Actor Hwang Jung-eum decided to end her marriage of eight years with former professional golfer Lee Young-don.

Hwang’s agency Y1 Entertainment confirmed the news first reported by media outlet The Fact on Thursday, adding that “Hwang has indeed filed for divorce as she feels she can no longer stay married [to Lee].” Though the agency said it cannot reveal the reason, The Fact quoted a close acquaintance of Hwang as claiming that the actor says “Lee is responsible for ruining their relationship.”


Hwang and Lee tied the knot in 2016 and gave birth to a son the following year. Four years later, however, the couple made headlines as their relationship began to crack. While going through a divorce settlement in July 2021, Hwang made it public that she had mended things with her husband and that they are back together. About eight months later, the couple gave birth to their second child in 2022.

On Wednesday, Hwang posted on her social media multiple photographs of Lee with a sarcastic comment that hinted at a troubled relationship once again.

“What a beautiful and considerate husband you were. This is my husband Lee Young-don, who had so much fun and kept himself so busy while being married to me. Now you are free to go and enjoy,” she wrote.

Hwang debuted as a member of K-pop girl group Sugar in 2002. Since the group’s breakup, Hwang committed herself to acting and has appeared in many shows and dramas.


BY YIM SEUNG-HYE [yim.seunghye@joongang.co.kr]