Actor Cha Seung-won was cleared of libel charges as the biological father of his stepson Cha No-ah dropped the case, star label YG Entertainment said on Wednesday.

No-ah’s biological father, only identified by his surname Cho, dropped his 100 million won lawsuit against the action movie star, following an official apology.

Cha Seung-won apologized for telling a “white lie” about his stepson and professional game player Cha No-ah, alleging they were biologically related.

“My wife and I admit that we told a bit of a lie for No-ah,” the embattled 44-year-old father of the 22-year-old son told local sports daily Sports Dong-a. “Our apologies to everyone. We could not tell everything as it was. We ask for your understanding,” he added.

“The kid did not know (that he was not blood-related). … I am doing all right -- I am making it through without emotional breakdowns."

Actor Cha Seung-won (left) and his stepson Cha No-ah. (OSEN)

The actor’s apology came after he was sued by No-ah’s biological father surnamed Cho, whom the Korean celebrity allegedly was previously unacquainted with. Cho alleged that he felt mortified about the actor publicly making certain false references to No-ah as if they were blood-related.

The controversy stemmed from an essay book by the actor’s wife, Lee Soo-jin, that was published back in 1999. Some parts about bringing up No-ah, such as the portrayal of Cha Seung-won and Lee together watching then-squirming baby No-ah turning over for the first time, turned out to be totally made up; No-ah was already 3 years old when his mother married the actor.

Cho also claimed that Lee discretely lied about certain dates, such as the years of her first encounter with the actor and of wedding. Lee married Cha Seung-won in 1992, not in 1989 as she wrote in the essay, Cho claimed, triggering fiery controversy about the reliability of the whole book.

Cha Seung-won appears on an essay book by his wife, Lee Soo-jin (left).

Actor Cha Seung-won and his wife Lee Soo-jin appear on a television talk show on SBS. (SBS)

Recently, the actor’s family has been marred by strife with No-ah being prosecuted for drug abuse and sexual assault charges.

By Chung Joo-won and news report (joowonc@heraldcorp.com)