Ailee and husband Choi Si-hoon address damaging rumors

Singer Ailee, right, and her husband Choi Si-hoon appear on MBN's variety show "Let's Go Go." Captured from MBN's YouTube channel

Singer Ailee and her husband, actor-turned-entrepreneur Choi Si-hoon, have opened up about the persistent rumors that have trailed their relationship, admitting the emotional toll while reaffirming their strong bond.

The couple appeared on MBN’s variety show “Let’s Go Go” Season 5 on Aug. 23, where they spoke candidly about their life together. Ailee and Choi registered their marriage in August 2023 and held a wedding ceremony in April this year.

On the program, the pair revealed their newlywed home, while Ailee surprised the hosts by disclosing that her mother-in-law lives in the neighboring building. “If I wave, she can see me,” Ailee said, adding that her husband’s mother often sends homemade side dishes, highlighting their close family ties.

During the meal segment with the hosts, Choi was asked how he came to appear on Netflix’s “Single’s Inferno” despite his reserved personality. He said that he was originally pursuing acting and was approached through social media. “At the time, I didn’t find it difficult to deal with people, so I joined naturally,” he said.

When asked about the rumors that followed, Choi said, “It was very hard. I would sit alone in a corner of a parking lot. I even started smoking again. It’s difficult to prove something you didn’t do.” He added, “I didn’t know how to handle it back then, so it was even harder. That’s why I distanced myself from acting. I was hurt by people too much.”

Ailee expressed her own feelings of guilt and empathy: “My husband once said he wished to live without public attention, but then he met me. Even during our honeymoon, new rumors spread, which was stressful. But at least we were together then.” Choi responded, “The entertainment industry is already tough, but because of me, she had to face even more hardship. I feel sorry for that.”

Ailee rebuffs rumors

Choi, who gained recognition through “Single’s Inferno” before marrying Ailee, was once targeted by false claims that he had ties to nightlife businesses.

On tvN’s “Kim Chang-ok Show 3” in April, he said, “When those rumors surfaced, I felt like my whole life was being denied. I didn’t want to be active anymore. I just wished people didn’t know me. But after marrying my wife, public attention returned. I really live diligently, so it’s upsetting.”

Ailee also spoke up firmly against rumors labeling her husband as unemployed. “After our marriage was announced, my husband was exposed to the media more often, and people began comparing us or spreading rumors. He works very hard, but people assume he is jobless. In reality, he’s not only an influencer but also works at a company,” she said.

“It upsets me when people think I’m the only one working and that he lives off my income,” she continued. “In fact, he doesn’t let me spend my own money because he wants to take care of everything. He’s that kind of person.”

Despite the challenges, the couple emphasized their mutual love and support, showing resilience in the face of public scrutiny.

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.