Voice actors Park Ji-yoon and Jung Hyung-seok, a couple married for 17 years, opened up about their turbulent marriage and near-divorce experience on the July 7, 2025 episode of SBS's popular show Same Bed, Different Dreams 2 - You Are My Destiny. Their candid revelations shed light on the complexities of long-term relationships, especially under the public eye, and the deep emotional struggles they endured while trying to keep their family intact.
From the very first moments of the broadcast, the couple’s dynamic was palpable as they bickered playfully yet honestly, reflecting the reality of a marriage that has weathered many storms. Park Ji-yoon described herself as a meticulous and impatient person who values punctuality and efficiency. By contrast, Jung Hyung-seok identified as a “free spirit,” someone whose laid-back nature often clashed with his wife's fast-paced approach to life. This fundamental difference in temperament has been a persistent source of tension between them.
Park Ji-yoon shared the heavy burden she felt in raising their two children—a middle school-aged son and an elementary school-aged daughter—almost single-handedly. She confessed, “I felt like I was raising three children, not two, because I had to nag and manage my husband as well.” The emotional weight of parenting combined with marital strife left her feeling isolated and overwhelmed.
The couple’s financial discussions also revealed underlying strains. Jung Hyung-seok asked Park Ji-yoon for an increase in his allowance, specifically requesting an additional 2 million won, which she found unreasonable given their household budget constraints. “Who gives an allowance of 2 million won just for personal spending?” Park Ji-yoon retorted, emphasizing that her own income was stretched thin, covering insurance and living expenses with no room left for savings. “I want to spend on others, but my family always comes first,” she added, her voice tinged with frustration and sadness.
One of the most heart-wrenching moments came when Park Ji-yoon revealed that she once left a heartfelt letter for her husband and took their children on what she called a “farewell trip.” She explained, “I’m someone who values spending time with family, but my husband couldn’t fulfill that need. He found happiness in spending time with acquaintances, while I was stuck in a cycle of work and parenting.” Feeling alone despite her husband’s presence, she decided that it might be easier emotionally if he wasn’t there at all, prompting her to leave with the children.
Jung Hyung-seok recalled the incident with deep regret. “I found a thick letter by my bedside,” he said, reflecting on the moment with a mixture of fear and sorrow. He described that week as the “most devastating, terrifying, and scary” time in his life. “We never talked about separation or divorce after getting married, so to face that possibility was unimaginable.” He admitted that discussing separation was so difficult for him that he avoided even mentioning it, hoping to keep the family united despite the turmoil.
When Park Ji-yoon returned from the trip, she felt deeply hurt by her husband’s silence. “I expected a response, but there was nothing. It was as if he hadn’t seen my letter. That made me feel ignored and dismissed,” she said, her voice breaking. Jung Hyung-seok explained, “I didn’t want to talk about negative things like separation. Even bringing it up was painful. I knew that if I brushed it off, it might hurt her less, but I also understood why she felt neglected.”
This emotional impasse led to frequent arguments, with the couple often raising their voices and expressing their frustrations openly. Despite the tension, both acknowledged their deep love and commitment to each other and their family. Park Ji-yoon mentioned that after expressing her feelings of being ignored, her husband recognized his mistakes and promised to change, a turning point in their relationship.
Their struggles were not only confined to their personal lives. The episode also showcased Park Ji-yoon’s professional side, featuring her dubbing work for the character “Raiden Shogun” in the popular RPG game Genshin Impact. Her performance as the character, who holds the top cumulative sales record, impressed everyone and highlighted her dedication to her craft despite the challenges at home.
Adding a unique twist to the episode, a professional consultant visited the couple’s home to help mediate their conflicts. Known for delivering candid and sometimes risqué advice, the expert proposed “rated 19+” solutions that surprised both the couple and the studio audience. Park Ji-yoon’s emotional response to the consultant’s suggestions, including moments of tears, underscored the depth of the couple’s struggles and their willingness to seek help.
Their story resonated with many viewers, offering a raw and honest look at the realities of marriage—the good, the bad, and the messy. It’s a reminder that even couples who seem successful and accomplished publicly face personal battles behind closed doors. As Jung Hyung-seok put it, “We’re figuring out how to solve our difficulties and what we need to do as a family.”
After 17 years of marriage, their journey is far from over. But by sharing their vulnerabilities on national television, Park Ji-yoon and Jung Hyung-seok have opened a window into the complexities of love, commitment, and the work it takes to keep a family together.
