So, even after two years, the lawsuit remains pending.

| Netflix

Some reports also stated that Jo Byung Gyu was so desperate to clear his name that he had strongly considered filing a lawsuit in New Zealand as well, ready to cover all expenses for both sides. The presumed amount he would have had to spend on such a case is said to be approximately ₩1.00 billion KRW (about $783,000 USD). But ultimately, his legal representatives chose not to pursue a separate suit In New Zealand, given that the time involved and its effectiveness in proving his innocence in South Korea were both uncertain.

Jo Byung Gyu at the “The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch” press conference | Seoul Economic Daily

This old case has come to the limelight once again as The Uncanny Encounter is gearing up for the release of its second season. On July 21, KST, the actor directly addressed the accusations during a press conference of The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch. Jo Byung Gyu strictly denied the allegations and requested viewers to root for this new season, saying that there are many people’s intense efforts involved in it.

I am careful talking about this issue, but I want to say that I have done my best to prove that it wasn’t true, and I’m still trying my best. Since there is a person overseas, the show came out before a clear conclusion could be drawn, and I feel a great sense of responsibility…Today’s event is not a place for my personal issues, it is for presenting the project. Many staff members, directors, and seniors have worked hard, putting their blood and sweat into this drama. I hope everyone can give this project a lot of love and interest.

The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch, starring Yoo Joon Sang, Kim Sejeong, Yeom Hye Ran, and Jo Byung Gyu, is slated to premiere on July 29, 9:20 pm, KST.