KOR
As a former elementary, middle, and high school classmate of rapper Yang Hong-won accused him of school violence, the rapper's agency has taken strong legal action, filing a lawsuit against the accuser for stalking, intimidation, trespassing, and property damage.
On June 22, Yang Hong-won's agency, AP Alchemy, released an official statement regarding the recent school violence allegations posted on an online community. The agency stated, "The individual claiming to be a victim of school violence posted that they attempted to contact the company and the artist but left only their contact information because there was no response. However, this is not true."
They continued, "Even before posting the allegations, this individual continuously sent threatening messages to the artist and his family. Late at night, they broke the door of the studio, trespassed, and damaged the interior, including breaking a mirror." The agency also released a photo of the shattered glass.
Furthermore, the agency revealed, "They sent a video of themselves damaging the studio to the artist's family, stating they were prepared for criminal punishment, and even threatened to damage other studios and commit further harm. Regardless of the truth behind the school violence rumors, such criminal acts can never be tolerated." They confirmed that they have filed charges against the individual for stalking, intimidation, trespassing, and property damage.
Previously, on June 16, a post by an individual, 'A,' claiming to have been a victim of school violence by Yang Hong-won was uploaded to an online community. Claiming to have attended elementary, middle, and high school with Yang Hong-won, A wrote, "I thought 16 years of time would heal it, but I still suffer from fearful and horrific trauma." A added, "Seeing him on television saying he would take responsibility for his past made me hope for an apology, but nothing happened," and demanded contact from Yang Hong-won's side.
A later disclosed messages allegedly exchanged with Yang Hong-won's legal representative. The messages contained warnings to stop contacting Yang Hong-won and his family, stating, "Your actions may be subject to criminal punishment, including stalking, intimidation, property damage, and trespassing."
In response, A claimed, "I went to the studio and the office, but I couldn't reach them until the very end. I only left my phone number, but now I've been sued for stalking."
Meanwhile, Yang Hong-won was previously embroiled in school violence allegations during his appearance on Mnet's 'High School Rapper' in 2017. At the time, Yang Hong-won admitted to his past wrongdoings during a press conference, stating, "I asked my friend for forgiveness, and I am still waiting for them to forgive me." In 2019, his appearance at the Jeju National University festival was canceled due to the aftermath of the controversy.
Yang Hong-won married Won Hyun-joo, his partner of eight years, and welcomed their daughter, Yang Ru-ah, in November of last year. The family of three has launched a YouTube channel to share their parenting diary and announced plans to hold a wedding ceremony this year.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)