Actress and director Goo Hye Sun has finally spoken out—five years after her highly publicized divorce from actor Ahn Jae Hyun—calling out the continued indirect comments and jokes about their past relationship.
On August 8, Goo Hye Sun took to Instagram with a heartfelt and strongly worded message, indirectly addressing her ex-husband, and the way the media and variety shows continue to bring up their divorce.
She started by explaining the emotional toll of the process:
“There were conflicting claims during the divorce process between me and my ex-spouse. In the end, we agreed to part ways without deciding who was right or wrong. Even though it wasn’t a real reconciliation, we had a silent understanding out of basic human respect.”
Goo Hye Sun didn’t hold back as she expressed her frustration over the way their past continues to be brought up, especially in the entertainment industry:
“Divorce is selfish and painful, with both sides seeing themselves as victims. Though the divorce with my ex-spouse was unpleasant, the continued indirect remarks—especially from those in the same industry—are cowardly. Some of those comments cross the line between being jokes and actual insults.”
She also pointed fingers at media and variety shows, saying their so-called “support” can actually be hurtful:
“When talk shows ask suggestive questions or give words of sympathy, it becomes a second round of harm. I wish people knew how painful this really is.”
She added that entertainment programs should take responsibility too:
“Even if something is said for fun or as a joke, if it can make the person involved uncomfortable, then it should stop immediately.”
In an emotional moment, Goo Hye Sun admitted:
“I’m not good at crying or speaking when I’m hurting. But that doesn’t mean I have no emotions. I truly hope people understand—no one has the right to mock me just to entertain others.”
To end her post, she sent a strong yet hopeful message to Ahn Jae Hyun, wishing him well but asking him to move on without bringing her name into things:
“I hope my ex-spouse will continue his career with his own identity and sincerity, not by using me as a topic. I wish him success.”
Although she never directly named Ahn Jae Hyun, the message was clearly aimed at him—and at the way the media has handled their story over the years.
Goo Hye Sun and Ahn Jae Hyun tied the knot in 2016 and finalized their divorce in 2020. Since the split, Goo Hye Sun has kept busy with various creative projects—acting, directing, writing music and books. She also graduated top of her class from Sungkyunkwan University’s Film Department in February last year. In June, she was accepted into KAIST’s graduate school to study science journalism as part of an engineering master’s program.
Here’s her full statement from Instagram:
“I don’t think it’s right for the media to keep using the phrase ‘5 years since the divorce’ like a label.
There were opposite claims during the divorce with my ex-spouse, and in the end, we agreed without settling the truth. Even if it wasn’t a true reconciliation, it was a silent promise and basic decency.
Divorce is very selfish and hard, with both people feeling hurt.
Even though the process with my ex-spouse was unpleasant, the continued indirect mentions that obviously point at me are cowardly—especially from someone in the same industry.
People on gossip shows who ask leading questions or pretend to comfort should realize they are causing more pain.
I hope variety shows act with a conscience. Even if something is said to be funny, if it could hurt someone, it should stop.
I’m not good at crying or expressing pain through words. But that doesn’t mean I’m not hurting.
No one has the right to mock me for others’ entertainment.
I hope my ex-spouse continues his work by showing his own identity and sincerity—not by using me—and I wish him success.”
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