Song-Song Couple: The K-Drama Divorce That Shook Asia
K-drama's golden couple split after 2 years — and the internet mourned like a death
Key Facts
What Happened
Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo, two of South Korea's biggest actors, married in October 2017 after starring together in the mega-hit drama 'Descendants of the Sun.' Their wedding was called the 'wedding of the century' in Korean media.
In June 2019, Song Joong-ki filed for divorce mediation, stunning fans across Asia. The news crashed entertainment news sites and trended globally. Neither party claimed alimony or property division — both are independently wealthy, with combined assets estimated at ₩100 billion ($85 million).
The divorce was finalized in July 2019 through mediation — remarkably fast by Korean standards. South Korea requires mediation before any divorce can proceed to court. If both parties agree during mediation, the divorce is granted immediately.
The case highlighted South Korea's intense celebrity culture and the social stigma still attached to divorce. Song Hye-kyo faced disproportionate public blame — a pattern common in Korean society where women are often judged more harshly for divorce.
Legal Breakdown: Celebrity Divorce & Social Stigma
Mandatory Mediation in Korea
South Korean law requires all divorce cases to go through family court mediation before litigation. If both parties agree, divorce is granted immediately after mediation. This makes Korean divorces faster when both parties cooperate.
Property Division by Contribution
Korean law divides property based on each spouse's contribution. When both are high earners, the split reflects actual financial input rather than a 50/50 default.
Social Stigma
Divorce stigma in Korea disproportionately affects women. Women who divorce often face career setbacks and social judgment that men do not. This is changing but remains a significant factor.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →When both spouses are financially independent, divorce can be fast and clean. Don't assume all divorces are battles.
- →Korea's mandatory mediation system works — most cases settle without going to trial.
- →Social stigma around divorce is real in many cultures. Build a support system that doesn't judge.
- →Short marriages generally result in simpler property division, especially when assets were acquired independently.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.