Translation result
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| Hwang Seok-hee / Photo = tvN You Quiz on the Block |
[Sports Today reporter Lim Si-ryeong] A controversy has erupted after reports that prominent translator Hwang Seok-hee—responsible for Korean translations of numerous films, including Deadpool and Spider-Man—has a history of convictions for sexual offenses.
On the morning of the 30th, Dispatch reported that Hwang was prosecuted and convicted in separate cases: forcible molestation in 2005, and in 2014 on charges of quasi-rape and violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes for filming with a camera.
According to the report, during the 2005 trial Hwang argued he had diminished responsibility due to intoxication, but the court sentenced him to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years. In the 2014 case, the court reportedly took into account his family’s livelihood and his wife’s plea for leniency and imposed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for four years.
Hwang has translated a wide range of international films, including Deadpool, Spider-Man, and Bohemian Rhapsody. He built a distinctive reputation in the industry by producing translations that reflected the cultural tone and trends of their times rather than strictly literal renderings.
Beyond translation, he expanded his public profile through lectures, television appearances, and publishing. Hwang has appeared on tvN’s You Quiz on the Block, MBC’s Omniscient Interfering View, and JTBC’s Return to the First Row, where he discussed his career.
As reports about Hwang’s past sexual offense convictions surfaced, the fallout spread quickly. Archived YouTube clips of his appearances on You Quiz on the Block and Omniscient Interfering View attracted renewed attention, and comment sections filled with a mix of concern and criticism.
The controversy has also affected films associated with him. Hwang recently attended a GV (audience Q&A) event for Project Hail Mary, which he translated. A publicity official told Sports Today that the matter is a “personal issue of the writer,” noting that the GV occurred before the film’s release and that there have been no events discussed or scheduled with translator Hwang since.
Industry observers say Hwang likely worked on the translation for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, scheduled to open on July 31. Distributor Sony Pictures Korea has not issued a response to date.
Following Dispatch’s initial report, Hwang immediately posted on social media that he is reviewing the matter with his lawyers and will seek corrections or take action if the report contains factual inaccuracies, unverified claims, or statements that exceed the scope of legal judgment. The statement suggested he intends to actively clarify any factual errors.
Hwang has closed comments on his personal social media accounts and set posts that previously shared family life to private, aside from the posted statement.
[Sports Today reporter Lim Si-ryeong ent@stoo.com]
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