Song Ji-hyo's Agency Issues Legal Warning Over Debt Claims

Song Ji-hyo, a 44-year-old actress and television personality, has recently found herself at the center of controversy following allegations involving her father’s financial obligations. Her agency, Nexus E&M, has issued a strong response to these claims, emphasizing that they will not tolerate any actions that threaten the reputation of their affiliated artist or disrupt business operations.

The legal representative of Nexus E&M, Law Firm Namsan, released a detailed statement on the 21st, addressing concerns raised by an email received by the company. According to the statement, the email contained suspicions that a company operated by Song Ji-hyo’s father was in a state of debt default. Along with this information, the email included a questionnaire and materials such as a banner design that read, “Parents of a famous celebrity, renowned for ferry business on TV!”

The agency interpreted the distribution of the banner design as more than just an inquiry. It was seen as an attempt to damage Song Ji-hyo’s reputation and interfere with the normal functioning of the company. The statement emphasized that such actions could be considered punishable criminal behavior.

“Sending a banner design, which goes beyond a simple inquiry, can be interpreted as an intent to post such banners in front of the agency to damage Song Ji-hyo’s reputation and image, and further obstruct the company’s normal business operations,” the statement noted. It added that such acts constitute criminal behavior, as courts have ruled that even if harm is communicated as part of exercising rights, it must adhere to socially acceptable levels under customary or ethical norms.

The agency also highlighted that the act of sending such materials—directly to the agency rather than to Song Ji-hyo’s father—was deemed a clear criminal act beyond societal tolerance. This move was perceived as an attempt to exert pressure and create a hostile environment for the actor and her team.

Nexus E&M made it clear that they would not tolerate any form of threat, pressure, or unjust acts that infringe upon the honor, personal rights of their affiliated actor, or the company’s normal business activities. If similar illegal acts occur in the future, the agency stated that it would take all possible legal measures, including criminal complaints and claims for damages.

Song Ji-hyo has had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry. She first debuted as a magazine model in 2001 and has since appeared in several notable films, including High School Ghost Stories 3: Fox Staircase, Ssanghwajeom, The New World, and Home Behind Bars. She has also starred in popular dramas such as Palace, Jumong, Baekje’s General Geojeong, Emergency Couple, and Welcome to the Witch Restaurant.

Since 2010, she has been a fixed member of the SBS variety program Running Man, where she has maintained a significant presence for 15 years, contributing to her continued popularity among audiences.

Full Statement from Nexus E&M’s Legal Representative

Greetings. We are Law Firm Namsan, the legal representative of Nexus E&M Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Nexus E&M”).

Recently, Nexus E&M received an email discussing matters related to Song Ji-hyo’s father. The email raised suspicions that a company operated by her father is in a state of debt default, attaching a questionnaire and materials including a banner design that reads, “Parents of a famous celebrity, renowned for ferry business on TV!”

Sending such a banner design, which exceeds the scope of a simple inquiry, can be interpreted as an intent to post the banner in front of Nexus E&M to damage Song Ji-hyo’s reputation and image, and further obstruct the company’s normal business operations.

However, such acts constitute punishable criminal behavior. Courts have ruled that even if harm is communicated as part of exercising rights, if such communication exceeds socially acceptable levels under customary or ethical norms, or does not qualify as a reasonable means for a legitimate purpose, it is subject to punishment.

Given this judicial stance, Nexus E&M deems the act of sending such materials—not to Song Ji-hyo’s father but to the agency—as a clear criminal act beyond societal tolerance.

Nexus E&M will not tolerate any form of threat, pressure, or unjust acts that infringe upon the honor, personal rights of our affiliated actor, or the company’s normal business operations. If identical or similar illegal acts recur in the future, we will promptly and strictly exercise all possible legal measures, including criminal complaints and claims for damages. Nexus E&M will resolutely respond to any malicious actions that harm the activities of our affiliated actors.