Actor Park Si-hoo Denies Infidelity Claims, Threatens Legal Action

South Korean actor Park Si-hoo has vehemently denied allegations of marital infidelity, pledging to take legal action against what he describes as “clearly false” claims circulating on social media and online communities.

The 46-year-old star, known for roles in popular dramas like “The Princess’ Man” and “Cheongdamdong Alice,” responded forcefully after rumors emerged suggesting he had been involved in extramarital affairs. His agency released a statement on Tuesday confirming that legal proceedings would be initiated against those responsible for spreading the unsubstantiated allegations.

“These malicious rumors are completely fabricated and have caused significant distress to both Park Si-hoo and his family,” said a representative from his management company. “We have already gathered evidence and identified several individuals responsible for originating and amplifying these falsehoods.”

The controversy erupted last week when anonymous posts appeared on several online forums claiming to have evidence of Park’s alleged infidelity. The posts quickly gained traction across various social media platforms, prompting the actor’s representatives to issue an initial denial before announcing their intent to pursue legal remedies.

This situation highlights the growing problem of celebrity defamation in South Korea, where the entertainment industry has been grappling with the rapid spread of unverified information through digital channels. Legal experts note that the country’s defamation laws are particularly stringent, with potential criminal penalties for those found guilty of spreading false information.

“South Korean law takes a serious view of defamation, especially when it involves public figures,” explained Kim Jin-woo, a Seoul-based entertainment lawyer not directly involved in Park’s case. “Individuals found responsible for creating or sharing demonstrably false statements can face both criminal charges and civil lawsuits.”

Park, who made his acting debut in 2005, has maintained a relatively low profile in recent years compared to his peak popularity in the early 2010s. Industry insiders suggest the allegations could potentially impact his career prospects if not addressed decisively.

The Korean entertainment industry has witnessed several similar cases in recent years, with celebrities increasingly turning to legal action to protect their reputations. In 2022 alone, more than 30 defamation suits were filed by entertainment figures against online commenters, according to the Korean Entertainment Management Association.

Park’s agency has requested that media outlets and the public refrain from further spreading the unverified claims while the legal process unfolds. “We ask for responsible reporting during this time and urge the public to be cautious about sharing unconfirmed information,” the statement concluded.

Fan communities have largely rallied behind the actor, with supporter groups organizing online campaigns to report malicious posts and comments. Meanwhile, several brands that have endorsement deals with Park have reportedly adopted a wait-and-see approach, though none have publicly severed ties.

The case underscores the double-edged nature of social media for public figures in South Korea’s entertainment landscape. While digital platforms have allowed celebrities to connect more directly with fans, they have also created environments where rumors can spread rapidly with significant personal and professional consequences.

Legal proceedings are expected to begin within the month, with Park’s legal team reportedly preparing documentation to file complaints with the Cyber Investigation Department of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, which specializes in online defamation cases.

The actor, who last appeared in the 2021 drama “Babel,” has no public engagements scheduled in the immediate future, though sources close to the situation indicate he intends to continue with planned professional activities while the legal matter proceeds.