Nam Joo Hyuk is making rounds of headlines for the wrong reasons.
Following the success of his Kdrama "Twenty-Five Twenty-One," the South Korean heartthrob is criticized for an alleged school bullying scandal.
Nam Joo Hyuk Accused of Bullying
According to a report, the 28-year-old actor is being slammed for his rude behavior towards his former classmate.
As noted by the outlet, an exclusive media report revealed by an anonymous tipper that Nam Joo Hyuk used to be a bully when he was in middle and high school.
The person even showed a photo of a yearbook as evidence, pointing out that the actor was a part of a notorious group known to harass their fellow classmates.
The clique, which the "Start-Up" star was part of, bullied other students by cussing out, beating up their classmates, and even taking their money.
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As for the anonymous tipper, he mentioned that he experienced Nam Joo Hyuk's rude behavior after the actor harassed him by throwing mechanical pencil refills and pulling out his chair.
Moreover, he also revealed that there are some who experienced much worse scenarios and had to go to seek a psychiatrist's help while others avoid seeing the actor on-screen.
Nam Joo Hyuk's Agency to Investigate the Legitimacy of the Accusations
On the other hand, Nam Joo Hyuk's agency Management SOOP, briefly responds to the issue. As obtained by a media outlet, the talent management said that they've heard the issue and are looking into the matter.
"We have heard of the article and are currently looking into [the legitimacy]" the agency said.
Over social media, fans expressed their support for the actor. Some slammed the tipper noting that he waited years to air accuse the actor while others think that it is just a false statement.
Others are wishing that the controversy will not blow up and affect his career.
Nam Joo Hyuk's New Drama
The controversy comes ahead of his upcoming Kdrama "Vigilante" where he plays the main lead.
The webtoon-based series is his follow-up project after the hit Kdrama "Twenty-Five Twenty-One" with Kim Tae Ri.
In his Kdrama comeback, he will portray a police academy student named Kim Ji Yong, whose mother died when he was young. Kim Ji Yong was victimized by a group of local gangsters which caused her death.
Interestingly, a mysterious man helped him to avenge and transform him into a vigilante to fight criminals.
Joining him is "Money Heist" Korea" star Yoo Ji Tae and Lee Joon Hyuk as Kim Ji Yong's mentor Cho Kang Ok.
Apart from the webtoon-based Kdrama, Nam Joo Hyuk is in talks to headline tvN's drama series "here" with Lee Byung Hun, Han Ji Min, Shin Min Ah, and more.
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Written by Geca Wills
