Guk Dong-ho, who appeared on the Netflix dating show Single's Inferno 4, has launched legal action in response to school bullying allegations surrounding him.
On the 1st, Guk Dong-ho’s agency Mood and his legal representative, the law firm Phil, issued an official statement: "We have filed a criminal complaint over the recent spread of false information regarding Guk Dong-ho for violations of the Information and Communications Network Act, defamation, and attempted coercion."
They explained that unverified claims and baseless allegations are currently spreading online and across certain communities. They added, "The damage caused by this is extremely serious," and continued, "We will do everything we can through the investigative process to establish the objective facts and the truth."
They also urged people to refrain from sharing unverified claims, speculative attacks, and excessive exposure of personal information. Guk Dong-ho’s side stressed, "Freedom of expression must be respected, but actions that infringe on another person’s reputation and rights by spreading groundless falsehoods cannot be protected."
They further asked media outlets to "refrain from speculative reports related to this matter that have not been verified," adding, "We will provide transparent updates on the investigation results and the progress going forward."
The controversy began last month when A, who identified themselves as a practicing lawyer, posted on social media. A claimed they were a victim of school violence during their school years and named Guk Dong-ho and another individual as perpetrators. A also alleged they were bullied by B, who was known as Guk Dong-ho’s girlfriend during middle school.
As the post spread online, Guk Dong-ho released multiple statements refuting the claims. B also reportedly appealed their innocence via social media.
In a previous rebuttal, Guk Dong-ho stated, "If there is something I genuinely did wrong, I will not run from it and I will apologize," but added, "I cannot acknowledge or apologize for things I did not do." He continued, "I cannot accept having my reputation and life destroyed by false claims," signaling a firm stance.
Addressing the accuser as well, Guk Dong-ho and his agency argued that "if the claims are true, stop swaying public opinion or spreading falsehoods and prove them through formal legal procedures." Subsequently, A’s social media account was switched to private.
Meanwhile, Guk Dong-ho gained public attention last year through Single's Inferno 4. He is currently active as a certified public accountant and influencer.