70s Stars Find Love: A New Era of Acceptance in Celebrity Marriages

A warm breeze of love is sweeping through the entertainment industry as stars born in the 1970s announce their marriages and remarriages. The late-blooming romances of these long-time bachelors are attributed to their age and a shift in fan perspectives.

On October 16, actor Jung Seok-yong revealed on SBS's variety show 'Same Bed, Different Dreams 2 - You Are My Destiny' that he is already married to a woman five years his junior. Singer Eun Ji-won also announced on October 12 that he has started anew with a stylist nine years younger than him. Although details about the timing and spouse were not disclosed, many congratulated him on his marriage after being single for 13 years following his divorce.

The marriage news doesn't stop there. Singer Kim Jong-min married a woman 11 years younger in April, and broadcaster Lee Sang-min registered his marriage with a younger bride last month. Comedian Shim Hyun-seop tied the knot with a non-celebrity woman in April, and No Brain's vocalist Lee Sung-woo is set to marry in October.

Why are these stars finding love later in life? Observers suggest that reaching midlife has prompted a change in perspective for these long-time singles or those who previously avoided marriage.

Eun Ji-won has expressed on various shows that he once opposed marriage but is now open to remarriage, saying, "I think I should get married somehow." Kim Jong-min also mentioned on a broadcast, "I think the time for marriage has come."

The change in fan attitudes has also played a role. In the past, celebrity marriages often led to fanbase disruption or image damage. However, a growing respect for celebrities' private lives has led to more fans supporting and celebrating their marriages. Online reactions to these announcements have been positive, with comments like "Congratulations on your marriage," "Live happily," and "It's bittersweet, but I wish you happiness."

Cultural critic Kim Heon-sik noted, "In the past, there was a 'purity obsession' with stars, where fans wanted their favorite stars to remain single. But now, there's a shift towards viewing stars as individuals and supporting their happiness."

He added, "Nowadays, openly sharing relationships or marriages and being confident about those choices is seen more positively. If deceit or concealment is discovered, it leads to greater disappointment. Being open and honest is becoming the norm."

These middle-aged stars, who once made us laugh and cry, are finally finding their own love stories. While the timing may differ, being late doesn't mean being wrong. Perhaps they are quietly sending a message of courage that 'it's okay to be late.'

By Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr