Korean trot singer Han Sook-haeng (한숙행), 47, known professionally as Sook Haeng, rose to prominence after participating in TV Chosun's audition program Miss Trot in 2019, ultimately securing sixth place. However, late last year, she became embroiled in an extramarital affair scandal, accused by a married man's wife of having an illicit relationship with her husband, leading to a lawsuit. The court's ruling has now been revealed, ordering Han Sook-haeng to pay ₩30 million (approximately NT$670,000) to the wife. Following the lawsuit, reports suggest she has moved out of her previous residence and is facing financial difficulties.
The controversy first gained attention late last year when JTBC program Incident Commander received a complaint from a housewife in her 40s, identified as Ms. A. She accused Han Sook-haeng of not only dating her husband but also allegedly cohabiting with him. Ms. A provided the program with CCTV footage, claiming it showed her husband and the singer intimately embracing and kissing in an apartment elevator. She also stated that she had filed a damages lawsuit over the matter.
Ms. A revealed that her husband initially explained their relationship as merely "friends." She had repeatedly warned him that if they continued contact, she would take legal action through her agency. However, she later discovered that the two were allegedly living together.
She alleged that whenever her husband and the singer were together, they engaged in intimate interactions such as hugging and kissing. Before officially sending a certified letter, she gave them one last chance, directly stating, "Give me back my husband." To her surprise, the singer allegedly responded, "I don't possess him at all, why are you doing this? Please stop contacting me," which greatly angered Ms. A.
Ms. A also shared a distressing anecdote at the time, stating that her mother had been a fan of the singer and had cheered for her during the audition program. Learning that her daughter's husband was involved in an illicit relationship with her idol caused her mother immense emotional distress, leading her to faint and be rushed to the emergency room.
As the incident escalated, Han Sook-haeng announced her voluntary withdrawal from the MBN competition program Current King of Songs 3, impacting her entertainment activities.
The court's judgment in this lawsuit has now been officially revealed. According to Korean media reports, the Civil Division 7 of the Seongnam Branch of the Suwon District Court first heard Ms. A's damages lawsuit against Han Sook-haeng in April this year. Ms. A had originally sought ₩100 million (approximately NT$2.24 million) from Han Sook-haeng. Ultimately, the court ordered Han Sook-haeng to pay ₩30 million (approximately NT$670,000) for emotional distress, in addition to bearing the interest incurred from delayed payment.
Regarding the lawsuit, Han Sook-haeng's side argued that she became involved with the married man because he had told her he had already settled his divorce with his wife, including alimony and property distribution. Therefore, she believed at the time that his marriage had ended.
Meanwhile, on September 18, the YouTube channel "Respect Lee Jin Ho" released a video further discussing Han Sook-haeng's recent situation after the lawsuit. The video stated that Han Sook-haeng has reportedly moved out of her previous residence, taking all her personal belongings. According to Han Sook-haeng's side, her current financial situation is extremely tight, with her even describing herself as "just getting by day by day."
From gaining recognition on an audition program to now being embroiled in an extramarital affair lawsuit, Han Sook-haeng's entertainment career has been significantly impacted. With the court's ruling and details of her current living situation coming to light, the incident has once again sparked discussion among Korean netizens.
