Jo Byeong-gyu Faces School Violence Allegations Again... Mixed Reactions: "Ambiguous" vs. "Should Apologize"

Actor Jo Byung-gyu. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] Actor Jo Byung-gyu is once again embroiled in past school violence (bullying) allegations, sparking heated debates among netizens.

On the 16th, an online community 'Nate Pann' saw a post titled 'Jo Byung-gyu School Violence Victim.' The author claimed that when Jo Byung-gyu spoke to them in a provocative tone at a New Zealand high school when they were 16, they ignored him and did not respond. In response, Jo Byung-gyu and other students surrounded the author and verbally abused them throughout lunchtime.

The author explained, "After class, as I was leaving, a small kid with dyed hair and tight pants spoke to me in a provocative tone. I wasn't in a good mood, so I said nothing and just left," adding, "During lunch, I was eating alone when two Korean students told me to come out. When I did, about 30 students, including Jo Byung-gyu, were in front of the building next to the convenience store, hurling words I can't even repeat."

They continued, "I was so angry that I went to a place like the Korean international student management office and spoke with the administrator," and "My parents and our homestay aunt also found out, and Jo Byung-gyu was called separately for a talk."

They added, "(Jo Byung-gyu) spoke rudely to the person in charge, and the administrator just told us that if such incidents happen again, they will take action according to school rules, and that was the end," saying, "I came here to study, so how am I supposed to spend the remaining year while being insulted like this? It was a devastating day."

The author also claimed that Jo Byung-gyu engaged in obscene talk, stating, "What I experienced was minor compared to others, but it's very unfortunate that many victims have been silenced. I only spoke the truth, and if otherwise, I promise to take full responsibility for all damages caused to Jo Byung-gyu," emphasizing, "In conclusion, there was no physical violence. Only verbal abuse."

Netizens' reactions to these claims are divided. Some say, "It's ambiguous to consider this as school violence victimization," "It seems more like a defamation disclosure than fact-based," and "I don't know if this is something that should socially ruin someone." Meanwhile, others respond, "If true, the impact would be huge," and "I hope it leads to an apology."

Photo by online community 'Nate Pann' post excerpt capture

Meanwhile, Jo Byung-gyu was also accused of school violence during his appearance in the 2018 drama 'SKY Castle,' to which he responded, "It is not true."

At that time, Jo Byung-gyu posted on his fan cafe, saying, "I was aware that posts were being made under the name of school violence, and I quietly observed, judging that the intention of the writer was to make it an issue by drawing attention to the post," adding, "However, I want to clarify this due to the fans who protect me and to avoid any possible misunderstandings."

He continued, "I have never committed such (school violence) acts," and "I am currently working on a project, and I hate more than anything to cause any harm or bias to the work due to personal controversies," appealing. He also stated, "If these baseless rumors grow, I will make an official statement through my agency after the project ends."