Six years after her divorce from Lee Dong-gun (이동건), South Korean actress Jo Yoon-hee (조윤희) has for the first time publicly discussed her feelings at the time. She admitted to being not only shocked but also fearful for her future when facing such a major life decision, especially worrying that the divorce might affect her career. Her candid remarks prompted fellow actress Hwang Jung-eum (황정음), who was present, to offer comfort, drawing significant attention to their conversation.
Hwang Jung-eum's YouTube channel recently released a new video featuring Jo Yoon-hee and Shim Yi-young (심이영) having a casual meal of grilled prawns. What started as a relaxed dinner unexpectedly turned into a discussion about past marriages. Hwang Jung-eum first mentioned her shock upon hearing the news of Jo Yoon-hee's divorce. Jo Yoon-hee then confessed, "I was very shocked myself," revealing that it was an equally immense impact on her life at the time.
Hwang Jung-eum then commented on Jo Yoon-hee's strength, noting that divorce is not an easy decision for an actress. She highlighted the harsh reality of the entertainment industry, admitting, "There's also the fear that your livelihood might immediately disappear." This implied that female actresses not only face marital changes but also external scrutiny and pressure regarding their careers and work.
Jo Yoon-hee deeply resonated with this, stating, "Yes, I was afraid." She also confessed that she had never imagined herself capable of making such a brave decision, remarking, "I didn't know I was this brave."
Hwang Jung-eum suggested that rather than being strong, Jo Yoon-hee is truly courageous, expressing support for her choice. Discussing Jo Yoon-hee's life raising her daughter, Na-ya (나야), alone, Hwang Jung-eum openly praised her, saying it was truly remarkable how well she managed to care for her child by herself.
Recalling Jo Yoon-hee and Lee Dong-gun's marriage, the couple met and fell in love while working on the KBS drama "The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop." They married in 2017 and had a daughter. However, the marriage lasted only about three years, with the couple announcing their divorce in 2020. After the divorce, their daughter has primarily been raised by Jo Yoon-hee, who continues her acting career, striving to balance work and parenting.
Now, six years later, Jo Yoon-hee finally speaking about her fears and struggles during the divorce reveals that behind the glamorous image of an actress, there are real-world pressures and anxieties when making major life choices.
Separately, five years after his divorce, Lee Dong-gun was embroiled in dating rumors last May with actress Kang Hae-rim (강해림), who is 16 years his junior. The two were reportedly seen openly dating on the streets with almost no attempts to conceal themselves, not only taking intimate strolls but also photographed on a leisurely coffee date. There were even reports that Lee Dong-gun had introduced Kang Hae-rim as his girlfriend to acquaintances, causing the romance rumors to spread widely at the time.
