For 25 years, actress Oh Na-ra and her longtime partner Kim Do-hoon have shared a relationship that defies conventional expectations, particularly when it comes to marriage. On July 13, 2025, Oh Na-ra appeared as a special guest on the popular SBS entertainment show My Little Old Boy and candidly opened up about why she has yet to tie the knot with Kim Do-hoon, despite their quarter-century together.
When the show's MCs pressed her on why she hasn't married, Oh Na-ra gave a refreshingly honest answer: she simply doesn’t feel the need. "We are so happy together that I don’t feel the necessity to get married," she explained. She elaborated, "I’ve heard so many people tell me to have a wedding, and I wanted to hear a straightforward, satisfying answer from Seo Jang-hoon about how to respond to such questions." Her lighthearted yet thoughtful approach to the topic drew laughter and empathy from the studio audience.
Oh Na-ra’s relationship with Kim Do-hoon, a musical actor-turned-professor who currently lectures in Dongguk University’s model NCS program, began back in 2000 when they performed together in the musical Empress Myeongseong. Since then, they’ve maintained a steadfast bond that remains strong and fulfilling without the formalities of marriage.
One particularly charming aspect of their relationship, revealed during the show, is Kim Do-hoon’s close bond with Oh Na-ra’s mother. "He gets along so well with my mom," Oh Na-ra shared with a smile. "He talks with her more than with me sometimes and even visits my parents’ house alone, hanging out and taking care of things. I’m really grateful for that." This unusual dynamic, where the boyfriend is more connected to the mother than the girlfriend herself, adds a unique layer of warmth and trust to their relationship.
The show’s host, Shin Dong-yeop, remarked on this closeness, prompting Oh Na-ra to confirm the special chemistry between Kim Do-hoon and her mother. She described it as a kind of compatibility, saying, "I think they just get along really well. It’s like they have a good match." The fact that Kim Do-hoon sometimes visits her parents’ home solo, in place of her father, underscored the depth of the mutual respect and affection within this extended family circle.
Despite the frequent societal pressure to formalize their relationship through marriage, Oh Na-ra remains relaxed and confident in their current happiness. When asked about the prospect of marriage, she responded, "Whether we get married or not, we’re very happy together, so I don’t feel the need for it. I suppose it will happen someday, but there’s no rush." This laid-back attitude resonates with many who question traditional timelines and definitions of commitment.
Oh Na-ra, born in 1974 and now 51 years old, has been in the entertainment industry since her debut in the 1997 musical Simcheong. She continues to work actively, with an upcoming role in JTBC’s Friday series Kind Sanae premiering on July 18, 2025. Her openness about her personal life, especially her unconventional stance on marriage, adds a relatable and humanizing dimension to her public persona.
Her relationship with Kim Do-hoon stands as a testament to the idea that long-term happiness does not necessarily require traditional milestones. The couple’s story challenges societal norms by showing that love and contentment can flourish without the formal label of marriage. Oh Na-ra’s heartfelt expressions about their happiness and the unique family dynamics they share offer a refreshing perspective on modern relationships.
Throughout the broadcast, Oh Na-ra also sought advice from fellow guest Seo Jang-hoon on how to handle the persistent questions and pressures about marriage. Her request for "a satisfying and witty response" to these inquiries highlighted the sometimes exhausting nature of societal expectations, especially for couples who choose to define their relationships on their own terms.
In a culture where marriage is often seen as a necessary step after a certain period, Oh Na-ra’s story is a reminder that personal happiness and fulfillment come in many forms. Her candidness about her feelings and the dynamics with her partner and family provide a nuanced look at the evolving landscape of relationships today.
As Oh Na-ra put it, "We’re so happy now, whether married or not, and maybe someday it will happen." Until then, the couple continues to enjoy their life together, marked by mutual respect, love, and a unique closeness that transcends traditional labels.
