Actor Hwang Jung-min has objected to the court's forced mediation decision regarding a damages lawsuit filed against a woman in her 40s who raised suspicions about his private life, leading the case to a formal trial.

Hwang's legal representative submitted an objection to the forced mediation to the Seoul Central District Court yesterday.

Forced mediation is a system where the court issues a decision in lieu of mediation by its authority. If either the plaintiff or the defendant files an objection, formal trial proceedings are initiated.

In February, woman A in her 40s filed a damages lawsuit seeking 200 million won, claiming she suffered mental damages and did not receive compensation related to a soju development project and novel writing from Hwang.

On the 14th, the court held a mediation session, but since neither side attended, it issued a forced mediation decision.

A has recently been claiming through her social media and other channels that she had a private relationship with Hwang, releasing recorded phone calls and messages.

She also claimed that Hwang proposed a soju brand business and had her handle the practical work, and that he also encouraged and commissioned her to write a novel.

Meanwhile, A is on trial after being indicted on charges of stalking Hwang.

During the sentencing hearing held on the 11th presided over by Judge Kim Young-ah of Criminal Division 4 at the Goyang Branch of the Uijeongbu District Court, the prosecution asked the court to sentence Kim to a fine of 10 million won.

A is denying the related charges, and her sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 8.