Gerhard Schröder: The 'Audi Man' with Five Marriages
Germany's chancellor earned the nickname 'The Lord of the Rings' for his five marriages and four divorces
Key Facts
What Happened
Gerhard Schröder served as Chancellor of Germany from 1998 to 2005 and holds a unique distinction in European politics: he has been married five times. His serial marriages earned him two enduring nicknames: 'The Audi Man' (referencing Audi's four-ring logo, after his fourth marriage) and 'The Lord of the Rings.' Each marriage coincided with a different phase of his political ascent, and each divorce reflected evolving personal ambitions.
His first wife Eva Schubach (married 1968, divorced 1972) was a childhood sweetheart he left as his political career began. His second wife Anne Taschenmacher (1972-1984) was a political activist who helped shape his early career. His third wife Hiltrud Hampel (1984-1997) was a socialite who helped him become Germany's first celebrity political couple, known as 'the Clintons of Saxony.' He reportedly warned his fourth wife that he 'changed wives every twelve years.'
His fourth wife Doris Schröder-Köpf (1997-2018) was a political journalist 20 years his junior with whom he adopted two children from Russia. Their marriage survived his chancellorship but ended after 21 years when Schröder began a relationship with Kim So-yeon, a South Korean interpreter and economist he met through his controversial business dealings with Russia.
Schröder married So-yeon Kim in 2018, his fifth marriage. The union proved even more controversial when Kim's ex-husband sued Schröder for 'derailing' his own marriage, alleging that the affair began while Kim was still married. A Korean court ordered Schröder to pay compensation. The case raised international questions about alienation of affection and cross-border divorce law.
Legal Breakdown: Serial Marriage and Financial Planning
Serial Divorce and Cumulative Financial Impact
Each divorce reduces the marital estate. By the time someone reaches a fourth or fifth marriage, the cumulative cost of prior settlements, separate households, and legal fees can be enormous. Prenuptial agreements become increasingly important with each subsequent marriage.
Alienation of Affection Across Borders
The lawsuit by Kim So-yeon's ex-husband against Schröder in Korean courts demonstrates that 'alienation of affection' laws still exist in some jurisdictions. In the U.S., six states still allow these suits. Being named as a third party in a divorce can carry real financial consequences.
International Adoption and Divorce
Schröder and his fourth wife adopted two children from Russia. International adoptions create complex custody and support obligations that survive divorce. The children's citizenship, cultural ties, and the adoption agreements must all be considered in custody proceedings.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Multiple marriages require increasingly careful financial planning. A prenuptial agreement is not optional by the second marriage.
- →Alienation of affection lawsuits still exist in some jurisdictions. Starting a relationship with a married person can have legal consequences beyond moral ones.
- →Each divorce is a financial reset that reduces your total wealth. Consider the cumulative impact before entering another marriage.
- →Pattern recognition matters. If you are on your third or fourth marriage, therapy to understand the pattern may be more valuable than another wedding.
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