As rapper Yang Hong-won’s school bullying allegations resurface, his label has announced it will take strong legal action against the author of the exposé.
On the 22nd, Yang Hong-won’s agency AP Alchemy addressed a recent school bullying post made on an online community via its official social media account. The label also released photos that appeared to show a damaged door, window, and interior mirrors, stating, “The post about school bullying on the community contains parts that differ from the facts, and we would like to correct the record.”
Earlier on the 16th, an online community post by an individual referred to as A claimed they were bullied by Yang Hong-won in the past. A alleged they attended the same elementary, middle, and high school as Yang Hong-won and wrote, “It’s time to take revenge for the assaults I suffered in sixth grade and during middle and high school.” They added, “It’s been 16 years, but I still live with trauma and a desire for revenge,” and demanded that Yang Hong-won contact them.
In a follow-up post, A claimed they visited Yang Hong-won’s studio and office but couldn’t reach him, left only their number, and were then reported for stalking. AP Alchemy, however, countered that this explanation was not true.
The label stated, “Before writing the exposé, A continuously sent threatening messages to the artist and his family,” adding, “Late at night, A broke the door to the artist’s studio, trespassed, and shattered interior mirrors, among other acts of property damage.” AP Alchemy continued, “A even sent the artist’s family a video of the studio damage, saying they were prepared to face criminal punishment, and went on to threaten additional damage at another studio.” The company said it has filed criminal complaints against A for stalking, intimidation, trespassing, and property damage.
Separately from the truth of the school bullying allegations, the agency maintained that the studio break-in and destruction cannot be tolerated. “Regardless of whether the school bullying rumors about our artist are true, these criminal acts are unacceptable,” the label said, adding that it will “respond strongly” to malicious attacks and baseless rumors targeting the artist and his family.
Yang Hong-won previously faced school bullying controversy. During his appearance on Mnet’s ‘High School Rapper’ in 2017, posts from alleged victims circulated online, intensifying the issue. He later acknowledged past wrongdoing and apologized on air.
With the fresh exposé and the agency’s criminal complaint, controversy around Yang Hong-won has flared up again. Beyond the bullying claims, the added accusations of a studio break-in and vandalism have focused attention on the upcoming investigation and legal judgment.