Unprecedented divorce drama in the entertainment industry? Announcers Park Ji Yoon and Choi Dong Seok file mutual infidelity lawsuits
The entertainment world has seen its share of high-profile divorces, but few have been as tumultuous as the split between former KBS announcers Park Ji Yoon and Choi Dong Seok. Once regarded as the faces of the network, the couple is now locked in a bitter legal battle, accusing each other of infidelity.
On October 2, reports surfaced that Choi Dong Seok had filed a lawsuit against Park Ji Yoon for adultery, with her 2022 trip to the U.S. becoming the focal point of the case. YouTube reporter Lee Jin Ho posted a video titled “Why the U.S. Trip? The Full Story Behind Choi Dong Seok and Park Ji Yoon’s Infidelity Lawsuit”, revealing more details.
According to the video, Choi Dong Seok has accused Park Ji Yoon of having an affair with a man identified as Mr. B and filed a damages lawsuit late last month. Lee Jin Ho explained, “Choi Dong Seok seems confident in the evidence he has. In 2022, Park Ji Yoon went on a nearly 10-day trip to Los Angeles, during which she spent part of her time with Mr. B, a male friend.”
Lee Jin Ho further delved into the reasons for the couple’s split, stating, “They had ongoing disagreements about finances and parenting styles. As these issues escalated, they were unable to understand or support each other, leading to severe conflict. Their children witnessed these struggles, which ultimately pushed them to decide on divorce.”
Park Ji Yoon responded firmly, denying any claims of infidelity in an interview with Ilgan Sports on October 3. She explained, “Due to some vague, subject-less posts my ex-husband made on social media, I was suddenly painted as an adulterer in fake YouTube news. I never denied the rumors publicly because I hoped, for the sake of our children, that the news would stop and they wouldn’t be hurt any further. That’s why I didn’t make any excuses.”
She continued, “I thought about staying silent for my children’s sake, but I realized that being labeled a disgraceful mother wouldn’t be good for them either. So, I’ve decided to speak up. I’ve never committed adultery or engaged in any immoral behavior during our marriage. Choi Dong Seok knew I was meeting an old friend during my trip to the U.S., someone I’ve known since high school. He knows very well that there’s no romantic relationship between us. For him to spread such a sensationalized story to the media is incredibly vile and infuriating.”
Interestingly, it was Park Ji Yoon who first filed a lawsuit for infidelity. In June, she sued Choi Dong Seok’s acquaintance, Ms. A, claiming that she had an affair with him. Choi responded by saying, “I have never done anything illegal during my marriage to Park Ji Yoon, and I will firmly address the defamation caused by these baseless claims.”
In response, Choi filed his own infidelity lawsuit on September 30. Regarding the delay in filing, he explained to a media outlet on October 2, “I had many concerns about whether or not to proceed. I postponed the lawsuit to protect the children.”
Park Ji Yoon and Choi Dong Seok, both part of KBS’s 30th class of announcers, began dating in 2009 and married after a four-year relationship. They have a son and a daughter. The couple often shared affectionate posts of each other and their family on Instagram. However, in October last year, Park Ji Yoon shocked the public by filing for divorce mediation with the Jeju District Court, ending their 14-year marriage. Since then, both have accused each other of infidelity, leading to the current legal showdown.