Korean Celebrities Embrace New Beginnings Abroad for Personal Growth and Family Dreams

An increasing number of Korean celebrities are choosing to move abroad, leaving behind their familiar homeland to pursue personal growth or their children's dreams. From seasoned broadcasters to young working mothers, these stars have embarked on a journey to explore broader horizons.
Ahn Sun-young (Canada)

Former comedian turned broadcaster Ahn Sun-young, who had a successful career in home shopping and even built a building in Seoul's Mapo district, announced last month on her YouTube channel that she decided to move to Canada, leaving her career behind.

The reason was her only son. Ahn explained, "My son is passionate about sports and was selected for a Canadian youth hockey team, which is difficult even for local kids to join." She added, "Although he could play hockey in Korea, he insisted on going to Canada, even if it meant staying in a boarding house without me. So, I decided to quit my job."

However, Ahn, whose mother suffers from dementia, clarified, "It's not a permanent immigration," indicating she plans to travel back and forth between Korea and Canada.
Lee Guk-joo (Japan)

Lee Guk-joo revealed on her YouTube channel that she started living in a small one-room apartment in Tokyo, Japan, since April.

Amid her active broadcasting career, she chose this path because, "I turned 40, and next year marks my 20th debut anniversary. For the past 4-5 years, I felt like I was just going through the motions," she said, expressing her desire for new challenges and to learn a new language.

In response to criticism from some netizens who claimed her move was only possible because of her financial status, Lee clarified, "This is not a challenge like a 20-something would take. I'm in my 40s," and added, "Even if I fail, it won't ruin my life. It will be a good experience, and I'm doing it with the hope that an opportunity will come."
Son Tae-young (USA)

Son Tae-young, also known as the wife of actor Kwon Sang-woo, has been living in New Jersey, USA, since 2020 with her two children, while Kwon remains in Korea as a 'goose father.'

In September 2023, Son appeared on broadcaster Hong Jin-kyung's YouTube channel, where she shared her personal struggles. Initially believed to have moved for her children's education, Son revealed, "People have mixed feelings about me. Some like me, but others don't, saying I seem snobbish because I'm shy."

She tearfully admitted that she chose to move to the US due to the emotional toll of living in Korea. "I cried a lot because of misunderstandings about me," she said, adding that she has found peace and met good people in the US, sharing her life through her YouTube channel 'Mrs. New Jersey Son Tae-young.'
Kim Soo-min (USA)

Another figure preparing for life in the US is former SBS announcer Kim Soo-min, born in 1997 and now 28 years old. Influenced by her prosecutor husband, she developed an interest in law and was accepted into UCLA Law School with a scholarship in April.

On October 1, Kim posted "Last day" on her Instagram story, marking her final Pilates session, and noted, "With my husband on parental leave, we're a completely unemployed family now." She also shared posts about ending her long-standing book club and registering her pet dog for a flight, hinting at her imminent departure to the US.

Kim joined SBS at 21, becoming the youngest announcer, but left in 2021, married a man five years her senior, and became a mother of two. Despite her busy life, she published her second book in May, showcasing her determination to pursue her goals alongside motherhood.

By Da-yeon Jeong, TenAsia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr