Nam Joo-hyuk speaks out on school violence controversy: "Facts are being clarified... I am quietly observing" [Interview ③]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Nam Joo-hyuk addressed the school violence (school bullying) controversy that erupted before his military service.

On the 21st, Nam Joo-hyuk held an interview at a café in Seoul Jongno-gu and discussed various topics, including the Netflix series "Donggung" (script by Jeon So-ra, directed by Choi Jung-kyu), which was released on the 17th.

Nam Joo-hyuk enlisted in March 2023 and was discharged in September of the following year. Recalling his military life, Nam said, "My personality is naturally positive. When faced with any situation, I try to adapt quickly. I strive to adapt no matter the environment; otherwise, I become stressed." He added, "If it's an unchangeable environment, adapting quickly within that given situation seems like a way for me to grow."

Nam stated he had no worries about being forgotten during his military service. He recalled, "I found happiness while adapting. Rather than feeling pressure, I thought the training scheduled for today would be too hard, and tomorrow's training would also be difficult. That's how I spent each day."

Nam cautiously addressed the controversy raised just before his military service. In June 2022, he was engulfed in allegations of being a perpetrator of school violence. At the time, Nam's side stated that the claims were baseless, and in 2024, a summary order imposing a fine of 7 million won for defamation through false accusations against the whistleblower was issued. However, the label of "school violence" continued to follow Nam, and he took a break from public activity due to military service without fully clarifying the allegations.

Regarding this controversy, Nam explained, "The facts are currently being clarified. I am carefully observing and quietly going through this process. It would be difficult for me to provide detailed comments at this time."

Continuing, he said about not emphasizing the clarification of the controversy too much, "I'm not someone who likes to draw attention or make a fuss, so I think I'm just spending time as things unfold. A court verdict has been issued, and the facts are in the process of being set right."

On the burden of returning amid controversy, he said, "Every time I film a work, it becomes burdensome. Each time, I approach it with the thought that I must do my best." He added, "I don't think this time was particularly different. Every time, I have put my heart into it with the same mindset. I will continue to do so in the future, and I hope there will be moments when audiences can enjoy good works."

Meanwhile, "Donggung" is a fantasy mystery drama about Gucheon (played by Nam Joo-hyuk), who has the ability to travel between the world of humans and ghosts, and palace maid Saeng-gang (played by Noh Yun-seo), who keeps a secret. Following the king's order (played by Jo Seung-woo), they investigate the cursed secrets surrounding Donggung. In the drama, Nam Joo-hyuk portrays Gucheon, a character with special abilities to move between the human and ghost worlds while living with deep wounds and loneliness.

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*This content was translated by AI.