Cha Ye-ryun's side announces strong response to school violence and golf course power abuse allegations: "Groundless"

Cha Ye-ryun’s agency, HB Entertainment, has announced a firm stance in response to the controversies spreading online, including allegations of school violence and claims of abusive behavior at a golf course. On the 4th, HB Entertainment expressed regret in an official statement for causing concern among fans and the public due to recent controversies involving Cha Ye-ryun. The agency reiterated its position that the past allegations are ″groundless.″ It also stated that it takes seriously the repeated spread of unverified claims and speculations made anonymously, as well as the criticism directed toward the actor’s family. The agency emphasized, ″We will thoroughly secure relevant materials and, after legal review, respond responsibly to the malicious dissemination of false information and personal attacks.″ This stance differs from the one taken three days earlier. On the 1st, a representative of the agency stated that there would be no further comments regarding Cha Ye-ryun’s school violence allegations and that no legal action or additional discussions were underway. However, as further revelations and controversies continued, the agency announced plans for legal review and strong measures. The school violence allegations began on the 29th of last month when a post appeared on an online community claiming that a female actress born in 1985 had bullied and assaulted others during her school days. Based on the graduation album and school information disclosed by the poster, Cha Ye-ryun was identified, but the agency denied the allegations on the 30th of last month. Subsequently, additional accusations from individuals claiming to be classmates surfaced, along with claims of abusive behavior at a golf course. A poster who said they worked as a golf course caddy from 2012 to 2013 claimed to have been assigned to Cha Ye-ryun’s group and alleged that she showed irritation and ignored them. The facts regarding these claims have not been verified. The controversy also spread to Cha Ye-ryun’s YouTube channel. On the 1st, the production team of ″Chef Jang-geum Cha Ye-ryun″ stated that the cast members do not manage the comments and announced that some videos and comment sections would be disabled to prevent reckless rumors and personal attacks against the family. The original post alleging school violence was restricted from viewing on the 2nd under a temporary measure according to Article 44-2 of the Information and Communications Network Act. This temporary measure does not determine the truth of the allegations. It has been reported that Cha Ye-ryun returned to Korea on the 3rd after completing her schedule in the United States. The agency stated, ″Actress Cha Ye-ryun returned on the 3rd.″