Actor Hwang Jung-min Rejects Court's Forced Arbitration in Privacy Exposure Case, Heading to Trial

Actor Hwang Jung-min has rejected the court's forced arbitration decision regarding a damage suit filed by a woman, identified as A, who raised suspicions regarding his personal life, sending the case to a formal trial.

According to the legal community on August 19, Hwang's legal representatives submitted an objection to the forced arbitration decision to the Seoul Central District Court the previous day.

Forced arbitration is a procedure in which the court independently determines a resolution for a dispute between both parties. If either the plaintiff or the defendant raises an objection, the arbitration decision loses its legal effect, and formal trial proceedings begin.

Previously in February, A filed a damage suit worth 200 million won, claiming that she had not received compensation from Hwang for a soju development project and novel writing, which caused her mental distress.

The court held an arbitration hearing on the 14th, but because neither party attended, it issued a forced arbitration decision.

A has recently claimed through her social networking services (SNS) that she had a personal relationship with Hwang, releasing recorded phone calls and messages.

She also claimed that Hwang proposed a soju brand business for which she handled the practical work, and that he encouraged her to write a novel.

Meanwhile, A is also undergoing a separate criminal trial after being indicted on charges of stalking Hwang.

During the sentencing hearing held on the 11th presided over by Judge 4 of the Goyang Branch of the Uijeongbu District Court, prosecutors sought a fine of 10 million won against A. A has denied the related charges. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 8.

(SBS Star News, reported by Kim Ji-hye)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.