Police have reportedly decided not to refer former classmate A, who was sued on charges including defamation after raising school bullying allegations against actress Song Ha-yoon.
According to Money Today on the 25th, police issued a non-referral decision on February 19 regarding allegations of defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, interference with business, and intimidation that Song’s side filed against A.
Police are said to have concluded there was “no crime” for the alleged defamation. For interference with business and intimidation, they issued a “no suspicion” disposition due to insufficient evidence. A “no crime” decision means the alleged facts may meet the formal elements of an offense, but illegality is not recognized.
The controversy erupted in April last year when A raised school bullying allegations against Song through JTBC’s current affairs program ‘Sageonbanjang’. A claimed that in 2004, while in the second year of high school, they were slapped by senior student Song for over an hour. A also alleged that Song was involved in a group assault case and was forcibly transferred to another school.
Song’s side flatly denied the allegations. At the time, her agency and legal representative countered, “Song has never even met A and has never committed any violence.” They also drew a firm line under the forced transfer claim, calling it untrue.
Afterward, Song’s side filed a complaint against A for defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, interference with business, and intimidation. Her legal representative said they submitted public agency records and notarized statements to investigators to demonstrate A’s claims were false. They also stated that the homeroom teacher at the time confirmed the forced transfer allegation was not true.
However, after completing its investigation, the police decided not to refer A’s case. This does not end the legal battle. Song’s side has filed an objection to the non-referral decision, and the case is now expected to be reviewed again at the prosecution stage.
With A’s allegations and Song’s firm denials still in sharp conflict, all eyes are on what decision prosecutors will ultimately make.