A Secret Divorce in a Single Day, Marriage, Romance, and Affair Rumors... A Staggering 'July Ghost Story' [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

At this point, it has become a "July ghost story." A secret divorce, followed by marriage announcements, romance disclosures, and even affair rumors. All these shocking scandals erupted within a single day, turning the entertainment world upside down.

Even in an entertainment industry known for constant turmoil, one might wonder if there has ever been a day when such major incidents involving Suga unfolded so rapidly. On the 29th, Ko Ji-yong, a member of the first-generation idol group Sechs Kies, opened the shocking chapter by revealing that he had secretly divorced two years ago. Ko married family medicine specialist Heo Yang-im in 2013 and welcomed a son the following year. The family's appearance on KBS 2TV’s parenting variety show "The Return of Superman" from 2017 for about two years, showcasing their harmonious daily life, only deepened the public's shock.

Regarding his reason for announcing the divorce after two years, Ko stated directly, "I wanted to protect my son, Seung-jae, ensuring he could fully accept the situation and grow up stably." He added, "The decision to divorce was made out of mutual respect for each other's paths and as adults fulfilling our responsibilities. Seung-jae understands and is getting along well with his parents' new relationship. As a father, I will do my best. Although we have parted ways as a couple, we continue to support and get along well with each other."

Following this, news broke of actress Moon Geun-young's secret marriage. The wedding ceremony was replaced by a simple meal attended only by family members.

The groom was 1980-born Jeong Pyeong, seven years older than the 1987-born Moon Geun-young. Jeong Pyeong is also an actor who has performed on musical and theater stages. He had previously worked with Moon Geun-young multiple times. It is reported that he was part of the creative group Bachi, which Moon Geun-young led as a director, and he also appeared in the 2019 tvN drama "Ghost Catcher," starring Moon Geun-young.

On the 29th, Moon Geun-young posted a handwritten message on her SNS expressing her feelings about the marriage. She wrote, "I am getting married. I have met someone with whom I want to walk the path we used to walk alone, share the times we spent worrying by ourselves, and make each other laugh over even the smallest things. We now wish to fill our future lives together as two people rather than one."

Following Moon Geun-young's announcement on this day, another pink-hued scandal was reported. Basketball player Lee Gwan-hee and Miss Korea contestant Yu Si-eun revealed their romantic relationship. The two became known to the public through the 2023 Netflix dating reality show "Single's Inferno 3." Although they appeared together in the program and were not paired as a final couple, they developed a friendship after the broadcast and eventually grew into lovers.

Lee Gwan-hee and Yu Si-eun released photos of themselves as a couple, stating, "Today, we wish to personally share some happy news regarding the two of us. For a long time, amidst the warm attention from many people, we have quietly taken time to get to know each other. Now, we would like to express our sincere feelings directly to everyone. Going forward, we plan to cherish and support each other while nurturing a beautiful love."

While these surprising incidents continued, they were merely a prelude to what followed. The national actor Hwang Jung-min, in his 32nd year since debut, was suddenly hit by "affair allegations." A certain individual (referred to as Person A) recently posted mobile messenger messages and call recordings on SNS, raising suspicions of an affair with Hwang Jung-min. The claims spread rapidly. According to Person A's assertions, he first met Hwang Jung-min in August 2023 and maintained contact several times until the end of 2024. During this period, Person A claimed that Hwang Jung-min engaged in inappropriate behavior, including making sexual remarks toward him.

However, Hwang Jung-min drew a clear line against Person A, labeling them as "a suspect in stalking crimes who has continuously harassed him." On the 29th, Hwang's agency, Sam Company, issued an official statement: "Hwang Jung-min has filed a criminal complaint against Person A. The court has imposed temporary measures, including prohibitions on contact, three times against the suspect (Person A), and issued a summary order imposing a fine of 3 million won after acknowledging the stalking allegations."

In response, Hwang Jung-min proceeded with his scheduled stage greeting for the film "Hope" (directed by Na Hong-jin) on this day, directly confronting the personal life allegations.

Plus M Entertainment, the investment and distribution company for "Hope," and production company Forged Films also voiced their strong regret and support for Hwang Jung-min. They stated, "This matter involves Hwang Jung-min suffering from stalking, for which legal measures have already been taken. However, Person A has maliciously used edited content to send emails to both companies and partners of 'Hope,' repeatedly uploading and deleting posts on SNS that defame the actor and the film, causing disruptions to business operations. Furthermore, during the preparation period for release and at a critical turning point in box office performance, there were attempts to hinder the film's progress. Plus M Entertainment and Forged Films hereby declare that they regard these actions as intentional harm against 'Hope' and will respond strongly. Both companies are actively considering legal action regarding facts that have negatively impacted 'Hope' and will continue with firm measures to prevent further damage."

Meanwhile, Person A told StarNews, "I saw the official statement released by Hwang Jung-min's side. Regardless, it is true that a 3 million won fine was imposed, and I am currently contesting multiple cases in formal court proceedings." He added, "Hwang Jung-min's side likely has nothing else to say at this point. The only thing they can do now is push the narrative as far as possible (portraying me as a stalking criminal)."

The civil lawsuit for damages between Hwang Jung-min and Person A will proceed with a mediation session scheduled for August 14. Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 42 issued a decision to refer the case to mediation in June regarding Person A's lawsuit seeking 200 million won in damages against Hwang Jung-min. Both parties are expected to meet at the mediation session on August 14.

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*This content was translated by AI.