The shock from the longest relationship in Korean showbiz.
On June 9th, South Korean media reported that Soo Young and Jung Kyung Ho had broken up after 14 years together.
There was no drama, no third party involved, or the usual public feuds in the entertainment industry. According to their management company, geographical distance and busy work schedules were the reasons for their separation before they decided to return to a professional relationship.
The news quickly climbed the search rankings in South Korea. Audiences were shocked because Soo Young and Jung Kyung Ho had long been a symbol of enduring love in the entertainment industry. For over a decade, they had almost never been involved in any breakup rumors. In every interview, they spoke of each other with respect and gratitude.
When the news was confirmed, the general sentiment among the audience was not curiosity but regret. Because, in the minds of many, this was one of the few love stories that was certain to lead to marriage.
Choi Soo Young and Jung Kyung Ho began dating in 2012. Two years later, they publicly confirmed their relationship. This was a crucial period in both of their careers. Soo Young was a member of Girls' Generation, the most powerful girl group in South Korea at the time, while Jung Kyung Ho was steadily establishing himself on screen.
Unlike many famous couples who use their relationship to attract media attention, Soo Young and Jung Kyung Ho are discreet about their romance. They rarely appear together at public events, but they don't shy away from mentioning each other.
Jung Kyung Ho once said that Soo Young is the center of his life outside of acting. In another interview, he shared, "Soo Young is the person who shaped me into who I am today."
Conversely, the actress said she is always grateful to her boyfriend. She recounted that Jung Kyung Ho cared about her film projects and monitored viewership ratings even more closely than she did.
Their relationship was supported by both families. Soo Young's older sister publicly expressed her admiration for how they treated each other after many years of dating. Korean media frequently spotted them dating at restaurants, shopping malls, or attending private gatherings together.
By the end of 2025, many still believed the wedding was only a matter of time. But ultimately, 14 years together ended with a brief breakup announcement, a common cliché in the entertainment industry: "busy schedules, irreconcilable differences."
From SNSD member to recognized actress
The public's regret stems not only from the romantic story itself, but also from the special position Soo Young had built within the entertainment industry.
Born in 1990, Soo Young is one of the members of Kpop's golden generation. Even before debuting in Korea, she had experience in the arts in Japan . At the age of 12, Soo Young won an international idol audition and became a member of the girl group Route 0.
In 2007, she officially debuted with Girls' Generation (SNSD).
It's difficult to find a girl group with a similar influence to SNSD in K-pop history. Songs like Gee , Genie , Oh!, Run Devil Run , The Boys , and I Got A Boy were not only commercially successful but also contributed to the spread of the Hallyu wave throughout Asia.
At their peak, Girls' Generation was dubbed the "nation's girl group" by the South Korean media. The group consistently broke sales records, sold out their international tours, and became the face of numerous major brands.
Amidst a lineup of famous stars, Soo Young stands out with her charming image and outstanding communication skills. She frequently appears on entertainment programs, taking on the role of MC and is considered one of the most charismatic members of the group.
After achieving success in music , Soo Young chose a more challenging path by transitioning to acting.
Like many other idols, she faced the prejudice of "idols acting in dramas." Soo Young persevered in building her career, and works such as My Spring Days , 38 Task Force , Run On , If You Wish Upon Me , and Not Others helped her gradually break free from the idol image.
The success of Not Others is considered a significant milestone as professionals began to recognize Soo Young as a true actress. After nearly 20 years in the industry, she has become one of the few second-generation idols to maintain her influence in both music and acting.
In addition to her recognition in music and film, Soo Young's background has received considerable attention. In the Korean entertainment industry, she has long been considered one of the most famous "rich kids."
Soo Young's father is a successful businessman in the construction and trading industries. Her family had a solid financial foundation long before she entered the entertainment industry. Her older sister, Choi Soo Jin, is also a well-known musical actress.
From a young age, Soo Young had access to a high-quality education, learned foreign languages, and had opportunities for international exchange. Working in Japan since the age of 12 is something not everyone gets to experience.
In the cutthroat industry, many idols sacrifice their youth to seek opportunities for a better life, but Soo Young is a rare case who didn't enter showbiz due to economic pressure.
However, her privileged background meant she faced even greater expectations. The public constantly questioned whether Soo Young's success stemmed from her own abilities or her family advantages.
And nearly two decades of artistic activity provide the clearest answer. If she relied solely on her family background, she would hardly be able to maintain her position in the fiercely competitive environment of the Korean entertainment industry.
He has fame, money, and glamour, but...
At 36, Choi Soo Young is a role model that many young artists aspire to. She has had a stable career spanning nearly 20 years, built on a reputation spanning generations of audiences and a fan base extending from South Korea and Japan to many Asian countries.
The female artist consistently appears in advertising campaigns, international fashion weeks, and luxury brand events. Her elegant image and clean personal life have made her a favorite face for many brands.
Unlike many stars who frequently spark controversy due to their personal lives, Soo Young has largely maintained a positive image throughout her career. She participates in charitable activities, supports numerous community campaigns, and is considered one of the most image-conscious artists of her generation.
From the outside, Soo Young's life seemed to have little to regret. She had fame, a career, money, a good family background, and a man by her side for 14 years.
Ultimately, behind the glamour of being a top Korean star, she remains a woman who evokes empathy, having just ended a relationship that lasted nearly 14 years.
Source: https://tienphong.vn/cu-soc-cua-thien-kim-tieu-thu-co-tat-ca-post1850180.tpo
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