Inside Stories of Celebrity Couples, from Lee Dong-gun & Jo Yoon-hee to Kang Kyung-joon & Jang Shin-young
On the September 20th episode of tvN’s “Free Doctor” (airs every Friday at 9am) , the topic of Lee Dong-gun & Jo Yoon-hee and Kang Kyung-joon & Jang Shin-young’s divorces, couples who met through dramas and became real-life partners, was covered.
Lee Dong-gun and Jo Yoon-hee met while working together on the KBS drama “The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop” and publicly revealed their relationship in February 2017 after the drama ended. 3 months later, they registered their marriage and welcomed a daughter in December of the same year, forming a family swiftly. However, in May 2020, they announced their divorce, which shocked many.
MC Lee Ji-hye expressed her surprise, saying, “They were one of the most beautiful couples in the entertainment industry. What was the reason behind that decision?”
Entertainment journalist Kim Ji-hyun explained, “The couple issued a statement through their agencies announcing their divorce, but unlike other stars’ divorce statements, their announcement did not include the reason for their split.”
Journalist Kim went on to add, “Recently, Jo Yoon-hee hinted at the reasons behind the divorce during a broadcast appearance. She said, ‘I thought divorce would never be an option for me when I got married, but the reality of my marriage wasn’t what I had dreamed of. After much consideration, I realized that divorce was the only solution. Trust is key in a family, and I could no longer trust my partner.'”
Journalist Kim further revealed, “After the divorce, Jo Yoon-hee said she cried a lot but accepted that this was part of the process of meeting her daughter, Roma. She shared how focusing on her daughter gave her strength, and she’s now living for her child, choosing to prioritize her over work.”
In addition, the show delved into the circumstances surrounding actor Kang Kyung-joon and his wife, Jang Shin-young. MC Oh Sang-jin mentioned, “Many people were shocked when Kang Kyung-joon became involved in an unfortunate situation at the end of last year.”
A reporter explained, “In January 2024, it was reported that Kang Kyung-joon was sued for damages by a man claiming Kang Kyung-joon had an affair with his wife, referred to as A. The accuser alleged that Kang Kyung-joon approached his wife despite knowing she was married, filing a claim for damages amounting to 50 million won. Kang Kyung-joon’s side responded by saying there was a misunderstanding, but during this time, discussions about renewing his contract with his agency were halted, and Kang Kyung-joon even shut down his social media accounts, fueling the rumors.”
When Oh Sang-jin asked if this meant Kang Kyung-joon had admitted to the allegations, journalist Ahn explained, “Recognition of the claim means the defendant acknowledges the plaintiff’s demand as valid. Essentially, the court accepted all of the plaintiff’s claims.”
Reporter Choi Jung-ah continued, “After maintaining silence for a long time, Kang Kyung-joon finally spoke up. He said, ‘Although I had considered pursuing further legal action, I decided to bear the misunderstandings and criticisms as they stemmed from my own shortcomings.'”
Jang Shin-young also expressed her thoughts on social media, saying, “I apologize for causing disappointment. I’ve spent the past days lost in a dark tunnel, but in the midst of it all, I heard my child’s voice and realized I needed to protect them. The most difficult part has been for the children, and as a parent, I can only feel endlessly sorry.”
Source: Daum