Actress Hwang Jung Eum finds love 5 months after divorce filing from steel tycoon

South Korean actress Hwang Jung Eum. Photo from Hwang's Instagram

The Korea Times reported that a source from Hwang's agency, Y1 Entertainment, confirmed on Monday to Hankook Ilbo that Hwang is currently dating a basketball player.

This announcement came after allegations of romantic ties between Hwang, 40, and the 33-year-old Kim Jong Kyu, who plays for Wonju DB Promy, surfaced, following a report by online media outlet Edaily, which claimed the couple was spotted together on a date. Sources suggest that the pair grew close during a challenging period in Hwang’s life as she navigated her divorce proceedings.

Hwang declared her intent to divorce Lee, with whom she shares two sons, in February this year. The pair got married in 2016 and made a surprise announcement about their separation in September 2020, though they reconciled a year later.

A close friend of Hwang then pointed out that Lee’s alleged affair was a significant factor in their split. However, Lee has yet to make any comments on the matter.

During the divorce process, Hwang claimed that Jo Ha Eun, a contestant from Miss Korea 2020, was involved romantically with Lee. Jo denied knowing Lee and demanded an apology from Hwang, threatening legal action, which led Hwang to apologize.

Hwang has also begun a civil lawsuit to recover 900 million won (US$650,294) from Lee, which she alleges was loaned to him and not returned, according to Korea JoongAng Daily.

Lee, 43, is the CEO of a steel company and is noted for his golfing abilities.

Hwang started her showbiz career as a singer with the group Sugar in 2004. She left the group to embark on a solo career and transitioned to acting in 2005, where she has been lauded for her roles in acclaimed TV dramas such as "High Kick" (Part Two), "East of Eden," "The Master’s Sun," and "Giant."

Her performance in the 2015 series "She Was Pretty" received considerable acclaim. The series was adapted in several Asian countries, including Vietnam and China, as reported by the South Korean digital service Nate.