Prosecutors Seek 10 Million Won Fine for Woman Accused of Stalking Actor Hwang Jung-min

▲ Hwang Jung-min

Prosecutors have demanded a fine of 10 million won for a woman in her 40s accused of stalking actor Hwang Jung-min.

During the sentencing hearing held by Judge Kim Young-ah of Criminal Division 4 at the Goyang Branch of the Uijeongbu District Court on the 11th, prosecutors asked the court to sentence the 40-year-old woman, referred to as A, to a fine of 10 million won on charges including violation of the Act on Punishment of Stalking Crimes.

Explaining the reasoning behind the sentencing recommendation, prosecutors stated, "The duration of the crime is long, and the number of one-way contacts attempted by the defendant is excessively high. We also considered the fact that she posted threatening messages targeting the victim and his family on social networking services during the trial, and that the victim has requested severe punishment."

Meanwhile, A's legal representative pleaded not guilty, arguing that it has not been proven that Hwang Jung-min clearly and consistently expressed a refusal to communicate.

A's attorney claimed that although Hwang once asked her to refrain from contacting him, there were instances afterward when he first called A or responded favorably to her communications.

In her closing statement, A stated, "I am not saying that everything I did over the past two years was right, but there was a moment when my emotions collapsed and I did things I should not have done. However, saying that I was a stalker who unilaterally chased one person for two years is a completely different story."

She added, "Please look at the records as they are—who contacted whom first, what words were exchanged, and what promises were made. What I fear most is having this finalized as a unilateral act committed by one person when there was no relationship between us at all."

During the defendant examination, prosecutors questioned A about the circumstances under which she sent messages implying suicide and a file containing a will to Hwang Jung-min.

They also verified the background of her sending photos of a dead cat and tissues stained with blood, as well as contacting Hwang's underage son.

While acknowledging that she had sent such messages and files, A responded that she did not intend to cause anxiety or fear to Hwang, but rather sent them as part of a process to communicate her condition and wrap up their relationship.

The court is scheduled to hold the sentencing hearing on the morning of September 8.

Previously, A was investigated and put on trial following a complaint filed by Hwang Jung-min's side in August of last year, and the court issued a summary order of a 3 million won fine against A in February.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, A requested a formal trial.

This case became public after A recently claimed through her social media accounts that she had a personal relationship with Hwang Jung-min and released call recordings and message chat logs.

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