Prosecutors have demanded a fine of 10 million won for an individual, A, who has been put on trial on charges of stalking actor Hwang Jung-min.

During the sentencing hearing held on the afternoon of the 11th at the Goyang Branch of the Uijeongbu District Court, presided over by Judge 4 of the Criminal Division, prosecutors asked the court to sentence A to a fine of 10 million won and an order to complete a stalking treatment program. The request took into account the duration of the crime, the frequency of contact, and the victim's strict appeal for severe punishment.

At the trial, prosecutors requested that the proceedings be held behind closed doors due to concerns over potential secondary victimization of the victim. However, the court dismissed the request, citing the principle of open trials, and proceeded with the session in public.

Previously, Hwang Jung-min filed a complaint against A in August of last year under the Stalking Punishment Act, and the court issued a summary order of a 3 million won fine against A in February of this year. Objecting to the decision, A requested a formal trial, and the case is currently being deliberated in the first-instance trial.

During closing arguments, legal counsel for A maintained innocence regarding the stalking charges. The defense argued that the communications between the two individuals were not carried out unilaterally.

In a final statement, A admitted fault for certain actions while repeatedly denying that the acts constituted unilateral stalking. A stated, "I do not think everything I did was right, and I believe there are things I should not have done," while emphasizing, "However, being labeled as a stalker who unilaterally chased a person for two years is an entirely different story." A also appealed, "Please look at who initiated contact first and what promises were made between us. It is not just a matter of punishment; I cannot bear the thought of everything being portrayed as if it were unilaterally committed by just one person."

The first-instance ruling for A will take place at 10:00 AM on the 8th of next month.

(Photo: Baek Seung-철)

(SBS Star News, reported by Kang Kyung-yoon)