Nam Chang-hee's Romantic Journey: From Rejection to a Fairytale Wedding

Nam Chang-hee recently shared the story of how he began dating his wife, Yoon Young-kyung. Initially rejected, he persisted and eventually received a message from her on social media.

On October 12, the YouTube channel 'Gongbu Wang Jjin Jjae Hong Jin-kyung' released a video titled 'Hong Jin-kyung's Brother Nam Chang-hee! Exclusive Coverage of the Epic Wedding Ceremony (A Movie-like Love Story)'.

The video showcased Nam Chang-hee's wedding, which took place on February 22 at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul. Hong Jin-kyung commented on the luxurious venue, saying, "You're having your wedding at an expensive place," as she entered the hotel.

After the ceremony, Hong Jin-kyung met Nam Chang-hee and congratulated him, saying, "Seeing your bride's face, you've succeeded. How did you meet such a beautiful person?" Nam Chang-hee replied, "She's kind-hearted and beautiful," and mentioned they had been dating for about four and a half years.

Nam Chang-hee also shared how they met. He said, "Sang-yeop (my manager) contacted me, saying there was a woman I might like. I asked to be introduced. I checked her out on social media and liked her. I asked for a meeting, and that's how we met."

Hong Jin-kyung asked if the bride was interested in him from the start. Nam Chang-hee replied, "No, she was overwhelmed at first." He continued, "I was sort of rejected initially. I made a non-confession confession when I met her with a close friend. I kept my feelings secret, but my friend blurted out, 'Chang-hee likes you.'" When Hong Jin-kyung mentioned Jo Se-ho, Nam Chang-hee laughed and said, "I won't say who it was." He added, "It would have been awkward to deny it, so I admitted it. After that, she stopped contacting me."

Nam Chang-hee said, "I tried to give up, but it wasn't easy. I reached out again after some time, but the conversation didn't flow." He continued, "I contacted her again a few months later, and then again a few months after that." When Hong Jin-kyung asked if those times were included in the four and a half years, Nam Chang-hee replied, "No, excluding those, we've known each other for over six years." Hong Jin-kyung was surprised, saying, "You had a long unrequited love."

Nam Chang-hee revealed, "One day, she contacted me first. I had posted a story, and she replied to it. She asked me to post a song called 'Will Love Come?' by Shorry. After I posted it, she messaged, 'Is love coming?' She said she remembered me and gathered the courage to reach out. She recalled the nice things I did when we met. We exchanged messages and decided to meet for a meal. When she asked when, I said 'tomorrow.' We met the next day, talked, and started dating."

After dating for four and a half years without any major issues, they got married. Hong Jin-kyung repeatedly praised Nam Chang-hee's wife, saying, "Your wife is so beautiful."

Nam Chang-hee and Yoon Young-kyung tied the knot on February 22 at the Dynasty Hall of the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. The couple became husband and wife about a year and seven months after their relationship became public in July 2024.

Yoon Young-kyung graduated from Dongduk Women's University with a degree in Broadcasting and Entertainment. She won the 'Sun' title at the 83rd National Chunhyang Selection Contest in 2013 and debuted in the entertainment industry with the film 'Ode to My Father' the following year. She has appeared in dramas such as 'Splendid Politics', 'Ms. Temper & Nam Jung-gi', the web drama 'The Most Perfect Confession Scam', and the film 'Hot Blooded'. Notably, she appeared on MBC's variety show 'Infinite Challenge' in 2014, where she gained attention for her lovely appearance, earning the nickname 'Han River IU'.

Currently, Yoon Young-kyung works as a public relations officer at the Dongdaemun District Office and appears on the district's YouTube channel.

Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr