Trot singer Sook Haeng has announced her departure from MBN’s 'THE BEST K-Trot SINGER' amid allegations that she was involved in an extramarital affair with a married man.
On December 30, Sook Haeng uploaded a handwritten apology letter to her Instagram, expressing remorse over the recent controversy. In the letter, she wrote, “I sincerely apologize for causing concern due to personal matters that have recently come to light.”
She continued by stating that she would withdraw from the program she was currently appearing on to prevent further harm, adding, “I will step down from the program so that it does not suffer any additional damage.” Sook Haeng also apologized to her fellow contestants and production staff, saying she deeply regretted causing trouble to those who were dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to the competition. She pledged to reflect thoroughly on her actions and return with a greater sense of responsibility.
The controversy stems from a broadcast on December 29 of JTBC’s 'Crime Chief,' in which a woman in her 40s alleged that her husband had an affair with a well-known trot singer. The woman claimed that her husband left home after becoming involved with Sook Haeng, leaving behind two adolescent children.
While both the husband and Sook Haeng reportedly insisted they were “just friends,” the wife stated that after she sent a legal notice in late September, Sook Haeng contacted her directly and asked for understanding. The program also released CCTV footage allegedly showing the husband and Sook Haeng hugging, kissing, and holding hands—behavior that suggested a romantic relationship.
In her statement, Sook Haeng neither explicitly admitted nor denied the allegation of being an “other woman.” Instead, she said, “All facts will be clarified through proper legal procedures.” She also urged the public and media to refrain from spreading unverified information, warning that excessive or unnecessary reporting could cause irreparable harm to herself, her family, and the programs she participated in.
Meanwhile, Sook Haeng addressed the allegations through 'Crime Chief,' maintaining that she was misled. She explained that she began the relationship believing the man’s marriage had already broken down, claiming he assured her that he and his wife had agreed to divorce and had settled matters such as property division and alimony. She stated that she trusted him enough to introduce him to her parents as a future spouse and believed they would marry once legal procedures were finalized.
According to Sook Haeng, she ended the relationship immediately after learning that his claims were not true and personally reached out to the wife to offer a sincere apology. She emphasized that she does not intend to avoid legal responsibility, stating that she plans to appoint a lawyer, submit a response in the civil lawsuit, and fully cooperate with legal proceedings. She also announced plans to pursue legal action, including a claim for damages, against the man whom she accused of deceiving her and causing the situation.
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