Yulhee Insists She’s Not a Mother Who Abandoned Children in New Statement Amid Divorce Battle
In the April 19 premiere of MBN’s new variety show “Run for Your Life” (literal translation, original title “뛰어야 산다”), Yulhee appeared as one of the cast members, marking a rare TV appearance amid her highly publicized divorce battle with FT Island’s Choi Minhwan. Introduced with the segment title “My Name is Yulhee,” her lawyer Yang Soyeong promptly added, “I’m Yulhee’s lawyer. We have a trial coming up soon.”
Getting candid, Yulhee revealed the toll her recent life changes have taken, stating, “Marriage, childbirth, and divorce—last year was the hardest of my life. I can handle most things, but every time someone talks about my kids, it breaks my heart. The kids weren’t abandoned. I didn’t abandon them. The truth is, they have parents who love them.”
Reflecting on her decision to run a marathon, Yulhee said, “I haven’t moved on from the past yet. But if I can finish this marathon, maybe I can tell myself I’ve made it through the hard times. I want to welcome this new chapter in my life and live proudly as Kim Yulhee, a 29-year-old mom. I feel like I’m finally starting to find myself again.”
Not only did she complete the marathon, but she also stunned everyone by ranking 1st among female runners and 3rd overall out of 100 participants. “I wanted to push past my limits,” she said after crossing the finish line.
Yulhee and Choi Minhwan married in 2018 and share three children—one son and twin daughters. In December 2023, they officially divorced, with Minhwan receiving full custody and parental rights. But the case took a dark turn when Yulhee, in October 2023, accused her ex-husband of frequenting adult entertainment establishments and sexually harassing her in front of his parents. While police later cleared him due to insufficient evidence, netizens filed complaints against him for violating anti-prostitution and sexual assault laws.
Now, Yulhee has taken legal action for alimony, asset division, and a re-evaluation of custody rights. Meanwhile, Choi Minhwan maintains that the divorce was driven by Yulhee’s erratic sleeping habits, frequent runaways, and alleged child neglect.
Most recently, another former LABOUM member, Yujeong revealed details about Yulhee’s secret relationship and premarital pregnancy, drawing attention.
