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Photo = Kim Hee Young |
[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Jisun] Kim Hee-young, the partner of SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and Chair of the T&C Foundation, has deposited 2 billion won (approximately $1.5 million) into the account of Noh So-young, Director of the Art Center Nabi, as alimony.
On the 26th, Noh's representatives stated, "Kim Hee-young deposited what appears to be the judgment amount into Noh So-young’s account today without any prior discussion or notification. We are unsure whether this money is repayment of debt or an advance payment."
The court had previously ruled that Kim Hee-young and Chairman Chey Tae-won's misconduct, the birth of an extramarital child, and Chey's unilateral departure and ongoing separation had fundamentally damaged the trust between Noh and Chey, leading to the breakdown of their marital relationship. As a result, they were obligated to pay alimony.
The appellate court also ruled that Kim Hee-young should share the 2 billion won alimony payment with Chey Tae-won.
Kim Hee-young’s side stated on the day of the ruling, “We apologize once again to Director Noh and will not appeal the decision.”
However, Noh's representatives criticized the deposit, stating, “The alimony was deposited unilaterally by the third party without any prior discussion or notification.”
Noh’s attorney, Lee Sang-won, issued a statement questioning whether Kim Hee-young’s unilateral deposit reflects a perception that paying money is all that matters. He also requested an explanation on how Noh’s personal account information was obtained.
Previously, Noh So-young had filed a lawsuit in March of last year, seeking 3 billion won in alimony, claiming that Kim Hee-young caused the breakdown of her marriage with Chey Tae-won and inflicted severe mental distress.
Chey Tae-won had revealed the existence of an extramarital child born to Kim Hee-young in 2015 and filed for divorce with Noh So-young in July 2017.
The divorce case is now pending before the Supreme Court following an appeal.
In December 2022, the first trial ruled that Chey Tae-won should pay 66.5 billion won in property division and 1 billion won in alimony. However, the appellate court in May ordered Chey to pay 13.8 trillion won in property division and 2 billion won in alimony.
Chey Tae-won has appealed the appellate court's decision, and the Supreme Court allocated the case to its first division on the 21st.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
