Former Basketball Player Lim Hyo-sung Opens Up About Strained Relationship with Wife Shoo

Former basketball player Lim Hyo-sung has expressed dissatisfaction with his relationship with his wife, Shoo.

On the 24th, a video titled 'Couples Counseling Part 2! Will Counseling Really Help!?' was uploaded to the YouTube channel 'Human That's Shoo.'

In the video, Shoo discussed her conflicts with Lim, stating, "We seem to clash over our children's education methods and my way of thinking." She added, "I have a trauma from witnessing my parents' fights as a child, so I never wanted to show that side in front of my kids."

Shoo, who faced public scrutiny in her 30s due to a gambling controversy after a glamorous youth, confessed, "I tried to swallow good words to overcome it. I'm not the type to relieve stress easily, so I needed my own time." She tearfully admitted, "I felt lonely, but I didn't think of it that way."

Shoo described herself as someone who closes off emotionally when feelings arise, developing a 'defense mechanism.' She shared, "There are moments when I want to run away from home. To prevent that, I would go to karaoke alone to cry or dance."

Lim Hyo-sung's individual counseling session revealed his insecurities. "Having only played sports since childhood, I had anxieties about my abilities," he said. "After handling Shoo's affairs for over three years, I found stability but also emptiness. There's no satisfaction."

Despite achieving financial stability, Lim expressed that he couldn't feel the typical family stability. "I wondered, 'How did I end up here?' I suppress my anger and don't share my story with others out of pride," he revealed.

During Shoo's difficult times due to the gambling scandal, Lim admitted to drinking daily. "I have zero trust in my wife, but I feel immense guilt. I felt guilty for being out looking for work while Shoo was struggling. When Shoo was at her worst, I thought, 'It shouldn't get this bad,'" he confessed.

Currently separated from Shoo, Lim shared, "Our relationship has grown distant, but I thought if I tried, her heart would return. But then I wondered, 'Was she always like this, and I just didn't know?' So I let go." He added, "Shoo says she likes the distance, but I really dislike living like this. Yet, Shoo comfortably says she likes this kind of relationship, which frustrates me."

The couple humorously refused to hold hands, bringing laughter. Lim expressed gratitude to Shoo for maintaining the family and raising the children during tough times, while Shoo thanked Lim for his silent support. She smiled, saying, "I think he really did like me a lot."

Meanwhile, Shoo and Lim Hyo-sung, who married in 2010, have been separated for four years. Lim revealed they live as a weekend couple due to unresolved issues regarding divorce and child custody.

Kim Eun-jung, TenAsia Reporter eun@tenasia.co.kr