Korean Actress Hwang Jung-eum Finds Love with Basketball Player Kim Jong-kyu Amidst Divorce Proceedings
Hwang Jung-eum, a popular Korean actress, is reportedly in a new relationship with basketball player Kim Jong-kyu. The news comes as Hwang Jung-eum is still finalizing her divorce from her ex-husband Lee Young-don.
Hwang Jung-eum Confirms New Relationship
The 40-year-old actress confirmed her feelings for a basketball player but her agency did not disclose his identity at first. They released a statement saying, “It is true that Hwang Jung-eum recently developed feelings for a basketball star.”
The news of a potential actor-athlete couple naturally draws significant interest and well wishes. However, Hwang Jung-eum’s team seems to be cautious for a reason. The actress is currently in the midst of a divorce lawsuit with her ex-husband.
Hwang Jung-eum’s Difficult Divorce from Lee Young-don
Earlier, Hwang Jung-eum announced her separation from businessman Lee Young-don, a former golfer, after three years of remarriage. The couple had married in 2016, built a family with two sons, but faced marital issues. They went through a divorce crisis in 2020 but reconciled, only to separate again in 2023.
Hwang Jung-eum publicly accused Lee Young-don of infidelity through social media posts and comments, suggesting he was the at-fault spouse. Lee Young-don has never publicly addressed these claims.
Impact of New Relationship on Divorce Proceedings
In the Korean legal system, the court considers fault when granting a divorce. If Hwang Jung-eum’s claims are true, her new relationship is unlikely to significantly impact the ongoing lawsuit.
Hwang Jung-eum Spotted on a Date with Basketball Player Kim Jong-kyu
Media outlets reported Hwang Jung-eum on a date with a basketball player identified as “A” on July 22nd. The pair reportedly enjoyed a public date without concern for onlookers.
According to an insider, Hwang Jung-eum met Kim Jong-kyu after her difficult breakup with Lee Young-don. He became a source of comfort for her and their relationship blossomed.
Kim Jong-kyu, a center for the KBL team Wonju DB Promy (professional basketball club), is 7 years younger than Hwang Jung-eum. Despite the age gap, he is known as the “Young and Rich” of the basketball world with a successful career and substantial wealth.
About Kim Jong-kyu:
Age: 33 (born in 1991)
Height: 206 cm
Weight: 104.5 kg
Accumulated annual salary of 3.6 million dollars (considered one of the highest in KBL history)
- 2013: Drafted 1st overall by Changwon LG Sakers in the KBL Rookie Draft
- 2019-Present: Transferred to Wonju DB Promy
- 14-year veteran of the South Korean national team
- Notable international appearances:
- 2011 FIBA Asia Men’s Basketball Championship
- 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup
- 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games
- Owns a building in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul in 2022
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