On June 11, 2026, former U-KISS member Eli made headlines across South Korea and beyond by announcing his remarriage, six years after his public and often turbulent split from broadcaster and racing model Ji Yeon-su. The announcement, made via a heartfelt social media post accompanied by wedding photos, immediately reignited public interest not only in Eli’s new beginning but also in the diverging paths he and his ex-wife have taken since their highly publicized divorce.
In his Instagram message, Eli reflected candidly on the years since his separation, describing them as the most challenging and transformative period of his life. "The past six years were filled with countless twists and turns, valuable lessons, and personal growth," he wrote, echoing similar sentiments across multiple interviews and posts. "I met a wonderful woman who brought understanding, happiness, and peace into my life. Her patience and support helped me through my hardest times and made the good moments even more meaningful." According to MyDaily, Eli’s words were met with an outpouring of support from fans, many of whom praised the beauty of his new bride and wished the couple happiness in their new chapter.
Eli’s journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. He first rose to fame in 2008 as a member of the K-pop group U-KISS, quickly gaining recognition for his talent and charisma. In 2014, he married Ji Yeon-su, who is eleven years his senior. The couple welcomed a son, Min-su (also known as Michael), in 2016. Their marriage, however, was marred by challenges that played out both privately and in the public eye. After officially divorcing in November 2020, the pair appeared together on TV Chosun’s reality program We Got Divorced 2 in 2022, sparking widespread speculation about a possible reconciliation.
The show provided a rare, unfiltered look at the complexities of their relationship and co-parenting dynamic. During one memorable episode, the couple revisited their wedding album, prompting an emotional exchange. Ji Yeon-su suggested throwing away all photos except those of their son, to which Eli replied, "You never know what the future holds. Even if we’re divorced, we’re still family for our child." This moment, covered by Star News, resonated with many viewers for its honesty and vulnerability. Yet, despite moments of warmth and nostalgia, the couple ultimately decided to move forward separately, choosing to support each other’s individual paths rather than rekindling their marriage.
Their time on We Got Divorced 2 also brought to light deeper struggles, including the emotional toll of living apart and tensions involving Eli’s family. Ji Yeon-su spoke openly about feeling isolated in the United States, describing Eli as present only in his role as a father, while Eli expressed frustration at being the target of her anger. At one point, Ji Yeon-su shared, "Eli was the first thing I ever chose in my life. His parents always said, 'If only you weren’t there, our son could remarry.' They tried to undo his choice, and eventually, he did as they wished." Eli, for his part, insisted, "I don’t think my parents made things difficult for Ji Yeon-su. When we were together, everything was harmonious, but when my parents weren’t around, she would say otherwise. I don’t know whose words to believe." These candid conversations, as reported by MyDaily, underscored the lingering pain and misunderstandings that outlasted their marriage.
Meanwhile, Ji Yeon-su’s life after divorce has been marked by resilience and a focus on rebuilding. After initially withdrawing from the public eye, she gradually resumed activity, taking on a marketing role at a flower distribution company and even appearing in related YouTube content. In July 2022, she appeared as a contestant on KBS2’s Capitalism School, where she candidly discussed her efforts to support herself and her son through entrepreneurial ventures, though she was ultimately not selected for the final program.
By March 2024, Ji Yeon-su revealed via YouTube that she had relocated to Jeju Island with her son, only to move back to Seoul later due to health concerns and the end of her job contract. According to OSEN and News-WA, she now conducts both children’s and adult classes focused on flowers, working as a 'Book & Plant' instructor. She holds multiple first-class certifications, including storytelling picture book instructor, florist expert, urban agriculture instructor, and children’s art instructor. Her recent social media posts reflect a life centered on her son, sharing moments from school events and expressing pride in his growth.
Eli’s remarriage announcement also brought renewed attention to his earlier statements about remarriage. During their stint on We Got Divorced 2, Ji Yeon-su once joked, "What if you remarry?" to which Eli responded, "With you?" and then insisted, "I won’t remarry. I’ll just live like this." This exchange, now circulating widely online, has been revisited in light of his new marriage, highlighting the unpredictability of life and relationships. According to Star News, Eli began dating his new partner in December 2022, just five months after the reality show ended, and they plan to hold their wedding ceremony on June 14, 2026.
Throughout his announcement, Eli emphasized gratitude for those who supported him during difficult times. "To everyone who has supported me—through U-KISS, as friends, through prayers, or with a kind word—your kindness has been a greater strength than you realize," he wrote, as quoted by TopStarNews. "If not for those who stayed by my side during hard times, I wouldn’t be where I am now." He concluded by expressing hope and excitement for the future, stating, "Starting this new chapter with someone I love and respect is an incredible blessing, and I’m looking forward to everything that lies ahead."
As Eli embarks on this new journey, Ji Yeon-su continues to carve out her own path, focusing on her role as a mother and educator. Their story, once intertwined and fraught with public scrutiny, now stands as a testament to the challenges and possibilities of starting over. For fans and observers, their separate but parallel lives offer a poignant reminder: even after the most public of endings, new beginnings are always possible.