Cha Ye-ryun's agency hints at legal action over school bullying, character allegations

The agency of actor Cha Ye-ryun, 41, has dismissed school bullying allegations and a character controversy as "groundless" and hinted at legal action.

HB Entertainment issued an official statement Wednesday expressing "deep regret for the concern caused to fans and the public by the ongoing controversy surrounding Cha Ye-ryun online."

The agency reaffirmed its earlier position, saying it had already conveyed that the claims circulating online about Cha's past were "groundless."

It added that it was taking "the current situation very seriously," noting that unverified, anonymous claims and speculation had continued to spread and that criticism had extended to the actor's family.

"We will thoroughly secure relevant materials and pursue legal review to hold those responsible for the malicious spread of false information and personal attacks accountable," the agency said. "We will take strong measures to prevent further harm caused by the spread of false information."

The controversy began Thursday, when a post appeared on an online community forum alleging school bullying. The author claimed to have been physically assaulted and harassed in classrooms, restrooms and on playgrounds during middle school, and said a gym uniform borrowed by another student was never returned. While the post did not name Cha directly, internet users identified Cha based on the author's stated age and middle school.

The controversy grew further when a former golf caddie claimed to have encountered Cha at a golf course and alleged that Cha had been dismissive and rude.

The claims have not been verified, and Cha's agency maintains they are not true.

Cha married actor Joo Sang-wook in 2017 and gave birth to a daughter the following year.