The team behind the film "HOPE" has announced that it will take strong, company-level action against an individual who raised privacy suspicions regarding actor Hwang Jung-min.
On the 29th, "HOPE" investment and distribution company Plus M Entertainment and production company Forged Film stated in a joint press release, "We express strong regret regarding the recent issue," and emphasized, "This matter is already a case where actor Hwang Jung-min suffered stalking damage and legal action has already been taken."
They continued, "However, regarding this, individual A has been causing damages amounting to business obstruction, such as sending maliciously edited contents to both companies and partner companies of 'HOPE', and repeatedly uploading and deleting posts slandering the actor and the movie through social media." They added, "They even showed movements trying to disrupt the smooth sailing of the film during the preparation period for its release as well as the section hitting box office inflection points," mentioning the damage situation.
Both companies stated regarding future measures, "This is not only an act that strikes a blow to the overall business of 'HOPE', but also an act that maliciously damages the efforts and honor of the people who worked hard for the film. We define this as intentional harm against 'HOPE' and will respond strongly. Both companies are actively reviewing legal measures for the fact that it had a negative impact on 'HOPE', and plan to continue strong responses to prevent additional damages."
Recently, individual A caused a stir by releasing messages and recording files presumed to have been shared with Hwang Jung-min on social media.
Hwang Jung-min's agency, Sam Company, released an official statement on the afternoon of the 29th, stating, "The writer of malicious posts related to Hwang Jung-min is a stalking crime suspect who has continuously harassed Hwang Jung-min," and added, "We filed a criminal complaint against the writer last year."
The agency explained, "The court imposed provisional measures such as restraining orders on the suspect on three occasions, and acknowledged the stalking charges, issuing a summary order of a 3 million won fine." They also stated, "We plan to take additional legal measures regarding the maliciously edited posts."
Hwang Jung-min has been meeting audiences through the film "HOPE", which was released on the 15th.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)