Broadcaster Kim Byeong-man divorced his ex-wife Ms. A and subsequently renounced the adoption of his ex-wife's daughter, Ms. B. Ms. B gained attention for testifying in favor of Kim Byeong-man during the divorce proceedings against Ms. A, but what is the reason for the renunciation?
Kim Byeong-man registered his marriage with a non-celebrity woman, Ms. A, in 2011 and later adopted Ms. B as his child. However, after more than 10 years of separation, Kim Byeong-man announced their marital breakdown in 2023.
In the process of the divorce news being conveyed, Ms. A claimed through a media outlet that she had been subject to habitual domestic violence by Kim Byeong-man during their marriage and has been transferred to prosecutors through a criminal complaint. On the other hand, Kim Byeong-man's side rebutted that although Ms. A claimed habitual domestic violence during the divorce proceedings, it was not accepted, and regarding the criminal complaint, the police indicated a decision not to indict concerning the assault charges, which was also sent to prosecutors.
Among these, Ms. B, who was adopted by Kim Byeong-man as a child during the marriage registration, stated something different than Ms. A's claims. Ms. A put forth that Ms. B had witnessed the assault scene four times and presented her as a witness, but in the fact confirmation statement submitted by Ms. B to the family court, she said, "He (Kim Byeong-man) truly did his best for me. He raised me so well and bestowed me with great love and grace for a long time. Kim Byeong-man is truly a grateful person." Ultimately, Kim Byeong-man was exonerated from all charges by the prosecutors.
Though Ms. B testified on behalf of Ms. A, she made favorable statements for Kim Byeong-man. What could be the reason for Ms. B's renunciation? Kim Byeong-man filed for the renunciation of custody of Ms. B twice during the initiation of the divorce proceedings, but lost due to Ms. B's unwillingness. In response, Ms. A proposed a settlement indicating that she would provide a renunciation consent form on the condition that Kim Byeong-man would not receive property division (1.8 billion won), but Kim Byeong-man rejected this.
And in April, Kim Byeong-man announced his remarriage to a younger non-celebrity woman, filing a third lawsuit for the renunciation of custody of Ms. B. Among this, Ms. B suddenly filed a petition for "confirmation of biological relationship existence" with the Seoul Family Court right before the scheduled verdict date. This was due to the assertion that Kim Byeong-man had fathered two children with another woman while his marriage to Ms. A was maintained, implying a high probability of them being illegitimate children.
Ms. B reportedly requested a gene test order from the court, stating, "I have a significant interest in these matters related to inheritance." In response, Kim Byeong-man's side explained that these children were born after the collapse of the marriage with Ms. A, with his current fiancée.
Ultimately, in the renunciation lawsuit verdict held on the 8th, the court ruled in favor of Kim Byeong-man. Kim Byeong-man's side stated, "Ms. B's unfounded accusations resulted in the renunciation." After three attempts, Kim Byeong-man successfully severed all ties with Ms. A.
Meanwhile, Kim Byeong-man will hold his wedding with his younger non-celebrity fiancée on Sept. 20.
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