As Choi Jun-hee, the daughter of the late actress Choi Jin-sil, received the Rising Star Award at the Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards, rumors of discord have been brought to light again because she left out her maternal grandmother in her acceptance speech.

Choi Jun-hee received the Rising Star Award at the 32nd Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards on the 10th.

Afterwards, Choi Jun-hee shared her acceptance speech on her Instagram. Choi Jun-hee said, “I am truly honored to receive such a wonderful award. I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go, but I am grateful that you have seen my sincerity and passion. I will continue to show you my own unique growth in the future. I dedicate this honor to all my fans who raised me with love and to all who have supported me.”

Choi Jun-hee continued, “The person I want to thank first is my aunt who raised me like a mother. I am where I am today thanks to her deep love and devotion to me. “My aunt, who has always loved me whenever I had a hard time, is the greatest support in my life and the reason for my life,” she said, giving glory to her aunt.

She continued, “My boyfriend who has always silently stayed by my side, my older brother who silently cheered me on from behind, and my aunts (Hong) Jin-kyung, (Jo) Seong-ah, and (Eom) Jeong-hwa who loved me and kept their loyalty to my mother until the end, I think all of these people have made me who I am. I hope that we all shine in our own places, and that those lights come together to brighten up the greater world. I‘m truly grateful for this year,“ he added.


Choi Jun-hee mentioned all of her family and acquaintances in her acceptance speech, but she drew attention by leaving out her maternal grandmother.

Meanwhile, Choi Jun-hee became the center of controversy after reporting her maternal grandmother, Ms. Jeong, to the police for trespassing after she visited her older brother Choi Hwan-hee’s house. Ms. Jeong was taken to the Seocho Police Station in Seoul and questioned as a suspect.

Afterwards, Choi Jun-hee declared that she would ‘hold her legal responsibility’, claiming that Ms. Jeong had continuously committed domestic violence, including verbal abuse and discrimination, and had also embezzled her assets.

Choi Jun-hee‘s older brother Choi Hwan-hee explained that Ms. Jeong had faithfully fulfilled her role as a parent, and that she had transparently disclosed her assets after her siblings became adults, and apologized, saying, “It is all my responsibility as the head of the household.”

Afterwards, Choi Jun-hee deleted all of the posts exposing Ms. Jeong, submitted a petition for non-punishment, and bowed her head, saying, “I want to come see you in person and apologize.”

Kim Seung-hyun, Donga.com reporter tmdgus@donga.com