"Fiancee Who Cheated Breaks Engagement... Wants to Get Back Luxury Bags and Watches as Compensation"

"Spent a Night with a Colleague," Declares Breakup
"Possible to Claim Compensation for Wedding Preparation Costs"
"Gifts Exchanged During Dating Are Considered Donations... Difficult to Return"

Photo unrelated to the article. Source=Pixabay

A man suffering from a breakup declared by his girlfriend, who said she spent a night with a college classmate, has come to light.

On the 4th, YTN Radio's "Attorney Jo In-seop's Counseling Center" reported the story of Mr. A, who had finished all preparations for marriage but was suddenly broken up with by his girlfriend. According to the report, Mr. A decided to marry his girlfriend, who is three years younger, after a passionate relationship. He booked a wedding hall, rented a jeonse (long-term deposit) house, and even handed out wedding invitations to acquaintances.

However, the girlfriend informed Mr. A, "I unexpectedly spent a night with a college classmate friend recently," and "We met several times afterward. Because of guilt, I cannot go through with this marriage." The man in question was a junior who usually called Mr. A "hyung" (older brother) and was obedient, even congratulating him after receiving the wedding invitation. Mr. A expressed, "I want to know if there is a way to claim damages from my girlfriend and the junior, and if I can get back the luxury bag and watch I bought. Also, I want to know what to do about the cancellation fees I must pay if I give up the wedding hall reservation and the jeonse move-in."

In response, Attorney Jo In-seop explained, "When an engagement is broken off, damages can be claimed from the party at fault. This includes not only financial losses but also mental distress, i.e., consolation money. You can claim the wedding hall reservation fee, honeymoon reservation costs, and the deposit for the new home that may not be refundable." He added, "The male junior can also be held responsible for the broken engagement." However, he noted, "Gifts given during the dating period to win the other person's heart are considered donations, and ownership is transferred to the recipient, so it is difficult to get them back."

Netizens who read the story responded with comments such as, "You should quickly move on and start anew," "It's better to think of it as fortunate to have broken up now," and "It's much better than experiencing this after marriage."