Actor Kim Il-woo Embraces Single Life and Open-Minded Views on Marriage

Actor Kim Il-woo has unveiled his single life in Gangneung, where he has been living for six months. In front of his 'ex-wife' Bang Eun-hee, he showcased his 'open-minded' views on marriage and his culinary skills, hinting at a potential romantic atmosphere.

The 138th episode of Channel A's variety show 'Men's Life These Days - Groom Class' aired on the 6th, featuring Kim Il-woo, a sixth-grade first-class student, making his debut as a new student. He received a warm welcome from 'Principal' Lee Seung-chul and 'Vice Principal' Lee Da-hae. Meanwhile, Park Hyun-ho appeared with his girlfriend Eun Ga-eun for their first joint broadcast schedule and had their first 'home date' at Eun Ga-eun's house, sparking excitement among viewers.

In the studio, 'Principal' Lee Seung-chul introduced Kim Il-woo as a very passionate student. Kim Il-woo humorously stated, "I'm still a fresh sixth-grade first-class student, Kim Il-woo," and revealed, "I haven't been married yet." Lee Da-hae confirmed, "Next year marks Kim Il-woo's 40th debut anniversary, and it's true he hasn't been married even once." 'Love Department Head' Shim Jin-hwa jokingly asked, "Are you ready for a blind date, Il-woo?"

Kim Il-woo, bursting into laughter, shared in an interview with the production team, "I used to think I hadn't gotten married yet, but now I feel like I can't. As time goes by, I lose confidence in marriage. Meeting someone new and going through the process (of dating and marriage) seems like a daunting task." Nevertheless, he confidently declared, "Since I'm single, I'll work hard in class and graduate as a scholarship student."

Living in Gangneung for six months, Kim Il-woo was seen waiting for someone on a beach bench. Actress Bang Eun-hee appeared, calling out "Oppa~" and embraced him warmly. The two, who played a married couple in a drama 28 years ago, remain close friends. Bang Eun-hee traveled to Gangneung to support Kim Il-woo's 'Groom Class' journey. At a cafe, Bang Eun-hee inquired about Kim Il-woo's ideal type, probing the 'possibility of marriage.'

Kim Il-woo expressed, "I like someone who speaks beautifully," and added, "It's okay if the potential partner is divorced or has children. I don't think I'll have children, so if the partner has kids, I'd like to care for them and watch them grow." Bang Eun-hee applauded his thoughtful response and asked, "How many divorces are acceptable?" Kim Il-woo replied, "Up to two divorces and two children," showcasing his open-mindedness.

Bang Eun-hee praised, "There's plenty of potential for marriage! You could be a wonderful groom." She continued, "I feel like I got married without dating. I married my first husband 33 days after meeting him and my second husband 30 days after. I thought I could just adjust and live. If you get married, I hope you date longer than I did, but not as long and deeply as you did in the past," offering sincere advice.

After leaving the cafe, the two visited Kim Il-woo's home in Gangneung. Kim Il-woo showed off his spotless house and prepared carbonara spaghetti for Bang Eun-hee. She complimented, "It's the best spaghetti I've ever had," and subtly suggested, "How about looking for a partner nearby?" Kim Il-woo responded, "I like people around me," further revealing his open-mindedness, which pleased Bang Eun-hee.

Reporter Taeyuna, TenAsia youyou@tenasia.co.kr