(OSEN)

Former congressman Kang Yong-suk, who hosts various entertainment programs including tvN’s “Wednesday Food Talk,” has been indicted on a charge of alleged adultery with an online blogger.

Kang did not show up at the prerecording of the show, which took place on Wednesday.

“Kang Yong-suk was not able to appear on the show Wednesday, due to his private schedule,” said a staff member of tvN on Thursday, on condition of anonymity, adding that nothing had been decided upon his withdrawal.

The plaintiff, the blogger's husband, claimed that the two stayed together in Hong Kong last year, which led to his family’s breakdown. However, the 45-year-old defendant consistently denied the allegation, saying he has never been to China’s autonomous city. The local media outlet, however, recently unearthed Kang’s overseas travel history and confirmed that his stay in Hong Kong overlaps with that of the accused woman.

The plaintiff thus filed a damage suit for 100 million won ($86,000) against Kang for adultery.

A court hearing, which neither of the litigant parties attended, was held on July 22 at Seoul’s family court, according to judicial officials.

Kang, who is also a lawyer himself, was expelled from the Grand National Party, the precursor to the ruling conservative Saenuri Party, due to his inappropriate remarks about women.

By Ko Ji-seon (jiseonko@heraldcorp.com)