Over 500 million in compensation! Famous Korean Actor “Huge Bill from Production Company” Disgusting Trouble

‘Defendant’s appeal is dismissed for lack of further proceedings’

On October 12, the Grand Court of South Korea (equivalent to Japan’s Supreme Court) dismissed the appeal of actor Kang Ji-hwan (45) and his former agency, Jellyfish Entertainment (“Jellyfish”), and ordered them to pay compensation. The total amount was 5.3 billion won (approximately 540 million yen). The drama production company “Studio Santa Claus Entertainment” (hereinafter referred to as “Santa Claus”) had filed a lawsuit demanding the return of the huge sum. What kind of appalling trouble has Kang caused that has even resulted in a court case?

Kang is a famous actor who has appeared in numerous dramas and movies.

After graduating from the prestigious Korea University, he made his debut in 2002 in the musical “The Rocky Horror Show. At first, he had many supporting roles, but when the drama “Ganbare! Geumsun,” in which he played opposite the heroine, became a big hit, recording a 40% viewer rating. The drama was also aired in Taiwan, and Kang quickly became a breakout star. Kang has won many awards, including the Pusan Film Critics Award for Best New Male Actor.

Locked in a room where a woman is sleeping: ……

Kang, who was at the peak of his career as an actor, got into trouble in July 2007. He invited the staff of the drama series “Chosun Ikigoki,” in which he appeared, to a party at his home in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, central South Korea. However, …….

Kang’s home is a three-story mansion. There is even a swimming pool and a hot spring on the roof. On the day of the party, he had been drinking alcohol with several people involved in the event since midday, and two female staff members were drunk. They were sleeping in their room. Kang enters the room where they were sleeping and locks the door. He then had forced sexual intercourse with one and committed indecent acts with the other. ……

The crime was discovered when DNA on the women’s underwear matched Kang’s. Kang was arrested and charged with quasi-rape and quasi-forcible indecency. At trial, he was sentenced to two years and six months in prison, suspended for three years. At the same time, Kang was sentenced to 120 hours of community service and 40 hours of lectures on sexual assault treatment.”

After the incident, Kang dropped out of “Chosun Survival Chronicles,” in which he had appeared, after the 12th episode. The film has a total of 20 episodes. The production company, “Santa Claus,” was forced to film the remaining eight episodes with an understudy.

Both the first and second trial courts upheld “Santa Claus'” claim. Kang and Jellyfish appealed the decision to the Supreme Court, but their appeal was rejected and they were awarded a huge amount of compensation in excess of 500 million yen.

Kang is likely to leave the Korean entertainment industry because he could not curb his own desires.