Actor Park Jae-hyun has concluded his journey following his divorce from his '16 years younger' ex-wife Han Hye-joo.
On the second episode of TV CHOSUN's reality show 'X's Private Life,' which aired at 10 PM on the 24th, Park Jae-hyun, known as the 'Jang Dong-gun of Surprise,' appeared in the studio. He joined hosts Kim Gura, Jang Yoon-jung, Jung Kyung-mi, and Cheon Rok-dam to observe the post-divorce life of his 'X,' Han Hye-joo. The episode was filled with tears and heated discussions, revealing the starkly different perspectives of the two individuals. The hosts offered wise advice and empathy, leaving a lasting impression.
Kim Gura welcomed Park Jae-hyun, saying, "Last week, we heard the wife's story, and today it's time to hear the husband's side." As everyone exchanged greetings, Jang Yoon-jung humorously revisited the 'breakfast controversy' from the previous week by asking, "Did you have breakfast today?" The VCR then showed Han Hye-joo's daily life. She reminisced about the happy times during her dating period with Park Jae-hyun, including her premarital pregnancy and childbirth. However, recalling the onset of conflicts, she revealed, "I experienced hyperventilation while pumping breast milk, but Park Jae-hyun wanted me to continue breastfeeding," raising tension. Park Jae-hyun explained, "I had no idea that breastfeeding caused hyperventilation," evoking sympathy.
The 'breakfast conflict,' which triggered the divorce, was also revisited. Han Hye-joo recalled the time she spent ten days with her in-laws before her daughter's final heart surgery, saying, "I apologized for not being able to prepare breakfast while taking care of the child. But Park Jae-hyun called after drinking and asked, 'Do my parents have to make their own breakfast?'" Park Jae-hyun clarified, "I wanted to show my parents that their son was managing his family well. I just meant it would be nice to prepare breakfast once."
Previously, Park Jae-hyun had expressed his desire to care for his parents more after the death of his eldest brother. However, the couple couldn't resolve this issue, and Han Hye-joo tearfully said, "I wanted to keep the family together." Park Jae-hyun confessed, "I didn't want a divorce either. As a man, there are times when you have to take a stand." Kim Gura pointed out, "It's a somewhat outdated approach," but added, "It seems Han Hye-joo couldn't fully accept Park Jae-hyun's special feelings for his mother."
Han Hye-joo's daily life with her daughter was then shown. They shared a warm breakfast before heading to school. During the commute, Han Hye-joo jokingly said, "If you don't like it, get married," to which her daughter replied, "You go too, then I'll have 100 dads." Seeing Park Jae-hyun's expression darken, Jang Yoon-jung asked, "How would you feel if your child called someone else 'dad'?" Park Jae-hyun responded harshly, "Just thinking about it makes me feel terrible." Later, Han Hye-joo appeared in a hanbok at a shamanic ritual, surprising everyone. She confessed, "I received a spiritual calling after the divorce." Returning home, Han Hye-joo talked about the letters and snacks her daughter saved for her father, bringing tears to Park Jae-hyun's eyes.
Despite this, the couple's differences remained unresolved. Han Hye-joo said, "He wasn't there when I needed him the most. That's why I decided to divorce. Before our daughter's surgery, it was tough even with combined efforts, but he left, saying he wanted a divorce. I still can't forgive him." Park Jae-hyun countered, "I was where a father should be. We fought, so I wasn't there, but I don't understand why that was the most crucial moment." Jung Kyung-mi noted, "Presenting divorce papers itself could be a problem," but Park Jae-hyun retorted, "You don't have to sign them."
The atmosphere shifted dramatically during a blind date scene. Han Hye-joo, appearing in Seongsu-dong, expressed excitement, saying, "It's my first blind date. My heart is racing," and engaged in a natural conversation with a charming divorced man. During the meeting, Han Hye-joo boldly asked, "Do you have thoughts of remarriage?" and candidly admitted, "I want to be loved now," causing a stir among the hosts. Watching this, Park Jae-hyun tried to appear calm but couldn't hide his complex emotions. A few days later, as Han Hye-joo's date with the blind date partner continued, Park Jae-hyun remarked, "He seems like the type of man Han Hye-joo wants, the complete opposite of me," expressing his bitterness. Nonetheless, he added, "Although we've parted ways, I hope we continue to do well as parents," supporting Han Hye-joo's new life.
TV CHOSUN's 'X's Private Life' airs every Tuesday at 10 PM.
Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr