Yulhee, formerly of LABOUM and ex-wife of FT Island’s Choi Minhwan, has reignited disputes surrounding the reasons for their divorce. 1 year after their split, she filed a mediation request for custody modification, alimony, and asset division.
Choi Minhwan and Yulhee made headlines in January 2018 when they announced their marriage just four months after confirming their relationship. However, in December 2023, their five-year marriage ended, surprising fans.
Following their divorce, Yulhee revealed that Choi Minhwan had initiated the divorce and explained that she relinquished custody to ensure her children’s financial stability. However, public opinion turned against her after a YouTube video accused her of being the primary cause of their divorce.
In response, Yulhee uploaded a video on her YouTube channel claiming that Choi Minhwan’s visits to adult entertainment establishments were one of the reasons for their divorce, even releasing recorded evidence. She subsequently filed for custody modification, alimony of 100 million KRW (approximately 70,000 USD), and asset division of 1 billion KRW at the Seoul Family Court.
Yulhee’s reversal of the divorce agreement, citing her anger over Choi Minhwan’s alleged actions, garnered sympathy from some. However, Choi Minhwan’s side expressed confusion, questioning her motives.
In an interview with Dispatch, Choi Minhwan revealed that Yulhee had been aware of his visits to such establishments during their marriage. He explained that they had previously fought and reconciled over the issue, and it had not been raised during the divorce proceedings. He found her sudden change of heart one year later puzzling.
Regarding the mediation request, Choi Minhwan’s attorney, Kim Boram, told YTN Star, “If the divorce agreement was validly formed, the lawsuit itself is procedurally flawed, and we view the claims as inadmissible.”
Kim added, “While online criticism may have influenced her decision, we cannot determine her exact reasoning. However, Mr. Choi Minhwan maintained an unusually amicable relationship post-divorce, even providing Yulhee with financial support, which makes these developments unexpected and confusing.”
Attempts to reach Yulhee for clarification were unsuccessful. Her representatives stated through Star News that they would only address the matter in court.
Following Yulhee’s allegations, Choi Minhwan stepped down from “The Return of Superman” and halted all media activities. He also faced accusations of solicitation and spousal assault, but police cleared him due to insufficient evidence.
Kim Boram commented, “The allegations do not constitute valid grounds for asset division or alimony. Moreover, the divorce agreement explicitly stated that no financial settlement would be exchanged.”
Kim also clarified that the property mentioned in Yulhee’s claim had been acquired by Choi Minhwan and his parents before their marriage. Additionally, he emphasized that Choi Minhwan’s primary role as the family’s breadwinner and his commitment to providing for their children were already reflected in the divorce agreement.
On custody, Choi Minhwan remains firm in his desire to raise the children, stating, “I am fully committed to their upbringing.”
The divorce’s contentious nature was further highlighted when Choi Minhwan attributed their marital breakdown to Yulhee’s unusual sleeping habits (18-20 hours a day) and frequent absences (over 20 incidents). Yulhee countered these claims, stating that sleeping 20 hours a day was implausible and that her absences were a response to severe marital discord.
Addressing public criticism, Kim Boram reiterated, “Mr. Choi Minhwan’s comments about her sleeping habits and late returns were part of a broader explanation of their marital issues. It was not a simplistic claim that she slept excessively and that this caused the divorce.”
Kim concluded, “My client has been a devoted father throughout their marriage and after the divorce. It is unfortunate that this dedication has been overshadowed by the current situation.”
Meanwhile, according to Star News, Yulhee remained silent following Choi Minhwan’s revelations. She already prepared an official statement but reportedly told her agency that she did not want to publish it for fear of stimulating public opinion.
In addition, she believed that Choi Minhwan’s one-sided claims were not worth responding to. The video released on her YouTube channel on the 13th was also confirmed to be pre-scheduled content, so it has nothing related to Choi Min-hwan’s revelations. Yulhee’s side stated, “Yulhee wants to focus on the custody only”, adding “In consideration of the children, we decided to discuss these issues in court instead of making official statements”.
Yulhee is reportedly considering taking legal action. She has filed a lawsuit to the Seoul Family Court against Choi Minhwan to request a change in custody, alimony, and property division. According to Article 10 of the Family Litigation Act., cases handled by the Family Court cannot be exposed to the media.
