Actor Jung Kyung-ho and singer-actress Choi Soo-young have ended their 14-year [1] romantic relationship to focus on their individual careers.
The split marks the end of one of South Korea's most enduring public celebrity pairings, signaling a shift in the personal lives of two high-profile entertainment figures.
People Entertainment, the agency representing Choi, confirmed the news. "It is correct that the two have broken up," the agency said [1].
The couple, aged 43 and 36 [1] respectively, first met at church and were alumni of the theater and film department at Chung-Ang University. They officially became a couple in September 2012 [1].
A close associate of the couple said that the pair struggled to find time for one another due to their professional commitments. The associate said that Jung's focus on acting projects and Choi's activities moving between South Korea and Japan led to a decrease in their meetings [1].
Both individuals have maintained active profiles in the Korean entertainment industry throughout their decade-plus partnership. The decision to separate follows a period of increasing professional demands for both the actor and the singer-actress.
The announcement was made via Korean media outlets in June 2024 [1].
“It is correct that the two have broken up”
The dissolution of this long-term relationship reflects the common tension between high-level professional ambitions and personal stability within the rigorous South Korean entertainment industry. By citing the specific logistical challenges of international work and project schedules, the couple highlights the difficulty of maintaining long-term partnerships when both parties operate at the peak of their respective careers.
