Im Chang-jung and Seo Ha-yan's Love Story: Overcoming Family Opposition and Embracing a Blended Family

Seo Ha-yan shared her experience of facing intense family opposition when she decided to marry Im Chang-jung, who is 18 years her senior and a father of three.

On the October 22nd episode of TV Chosun's 'Baekban Journey with Heo Young-man,' singer and actor Im Chang-jung appeared to reveal his love story with his wife, Seo Ha-yan.

Recalling their first meeting, Seo Ha-yan said, “I was having snacks with a friend when Im Chang-jung suddenly appeared and asked, ‘Can you buy me a beer?’”

Im Chang-jung added, “It was such an unexpected comment that it made me laugh. I thought to myself, ‘This is it.’ I ended up getting her phone number that day.”

Seo Ha-yan mentioned that their relationship developed quickly. She said, “From the next day, he expressed his feelings so actively that I was completely swept off my feet.”

Im Chang-jung also recalled, “It was chaotic from then on. Not only my friends but also my family had strong reactions.”

How Strong Was the Family Opposition Due to the 18-Year Age Gap?

However, their love was not without challenges. Seo Ha-yan was entering her first marriage, while Im Chang-jung was a divorcee with three sons. The 18-year age difference further fueled family opposition.

Seo Ha-yan revealed, “My entire family opposed it. My sister even returned from China immediately, and my mom was so against it that she threatened to call my agency.”

Im Chang-jung recalled, “My wife told her mom, ‘I laugh a lot and feel so happy when I’m with him, what should I do?’ Hearing that really touched my heart.”

Overcoming Opposition and Embracing Life as a Mother of Five

Despite the opposition, the couple married in 2017. Seo Ha-yan has since given birth to two sons, making them a family of seven. She now supports Im Chang-jung as a stylist, manager, and mother of five.

While enjoying a meal, Im Chang-jung joked, “With such a big family, we always look for affordable places to eat. When I ask about the bill, they often tell me to pay the rent instead.”

Im Chang-jung also shared, “I wrote a song for my wife 10 years ago called ‘Love Again.’ It captures the excitement and unexpected feelings of falling in love as if for the first time.”

Additionally, Im Chang-jung expressed gratitude for actor Lee Byung-hun, who helped him transition from odd jobs like gas delivery and flyer distribution to the musical stage and eventually debut as a singer.

Reported by Kim Eun-jung, Ten Asia eun@tenasia.co.kr