Choi Jung-won Faces Prosecution Over Stalking Allegations
Choi Jung-won, a former member of the K-pop duo UN, has officially been referred to prosecutors amid serious allegations of stalking his ex-girlfriend, as confirmed by police reports on Wednesday. The allegations stem from an incident that took place on August 16, when Choi reportedly visited the home of a woman he once dated.
Details of the Allegations
The Seoul Jungbu Police Station has deemed that Choi’s actions violated South Korea’s anti-stalking legislation. During the visit in question, he allegedly exhibited threatening behavior following the breakup. Following this, law enforcement sought and were granted an emergency restraining order to protect the victim, which forbids Choi from approaching her within a 100-meter radius. The order also bars him from contacting her via phone or electronic means.
Choi’s Response to the Incident
In a recent media interview, Choi remarked, “This happened as I was in the process of breaking up with my current girlfriend, ”and noted that he had conveyed his perspective during the police investigation. Initial reports suggested that Choi arrived at the victim’s home armed; however, he has denied these claims, insisting he only hinted at self-harm during a heated argument after the breakup and rejecting the notion of wielding a weapon.
Legal Repercussions for Stalking Violations
The emergency restraining order against Choi implements a legal safeguard aimed at preventing continued harassment or threats to the victim. In South Korea, violating such orders can result in significant legal consequences, including imprisonment for up to one year or financial penalties as high as 10 million won (approximately $6, 800).
Choi Jung-won’s Background
Choi Jung-won rose to fame in 2000 as part of the music duo UN alongside Kim Jung-hoon. After the duo disbanded in 2005, he transitioned into acting and has since maintained a presence in the entertainment industry.
Previous Controversies
This latest issue is not the first legal battle Choi has faced. In 2023, he was embroiled in a civil lawsuit for allegedly having an affair with a married woman, leading her husband to seek damages. Choi has denied these allegations and has since countersued, resulting in an ongoing legal conflict.
Ongoing Investigation
The police investigation regarding the stalking allegations is still underway, with prosecutors currently evaluating the submitted evidence to determine the next steps in the case.
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