Actor Hwang Jung-min [promotional photo for the film "Hope"]
Actor Hwang Jung-min [promotional photo for the film "Hope"]

A woman identified only as A, who made allegations about actor Hwang Jung-min's private life, has released additional evidence to rebuff his camp's claim that her conduct amounted to one-sided stalking. Observers note, however, that a review of all claims made so far suggests the two did not share a particularly deep relationship, and that A has yet to produce evidence substantiating her core allegations of an affair or sexual exploitation.

A posted what she described as further proof of her relationship with Hwang on her social media account Wednesday.

A said Hwang used KakaoTalk's "multi-profile" feature to hide their relationship from his spouse, and that she had objected to the arrangement. She said she nonetheless tolerated her dissatisfaction because theirs was an asymmetrical relationship in which Hwang unilaterally decided whether to make contact.

A also argued that if Hwang had genuinely been wary of stalking, he would have had no reason to repeatedly share detailed information about his family or tell her about his wife's suspicions as a show of trust.

Her position is that the two shared a mutual, communicative relationship — not a one-sided stalking situation as Hwang's side has claimed.

A said the period during which Hwang's camp alleges stalking occurred spans only two to three days of the two years they were in contact. For the remainder of that time, she said, she voluntarily cut off contact for more than two and a half months out of consideration for Hwang, or complied with his requests.

Pushing back against what she called Hwang's camp's claim of "two years of vicious stalking," A released a recording of a phone call she said took place in August 2024. In the recording, a man believed to be Hwang initiates the call, sends a selfie and engages in casual small talk, including a remark that he dislikes curly hair.

Critics note, however, that while this evidence may help A deny the stalking charges against her, it falls short of proving the affair or sexual exploitation she has alleged. A claims the two had physical contact; Hwang has rebuffed that, saying he never even held her hand. No evidence of physical contact has been presented.

"Looks like she has nothing more to reveal," one online commenter wrote. Another said, "It seems Hwang did give her mixed signals and behaved inappropriately, but whether it actually went as far as an affair is unclear."

Meanwhile, Hwang's side had previously filed a complaint against A for violating the Stalking Punishment Act, resulting in a summary order of a 3 million won ($2,100) fine. A contested the order and requested a formal trial, which is now under way in the first instance criminal court. A has also filed a lawsuit against Hwang seeking 200 million won in damages, alleging he subjected her to sexual and labor exploitation by having her work on liquor branding and novel-writing projects.


paq@heraldcorp.com