Hong Jin Kyung Opens Up About Her Divorce After 22 Years of Marriage
Broadcaster, entrepreneur, and former model Hong Jin Kyung has officially confirmed her divorce after 22 years of marriage, revealing not only the separation but also a new chapter of friendship, family, and healing.
On August 6, TN Entertainment confirmed the news: “Hong Jin Kyung is indeed divorced. She recently finished filming with Jung Sun Hee for YouTube.” Though the divorce happened months ago, Hong had remained silent until now, choosing to open up for the first time through a deeply personal conversation with her close friend and actress Jung Sun Hee on her YouTube channel “House Left by Jung Sun Hee.”
“I Wasn’t Hiding—I Just Didn’t Know How to Say It.”
In the video, Hong reflected on why she kept the news private:
“I kept wondering, ‘When should I talk about this? Is it okay to just let things go on without saying anything?’ It felt like I was hiding something, and my heart felt heavy. But I didn’t know the right timing, or how or where to say it.”
She shared that she chose Jung Sun Hee as the person to speak to first, saying,
“You’ve always known everything about me. If I was ever going to talk about this, it had to be with you. I feel most comfortable with you—I can be honest about anything.”
A Modern Love Story Redefined
Hong Jin Kyung and her ex-husband, a businessman five years her senior, met in 1998 and married in 2003 after five years of dating. The couple welcomed their daughter Rael in 2010. After nearly three decades together, including 22 years of marriage, the two mutually decided to part ways.
“People might wonder why we split after all this time. But it wasn’t because of anyone’s fault,” she explained. “We simply decided to live our lives differently.”
Rather than a bitter end, Hong describes their separation as a transformation, not a breakdown.
“It’s bittersweet, but becoming strangers helped us rediscover our real friendship. He was someone I truly trusted and liked—not just as a husband, but as a person. And now, he’s like a brother to me.”
Their daughter Rael has also taken the news in stride. According to Hong, Rael “respects both parents’ decision” and still maintains a healthy relationship with her father.
“Like Hollywood”: Family Ties Remain Strong
Despite the divorce, Hong emphasizes that their family dynamic remains warm and loving.
“He still comes over to the house often. Our moms even get together and have meals regularly. I never knew they could be so open-minded—it’s like something out of Hollywood.”
This openness has drawn comparisons to the concept of “Conscious Uncoupling”, a term popularized by Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, referring to an amicable separation where both parties remain connected for the sake of family and emotional well-being. Hong’s story is now being seen as a rare, real-life example of that philosophy in Korea.
“We’re no longer a couple, but we’re still a family,” she said. “I even want to have a drink with Rael’s dad like we used to.”
Still Going Strong
While navigating this personal transition, Hong Jin Kyung remains active in the public eye. She continues to appear on variety shows like Sisters’ Slam Dunk and My Little Old Boy, approaching life with her signature mix of honesty, humor, and resilience.
Her candid reflections have resonated with fans across generations, as many admire not only her grace in sharing such a private moment but also her redefinition of what it means to part ways with dignity, warmth, and love still intact.
