In a candid conversation posted on August 6 to Jung Sun-hee’s YouTube channel Runaway Sun-hee, Hong reflected on her marriage and the reasons behind the split. The video, titled “Finally, a 30-Year Friendship: Hong Jin-kyung Tells the Stories Only Best Friends Can“, revealed a mature and compassionate take on separation.
“I’ve only known and been with Rael’s father for 27, 28 years,” Hong shared.
“People might wonder, ‘Why did you separate then?’ But it wasn’t because of anyone’s fault. We just felt we wanted to live a little differently.”
According to Hong, it wasn’t until after the separation that their relationship transformed into a genuine friendship.
“Only after we separated and became strangers did a true friendship develop. He’s no longer just the man I trusted and followed when we were dating — now, he’s simply a really good oppa (older brother figure) to me.”
When Jung Sun-hee playfully asked whether a reunion might be in the works, Hong laughed and replied:
“He still comes over to the house often. Our families — even the in-laws — still meet up. I didn’t realize how cool and open my mom and mother-in-law were, but they get together and have meals regularly.”
Addressing the deeper reasons for the divorce, Hong clarified:
“There wasn’t a particular incident or one person’s fault. The biggest reason was that we just felt like that connection we once had was no longer there. Some may say, ‘Then should everyone get divorced?’ but this was our personal decision, and it was something we found difficult.”
She also revealed that her former mother-in-law had requested the couple delay any public announcement until their daughter Rael was older:
“That’s why I couldn’t say anything sooner. But honestly, a lot of reporters already knew. We couldn’t delay it any longer, and Rael’s father also told me, ‘Go ahead and announce it,’ so we decided to share the news.”
Hong Jin-kyung’s honest and respectful perspective on divorce offers a rare glimpse into how a relationship can evolve — even after separation — with mutual understanding and continued familial harmony.
Sources: naver