Korean singer Insooni has unveiled the secrets of her 33-year-long marriage, capturing a nationwide viewership rating of 3.3% and a peak of 3.6%.
On the October 16th episode of TV Chosun's variety show 'Joseon's Love Master', the 'national diva' Insooni joined the studio as a new love master. Kim Gook-jin expressed his excitement, saying, “In my decades of hosting, I’ve met almost everyone with the 'national' title, except for Insooni.” Insooni, who rarely appears on variety shows, explained her participation, “My family watches 'Joseon's Love Master' and it felt very human. I'm just an ordinary mom and a neighborhood lady, so I thought, 'Why not give it a try?'”
The episode showcased Insooni's home life with her husband, who is four years her junior, and their pet dog. Her husband, a university professor specializing in golf, took care of household chores, including cooking and cleaning, showing his attentive care for Insooni. However, Insooni humorously remarked, “I become a widow on weekends because he goes golfing,” playfully addressing Kim Gook-jin's wife, Kang Soo-ji, who empathized with her. The episode also highlighted Insooni's hobbies, including publishing children's books and enjoying the Santiago pilgrimage.
Insooni's husband prepared a fruit lunchbox for their hiking trip, jokingly expressing his disappointment, “In 32 years, I’ve never received a gift for any anniversary. It feels like I got married alone.” Despite remembering various anniversaries, he humorously mixed up their wedding anniversary, prompting Insooni to quip, “Who did you marry on April 28th?” He recalled asking if their baby had curly hair when Insooni gave birth, to which she shared her concerns about their child facing similar challenges due to her own experiences growing up in Korea.
Insooni's husband's affectionate and attentive nature continued to shine throughout the episode. Watching from the studio, Insooni humorously commented on the biased editing. The couple's first meeting was also revealed; they met through a mutual connection with the late Lee Joo-il's son. Insooni initiated their first date at a natural farm (now Everland) on Memorial Day, where her husband boldly suggested a kiss at the top of the Ferris wheel, a line she had never heard before. After their first kiss, she fondly recalled wiping lipstick off his face.
Her husband consistently expressed his affection by gifting her rose chocolates after every performance, which Insooni valued immensely, joking that they felt like they were worth 1.8 billion won. Although he proposed over the phone by saying, “Let’s share a blanket,” Insooni hesitated to respond immediately due to the weight of her life and the potential burden on him. She reflected on the harsh realities of dating in the entertainment industry at the time, where relationships could jeopardize careers. Despite this, Insooni courageously sang 'For My Reserved Love' live on radio as a proposal response, touching listeners nationwide. The couple tied the knot in 1994 and have continued their enduring love story.
Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr