A contestant from Single’s Inferno 4—identified as Kook Dong Ho—has become the center of a major controversy after explosive school bullying allegations surfaced online. What began as a personal testimony has now evolved into a full-scale debate involving the public, media, and even Netflix.
The controversy was sparked on May 3, when a woman identifying herself as lawyer Lee Yoo Rim shared a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), claiming she had been a victim of severe school bullying.
She alleged that during her school years, she was targeted by a group of “iljin” (delinquent clique), and that Kook Dong Ho was closely associated with them—specifically as the boyfriend of one of the main perpetrators.
One of the most shocking claims involved a so-called “confession attack”: “He knelt in front of others, gave me a cake, and confessed while his girlfriend watched—mocking and laughing at me.”
According to her, this was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of humiliation and psychological abuse.
The accuser went on to describe multiple incidents of alleged violence and harassment:
- Being struck on the head with a badminton racket
- Thumbtacks placed on her chair as a trap
- Her locker glued shut with strong adhesive
She claimed that Kook Dong Ho knew about these acts and found them amusing, which has become a key point fueling public outrage.
Following the viral posts, the accuser stated that Kook Dong Ho’s agency contacted her, insisting that the contestant has no connection to her.
She responded with a statement that quickly spread online: “Would a bully even remember their victim? Victims carry it for life.”
This line has since become symbolic of the broader discussion around school violence in Korea.
As the controversy gained traction, Netflix issued a brief but significant response: “As they are private individuals, it is difficult for us to verify.”
The platform’s neutral stance highlights the difficulty of investigating allegations involving reality TV contestants who are not full-time public figures.
Online communities, particularly forums like theqoo, have been flooded with reactions. Many expressed shock at the stark contrast between Kook Dong Ho’s on-screen image and the allegations:
- He seemed like the most normal and calm person on the show… This is chilling.
- School bullies aren’t even human. They should be removed from society.
- Perpetrators move on, but victims suffer forever.
Others, however, urged restraint:
- These are still one-sided claims—we need evidence.
- Don’t jump to conclusions without verification.
Meanwhile, on May 4, Kook Dong Ho took to his social media to share his position, saying, “The claims made unilaterally by a specific individual are not based on facts, and I clearly state that I have no connection to those incidents whatsoever.”
Kook Dong Ho refuted each allegation point by point. He stated, “I have never participated in or condoned acts such as being hit with a badminton racket, placing thumbtacks on chairs, or applying glue to lockers by a third party.” He also addressed claims involving a woman identified as “Moon,” who was alleged to be a key perpetrator, saying, “I have never dated such a person, and I even question whether such an individual exists.”
He further dismissed the so-called “confession attack” allegation, stating, “It is not true that I knelt and confessed in front of multiple people at such a young age. I do not make confessions carelessly to just anyone.”
Kook Dong Ho also clarified misunderstandings regarding his profession. He explained, “Contrary to claims that I quit my professional career to become an influencer, I am still working at an accounting firm and have never left my profession.”
Expressing strong regret over the intent behind the accusations, he said, “The other party is framing the situation under the assumption that I would not remember, and is building their argument based on a predetermined conclusion.” He added, “I especially regret that these one-sided claims ultimately lead to the promotion of a law firm.”
Finally, Kook Dong Ho requested an apology for the spread of false information, stating, “I ask for an apology for defamation based on unfounded claims and urge people to refrain from spreading false information.”
Sources: Nate, Daum
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