Hwang Jung-min's agency denies affair claims, calls accuser a stalker

Actor Hwang Jung-min's agency on Wednesday denied online claims by a woman that she had an extramarital affair with the film star, alleging that she was a stalker who had already received a restraining order and a fine.

The controversy arose after a series of posts appeared on social media earlier the same day in which the woman claimed to have been in a relationship with Hwang since 2024. Hwang married in 2004 and has two children.

The individual uploaded screenshots of conversations and audio recordings that she claimed were between herself and Hwang.

"The individual behind the malicious posts about Hwang is a suspect in a stalking case who has persistently harassed the actor," Hwang’s agency, SEM Company, said in a statement.

"The court issued three separate provisional restraining orders against the suspect, including a no-contact order, and later issued a summary order imposing a 3 million won ($2,100) fine after finding the suspect guilty of stalking."

The agency also said it would pursue additional legal action against those responsible for the maliciously edited posts. 

"We sincerely apologize for causing concern over this matter," Sem Company said.

With a career spanning more than three decades, Hwang made his screen debut in the 1990 film "The General's Son." He appeared in numerous box-office hits, including "Ode to My Father" (2014), "Veteran" (2015) and "12.12: The Day" (2023) — all of which surpassed 10 million admissions.

Hwang is currently promoting his latest film "Hope," directed by Na Hong-jin. He is expected to attend a promotional stage greeting for the film scheduled later Wednesday.

BY KIM JI-YE [[email protected]]