Jo Byung Gyu and accuser maintain opposing claims as school violence civil appeal begins

Actor Jo Byung Gyu and the person who previously accused him of school violence continue to dispute each other’s claims as the civil appeal over the controversy moves forward.

On August 28, the Seoul High Court held the first hearing in Jo Byung Gyu’s appeal in his damages lawsuit against the accuser, identified as “A.” Unlike the first trial, his former agency HB Entertainment is no longer listed as an appellant, while the amount being sought has reportedly been reduced to around 900 million won.

During the hearing, Jo Byung Gyu’s legal team again denied that school violence took place.

His lawyer argued that A should provide supporting evidence for the alleged assault described in the original online posts, saying, “The core issue in this case is whether the violence described in the allegations actually happened.”

The legal team also claimed that it had received confirmation from the actor’s former school in New Zealand that there were no records showing school violence allegations or disciplinary action involving Jo Byung Gyu. However, this was presented as the actor’s side of the case and remains part of the ongoing dispute.

Jo Byung Gyu’s side also asked the court to hear testimony from someone who attended the same school and class with him in New Zealand.

The case stems from school violence allegations posted online several years ago. Jo Byung Gyu denied the claims and later filed a damages lawsuit, arguing that the posts were false and caused financial and professional losses.

In September 2025, the Seoul Central District Court dismissed the claims brought by Jo Byung Gyu and HB Entertainment. At the time, the court said the evidence submitted by the plaintiffs was not sufficient to conclude that the accuser’s posts were false.

The first court also declined to treat statements from several of Jo Byung Gyu’s acquaintances as sufficient proof, noting questions about whether they could independently confirm what allegedly happened in New Zealand.

Jo Byung Gyu’s side appealed the decision, leading to the current proceedings.

The accuser has continued to maintain the allegations, while Jo Byung Gyu continues to deny that school violence occurred. With both sides maintaining opposing positions, the appeal is expected to focus on whether additional evidence or testimony can establish what happened.