Koh Hyun-jung Opens Up About Her Children and Past Decisions on 'You Quiz on the Block'

Actress Koh Hyun-jung candidly shared her feelings about her children from her previous marriage to Shinsegae Group Chairman Jung Yong-jin.

On the October 27th episode of tvN's variety show 'You Quiz on the Block,' Koh Hyun-jung revealed, "Many people are curious if I live with my children," and confessed, "A mother should be a comforting presence, but for me, that was never the case."

She added, "I never realized how deep the sadness would be when I felt distant from my children." Holding back tears, she expressed, "Every time those feelings arose, I was deeply saddened. The time to be with them has passed, and it's something I can no longer fill, which makes it even more upsetting."

Koh also addressed her social media presence, saying, "Many people feel sorry when they see me on social media, thinking about my children, but I don't want to burden them." She explained, "I just want to show that their mom is doing well and wants to give back the love she received from the public."

Koh Hyun-jung rose to stardom at the age of 24 with the SBS drama 'Sandglass' in 1995 and soon after married Jung Yong-jin, retiring from the entertainment industry. They had a son and a daughter, but divorced in 2003 after eight years of marriage. She returned to acting in 2005 with the drama 'Spring Day' and has been active ever since. Recently, she has been engaging with the public through Instagram and a YouTube channel, which has garnered attention.

Reflecting on 'Sandglass,' she said, "It was a drama with a strong response, but it coincided with the start of the next chapter of my life. I chose to marry and leave when people had high expectations." She recalled, "At the time, I was focused on my relationship, and even filming felt like an interruption." She admitted, "I secretly thought, 'I'll quit this job after marriage,' and focused on my personal life."

Regarding her decision to marry at the height of her popularity, she confessed, "Just before I got pregnant with my first child, I felt guilty when I finally saw the reaction to 'Sandglass.' I thought, 'What have I done?' and felt irresponsible." She added, "I believed I did my best, but only then did I realize there was a leak within me."

Recalling those emotions, she shared, "I cried continuously, but there was no one to cry with. Few people could empathize."

Koh also reminisced about her romantic relationships in her 20s. She said, "I started dating suddenly and didn't realize how fun it was. All other thoughts disappeared, and I was immersed in the relationship." She continued, "During that time, I felt like I could work all night with the endorphins from love, and it seemed like the world was going my way." She added, "Love came suddenly and colored everything in my 20s. It was deep, and I realized such feelings don't come often."

She expressed, "I wanted to share this story." Koh Hyun-jung pledged, "I may have acted rudely in front of the public many times. Now, I want to meet you through my work with the spirit of an actor who is not outdated."

Koh urged, "Please don't pity my social media activities as being connected to my children. I don't want to burden them. Please help a little and don't be too harsh." She added, "I want to live well as Koh Hyun-jung, born in 1971 in Korea, with all of you. Please don't misunderstand me."

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr