Director Noh Cites Mother's Words, Reveals Difficult Marriage Life on SNS
Controversy Over Violation of Divorce Lawsuit Confidentiality Principle
Previously Disclosed Some Trial Details to Media
Legal Experts Say "Visible Media Play... Not Unrelated to Divorce Lawsuit"
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] No So-young (60), director of Art Center Nabi, who is in a divorce lawsuit with Choi Tae-won (61), chairman of SK Group, expressed her thoughts on married life through social networking services (SNS). However, there are criticisms that No’s stance is a public opinion battle that could influence the lawsuit. Critics argue that in family trials where the cause of divorce is crucial, she is appealing excessively to emotions.
On the 11th, No posted on her Facebook, "Actually, my mother, who does not have many days left, said she was sorry," and publicly mentioned that her marriage with Chairman Choi was not smooth, saying, "I’m sorry for not letting you pursue your own will and confining you only to the house, for telling you to keep waiting for a husband who never comes, and for insisting that a woman’s happiness comes first from the family. You are different from me, but it was my greed."
This is not the first time No has revealed her thoughts to the media regarding the divorce lawsuit. In December 2015, when the discord with Chairman Choi was first made public, No sent a text message to a broadcasting company apologizing for causing trouble due to an unfortunate incident and stating, "Even though it is difficult and hard, I will protect the family," and "I will steadfastly protect the family."
Additionally, No and her close associates expressed through the media that "No is even considering raising an extramarital child herself, taking all of her husband’s faults upon herself to protect the family." Since then, many women have voiced support for No. This has raised concerns that No’s de facto off-court messages inevitably influence the ongoing divorce trial.
No even disclosed parts of the trial. Despite the principle of confidentiality in family trials, revealing court statements externally has led to criticism that the purpose is to lead the trial as a public opinion battle and mislead the public.
On April 7 last year, the Family Division 2 of the Seoul Family Court (Presiding Judge Jeon Yeon-sook) held the first hearing of the divorce lawsuit between Chairman Choi and Director No in the afternoon. At that time, Chairman Choi did not appear, and only No and the legal representatives of both sides attended the court, with the proceedings held privately.
After the trial that day, No remained silent in response to the flood of questions from reporters, but from late at night until the next day, media reports conveyed that No told the court she would withdraw the counterclaim if Chairman Choi returned home.
Chairman Choi’s legal representative criticized No’s response, saying, "Considering the counterclaim, it appears that the defendant (No) is also firmly intent on divorce but is pretending to protect the family in the media. This is merely a public opinion battle exploiting the public’s emotions, with no sincerity at all." He added, "No’s acceptance of children born between Chairman Choi and a cohabitant is not only legally and practically inappropriate but also reflects a completely outdated mindset with no consideration for the parties involved. It is very regrettable that the defendant specifically disclosed statements made in court, which should have been held privately."
Ignoring the confidentiality principle of family trials, No’s continuous public opinion battle by revealing her position through the media and disclosing the difficulties of her marriage with Chairman Choi on her SNS has caused deep concern in the legal community.
A legal insider said, "No’s actions seem closely related to the ongoing divorce and property division lawsuit with Chairman Choi. It appears to be a kind of media play to create a frame that she tried to protect the family while the other party did not. However, whether such visible media play will positively affect the lawsuit remains uncertain."
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