Shinhwa’s Lee Min-woo to marry third-generation Korean-Japanese single mother

Lee Min-woo of K-pop band Shinhwa reveals his feelings after announcing marriage to a third-generation Korean-Japanese single mother raising a six-year-old daughter. Captured from KBS2's YouTube channel

Lee Min-woo of K-pop group Shinhwa has shared his thoughts for the first time since announcing his upcoming marriage to a third-generation Korean-Japanese single mother raising a six-year-old daughter.

The singer’s love story was revealed on the Aug. 9 episode of KBS2’s reality show “Mr. House Husband" Season 2. Lee, who contacted the production team to say he had something to share, said, “I am getting married,” during a meeting with them.

He said, “I met her through an acquaintance after finishing my Japan tour in 2013. The last time I saw her was in 2018. When we got back in touch after a long time, I learned she had been through a difficult period — she had a six-year-old daughter and had gone through a divorce. Three months after we reunited, we went on a trip to Yangyang together, and she became pregnant. The baby’s nickname is Yangyang.”

The program showed Lee spending time like family with his fiancee and her daughter, with viewers noting her resemblance to model Shiho Yano and actress Lee Min-jung.

Lee’s parents expressed mixed emotions upon learning of his engagement. His father said he was initially surprised to hear his son’s fiancee was divorced and had a child, adding that the news left him feeling bittersweet but resigned to it as “fate.” His mother admitted she had not told anyone due to concern and felt conflicted about the situation.

Hosts Eun Ji-won and Kim Won-hee said Lee’s parents had long hoped he would marry but could understand their initial surprise.

Lee acknowledged the family’s worries, especially given his financial instability. He has suffered from a 2.6 billion won ($2 million) fraud loss and has no fixed income, which his parents know has been a source of long-standing stress.

During a family meal, Lee raised the idea of living together after marriage. His current home is shared with his parents and sister, and he proposed that his wife-to-be and her daughter move in as well.

Shinhwa's Lee Min-woo / Captured from KBS2 YouTube channel

His parents voiced concerns about space, suggesting they could move to a rural home in Namwon. Lee, however, insisted they live together so he could care for his aging parents, noting that his mother has struggled with dementia and depression.

Lee said he lacked the financial means to live independently for now but believed having his fiancee and parents under one roof would be best for the family. While his parents worried about the challenges his future wife might face living with in-laws, they were touched by her willingness to leave Japan to be with them in Korea.

After the meal, Lee video-called his fiancee, who appeared on screen for the first time. When he asked if she was anxious about moving to Korea, she replied confidently, “It’s fine. If your parents are okay, we’re happy.”

Debuting with boy band Shinhwa in 1998, Lee Min-woo gained popularity with hit songs such as “Brand New” and “Perfect Man.” Also active as a painter, he held his first solo exhibition, “PURISM,” in June this year.

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