Woman who stalked actor Hwang Jung-min appeals after fine doubled in formal trial

A woman in her 40s convicted of stalking actor Hwang Jung-min has appealed a ruling that fined her 6 million won ($4,480).

According to the Goyang Branch of Uijeongbu District Court, the woman, identified only as A, filed her appeal Thursday after being convicted of violating the Act on Punishment of Stalking Crimes.

A had been a fan of Hwang and met with him several times beginning in 2023, exchanging private messages. When Hwang grew uncomfortable and tried to distance himself, she began contacting him relentlessly. She sent him messages including "Die, die, die" and "I'm going to kill myself," and also reached out to his minor children in an apparent attempt to pressure him.

After Hwang filed a stalking complaint against A in August last year, she countered in February by filing a 200 million won lawsuit against him, claiming he had exploited her by assigning her work including liquor branding and screenplay writing.

Prosecutors had initially sought a summary indictment with a fine of 3 million won, but A rejected the summary proceedings and demanded a formal trial.

Judge Kim Young-a of the Goyang Branch's Criminal Division 4 sentenced A to a fine of 6 million won on Tuesday.

The court found that "given the number and frequency of the text messages, it is recognized that they were sufficient to cause the victim anxiety and fear," and that "the defendant appeared to be aware that the victim did not wish to continue receiving contact."

The court added that "even if there had been a legitimate reason to make contact, the content and frequency of the messages sent exceeded any level that could justify the defendant's conduct."

Meanwhile, the Seoul Central District Court recently issued a court-mediated settlement order in the 200 million won damages suit A filed against Hwang, but both sides rejected it.