Comedian Yoon Jungsoo Announces Marriage After Hardship

Comedian and broadcaster Yoon Jung-soo, aged 53, has announced plans to marry his longtime acquaintance and Pilates instructor girlfriend, who is 12 years his junior. This heartfelt news, shared on the July 10, 2025, broadcast of MBC's popular entertainment show GooHaeJwo! Homes, has captured the attention and well-wishes of fans and colleagues alike.

The couple’s relationship traces back a decade, when they first met but remained casual acquaintances. It was only about six to seven months ago that their connection deepened during shared meals, evolving naturally into romance. Yoon revealed, "We became closer through meals, and the feelings developed naturally," highlighting the gentle progression of their bond.

Yoon Jung-soo introduced his bride-to-be on the program as a woman who embodies both beauty and intelligence, working within the sports industry as a Pilates instructor. Despite their age difference, with her being born in 1984, the pair share a strong communication foundation, which Yoon credits as a key factor in his decision to marry. He told close friends and broadcasting colleagues, "I met someone with whom I communicate well," underscoring the depth of their connection.

Regarding the wedding preparations, Yoon confirmed that both families have met and the formalities are underway. When asked if the marriage was confirmed, he stated, "If circumstances allow, I plan to marry within this year," reflecting his sincere intent. However, in a candid moment on the show, Yoon admitted he has not yet proposed, joking, "I don't know how to do it. I'm still thinking about how to propose," eliciting laughter from the studio audience.

The announcement comes as a poignant milestone for Yoon, who has endured significant personal hardships. Once burdened by a debt of 3 billion won due to failed business ventures and joint guarantees, Yoon faced bankruptcy in 2013 after his Cheongdam-dong penthouse was auctioned off in 2011 to cover debts. His journey through financial turmoil was marked by resilience, culminating in credit recovery by 2019. The recent broadcast of GooHaeJwo! Homes featured an emotional visit to his former neighborhood, where Yoon reminisced about his late mother and the home they once shared.

During this visit, Yoon expressed deep remorse and gratitude toward his mother, saying, "I should have done better, I'm sorry," and, "Thank you so much, Mom," in a heartfelt farewell. He also conveyed a touching message to her in sign language, mindful of her hearing impairment: "Mom, I'm getting married now, so please forget all the pain and rest well." This moment moved the program’s panel, including comedian Kim Sook, to tears.

Kim Sook, who had previously worked with Yoon as a virtual couple on JTBC's With You - The Greatest Love, reflected on his struggles and resilience. She recalled a press conference where Yoon appeared unusually quiet and later learned he had just received news of his mother's passing. "At first, I had no feelings and just laughed, but seeing Jung-soo oppa's life, it's so sad," she said emotionally. She expressed admiration for his strength, saying, "It's so admirable that he has lived so brightly until now despite going through such hardships," and offered her heartfelt wishes for his happiness moving forward.

True to her support, Kim Sook promised to attend Yoon’s wedding, stating, "Oppa, no matter what, I'll clear my schedule and go to your wedding to congratulate you." Yoon also mentioned that he asked Kim Sook to give a congratulatory speech at the ceremony, underscoring their close friendship.

Yoon’s announcement also resonates within the broader context of entertainers overcoming adversity. Another well-known broadcaster, Lee Sang-min, who similarly faced massive debts of 6.9 billion won following business failures in 2005, recently celebrated his own new beginning. After years of publicly sharing his debt repayment journey—earning the nickname "Gung Sang-min"—he quietly registered his marriage with a non-celebrity bride 10 years his junior in April 2025, without holding a formal ceremony.

Fans have warmly embraced the news of both men’s fresh starts, flooding social media with messages like "Wishing you a carefree and beautiful path ahead," "Congratulations," and "Such joyous occasions!" Their stories of overcoming financial and personal challenges before finding love and stability inspire many.

Yoon Jung-soo’s career spans over three decades, having debuted as part of SBS’s 1st comedian recruitment in 1992. He currently hosts the popular KBS CoolFM program Mr. Radio and continues to be a beloved figure in South Korean entertainment.

As Yoon embarks on this new chapter, his story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the enduring power of love. Fans and colleagues alike eagerly await the upcoming wedding, celebrating not just a union but a remarkable journey of recovery and renewal.