In a surprising turn of events, actress Hwang Jung Eum and basketball player Kim Jong Kyu have ended their relationship just two weeks after publicly announcing they were dating. The breakup news was confirmed by Hwang Jung Eum’s agency on Monday, August 5, 2024, leaving fans and the public wondering about the sudden split.

Agency’s Official Statement

Hwang Jung Eum’s agency, Y1 Entertainment, released an official statement regarding the breakup. According to the agency, the couple has decided to remain friends despite their recent romantic involvement. The statement read, “Hello. This is Y1 Entertainment. Actress Hwang Jung Eum has decided to remain good friends with someone she recently fell in love with (Kim Jong Kyu) and is starting to get to know him carefully. Please understand that it is difficult to confirm any other information. Thank you.”

Reasons Behind the Breakup

Close relatives and sources reported by Koreaboo suggest that the reason for the breakup was the pressure the couple felt after their relationship became public. Both Hwang Jung Eum and Kim Jong Kyu found it challenging to handle the spotlight and decided to part ways while maintaining their friendship.

The couple had just announced their relationship on July 22, 2024. At that time, Y1 Entertainment confirmed that Hwang Jung Eum had developed feelings for the basketball player and that they were getting to know each other slowly. Despite the promising start, the public attention seems to have taken a toll on their budding relationship.

Ongoing Divorce Proceedings

Adding to the complexity of the situation is Hwang Jung Eum’s ongoing divorce proceedings with her ex-husband, Lee Young Don. The actress, known for her role in East of Eden (2008), has been married to Lee Young Don for about eight years. She first filed for divorce in 2020 but reconciled with him later. However, she filed for divorce again in February 2024.

The news of Hwang Jung Eum dating Kim Jong Kyu while undergoing divorce proceedings was surprising to many. It appears that the emotional and public scrutiny may have played a significant role in the decision to end her short-lived romance with the basketball player.

In my opinion, the intense public scrutiny faced by celebrities can often create insurmountable pressure on their personal lives. Hwang Jung Eum and Kim Jong Kyu’s decision to remain friends despite the breakup shows maturity and a desire to preserve a meaningful connection without the added stress of public expectations.