South Korean broadcaster Choi Dong-seok has reportedly come under police investigation over allegations that he spread malicious rumors about his ex-wife, Park Ji-yoon—a development that is adding new tension to their already contentious divorce battle.

According to reports on April 28, authorities at the Seogwipo Police Station are looking into claims of defamation. The case is said to have emerged during a broader legal effort by Park Ji-yoon’s side, who filed multiple complaints last year against anonymous individuals accused of posting harmful rumors and defamatory content online.

As investigators worked to identify those behind the posts, Choi Dong-seok’s name reportedly surfaced as one of the suspected contributors. The allegation has quickly drawn public attention, given the high-profile nature of the couple and the already complicated history surrounding their split.

However, Choi Dong-seok’s side has strongly denied the claims. In response to the reports, his representatives stated that they have not received any official notice from authorities regarding the alleged investigation. They also offered a counter-narrative, claiming that a friend of Park Ji-yoon had posted defamatory content targeting Choi—and that he was, in fact, involved in the case as a complainant rather than a suspect.

The conflicting statements have only deepened the controversy, leaving the public with two sharply opposing versions of events and no confirmed conclusion from investigators so far.

Choi Dong-seok and Park Ji-yoon were once considered a well-known couple in Korean broadcasting. Both entered the industry as part of the 30th class of KBS announcers and later married in 2009. During their marriage, they built a family together and had two children—a son and a daughter.

Their relationship, however, came to an abrupt turning point in October 2023, when they publicly announced their separation. What followed was a series of disputes that unfolded both in court and, at times, in the public eye. In particular, Choi Dong-seok drew criticism after posting messages on social media that many interpreted as indirectly targeting his ex-wife.

The situation escalated further during the divorce proceedings, when both parties filed mutual adultery lawsuits against each other—an unusual move that intensified media scrutiny. Although both lawsuits were dismissed earlier this year, the legal battle is far from over. Choi Dong-seok’s side has since filed an appeal, meaning the issue remains active in the courts.

At present, the couple’s children are being raised by Park Ji-yoon, while Choi Dong-seok reportedly maintains contact through visitation and occasionally shares moments from his time with them on social media.

This latest investigation, if confirmed, could mark another major turning point in an already highly publicized case. More broadly, it highlights the growing seriousness with which South Korean authorities are treating online defamation—especially when it involves public figures and the spread of unverified claims.

As the situation continues to develop, attention will likely remain fixed on both the legal outcome and the impact it may have on the reputations of those involved.