Translator Hwang Seok-hee has been engulfed in past sexual crime allegations, triggering alarm as the controversy spread from the broadcasting world to the film industry.
Earlier, one outlet reported that Hwang Seok-hee committed sexual crimes three times in total, including in 2005 and 2014. According to the report, in 2005 he molested women near Kangwon National University and used violence against those who tried to stop him, and in 2014 he was prosecuted on charges of attempted rape and illegal filming targeting students at a cultural center and was given a suspended sentence.
In relation to this, Hwang Seok-hee conveyed his position via SNS on the 30th. Hwang Seok-hee said, "I am currently reviewing the facts of the matter with an attorney," and said, "If there are parts of the report that are different from the facts, unconfirmed content, or expressions that go beyond the scope of legal judgment, we will consider corrections and legal action."
Nevertheless, as the controversy surrounding him spread, the programs he appeared on were affected. First, criticism comments mentioning his past record have continued on the VODs of You Quiz on the Block and Omniscient Interfering View. In particular, criticism continues because the episodes he appeared in are still available to watch on the official YouTube channels and OTT platforms. However, tvN is reportedly conducting internal discussions on whether to make the episodes private.
The impact is also spreading to the film industry. Attention has turned to the new project Hail Mary, for which Hwang Seok-hee handled subtitle translation, putting the film unexpectedly at the center of controversy. In response, the Project Hail Mary side said, "We are baffled to have seen the article's content," and drew a line, saying, "Other than holding one Q&A at the time of release, there are no plans for additional collaboration such as marketing or publicity."
In addition, there is interest in whether he will participate in translating upcoming works such as Spider-Man: Brand New Day, but the production team has not issued a separate statement and is maintaining a cautious stance.
Following the broadcasting world, the film industry is also affected. As the fallout from allegations that Hwang Seok-hee committed sexual crimes three times in the past spreads, attention is focused on what responses related works and programs will take in the future. Also, since Hwang Seok-hee said the reports contain "parts that are different from the facts or unconfirmed content," interest is concentrated on the truth.
[photo] SNS
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