Top Korean Actress Files for Divorce Just Over a Week After Wedding After Allegedly Being Assaulted by Husband and Abandoned on the Street
The public was left in shock after images showing severe injuries of a once-beloved Korean actress surfaced, revealing the brutal domestic violence she allegedly suffered at the hands of her husband.
Who Drove Actress Lee Min Young to Such a Tragic Fate?
Lee Min Young rose to nationwide fame as one of South Korea’s most adored actresses following the massive success of the classic medical drama Brothers of the Doctor (Doctors’ Brothers). Alongside her impressive acting career, her marriage to fellow actor Lee Chan once attracted intense public attention and discussion.
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Few could have imagined that a beloved “pure image” actress of Korean showbiz would end up in such a devastating situation.
Lee Min Young married Lee Chan in 2006 after the two worked together in the TV drama Precious Family (2004). At the time, they were regarded as a well-matched on-screen couple who enjoyed strong support from viewers. Many believed their real-life romance would have a fairy-tale ending similar to their drama. However, reality proved far from glamorous.
In an exclusive interview with Korean media about 20 years ago, Lee Min Young revealed that Lee Chan had assaulted her several times even before their wedding. Despite this, she believed he would change and treat her better after marriage, which led her to go through with the wedding. Tragically, her trust was betrayed when the abuse reportedly continued after they began living together as husband and wife.
Assault in the Car and a Devastating Loss
The heartbreaking incident reportedly occurred inside a car, following an argument over renovations to their newlywed home. Lee Min Young stated that Lee Chan kicked her in the stomach, forcibly dragged her out of the car, and abandoned her alone on the roadside.
As a result of the violent assault, Lee Min Young suffered a miscarriage. The abuse also left her with a broken nose and severe bruising across her face, shocking the public when photos of her injuries were revealed. Just 12 days after their wedding, Lee Min Young immediately filed for divorce, putting an end to the short-lived marriage.
Amid the controversy, Lee Chan held a press conference denying claims that he kicked his wife or dragged her out of the car. However, he admitted to physically assaulting her, stating:
“We slapped each other during an argument. I never assaulted my wife without reason.”
Not long after, text messages allegedly sent by Lee Chan surfaced, in which he expressed deep remorse for his actions and apologized for causing Lee Min Young to lose her unborn child:
“I will never do it again. I promise. Please forgive me just once. Min Young, it was all my fault. My heart is broken. I’m sorry, Min Young.”
Following these revelations, public trust in Lee Chan collapsed completely, and he faced widespread backlash across online forums and media platforms.
Legal Consequences and Career Fallout
In January 2008, Lee Chan was indicted without detention for assaulting Lee Min Young. He was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended, along with 240 hours of community service.
In its ruling, the court stated:
“The defendant admitted to assaulting the victim seven times over the course of seven months during their dating period and de facto marriage. He continued the abuse even after the victim became pregnant, resulting in a broken nose and other injuries. The nature of the crime is extremely serious.”
The scandal dealt a devastating blow to Lee Chan’s career. He suspended all activities for nearly five years before returning briefly to television in 2011. From 2011 to 2016, he was only cast in minor supporting roles, and has since disappeared from the entertainment industry. Lee Chan reportedly remarried in February 2010 and has one son.
Lee Min Young’s Painful Comeback
As for Lee Min Young, it took her five years to return to acting after the traumatic incident. However, upon her comeback, she was cast in a leading role in the drama Fermentation Family, marking a strong return to the screen. Since then, she has continued to take on major roles and maintain public support.
Last year, Lee Min Young received praise for her performance in Korea–Khitan War, once again proving her acting prowess. Regarding her personal life, she has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationship and remains single at the age of 50.
