On November 3, Kwak took to social media to share a photo with a cheeky caption, “What do you mean? We already did it yesterday, you rascal.” In the image, a calendar reminder for a “great day to run a race” was cheekily crossed out and replaced with the word “wedding,” signaling that the couple followed through on their plan to register their marriage after completing a marathon.
She also announced that she had finished the New York City Marathon, calling it a dream stage, and expressed gratitude to her partner: “Especially on this New York trip, the marathon, and tomorrow’s wedding and photo shoot, my wife Jungmin added even more value to our journey. I’m truly thankful.”
Previously, on August 26, the YouTube channel I Love Live Broadcast Women released an intimate interview titled “Yanggi Special! Team Leader Yanggi and Her Non-Celebrity Girlfriend“, where Kwak and her girlfriend shared their love story, thoughts on LGBTQ+ issues in Korea, and wedding plans abroad.
A Love Story That Began Over Bread
Kwak, now working as a model and marathoner, shared that she first met her girlfriend—a 30-year-old working at an F&B company—at a bakery in Seoul. Captivated by her smile, Kwak jokingly told her, “Unnie, DM me,” sparking what soon became a serious relationship.
Her girlfriend initially hesitated, unsure if Kwak was visiting for bread or something more—but was eventually won over by Kwak’s sincerity. “Sun-hee’s consistent gestures convinced me,” she said.
When asked about her sexuality, Kwak responded candidly:
“Until last year, I thought I was straight. But meeting her made me realize it’s not about gender—it’s about the person. I didn’t go on Steel Troops W to find women.”
Her partner echoed the sentiment, saying she once asked if Kwak liked women:
“She told me, ‘I’m not sure—I’ve never dated a woman. But I think I like you.’ That honesty meant everything.”
Marriage Plans Despite Legal Hurdles
The couple revealed they are already living together but faced roadblocks when trying to register as a married couple in Korea. Because Korean law doesn’t recognize same-sex marriage, they were only allowed to file as cohabitants.
Still, they’re moving forward with their dream wedding. Kwak will participate in the New York Marathon this November, and the couple plans to exchange vows in the U.S. during the trip. A wedding photoshoot in Jeju Island is also scheduled for later that month.
Kwak acknowledged concerns from friends about rushing into marriage:
“Plenty of heterosexual couples get married after three or six months. Why should we be any different?”
“I never used to think about marriage,” Kwak confessed. “But after meeting her, it all feels natural. I want to have kids that look like us. I can clearly picture us—me in a tux, her in a dress. That’s when I knew I wanted to marry her.”
Kwak Sun-hee continues to inspire, not only as a decorated former soldier but now as a visible voice for LGBTQ+ love and equality in Korea —a country still grappling with same-sex partnership rights.
Sources: daum, nate
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