Singer Yoon Ddan Ddan denies ex-wife’s abuse claims, admits emotional affair

Singer-songwriter Yoon Ddan Ddan, left, breaks his silence and issues a rebuttal in response to allegations by his ex-wife Eunjong. Captured from Yoon Ddan Ddan’s social media

Singer-songwriter Yoon Ddan Ddan has broken his silence and issued a statement denying allegations of domestic abuse and infidelity made by his ex-wife, singer Eunjong, earlier this week.

In a post shared on his social media on Saturday, Yoon responded to the claims that sparked widespread criticism online after Eunjong publicly accused him of violence and cheating during their marriage.

“There were times when our disagreements escalated into verbal and physical altercations. I acknowledge that I resorted to physical force, but it was in response to repeated verbal and physical abuse from her as well,” he wrote.

Yoon also addressed financial matters in the marriage, claiming he was the sole breadwinner.

“Despite receiving a salary and over 5 million won ($3,600) a month for personal expenses, my ex-wife often said it wasn’t enough,” he said. “She frequently demanded a divorce, but I tried to hold on because it was my choice to marry and I wanted to protect our family.”

Regarding the accusation of infidelity, Yoon admitted to having emotionally engaged with another person. “I was mentally and financially exhausted and had lost a lot of my self-worth. I deeply regret the fact that I exchanged messages with someone else, and I offer no excuse for it.”

However, he did not comment on the extramarital lawsuit that Eunjong claimed to have won against the woman involved in the affair.

Yoon said he has since transferred all his liquid assets, half of his music rights, their car and custody of their dog to his ex-wife. He added that Eunjong had recently requested an additional 20 million won, but expressed regret toward her nonetheless.

On Thursday, Eunjong revealed on her own social media account that the couple had divorced, and accused Yoon of physical abuse and infidelity. She also said she had won a court case against the woman involved in the affair after a year-long legal battle.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.