Choi Jun Hee, influencer and daughter of the late actress Choi Jin Sil, married her non-celebrity boyfriend, who is 11 years older than her, at a hotel in Gangnam, Seoul on May 16. The ceremony was hosted by Jo Se Ho, while singers Sohyang and Tei performed congratulatory songs.

One of the most emotional moments came when her older brother Choi Hwan Hee walked her down the aisle in place of their parents, leaving guests deeply moved.

What especially drew attention was the presence of Choi Jin Sil’s longtime friends, who stepped in to fill the mother’s absence. Celebrities including Hong Jin Kyung, Jung Sun Hee, Uhm Jung Hwa, and Lee So Ra attended the wedding, showcasing the enduring friendship they shared with Choi Jin Sil during her lifetime.

Their attendance also fulfilled a heartfelt promise Choi Jin Sil made 22 years ago in a video from Choi Jun Hee’s first birthday party, which Jun Hee recently shared online before the wedding.

In the video uploaded on May 11, Choi Jin Sil said, “I hope everyone will continue to show love and care so that our Sumin (Choi Jun Hee’s birth name before changing it) can grow up healthy and become a beautiful lady.” She continued, “I’ll remember everyone who came today and invite you all again when our Sumin gets married. Until then, please stay healthy for a long, long time.”

As time passed, the people who were present at that birthday celebration returned exactly as promised to attend her daughter’s wedding.

Choi Jun Hee previously expressed mixed emotions while preparing for the ceremony. She shared, “The saddest part was realizing that only my mom and dad were missing from all those moments.” She added, “The more I prepared for the wedding, the more different emotions kept surfacing.”

Although 18 years have passed since Choi Jin Sil’s death, the loyalty and affection her friends continue to show toward her children remain unchanged.

In particular, Hong Jin Kyung spoke sincerely about maintaining her connection with the siblings during an April episode of MBC’s variety show “Model.” She said, “I didn’t meet the kids that often. I couldn’t take care of them as much as I wanted, but from the beginning I thought, ‘Let’s do this consistently.’ I always wanted to stay by their side so they could come to me whenever something happened.”

Lee So Ra also shared a short but meaningful message after attending the wedding, saying, “Today is a happy day.”

Meanwhile, Choi Jin Sil passed away on October 2, 2008, at the age of 40.

Sources: Daum