Actor Jang Shin-young to make 1st TV appearance since husband's affair

Actors Kang Kyung-jun and Jang Shin-young / Courtesy of SBS

Actor Jang Shin-young is scheduled to make her first television appearance since her husband, actor Kang Kyung-jun, engaged in an extramarital affair.

SBS said Tuesday that Jang will participate in the recording of "My Little Old Boy" on Oct. 2, with her episode scheduled to air later in the month.

Kang was accused of having an affair with a married woman in December 2023. The woman's husband filed a lawsuit against Kang, saying that Kang had engaged in an affair with his wife despite knowing that she was married.

When the lawsuit first became public, Kang's representatives said it was difficult to confirm the details as it involved his private life. However, in July, Kang accepted the plaintiff's demand for 50 million won ($37,000) in damages, leading the court to close the case with a settlement.

The controversy had a significant impact, especially since Kang and Jang had previously shown themselves to be a happy couple in various TV shows.

Following the conclusion of the case, Kang released a statement through his legal representative, acknowledging that while there were inaccuracies in the allegations and parts he wished to clarify, he ultimately decided to accept the situation.

He expressed that the misunderstanding and criticism were partly due to his own shortcomings and that he felt it was his responsibility to endure the consequences.

In an Instagram post on Aug. 19, Jang shared her thoughts on the difficult period she and her family have endured.

"My husband and I have had many conversations, and we have both repeatedly blamed ourselves and reflected deeply," she said in the post. "We have gone through a painful time that is hard to put into words, but for the sake of our children, we have decided to live together as a family once again. I ask that you please refrain from excessive criticism of my husband. I worry that our children might come across it."

"My Little Old Boy" airs every Sunday and Jang's appearance is highly anticipated, with many wondering how she will address the recent events in her personal life.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.