South Korean actress Hwang Jung Eum files for divorce from steel tycoon

Eum reportedl cited a mistake on Don’s part as the reason for the dissolution.

The 40-year-old actress took this decision after careful consideration, as the couple found it challenging to reconcile their differences, South Korean outlet News 1 reported Feb. 22.

South Korean actress Hwang Jung Eum with her husband and son. Photo from Instagram

While Hwang's management company has chosen not to disclose a more specific reason for the divorce, a friend of the actress has stated that the separation stemmed from a mistake her husband made.

This marks the second time Hwang has sought a divorce, with the first attempt occurring in 2016. During that period, the couple reconciled through legal intervention. They then resumed cohabitation, and welcomed their second child in March, 2022.

Despite the addition of another child to their family, the marriage continued to face difficulties. In a revelation on an SBS TV show last year, Hwang called marriage her "biggest regret," acknowledging that she had been blinded by love.

Hwang Jung Eum and Lee Young Don initially married in February 2016 after a two-month whirlwind romance facilitated by a matchmaker.

Lee is the CEO of a steel company and a golfer, and shares a seven-year-old son with Hwang, as well as their two-year-old son.

Hwang embarked on her career as a singer with the band Sugar in 2004, alongside Park Soo Jin, the wife of "Hallyu King" Bae Yong Joon.

After leaving the group to pursue a solo career, she transitioned to acting in 2005, gaining recognition for her roles in popular series such as "High Kick" (Part Two), "East of Eden," "The Master’s Sun," and "Giant."

In 2015, her standout performance in "She Was Pretty" achieved significant success and garnered remakes in various Asian countries, including Vietnam and China, according to South Korean web portal Nate.