Why is Hwang Jung-min facing a civil trial with a woman claiming a private relationship?

The woman says she suffered emotional distress after not being paid for work linked to Hwang Jung-min’s soju development business and a novel-writing project. She filed a 200 million-won damages suit in February and later publicized phone call recordings and messages as evidence.

What happened at the Seoul Central District Court mediation hearing in Hwang Jung-min’s case?

The court held a mediation hearing on Aug. 14, but neither side appeared. It then issued a compulsory mediation decision, and Hwang’s side objected to that decision on Tuesday, sending the dispute to a formal trial.

What is the status of the stalking case against the woman who sued Hwang Jung-min?

She is on trial after being indicted on stalking charges involving Hwang Jung-min. Prosecutors asked for a 10 million-won fine at an Aug. 11 hearing, and the court is scheduled to issue a verdict on Sept. 8.

Actor Hwang Jung-min faces trial involving woman claiming private relationship

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Summary

Renowned veteran actor Hwang Jung-min will face a formal civil trial after rejecting a court-ordered mediation in a damages suit filed by a woman in her 40s. She seeks 200 million won, claiming emotional distress over unpaid work tied to his soju development business and novel-writing project. Hwang’s side objected to the compulsory mediation decision, which sent the case to trial. The woman is also on trial for stalking Hwang, with a verdict set for Sept. 8.

Key Facts

The woman filed the lawsuit in February and is seeking 200 million won in damages from Hwang Jung-min.
The Seoul Central District Court held a mediation hearing on Aug. 14 and issued a compulsory mediation decision after neither party appeared.
Hwang’s side filed an objection to the compulsory mediation decision on Tuesday, which moved the case to a formal trial.
The woman is currently on trial after being indicted on stalking charges, and prosecutors demanded a 10 million-won fine at an Aug. 11 hearing.
The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict in the stalking case on Sept. 8.

By Yonhap

Published Aug 19, 2026 10:29 am KST

Actor Hwang Jung-min speaks during a press conference in Seoul, July 6. Yonhap

Renowned veteran actor Hwang Jung-min will face a formal civil trial against a woman who claims to have had a private relationship with him after rejecting a court-ordered mediation, judicial officials said Wednesday.

The woman in her 40s filed a lawsuit seeking 200 million won ($142,000) in damages from Hwang in February, claiming she suffered emotional distress after not receiving payment for her work on the actor's soju development business and novel-writing project.

The Seoul Central District Court held a mediation hearing on Aug. 14. As neither party appeared, the court issued a compulsory mediation decision. Hwang's side filed an objection to the decision with the court on Tuesday, according to the judicial officials.

Compulsory mediation is a system in which the court issues a decision in lieu of mediation on its own. When either side files an objection, the case proceeds to a formal trial.

The woman recently claimed on social media that she had a private relationship with Hwang, releasing phone call recordings and messages as evidence. She alleged that Hwang proposed a soju brand business and she took charge of its practical aspects. She also said Hwang encouraged her to write a novel, which she subsequently did.

Meanwhile, the woman is currently on trial after being indicted on charges of stalking Hwang. Prosecutors demanded a 10 million-won fine at a court hearing on Aug. 11. She has denied the charges, and the court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on Sept. 8.

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