[Post-Military Interview on Bullying Allegations] Nam Joo-hyuk Opens Up About Pressure: 'Facts Are Being Clarified'

Korean star Nam Joo-hyuk, who was embroiled in a school bullying controversy before his enlistment, is now back in the public eye after completing his military service. On July 21st, he sat down for an interview at a cafe in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where he discussed his military life, the pressure of his comeback, and cautiously addressed the highly-watched bullying allegations.

How Did He Get Through Military Service? He Credits 'Quick Adaptation'

Nam Joo-hyuk enlisted in March 2023 and was discharged in September the following year. Reflecting on his military journey, he stated that he naturally has a positive personality. "Whenever I encounter any situation, I try my best to adapt quickly. No matter the environment, I'll do my best to adjust. Otherwise, I'll feel stressed. If the environment can't be changed, I believe quickly adapting to the current situation helps me grow."

He also mentioned that he wasn't worried about being forgotten during his service. "In the process of adapting, I found happiness. Rather than feeling stressed, I just focused on how tough the training would be that day or the next. That's how I got through it, day by day."

2022 Bullying Accusations: Accuser Previously Fined for False Claims

In June 2022, Nam Joo-hyuk was accused of school violence. At the time, his agency denied the allegations, calling them "completely groundless." By 2024, the accuser was fined 7 million Korean won (approximately $4,740 USD or over 140,000 New Taiwan Dollars) through a summary order for defamation involving false claims.