Han Hye-joo's life as a shaman after her divorce has been teased.
On the first episode of TV CHOSUN's reality show 'X's Private Life,' which aired on the 17th, Han Hye-joo, the ex-wife of Park Jae-hyun, who is 16 years her senior, appeared alongside hosts Kim Gu-ra, Jang Yoon-jung, Jung Kyung-mi, and Cheon Rok-dam to observe Park Jae-hyun's life post-divorce. The show revealed the reasons for their divorce, Park Jae-hyun's current daily life, his meetings with his daughter, and even a blind date. Watching this, Han Hye-joo expressed a mix of disbelief and tears, sincerely wishing for his happiness.
Jang Yoon-jung introduced the show by saying, "'X's Private Life' is a program where you watch the life of your ex after divorce, wondering 'Are they doing well without me?'" In the episode, Han Hye-joo, who is in her third year post-divorce at 33, watched a VCR featuring her ex, Park Jae-hyun, 49. Park shared the story of how they married after six months of dating due to a premarital pregnancy, the financial struggles from his 'Surprise' appearance fee of 1.5 million won per month, having to give up his acting career, and his feelings about his daughter who underwent four heart surgeries.
He revealed, "Before my daughter's surgery, my parents stayed with us for a week. During that time, I never had breakfast with my ex, and bringing this up started our conflicts," explaining the reason for their divorce after seven years of marriage. Jang Yoon-jung questioned, "Why such an obsession with breakfast?" Kim Gu-ra analyzed from a male perspective, "It was just an excuse, and various situations overlapped, creating a sense of guilt or inferiority. He probably wanted his wife to take better care of his parents."
Park Jae-hyun confessed, "I didn't want Hye-joo to live with my parents, which led to arguments, and eventually, I packed my things and suggested divorce." He added, "Hye-joo asked if my parents were more important than our daughter's surgery, and at that time, my parents were more important to me," shocking everyone. Watching this, Han Hye-joo calmly stated, "People don't change easily."
Park Jae-hyun's life post-divorce was then revealed. He started his day in a small one-room apartment and went to work at a 'Hwangtae Restaurant.' After working nearly 10 hours in the kitchen, he met with his 'Surprise' colleague Jung Guk-bin. During this meeting, Park admitted, "I didn't like my daughter being called 'the daughter of a reenactment actor.' I was worried it would hurt her." Jang Yoon-jung empathized, "I was also from 'Surprise.' For a while, I was labeled as a 'singer from a reenactment actor background.' I have a lot to say too!" bringing some comic relief.
The next day, Park Jae-hyun met his daughter through a visitation agreement and visited his father's columbarium in Gyeongju. His daughter left a heart-drawn letter for her grandfather, and Han Hye-joo expressed her affection, saying, "My father-in-law cherished me a lot." Kim Gu-ra commented, "Sometimes, even if you want to go, various circumstances prevent you." Later, Park visited his mother's home in Gyeongju with his daughter. After his daughter fell asleep, Park's mother candidly shared, "If it weren't for the pregnancy, I wouldn't have let them marry."
Recalling the time spent together before her granddaughter's surgery, she revealed, "It was right after my eldest son passed away, so Jae-hyun wanted us to stay together," adding a layer of hidden sorrow. Despite this, she expressed her hope for her son's remarriage or reconciliation. However, Han Hye-joo firmly stated, "I have no thoughts of reconciliation."
Park Jae-hyun went on a 'blind date' arranged by 'X's Private Life.' Han Hye-joo watched with mixed feelings, wondering, "Can a new person embrace him?" Park's expression changed when his date appeared, and Han Hye-joo remarked, "That's the expression he had when he first met me." Park and his date quickly found common ground as both were divorcees of similar age. When they discussed children, Han Hye-joo commented, "It's nice that she also has a child." However, Kim Gu-ra humorously noted, "But since they're both remarried, they won't rush things."
A few days later, Park invited his date to the restaurant where he works and served her homemade Hwangtae soup. Kim Gu-ra observed, "Hye-joo's expression hasn't changed," to which Han Hye-joo replied, "I think I've come to terms with it. I'm okay with seeing (his blind date)." She added, "Seeing his daily life today, I feel relieved. He seems to be doing well. Whatever he does, I'll support him, so please show me you're living well. Live well, work hard," offering sincere encouragement to her 'X.'
As Park Jae-hyun's post-divorce story concluded, the preview teased Han Hye-joo's 'unexpected private life' as a shaman after receiving a 'spiritual calling' shortly after their divorce, along with Park Jae-hyun's reaction.
Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr