Yulhee, former member of the girl group LABOUM, has candidly shared her struggles with depression following her divorce.
On the October 29th episode of Channel A's 'Best Friends Documentary - Four-Person Table,' veteran actress Bang Eun-hee appeared alongside her close friends, Yulhee and lawyer Yang So-young.
Yulhee, who became pregnant at 21 and gave birth to her first child at 22, recounted, "My mother was very upset when she found out about my pregnancy. She had me at 23 and said, 'I hoped you wouldn't live like I did,' and cried."
Feeling overwhelmed by the stress of parenting, Yulhee expressed gratitude for her mother's support, saying, "One day, my mom told my kids, 'Your mom is my daughter too.' I felt lonely during my idol days, but it was comforting to know I had someone to lean on."
Currently, Yulhee meets her three children through visitation rights and shared, "I always miss my kids. My 8-year-old son says, 'I miss you even when I'm looking at you,' and 'You'll be my number one until I meet someone prettier than you.'"
Yulhee revealed that she couldn't bring herself to tell her parents about her divorce, saying, "I told them, 'I think I need to get a divorce. Please don't ask me anything.' They found out about the divorce process through the news and were heartbroken, asking why I hadn't told them for years."
When asked why she didn't disclose the reason for her divorce, Yulhee explained, "I was scared and thought it would be like spitting on my own face. I wanted a clean break for the sake of the children."
Bang Eun-hee, who has known Yulhee since she was young, expressed concern, saying, "She still doesn't ask for help." Divorce lawyer Yang So-young added, "Even when told to 'run to survive,' she would run until she collapsed. She doesn't take care of herself."
Following her divorce, Yulhee sought counseling at the recommendation of her agency and was diagnosed with depression. She shared, "I thought it was due to environmental changes, but it was lethargy and insomnia caused by depression. I was advised to take medication, but after I started running, I stopped the medication and the insomnia disappeared. I realized that the fight with myself is a lifelong journey."
Yulhee, who married FT Island's Choi Min-hwan in January 2018 after a premarital pregnancy in November 2017, divorced in 2023. Following the divorce, Yulhee accused Choi Min-hwan of frequenting entertainment establishments and alleged sexual harassment, while Choi Min-hwan countered with claims of Yulhee's frequent absences and neglect of childcare.
Although Choi Min-hwan initially held custody and parental rights, Yulhee filed a lawsuit last year seeking alimony, division of property, and changes to custody and parental rights.
Reported by Kim Eun-jung, TenAsia. Contact: eun@tenasia.co.kr