Actor Choi Jung-won of group UN booked on stalking charges
Actor Choi Jung-won, formerly of pop duo UN, is booked on stalking charges. Courtesy of Will Entertainment
Actor Choi Jung-won, formerly of the pop duo UN, has been booked on stalking charges and placed under an emergency restraining order.
Police said on Tuesday that the Seoul Jungbu Police Station charged Choi with violating the anti-stalking law and applied for an emergency order, which a court approved.
He is accused of stalking a woman he knew by visiting her residence. Police clarified that contrary to some media reports, he was not carrying a weapon.
Under the emergency measure, when repeated stalking or imminent risk is recognized, offenders are prohibited from approaching within 100 meters of the victim’s residence or from contacting the victim by phone or other electronic means. Violators face up to one year in prison or fines of up to 10 million won ($7,400).
Choi had previously been at the center of controversy over allegations of an affair with a married acquaintance. In February 2023, the woman’s husband filed a civil suit seeking 100 million won in damages, claiming Choi had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with his wife.
Choi denied the accusations and countersued the husband on charges including blackmail, defamation, insult and incitement to defamation, leading to an ongoing legal battle.
Choi debuted in 2000 as part of the duo UN with Kim Jung-hoon. After the group disbanded in 2005, he transitioned to acting and has since pursued a career as an actor.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.