On August 6th KST, news broke that TV personality Hong Jin Kyung has finalized her divorce. A representative from her agency, TN Entertainment, confirmed, “Hong Jin Kyung is divorced.”
While the specific reason for the split has not been disclosed, it was reported that the couple reached a mutual decision after careful consideration, choosing to go their separate ways amicably. Their daughter Rael, who has appeared on YouTube and television alongside Hong, is said to respect and support their decision.
An insider shared, “The agency was informed about the divorce roughly a month ago.” Regarding how the news was made public, they added, “The announcement was made through Jeong Sun Hee’s YouTube channel. The recording took place about 3 to 4 days ago. Since the two are close friends and trusted colleagues, it was decided that her channel would be the most appropriate platform.”
In the video, Hong Jin Kyung explained, “It wasn’t anyone’s fault. We just decided to live our lives differently,” as she revealed the reason for the divorce. She added that she is still on good terms with her ex-husband’s family.
Jung Sun Hee, who had known about the divorce beforehand, shared, “She told me a few months ago and said she hadn’t told anyone else. I was sweating nervously alone,” and added, “But since you said you feel comfortable talking about it now,” explaining why she supported Hong in speaking out.
Hong Jin Kyung revealed she had long contemplated when to go public, saying, “If I were to talk about it, I knew it had to be in front of Sun Hee unnie. I feel most at ease and can be honest with her,” explaining why she chose to share the news on Jung Sun Hee’s channel rather than her own.
She continued, “Actually, my ex-mother-in-law asked me to wait until Rael got a little older. She kept asking me not to say anything yet, which made it harder for me to speak up.”
She also revealed that many reporters had already known and had approached her agency for confirmation. “They waited because the agency said I should be the one to speak first. I couldn’t delay it any longer,” she confessed. “I explained the situation to my mother-in-law and Rael’s father also agreed with the timing of the announcement.”
Jung Sun Hee, who is also friends with Hong Jin Kyung’s ex-husband, joked, “I wasn’t sure whether I should delete his number,” to which Hong Jin Kyung responded, “Why would you do that? I still keep in touch with him. The three of us should grab drinks sometime.”
When Jung Sun Hee joked, “Are you getting back together next year?” she added with a laugh, “That’s not how I see relationships. What if the two of you disappear after drinking?” — a joke only longtime friends could share.
As Hong Jin Kyung expressed concern about her story running long, Jung Sun Hee comforted her, saying, “I believe your fans will understand how intensely you must have agonized before deciding and announcing the divorce.”
Hong Jin Kyung married a businessman five years her senior in 2003 after dating for five years. The couple welcomed their daughter Rael in 2010, seven years after their wedding.
Hong debuted as a model in 1993 through the 2nd SBS 'Supermodel Contest', later becoming a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. She is currently active on various shows, including MBC’s 'The Reasonable Architecture', KBS2’s 'Problem Child in House', and her own YouTube channel, 'Zzin Genius Hong Jin Kyung'.
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