Stalker Sentenced to Fine in 1st Trial Over Harassment of Actor Hwang Jung-min

A woman in her 40s, identified as A, who was charged with stalking actor Hwang Jung-min, has been sentenced to a fine of 6 million won in her first trial. Prosecutors had previously sought a fine of 10 million won.

At 10:00 a.m. on the 8th, Criminal Division 4 of the Goyang Branch of the Uijeongbu District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Young-ah) held a sentencing hearing for A on charges including violations of the Stalking Punishment Act.

The court found A guilty of stalking and sentenced her to a fine of 6 million won. Additionally, the court ordered her to complete 40 hours of a stalking treatment program.

The court pointed out that, given the content, volume, and frequency of the messages, they were enough to cause anxiety or terror to Hwang. It also determined that A was aware Hwang did not wish to be contacted. The court stated, "Even assuming there was a legitimate reason to make contact, the content and frequency of the messages sent went beyond what could justify the defendant's actions."

Although A argued that there were time intervals between contacts, the court stated that when combining the frequency and content of each contact instance, it satisfied the requirements of persistence and repetition stipulated by the Stalking Punishment Act.

Regarding the sentencing rationale, the court stated, "We considered unfavorable factors such as the fact that the defendant showed little remorse and exerted pressure on the victim, making the circumstances after the crime unfavorable. However, we considered favorable factors such as the fact that the defendant has no prior record of punishment."

A did not attend the court hearing, and only representatives for Hwang Jung-min and defense counsel for A were present.

If A wishes to appeal the ruling, she may do so within 7 days from the sentencing date. If an appeal is filed, the case will move to the second trial, and if no appeal is filed within the period, the first-instance ruling will become final.

Hwang Jung-min's agency, Sam Company, released a statement through its official account, saying, "The court made clear through this ruling that the defendant's past actions constitute a clear stalking crime as 'actions that seriously infringed upon the daily life of our agency's actor.'" The agency added, "We believe this ruling confirms that stalking actions threatening another person's life cannot be justified under any circumstances, and we deeply respect the judiciary's judgment."

Separate from the first-instance sentencing, the agency also foreshadowed additional legal responses. Sam Company stated, "We are planning all legal measures regarding the continuous spread of false information, maliciously edited recorded audio releases, and distribution during the trial. We will hold the defendant legally accountable without any leniency for any additional actions."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)