Trot singer Sook-haeng (47, real name Han Sook-haeng), who announced her return to solo performances while denying allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a married man, has lost the first trial in a damages lawsuit filed by the man's wife.
The 7th Civil Division of the Suwon District Court's Seongnam Branch held a sentencing hearing on the damages lawsuit filed against Sook-haeng by A, the wife of the married man involved in the affair rumors, and ruled partially in favor of the plaintiff.
Previously, the informant A appeared on JTBC's "Crime Chief" broadcast on December 29 of last year, claiming that her husband was having an affair with Sook-haeng and had left home to live with her. A also released a video showing Sook-haeng and her husband having physical contact in an elevator, which caused widespread controversy.
At the time, Sook-haeng expressed her frustration, explaining, "I started the relationship believing that the marriage had practically broken down and only the legal finalization steps remained. I was told that the division of property and settlement of damages were all completed." She added, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern through personal matters," announced her departure from MBN's "The Best K-Trot Singer 3" where she was appearing, and emphasized that she would set the facts straight through legal action.
However, with this first-instance ruling, the court recognized Sook-haeng's liability for the wrongful act and the breakdown of the marriage, meaning her previously expressed claims of injustice were not accepted.
Meanwhile, Sook-haeng, who had suspended her activities, has scheduled a solo concert titled "A Special Time with Fans, Returning with Song" for September 30 at Arte Seoul Muse Hall in Mok-dong, Seoul. She reportedly shared her intention, saying, "I will greet you with songs rather than words. I am standing on stage again with the mindset I had when I first started singing."
As the first-instance court recognized liability for the wrongful act, attention is focused on how Sook-haeng will present herself to fans at this concert, marking her return to the stage after nine months.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)