Korean celebrities challenge family norms as divorces, single parenthood, and blended families gain visibility

Hong Jin-kyung / Captured from Jung Sun-hee's YouTube channel

From divorces to single parenthood to blended families, South Korean celebrities are reshaping public perceptions of marriage and family, challenging long-held traditions and social taboos.

One of the most talked-about cases recently was broadcaster Hong Jin-kyung, who revealed earlier this month that she had divorced her husband after 22 years of marriage. Speaking candidly on fellow entertainer Jung Sun-hee’s YouTube channel, Hong said, “No one was at fault. We just thought, ‘Let’s try living differently.’” Despite the separation, she described maintaining a close relationship with her ex-husband, adding, “He’s still like a great brother to me. He often comes over, and our families still meet. It feels almost Hollywood-like.”

The public response to Hong’s remarks highlighted a shifting perspective in Korea: happiness and personal choice are increasingly valued over the traditional notion of marriage as a lifelong commitment.

Lee Min-woo / Courtesy of KBS2

Singer Lee Min-woo of the legendary K-pop group Shinhwa also drew attention when he announced his upcoming marriage to a single mother of a seven-year-old daughter. In a society where remarriages involving partners with children were once heavily stigmatized, his announcement was met mostly with messages of warmth and support, reflecting Korea’s evolving social attitudes.

Television personality Sayuri Fujita has also played a significant role in reshaping perceptions of family. Choosing to become a single mother by using donated sperm, she openly shared her journey through TV programs such as “The Return of Superman.” Her decision highlighted a new model of family in Korea — separating childbirth from marriage — and helped normalize conversations around alternative paths to parenthood.

These celebrity stories go beyond personal narratives, acting as catalysts for social change. As high-profile figures, their choices are amplified by the media, giving visibility to non-traditional family models and reducing stigma. Public reactions have shifted, with growing support and empathy for diverse family structures.

However, systemic challenges remain. Single parents in Korea still face limited institutional support, including financial aid and legal recognition, and social prejudices persist despite progress. Even so, the influence of celebrities like Hong, Lee, and Sayuri is fostering a cultural shift — gradually broadening the definition of what a “family” can be in modern Korean society.

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