Actress Lee Si-young is set to proceed with divorce proceedings from her husband, restaurateur Cho Seung-hyun, after eight years of marriage. On March 17, 2025, her agency, Ace Factory, announced the mutual decision, confirming reports earlier this year detailing the couple's intention to part ways. The decision is reportedly amicable, with both parties agreeing to coordinate the details of the divorce.
Lee Si-young, who is 42 years old, married Cho, known as 'Little Baek Jong-won' due to his notable success in the restaurant industry, back in September 2017. The couple first gained public attention for their high-profile marriage, especially when they announced Lee Si-young's pregnancy shortly after tying the knot. They welcomed their son, Jung-yoon, the following January.
Throughout their marriage, Lee has shared glimpses of their family life through various television appearances and social media, showcasing her joy as both a mother and wife. During her time on programs such as 'I Live Alone' and 'Knowing Bros', she often spoke about her happy home life and seamlessly integrated her work as an actress with her role as a mother. These candid moments endeared her to the public, who have long followed her career across dramas and variety shows.
Lee Si-young initially rose to fame through her performance in the 2008 drama 'Urban Legend Deja Vu Season 3'. Her acting prowess quickly established her as not just another face on television but as someone who could carry complex characters. Besides acting, she ventured briefly but successfully as an amateur boxer, earning acclaim for her athleticism and even participating competitively. Despite her fame, it seems her personal life has taken unexpected turns.
Cho Seung-hyun, Lee's husband, has carved out his niche within the culinary world, operating several successful establishments including the well-known 'Palja Makchang' and 'Youngcheon Yeonghwa'. These ventures have made him quite the name in the nightlife scene; his restaurants are frequented by celebrities and featured on various entertainment programs, eleving his status within the industry. This visibility enhanced the couple's profile, attracting attention both for their professional achievements and personal milestones.
The couple's decision to divorce, announced through Ace Factory, indicates they are parting ways with mutual respect. "Lee Si-young is proceeding with divorce by mutual agreement," the agency shared, noting the necessity for privacy around personal matters. They emphasized, "Since this is Lee Si-young's personal matter, we cannot provide additional details." This paints the narrative of their separation as considerate, acknowledging the end of their partnership without sensationalizing the details.
With the announcement of her divorce, public interest has reignited around Lee Si-young’s personal life. Apart from her marriage, her career has remained vibrant. Recently, she completed filming for the Netflix hit series 'Sweet Home', where she portrayed the role of Seo Yi-kyung, showcasing her versatility as she moved from romance and drama to intense action sequences. The series earned her rave reviews for her commitment to her role and the physical demands it required.
Looking forward, Lee Si-young has stated her desire to take time to plan her future activities and carefully review her next projects. While this announcement marks the end of her marriage, it also opens new avenues for her professional aspirations, and her fans are eager to see how she will navigate this transition. Her ability to adapt and excel across various platforms speaks to her resilience and talent, qualities she has portrayed since her debut.
For now, Lee Si-young seems to balance her personal life with her professional commitments, steering her ship through the tumult of divorce and the exciting explorations of her career. The public will be watching closely as she embarks on this new chapter, holding onto the hope of seeing more unforgettable performances and possibly her return to the spotlight as she moves forward.