Boys Over Flowers star Ku Hye-sun blasts 'cowardly jokes' and gossip over her divorce: 'No one has the right...'

Actress and entrepreneur Ku Hye-sun has spoken out against what she sees as insensitive and unnecessary public discussion surrounding her divorce from actor Ahn Jae Hyun.

On August 8, Hye-sun posted a lengthy statement on her social media, directly addressing how headlines and remarks about her past marriage continue to surface even five years after the split. She criticised the repeated emphasis on the divorce in news stories, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics.

“I do not believe it is in line with proper journalistic ethics to repeatedly highlight and stigmatize ‘five years since the divorce’ in news headlines,” she wrote. “During the divorce process between my ex-spouse and me, there were conflicting claims from both sides, and ultimately, we reached an agreement not to pursue the truth of those claims. While this may not have been a true reconciliation between us, it was an unspoken promise and, in a sense, a basic duty as human beings. Divorce is a process in which both parties assert their own grievances, making it an extremely difficult and selfish ordeal.”

She went on to say, “Despite the fact that my divorce with my ex-spouse was far from amicable, I believe that the ongoing, indirect references and remarks—especially those that make it possible to infer my identity as someone in the same industry—and the repeated borderline comments that blur the line between seriousness and jest are cowardly acts.”

Addressing the role of entertainment programs, Hye-sun noted, “I hope those who create sensational gossip programs will recognise that asking leading questions or offering words of consolation about this matter constitutes secondary harm to me, the person directly involved, and inflicts significant pain. I sincerely hope that even in entertainment industry, there is room for conscience. Even if something is said in the name of fun or laughter, if the person involved can reasonably feel discomfort, I believe it should stop immediately.”

Hye-sun also shared that she rarely shows her emotions publicly, but that does not mean she is unaffected. “I am not someone who easily expresses my struggles through tears or words, but that does not mean I am without feelings. I earnestly ask everyone to understand that no one in this world has the right to ridicule me, the person directly involved, for the sake of public amusement.”

Ending her statement on a forward-looking note, she expressed goodwill toward her ex-husband. “I truly hope that my ex-spouse will continue to pursue his own unique identity and authenticity, to be recognised and to grow and succeed—not as someone defined by their connection to me, but as an individual in their own right.”