Individuals Who Accused Actor Nam Joo Hyuk Of School Bullying Charged With Defamation

According to reports on February 8, KST, prosecutors have summarily indicted two individuals who raised allegations of school violence against actor Nam Joo Hyuk.

Nam Joo Hyuk | @skawngur/Instagram

The two individuals, a media reporter, “A,” and an online informant, “B,” were indicted on  charges of defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act by the Uijeongbu District Prosecutors’ Office.

The Uijeongbu District Prosecutors’ Office | Google Images

In June 2022, “B” had made claims through a media outlet that they had been subjected to school violence for six years in middle and high school, naming Nam Joo Hyuk as one of the perpetrators. At that time, the actor’s side denied the allegations, and so did several of his former classmates.

Nam Joo Hyuk would force me to turn on the hot spot on my phone, and he would take my phone to use it. During my High School years, Nam Joo Hyuk had my phone longer than I did. Also, I was his “Bread Shuttle” (someone who does chores for a bully), and I was forced to physically spar with my friends.

— Nam Joo Hyuk’s accuser

The actor also reached out to “B” in 2023 in hopes of retracing their memories. However, the two had different recollections of the events and were unable to reach an agreement.

(Nam Joo Hyuk) made attempts through discussions, but each party’s memories were vastly different, and thus weren’t able to continue their dialogue.

— Sports Kyung Hyang

After the actor sued both the individuals involved in the allegations, the prosecution reportedly found that all their claims were false and proceeded with the charge of defamation. They have also determined both cases to be summary offenses and have asked the court to impose a fine instead of moving forward with a formal trial. In case neither party involved in the cases nor the court deems it necessary to proceed with a trial, the prosecution’s decision will be final.

Meanwhile, Nam Joo Hyuk entered the military on March 20, 2023, to fulfill his military obligations. He is expected to be discharged on September 19, 2024.