YouTube Stars Choi Go-gi and Yu Gyeol-ip Open Up About Their Divorce and New Beginnings

Famous YouTube couple Choi Go-gi and Yu Gyeol-ip have revealed the reasons behind their divorce after four years of marriage.

On the October 14th episode of TV CHOSUN's 'X's Private Life,' Yu Gyeol-ip, now seven years post-divorce, appeared in the studio alongside hosts Kim Gura, Jang Yoon-jung, Jung Kyung-mi, and Cheon Rok-dam to discuss her ex-husband Choi Go-gi's life after their separation. The two displayed a mature understanding of each other's perspectives and offered heartfelt support for each other's new beginnings, leaving a warm impression.

Yu Gyeol-ip shared, "I appeared on 'We Got Divorced' seven months after our divorce, and we received a lot of encouragement to reconcile." Kim Gura humorously remarked, "Time flies when it comes to someone else's son going to the army or someone else's divorce," while Jang Yoon-jung suggested, "Let's see how their relationship has changed," as they turned their attention to the VCR. In the footage, Choi Go-gi recounted how he fell in love with Yu Gyeol-ip at first sight at the young age of 24 and married her due to a premarital pregnancy. However, conflicts arose due to YouTube activities and in-law issues, leading to their divorce after four years. He confessed, "I experienced depression for the first time after the divorce," to which Kim Gura empathetically responded, "Divorce stress ranks high," drawing from his own experiences.

In the following segment, Choi Go-gi candidly showcased his life as a 'single dad,' raising his daughter Sol-ip alone. From preparing breakfast to getting her ready for school and tying her hair, he demonstrated his 'expert dad' skills. After sending his daughter to school, he went to take a test for a forklift license he had obtained a year ago. He explained, "My parents divorced when I was 12, and I was always home alone. I didn't want Sol-ip to be alone like I was, so I chose a job with flexible hours." Upon passing the test, he embraced the advice to "put aside pride for the sake of your daughter," showing personal growth. Watching this, Yu Gyeol-ip was moved, saying, "He's living more diligently than I thought," with tears in her eyes.

A surprising twist occurred during a dinner gathering. Choi Go-gi invited the producer of his 'Choi Go-gi's Parenting Channel' for a noodle party, and Sol-ip called the producer "mom," shocking everyone. Choi Go-gi then revealed, "She's actually my girlfriend of five years," causing a stir in the studio. Kim Gura joked, "I thought he was just a positive person living alone, but now I see why," eliciting laughter. However, a touching moment followed when Sol-ip expressed her feelings, saying, "I don't want to talk about Yerin-mom (Yu Gyeol-ip) because it makes me miss her more and I can't sleep," bringing Yu Gyeol-ip to tears. The girlfriend also shared in an interview, "When I heard 'mom,' I felt a weight. I may not be perfect, but I want to do my best to be a mom. Sol-ip is truly family," conveying her sincerity, and Yu Gyeol-ip expressed gratitude with tears.

The next day, Choi Go-gi took a step further by having a 'mini meeting' with his girlfriend's second sister. After receiving her support, he went on a date with his girlfriend. Kim Gura cautiously remarked, "What does Gyeol-ip think about this?" but Yu Gyeol-ip coolly responded, "It doesn't matter. Why should I care about someone else's relationship?" adding humor to the situation. However, when Choi Go-gi hinted at a proposal, Yu Gyeol-ip jokingly asked, "Should I even be watching this?" showing surprise. Before proposing, Choi Go-gi sincerely stated, "In the past, I married out of responsibility for the child, but I don't want to make the same mistake again."

When Choi Go-gi finally presented the engagement ring, his girlfriend shed tears, and Choi Go-gi expressed, "Seeing you cry makes me want to cry too." Yu Gyeol-ip, while congratulating them, admitted, "I feel strange," with tears in her eyes. Kim Gura commented, "Choi Go-gi seems to have a knack for finding good partners," to which Yu Gyeol-ip humorously responded, "He's too kind! Treat her well, Mr. Lee," adding laughter. Yu Gyeol-ip also encouraged Choi Go-gi, saying, "Continue to be sweet to her like you are now."

As Choi Go-gi's post-divorce story concluded, the preview hinted at Yu Gyeol-ip's new journey living alone, sparking anticipation.

Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr