Go Min Si's bullying claims stir debate: From Seo Ye Ji to Ji Soo, other K-drama stars who faced similar allegations
School bullying allegations have become a recurring storm in South Korea's entertainment world, pulling numerous public figures—from actors to athletes—into controversy. The public tends to take a hard line, with a majority believing accused celebrities should step away from the spotlight until investigations are complete. But not all accusations stand the test of time—some have been exaggerated or entirely fabricated, often surfacing just as a star is rising.
Actress Go Min Si is the latest name to be caught in this crossfire. Fresh off the success of Tastefully Yours, her breakout drama that topped Netflix charts in 17 countries, Go's ascent was abruptly clouded by a damaging online post. As the debate unfolds about Go Min Si, let's have a look at other K-drama actors who also faced similar allegations.
Go Min Si
Shared on May 26, an anonymous message accused Go Min Si of bullying during middle school—alleging extortion, verbal harassment, and the exclusion of classmates, including those with disabilities. It also criticized her for allegedly showing no remorse, claiming she dismissed the incidents as "minor mistakes."
In response, her agency Mystic Story firmly denied the claims, calling them "completely unfounded" and affirming their trust in the actress. Still, the backlash has been split—while some demand accountability, others question the timing and motives behind the accusations.
Ji Soo
The actor, best known for his roles in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo and Strong Girl Bong-soon, was effectively blacklisted from the South Korean entertainment industry in 2021 following serious school bullying allegations. Online posts accused him of abusive behavior during both middle and high school, including claims of physical assault and sexual harassment.
While Ji Soo issued a public apology for the bullying, he firmly denied the harassment allegations and stated he would take legal action against those spreading false claims. After a four-year hiatus, during which he completed his mandatory military service and reportedly reconciled with some of the accusers, Ji Soo is now preparing for a comeback. He is turning his focus to international projects as he attempts to rebuild his career.
Song Ha-yoon
Kim Mi-sun, better known by the stage name Song Ha-yoon gained everyone's attention and love for her evil acting in the hit K-drama Marry My Husband. However, post the hit show, she found herself at the center of controversy after school bullying allegations surfaced on April 1, 2024. An anonymous informant claimed that back in 2004, during their high school years, Song physically assaulted him—alleging she slapped him repeatedly for 90 minutes.
Initially, Song's agency, King Kong by Starship, firmly denied the accusations. However, as public scrutiny mounted, the agency later acknowledged that she had been forcibly transferred to another school "in relation to a school violence incident." While the agency did not confirm the specifics of Song's involvement, they conceded that disciplinary action had been taken.
Kim Hieora
Best known for her chilling portrayal of Lee Sa-ra—a primary perpetrator of collective bullying—in Netflix's hit 2022 drama The Glory, the actress found herself facing real-life allegations of similar behavior. As her fame grew, an anonymous classmate alleged she had been part of the notorious "iljin group" during middle school, claiming she took part in bullying, including stealing money from juniors.
While Kim initially denied being in any such group or engaging in bullying, she later reflected on her past, expressing shame and acknowledging the complexities of bullying.
Seo Ye Ji
After rising to fame with the 2020 K-drama It's Okay Not to Be Okay alongside the now embroiled in his own controversy Kim Soo Hyun, actress Seo Ye Ji came under intense scrutiny. A netizen claiming to be a former classmate accused her of violent behavior and bullying during her school years, while another alleged she targeted peers she disliked with physical aggression.
These weren't new claims—similar accusations had first appeared in 2014, with one victim alleging she was known for bullying and stealing money from classmates. At the time, she was still a rookie actress, and the claims drew little attention. However, the renewed controversy led to her withdrawing from projects and maintaining a low profile for a long time.
Jeon Jong-seo
While Jeon Jong Seo was enjoying the success of her drama Wedding Impossible, she found herself entangled in controversy as allegations of school bullying surfaced. A post on an online platform accused an actress referred to as "J" of being involved in school violence, leading many to speculate that the actress in question was Jeon.
In response, her agency ANDMARQ promptly issued a statement on April 4, 2024 firmly denying all claims. The agency declared the accusations baseless and emphasized that they had verified the facts with Jeon and those close to her. They had also announced plans to pursue legal action against the spread of false information in order to protect their artist's reputation.
Jo Byeong Kyu
After rising to fame with The Uncanny Counter, Jo Byeong Kyu was hit with school bullying allegations in 2021. A former classmate from his time in New Zealand accused him of verbal abuse and inappropriate behavior. While the original accuser eventually apologized and removed the post, more allegations soon surfaced from others who claimed to have known him during his elementary and middle school years.
The actor and his agency strongly denied all the accusations and announced legal action against those spreading false information. Amid the controversy, he stepped away from the public eye for two years before quietly returning to the screen with the second season of The Uncanny Counter.
For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
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