Yang

Appellant Korea Exchange Bank appeals from the denial of its motion for a deficiency judgment against respondent Myung Hui Yang, also known as Helena Myunghui Yang, following judgment of foreclosure by default. The denial of a deficiency judgment is appealable. (See Ewing v. Richvale Land Co. (1917) 176 Cal. 152, 155 [ 167 P. 876 ].) Appellant contends that “substituted service of a summons and complaint in a foreclosure action is sufficient to secure a deficiency judgment for personal liability.” We reverse.

Respondent has not filed an appellate brief. Judgment was entered against respondent by default. Notice pursuant to rule 17(b), California Rules of Court, was sent to respondent’s last known address (see Cal. Rules of Court, rule 1), but was returned “undeliverable as addressed, forwarding order expired.” Under the circumstances, we do not assume that “the ground urged by appellant for reversing the judgment is meritorious” (People v. Hacker Emporium, Inc. (1971) 15 Cal.App.3d 474, 476-477 [ 93 Cal.Rptr. 132 ]), but rather we “examine the record on the basis of appellant’s brief and . . . reverse only if prejudicial error is found. [Citation.]” (Estate of Maron…