Actress Song Ha-yoon has officially denied long-standing school bullying accusations and announced legal action against the original accuser, following over a year of silence.

On July 2, representatives from the law firm Jium stated that Song has filed a criminal complaint against a woman identified as Ms. Oh, who previously accused the actress of physical abuse during their high school years.

"Song Ha-yoon has consistently asserted that the school bullying allegations are entirely false," her legal team said in a statement.

"She has now secured substantial evidence and has filed a criminal complaint against the individual responsible for spreading these claims."

The accusations first surfaced in April 2023 when an anonymous netizen claiming to be a former classmate alleged that Song had committed acts of violence in school.

Although Song promptly denied the accusations, they went viral, thus casting doubts on her public personality and challenging the development of her career.

According to her lawyers, Song has filed for defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act as well as obstruction of business.

Evidence includes statements from schoolmates and a former homeroom teacher, as well as public records.

One classmate initially identified as a witness by Ms. Oh, however, allegedly denied having witnessed the alleged incidents at all.

Several other former classmates voluntarily submitted statements attesting to Song's good character.

Ms. Oh, who is currently residing in the United States, has refused to cooperate with the police investigation, citing her U.S. citizenship.

However, South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that she still holds South Korean nationality.

Authorities have added her to the national wanted list and filed an arrest notification with the police database.

Song's legal team indicated they are also considering legal measures in the United States and against third parties involved in distributing the allegations.

"It's extremely difficult to prove something that never happened," her lawyers said.

"Song Ha-yoon has endured severe psychological distress over the past year but chose to wait for the investigation results rather than respond prematurely."

Song's contract with her former agency has since ended, and she is reportedly preparing to resume her acting career under new management.

The case continues to attract public attention, especially amid growing scrutiny of school bullying allegations in South Korea's entertainment industry.