Bullying and school violence are so rampant in South Korea that they’ve become storyline staples in Korean drama series like The Glory. Recently, actress Kim Hieora, who played one of the bullies in the series, got entangled in a web of bullying allegations. 

One South Korean news outlet revealed she was part of a notorious school gang Big Sangji, and has been accused of extorting money and verbally abusing other students. However, the actress argued that she wasn’t involved in any illegal activities, despite her affiliation with the group. Kim Hieora’s agency has also vowed to launch legal actions against the media outlet that reported the controversy.

Kim Hieora isn’t the first Korean celebrity to deal with bullying allegations. Let’s take a look at other K-celebrities and public figures who’ve faced similar controversies of bullying in recent memory: 

Yoon Seo Bin

When Yun Seo Bin joined Produce X 101, he was immediately dubbed a fan favorite because of his charm and dashing looks. He’s also from JYP Entertainment, one of the most renowned entertainment agencies in South Korea. That’s why many were shocked following the revelation of his bullying past, including photos of smoking and drinking despite being underage. 

An anonymous internet user, alleging to be a victim of Seo Bin, also posted an online statement a few days after his Produce X 101 appearance: “Everyone of my age will remember Yun as someone notorious for bullying his classmates.”

Despite apologizing for his past actions, Seo Bin left Produce X 101, with JYP terminating his contract.

Jimin of AOA

This is one of the biggest controversies to ever go down in the K-pop industry. In 2020, former AOA member Mina went on Instagram to share allegations describing years of harassment and bullying from another AOA member, Jimin. 

A report by Soompi stated that Mina was bullied for a decade, which is why she later left the group. Meanwhile, Jimin posted a now-deleted Instagram story, writing ‘fiction,’ seemingly alluding to Mina’s statements.

But in a surprising turn of events, Jimin — including other AOA members — went to Mina’s house to talk things out and apologize. Jimin also shared a statement on her Instagram and said she’s carrying “regret and a sense of guilt.”

Hyunjin of STRAY KIDS

STRAY KIDS rapper Hyunjin faced allegations of school bullying, including verbal harassment. JYP Entertainment said that Hyunjin would take time off from activities to self-reflect, and he later issued a personal apology.

He also posted an apology on Instagram, writing, “Whether it was intended or not, I don’t think I can be forgiven at all for giving unforgettable pain to someone.”

Seo Ye Ji

After the success of her K-drama series It’s Okay Not to Be Okay with Kim Soo Hyun, Seo Ye Ji came under intense scrutiny when past bullying accusations against her resurfaced. A netizen claiming to be her former schoolmate said she was involved in school bullying and violence. 

Another victim came forward, alleging that the actress would hit people at school she didn’t like. Since the controversy, Seo Ye Ji dropped out of her projects and has been keeping a low profile. 

Ji Soo

Ji Soo is known for his swoon-worthy vibe and stellar acting. So, you can imagine the shock of his fans after he got embroiled in bullying controversies. Ji Soo’s former schoolmates said he used to force them to buy food and cigarettes and throw food at other students. 

The South Korean actor took to Instagram to air his side and posted a handwritten apology, writing: “I sincerely apologize to those who suffered because of me. There is no excuse for my past misconduct. These were actions that can not be forgiven.”

Shim Eun Woo

Known for her role as Min Hyun Seo in the smash K-drama series The World of the Married, Shim Eun Woo’s rise to stardom came to a halt following the resurfacing of her school bullying past.

One of Shim Eun Woo’s former classmates claimed she was subjected to “intense social ostracism and psychological bullying” because of her.

Although the 31-year-old actress and her agency denied the allegations at first, she later acknowledged the accusations and apologized for what she calls her “past immature attitude”.

Kim Dong Hee

In early 2021, actor Kim Dong Hee, known for his role in Extracurricular, was accused of being a “school violence perpetrator” and slapping a fellow student during elementary school. A year later in January 2022, he acknowledged the bullying accusations and issued an apology through his agency, NPIO Entertainment.

Jo Byeong Kyu

Fresh off the success of The Uncanny Encounter Season 2: Counter Punch, Jo Byeong Kyu faced bullying accusations from an alleged former classmate, who said he had engaged in verbal abuse and obscene jokes. However, the 27-year-old star and his agency denounced the accusations. His agency also revealed that the accuser admitted everything they said was made up.

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