Singer Kim Jung-eun has divorced her husband after 22 years of marriage, her agency confirmed on October 22. The divorce itself was finalized six months ago, making it a belated public announcement.
According to Sports Seoul’s report on October 23, Kim finalized a mutual divorce (협의 이혼) back in April with her ex-husband, a fellow musician surnamed Choi who is two years her senior. The two had been married for 22 years, and Kim will have custody of their child.
Her side explained the long silence, saying the couple needed time to settle differing positions. In their words: “It seemed like a matter between just the two of us, but many people were entangled and bound to be affected, so it took a long time to untangle knots tied over 20 years in many places. It was only wrapped up around the time Chuseok had passed.” They added: “There was no intent to hide it.”
Her agency expressed regret over the news, saying: “We feel sorry to greet those who cherish Kim Jung-eun with unfortunate news.”
Kim debuted in 1994 as part of the mixed-gender project group Marronnier, then went solo in 1995 with hit ballads “Proposal” and “I Love You.” She stepped back from activities after being diagnosed with vocal nodules.
Kim is set to return to the stage in mid-November with a new self-penned song, “Mom Was Pretty” — her first release after a long hiatus.
