Renowned Translator Hwang Seok-hee Dropped from Projects Amid Sex Crime Allegations

Translator Hwang Seok-hee, who is facing allegations over past sex crimes, has been dropped from several upcoming film and musical projects.

Hwang was removed from the translation team for "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," slated to hit theaters in July. He previously handled the Korean translations for "Spider-Man: Homecoming" (2017) and "Spider-Man: Far from Home" (2019). It’s uncommon for long-running franchises to switch translators mid-series, and industry watchers see this change as fallout from the controversy.

He also exited the translation for "Frozen the Musical." The production company said some of the work already completed may be used, but all future translation will be handled in-house. The director will take over the script, and the music director will handle the lyrics.

On the 30th of last month, entertainment outlet Dispatch reported that Hwang had been indicted twice on charges including indecent assault causing injury and sexual assault, receiving suspended sentences in both cases.

Hwang responded, saying he is reviewing the matter with his lawyer and will seek corrections or legal action if there are inaccuracies, unverified claims, or expressions that go beyond legal boundaries. He has since set his social media posts to private and disabled comments, effectively closing the account.

Industry moves followed quickly. tvN’s "You Quiz on the Block" and MBC’s "Point of Omniscient Interfere" made past episodes featuring Hwang private, while bookstores halted sales of his books.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)