The Changing Views of Celebrities on Marriage: From 'Non-Marriage Advocates' to Happy Spouses

In recent years, several married celebrities have shared that they once identified as 'non-marriage advocates' before meeting their significant others and starting families. Notable figures such as model Choi So-ra, actress Gong Hyo-jin, singer Son Dam-bi, and influencer Lalal have all expressed how their perspectives shifted after meeting their partners. However, there is a growing conversation about the careful use of the term 'non-marriage advocate.'

Choi So-ra, who married photographer Lee Kove in 2019, recently appeared on Kim Na-young's YouTube channel to discuss her journey to marriage. She described her past self as being in an emotionless AI state and initially approached her relationship with a light heart. Both she and Lee Kove identified as non-marriage advocates at the time, but she revealed that her life changed during their relationship.

Choi So-ra admitted that she was once addicted to her work, constantly on the go, but now she considers having children and embraces rest, showing a positive attitude towards marriage. While this reflects her changed values, there is a call for clarity regarding her past identification as a 'non-marriage advocate.'

Choi So-ra is not alone; other celebrities who once mentioned non-marriage advocacy have also tied the knot. Actress Gong Hyo-jin married singer Kevin Oh, who is ten years her junior, and Son Dam-bi recently announced her pregnancy after marrying former speed skater Lee Kyu-hyuk. Influencer Lalal surprised the public by revealing her premarital pregnancy on social media, stating, "I, who once advocated for non-marriage, decided to marry and become a mother."

These celebrities emphasize that their current spouses are special enough to change their values, but such statements have sparked criticism for potentially confusing the concept of non-marriage advocacy and diminishing its meaning.

Non-marriage advocacy goes beyond the choice not to marry; it critiques the patriarchal structures inherent in the institution of marriage. It is based on the belief that marriage can hinder women's economic and social independence and perpetuate male-dominated societal structures. In this context, non-marriage advocacy has become a belief that resists patriarchal society.

However, some married celebrities referring to themselves as 'non-marriage advocates' in the past may lead to misconceptions that non-marriage advocacy is merely a state of not being married. This could result in the notion that 'non-marriage advocacy is simply a lack of finding true love.' This is a point of contention for those who hold non-marriage advocacy as a belief.

Instead of using the term 'non-marriage advocate,' celebrities who previously had no plans for marriage could say, "I had no thoughts of marriage" or "I wasn't considering marriage at that time." This respects true non-marriage advocates while sharing personal experiences without causing misunderstandings.

While it is certainly a cause for celebration when celebrities find happiness in marriage, their influence as public figures necessitates careful word choice.

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