As one of the three “big bosses” that make up the strong Big 3 empire of K-pop, Yang Hyun Suk is the powerful CEO that is well known by every Kpop fan. He launched many famous idol groups such as BIGBANG, 2NE1 or BLACKPINK. Behind his cold, distant look, few people know that he has a romantic love story with his wife who is 12 years younger than him.
As a guest on SBS’s Healing Camp, Yang Hyun Suk revealed his relationship with his wife, Lee Eun Joo. This is not an unfamiliar name because Lee Eun Joo used to be an idol. Yang CEO fell in love at first sight when he saw his wife on TV.
Many reacted with disbelief, saying, “Wait, they were married?” In truth, the couple had been dating in secret for nine years and quietly built a family without ever holding a wedding ceremony or making a formal announcement, earning them the title of “ultimate secret couple.”
Yang Hyun Suk was the company’s head, while Lee EuncJoo was one of its former artists — a dynamic that added to the surprise. In 2010, Yang publicly revealed their relationship in a heartfelt letter titled “My Last Personal Confession.” The revelation sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, especially because even YG artists and close acquaintances had no idea the two were dating — a testament to the couple’s airtight secrecy.
When Lee Jae Jin, a member of the group Sechskies was giving a house tour for a variety show, the camera briefly captured his sister Lee Eun Joo. Unexpectedly, fate arranged for Yang Hyun Suk to catch that short glimpse of her. At that time, Eun Joo was only a sophomore in high school.
A year later, the two met again as YG’s CEO and trainee. After a period of training, Eun Joo debuted in the girl group Swi.T.
However, this was probably the first time CEO Yang didn’t want his idol group to succeed and deliberately ignored the group. Yang Hyun Suk was afraid that the girl he fell in love with would become popular.
He shared: “My heart and my mind were fighting. I didn’t know what to do as the company’s CEO, nor as a man. It was hard to ask her to be with me. I was afraid she wouldn’t see me as a man.”
Yang Hyun Suk finally had the courage to confess to Lee Eun Joo. However, because she was taken aback and thought the CEO was joking, Eun Joo refused. The former CEO of YG continued, “I talked to Eun Joo on the phone for two hours, convincing her that my feelings were sincere.” Eventually, the two had secretly dated for 9 years before getting married without a wedding ceremony in 2010. After that, due to the lack of support, Swi.T had to disband.
Despite their 12-year age gap, Yang and Lee maintained a steady relationship. Yang once expressed his deep affection by stating, “In nine years, I’ve never seen a woman more beautiful than her.” When Lee Eun Joo lost both of her parents, Yang stood by her side through the most difficult times, and that unwavering support naturally led them to decide on marriage. Rather than host a lavish wedding, they chose a quieter, more private path in line with their values.
Currently, Yang Hyun Suk is living happily with his family. He also especially tattooed his wife and daughter’s name on his arm to show his love for them. Despite being the strict boss at the company, when he comes home, Yang Hyun Suk is a sweet husband who helps his wife with housework. “I do the housework when I’m at home. You may not believe it, but I cook and wash the dishes every day to help my wife. This is nothing to be ashamed of” – Yang Hyun Suk revealed.
They are raising two children — a daughter, Yoojin, and a son, Seunghyun — and lead a modest, private family life. The couple rarely shares details or images of their children, demonstrating their respect for privacy and a desire to maintain a normal life away from the spotlight.
The romantic love story of Yang Hyun Suk and his wife seems to only exist in a fairy tale. However, many netizens claim that Yang Hyun Suk was too selfish. Due to his personal feelings, the dreams and careers of other talented girls were ruined. The other two members of his wife’s group deserved better.
This happened a long time ago, but many netizens still mention it from time to time. Regardless of the controversies, it is undeniable that Yang Hyun Suk and his wife are living a happy life.
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