The Seoul High Court has overturned the first-instance ruling concerning allegations of an affair involving Choi Jung-won.
According to a press release from attorney Noh Jong-eon of Law Firm Jonja, legal representative for Party A in the case, the appellate court ruled on September 19 that the relationship between Party A and Choi Jung-won did not constitute an act of adultery. Furthermore, the court determined that the primary responsibility for the marital breakdown lay with the husband’s coercive behavior.
Previously, the first-instance court had judged the meetings between Party A and Choi Jung-won as “adulterous conduct” and held Party A largely responsible for the failure of the marriage. However, the appellate court reversed this decision.
The appellate ruling stated:
“It is difficult to recognize that Party A and Choi Jung-won engaged in conduct that violated marital fidelity to the extent of constituting ‘unfaithful acts’ under Article 840, Paragraph 1 of the Civil Code, or that such acts caused the dissolution of the marriage. Rather, the marital breakdown resulted from the husband’s consistent coercive behavior during efforts to resolve arising conflicts.”
Attorney Noh Jong-eon emphasized the impact of the first-instance ruling on Party A:
“Following the first-instance judgment, Party A endured severe social stigma as an ‘adulteress,’ suffering immense personal and professional hardship. Her health deteriorated, making it difficult to continue working, and she continues to fight serious health issues while caring for her child.”
He added that since the Supreme Court generally does not reassess factual findings, the Seoul High Court’s decision is likely to serve as the de facto final judgment.
Noh Jong-eon further requested the media to correct past reports suggesting that Choi Jung-won and Party A had an affair:
“It is our sincere hope that media outlets rectify the factual record, acknowledging that the higher court has found no evidence of adultery, and that Party A’s reputation and social standing can begin to be restored.”
Sources: Naver
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