On March 21, 2025, actress Shim Eun-woo, whose real name is Park So-ri, expressed her deep anguish as she marked five years since being labeled a perpetrator of school violence. "I have been enduring a difficult time since 2021 due to the school violence issue. Now, I really want to escape the false accusation of being a school violence perpetrator," she stated in a heartfelt message posted on her SNS.
Shim Eun-woo’s ordeal began in 2021 when an online community post accused her of school violence. This led her to face immense pressure, as she was compelled to withdraw from a drama project and subsequently issued a public apology at the request of the accuser known as A. However, she contended that this apology was not genuine—it was a desperate act to avoid complications for the production team. "The choice became an indelible mark. I had to follow the request to post the apology to avoid disrupting the drama production," she revealed.
Over the years, the backlash from these allegations caused profound distress, affecting both her career and personal health. Shim reported suffering from indigestion, breathing difficulties, chest pain, and panic symptoms due to the ongoing emotional torment and malicious online comments. "I have lost everything and I cannot recover," she lamented, highlighting the harsh reality of living under the weight of public scrutiny.
In her quest for vindication, Shim reached out to three of her former middle school teachers to confirm her account. She shared that all three teachers denied any recollection of incidents suggested by A. "They all said they did not remember any incidents of school violence committed by me, as claimed by A," she stated, emphasizing the lack of evidence against her.
Although a criminal investigation into her defamation claims did not result in an indictment for A, Shim clarified the implications of that outcome. "The investigation result simply stated that it was difficult to judge whether school violence occurred, not that school violence was acknowledged," she explained. She felt this distinction was crucial, as it did not equate to an admission of guilt on her part.
Shim's attempts to resolve the situation were met with further complications. The accuser A not only refused to meet but also put forth demands for financial compensation, including a clause barring Shim from speaking out about her experiences through social media or other means. "While everyone knows my name and face as a school violence perpetrator, A is still hiding behind anonymity. I have lost everything and cannot recover," she stressed.
In light of the distress caused by these accusations, Shim Eun-woo has continued to fight for her reputation and her mental health. Her recent statements underline her plea for an end to her suffering and a rectification of the misconceptions that have plagued her for half a decade. Having been thrust into the spotlight for the wrong reasons, she now seeks to reclaim her life and career. The journey to clear her name involves battling the public narratives and seeking acknowledgment of the harm caused by false claims.
As she concluded her message, she reached out to the public for understanding, "Please stop spreading false information. I beg you, do not let this be twisted any further." These words encapsulate her desperate fight against the damaging effects of the allegations, a fight that she hopes will lead to a resolution and ultimately, to peace.
