The journey began in 1999, when Hong was set up on a blind date with Kim Jung Woo, arranged by a cousin of the late actress Choi Jin Sil. At the time, Hong was already a household name, but she asked her matchmaker to hide her celebrity status, not wanting to come across as just a “silly TV personality.”
But when Kim Jung Woo walked in, Hong was instantly drawn to him — not just for his looks, but for his quiet charisma and sincere manners. Though initially cool, he remained respectful, and in a moment of tipsy courage, Hong kissed him. Shocked, Kim distanced himself, wondering, “Are all celebrities like this?”
A Relentless Pursuit of Love
Unfazed, Hong Jin Kyung began calling him every day — in an era before caller ID. One fateful day, telling herself it would be her last attempt, she dialed again. He picked up and said he was at a barbecue restaurant. Fueled by hope, she wandered Seoul until she found him at a school reunion. Drunk and determined, she ended up emceeing the event and won over his friends — and eventually, his heart.
Still, the path to marriage was rocky. After six years of dating and enduring his mother’s disapproval, they finally wed in 2003. His wealthy family had opposed the match, uncomfortable with having a celebrity as a daughter-in-law. His mother even avoided eating with her.
Adding to the challenge, Hong was struggling financially at the time. She had only ₩20 million KRW (about $14,500) and couldn’t afford traditional wedding gifts. In a moment of prayer, she decided to give that money to a distant relative who needed it — and soon, the path to marriage unexpectedly cleared.
The Secret Chaebol Husband
It wasn’t until after the wedding that Hong learned the full extent of her husband’s background. A graduate of Kyung Hee University, Kim Jung Woo was already a young entrepreneur running a ski shop in Apgujeong and owned a ₩6.5 billion KRW building in Sinsa-dong — at just 21 years old. His mother chaired the powerful Eungu Academy, and his father had been a top corporate executive.
None of this, however, had mattered to Hong. Her love was based purely on sincerity.
From Celebrity to CEO — and Humanitarian
In 2006, Hong Jin Kyung launched her kimchi brand, The Kimchi, inspired by her mother’s recipe. Starting with just ₩3 million KRW (around $2,100), she personally handled marketing and logistics. Today, the brand has surpassed ₩40 billion KRW (about $29 million) in cumulative sales.
Beyond business, Hong has used her platform for good — regularly donating kimchi to orphanages and seniors, and even founding the Real Nursery in Chad, Africa, named after her daughter Rael.
From facing family rejection to becoming a self-made CEO and philanthropist, Hong Jin Kyung’s story is one of relentless passion, deep love, and fearless determination — a modern fairytale with grit and grace.
Sources: daum
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