SEOUL - SOUTH Korea's Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that adultery should remain a crime, rejecting a petition from a top actress who said the decades-old law infringes individuals' rights.

A court spokesman confirmed the ruling but gave no immediate details. It was the fourth time that the court had refused to overturn the 54-year-old law.

Actress Ok So Ri filed her petition in February, saying the law infringes the right of individual choice in sexual relations. Three similar petitions were also before the court.

Ok, 39, is awaiting trial for adultery after her actor husband Park Chul sued her and two men for allegedly having affairs with her.

She admitted having an affair with a pop singer but put the blame for her loveless marriage on Park.

Her petition rekindled debate over whether adultery should be a criminal offence, punishable by up to two years in jail.

Some women's groups contend the law must be maintained to protect female rights in a traditionally male-dominated society.

Critics say the law breaches an individual's right to sexual choice and has become outdated.

Court data show the number of people jailed for adultery has declined sharply over the years. Last year only 47 people were jailed while 592 were given suspended sentences.