[Edaily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] “Joy and Sorrow Issues” is a column that breaks down the week’s entertainment news into “joy” and “sorrow.” <Editor’s Note>

The last week of July was also eventful. Actor Hwang Jung-min was embroiled in allegations regarding his private life and engaged in a battle over the truth with the whistleblower.
There was also some happy news. Actress Moon Geun-young surprised everyone with a surprise marriage announcement. Comedian couple Kim Jun-ho and Kim Ji-min, who had previously revealed they were planning to start a family, announced that they are expecting a child.
◇ Hwang Jung-min Calls Accuser a “Stalker” vs. Accuser Alleges “Exploitation”… Truth Battle Rages On
With Hwang Jung-min embroiled in allegations regarding his private life, both sides have signaled they will take the matter to court. On the 29th of last month, a whistleblower identified as “A” raised allegations of an extramarital affair with Hwang Jung-min via social media, and the allegations spread as they were shared across online communities and social media platforms. A released messages and audio recordings exchanged with a man believed to be Hwang Jung-min, claiming that he had made romantic advances.
In response, Hwang Jung-min’s representatives issued an official statement, stating, “Ms. A is a suspect in a stalking case who has continuously harassed Hwang Jung-min,” and added, “The court has imposed provisional measures, including a restraining order, on the suspect on three separate occasions and issued a summary order fining her 3 million won after acknowledging the stalking charges.”
The distributor and production company of the film *Hope*, starring Hwang Jung-min, also stated, “This is a case in which Hwang Jung-min was a victim of stalking, and legal action has already been taken,” adding, “We are actively considering legal action regarding the negative impact on *Hope* and plan to continue taking strong measures to prevent further harm.”
Meanwhile, Mr. A denied the stalking allegations and signaled his intention to contest the case in court. Regarding Hwang Jung-min’s complaint against him, he stated, “I contest this and assert my innocence, so I have requested a formal trial,” adding, “There is no final guilty verdict.”
Regarding this matter, Mr. A described it as “emotional and sexual exploitation that occurred amid an asymmetry of power, as well as labor exploitation,” and also stated that he is currently pursuing a lawsuit against Hwang Jung-min seeking damages for tortious conduct.

◇ Moon Geun-young Announces Marriage
On the 29th of last month, Moon Geun-young announced her marriage to actor Jeong Pyeong on her social media. She described Jeong Pyeong as “someone with whom I want to walk the path I’ve always walked alone, share the worries I’ve borne alone, and make each other laugh over even the smallest things.”
Moon Geun-young added, “Please offer your congratulations and encouragement rather than your concerns and worries,” and said, “I will return to you in good spirits.”
Moon Geun-young and Jung Pyeong evolved from fellow actors to lovers and have now tied the knot. The couple held a family dinner in lieu of a wedding ceremony.
Moon Geun-young made her debut in 1999 with the film *On the Road*. She went on to appear in the drama *Autumn Fairy Tale* and the film *The Young Bride*, gaining widespread popularity as a child actress, and left her mark with career-defining roles in *The Garden of the Wind*, *Cinderella’s Sister*, and *Hellbound 2*.
Jung Pyeong debuted in 2007 and has continued to perform in musicals and plays.

◇ Sechs Kies’ Ko Ji-yong Announces Divorce
Ko Ji-yong drew attention by revealing on his social media that he had divorced family medicine specialist Heo Yang-im two years ago. He added, “The reason I didn’t disclose this until now was because I wanted to protect my son Seung-jae so he could fully come to terms with the situation and grow up in a stable environment.”
Ko Ji-yong stated, “The divorce was a decision made to respect each other’s paths and fulfill our responsibilities as adults.” He added, “Seung-jae understands the new relationship between his mom and dad, and he is doing well and living a stable life now.”
He said, “I will continue to do my best as a father, and although we have parted ways as a married couple, we support each other and are getting along well,” adding, “Please continue to watch over us with warm support.”
Ko Ji-yong, who debuted in 1997 with the group Sechs Kies, stepped away from the entertainment industry after the group disbanded and has since worked as a businessman. He married Dr. Heo Yang-im in 2013 and welcomed their son, Seung-jae, the following year. Ko Ji-yong also appeared on KBS2’s “The Return of Superman” with his son, sharing their daily life as a family.

◇Kim Ji-min ♥ Kim Jun-ho to Become Parents
Kim Ji-min and Kim Jun-ho personally announced the pregnancy news via social media on the 30th of last month. Kim Ji-min expressed her excitement, saying, “A beautiful life has come to my little belly.” Kim Jun-ho drew attention by sharing an ultrasound photo along with the message, “A little miracle that came to us like a fairy tale. Let’s meet my beloved wife and our baby in good health.”
Their agency, JDB Entertainment, confirmed, “It is true that Kim Ji-min is pregnant,” adding, “She is currently 12 weeks along and is due to give birth early next year.”
Kim Jun-ho and Kim Ji-min officially confirmed their relationship in April 2022 and married in July 2025 after dating for three years. The couple had also revealed their plans to have children on numerous TV shows.