Korean rapper Yang Hong-won (양홍원) married his long-time girlfriend, model Won Hyun-ju (원현주), on October 18. Just five days after their wedding, he found himself at the center of infidelity allegations. Following the controversy, Yang took to the stage on October 24, where he sang his wife's name during a performance, sparking renewed debate among netizens.
On October 24, Yang performed at the SKA Festival held at KBS Arena in Seoul. During his performance, he sang the lyrics "Come back to me, Hyun-ju (돌아와 현주)" from his song "Rose." Given the recent allegations of infidelity shortly after his marriage, this lyric drew significant attention. Videos of the performance subsequently circulated online, fueling further discussion.
The controversy began when an anonymous woman, identified as 'Ms. B,' alleged that Yang had visited a motel with another woman shortly after his wedding, raising questions of infidelity. Ms. B claimed that Yang had previously gone to an accommodation with other women before his marriage. She also released messages sent to Yang's wife, Won Hyun-ju, and a recording of a phone call with Yang, attempting to substantiate her claims.
In response, Yang's agency acknowledged that he had indeed gone to a motel with the woman in question but emphasized that no intimate acts occurred between them, denying the infidelity allegations. The agency also stated that Ms. B's claims contained false information.
Subsequently, the woman who accompanied Yang to the motel, identified as 'Ms. A,' personally came forward to clarify the situation. On October 24, she posted on social media, refuting Ms. B's account and stating that it did not align with her memory. Ms. A explained that she and Yang were not acquainted at the time, and Ms. B had repeatedly insisted that Yang accompany her to the motel. Ms. A stated she ultimately went along while intoxicated.
Ms. A further clarified that Yang slept on the bed while she slept on the floor, and there was no physical contact or any other inappropriate behavior between them.
Additionally, Ms. A accused Ms. B of extorting money from her and even threatening her, publicly sharing relevant conversations. She revealed that the incident led to the exposure of her personal identity, causing distress to her and her family, and expressed her hope for the controversy to conclude swiftly.
Meanwhile, Yang's agency has filed a lawsuit against Ms. B, alleging extortion, violation of the Stalking Punishment Act, and defamation through the dissemination of false information.
Despite the agency's clarifications and legal action, the social media activity of Yang and Won continues to draw public attention. As of the afternoon of October 23, the couple was observed to have unfollowed each other's social media accounts. Subsequently, Won completely deleted all posts from her personal Instagram.
With Yang, his agency, and Ms. A (who accompanied him to the motel) all having provided their accounts, conflicting statements have emerged, and the full truth of the incident remains to be clarified. As the controversy continues to unfold, Yang's first performance since the allegations, featuring the lyric "Come back, Hyun-ju," has brought renewed public focus on his marriage and private life.
