6 South Korean Celebrity Couples With Big Age Differences

Love knows no age! Ma Dong Seok and his longtime girlfriend Ye Jung Hwa are tying the knot in May, proving that age is just a number. Their 18-year age gap hasn’t stopped them from finding happiness, and their upcoming nuptials have sparked curiosity about other celebrity couples who’ve defied the age difference odds. So, let’s take a look at some other powerful couples in the entertainment world with a gap of 10 years or more.

Ma Dong Seok and Ye Jung Hwa

It was just announced on April 8th that Ma Dong Seok and Ye Jung Hwa are tying the knot on May 25th in Seoul. While they officially became husband and wife by registering their marriage back in 2021, the pandemic and busy schedules put a hold on their wedding ceremony. Now, three years later, they’re finally getting to celebrate their love with a ceremony – and congratulations are pouring in. They first went public with their relationship in 2016. They first met at a gym and have common interests in English, exercise, and more. With Ma Dong Seok born in 1971 and Ye Jung Hwa in 1988, they have an 18-year age gap.

>> Ma Dong Seok and Ye Jung Hwa Set to Celebrate Wedding This May

TWICE’s Chaeyoung and Zion T

Chaeyoung‘s label, JYP Entertainment, confirmed her relationship with Zion T on April 5th. The couple has a 10-year age difference, with Chaeyoung born in 1999 and Zion T born in 1989. The first reports claim they’ve been dating for 6 months, meeting through mutual friends. Apparently, they’ve been spotted enjoying dates in quiet spots around the Yeonnam and Yeonhui neighborhoods. This is a first for both of them when it comes to public relationships. Back in 2020, Chaeyoung faced dating rumors with tattoo artist Chimhwasa, but never confirmed anything. Similarly, Zion T was previously linked to actress Esom, but they shut it down as just a close friendship.

Daniel Henney and Ru Kumagai

Daniel Henney exchanged vows with Japanese-American actor Ru Kumagai in October 2023. Despite their 14-year age gap, with Daniel Henney born in 1979 and Ru Kumagai in 1992, Daniel Henney said, “Age is not an issue for me. My wife is incredibly mature, and we connect on a deeper level.” Their love story blossomed at the restaurant where Ru Kumagai worked. It all began with a conversation about books, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Gong Hyo Jin and Kevin Oh

Gong Hyo Jin and singer Kevin Oh tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony held in New York City on October 12th, 2022. Their 10-year age gap, with Gong Hyo Jin born in 1980 and Kevin Oh in 1990, initially drew much attention, but their genuine love story quickly won over hearts. Kevin Oh’s dedication goes above and beyond. Even though he’s an American citizen with no need to serve in the Korean military, he volunteered to enlist a year after their wedding. He’s currently fulfilling his active duty service.

So Ji Sub and Cho Un Jeong

So Ji Sub and former announcer Cho Eun Jung tied the knot on April 7th, 2020. Their 16-year age gap might have raised some eyebrows, but their love story quickly proved that age is just a number. For their wedding, the couple skipped the huge blowout ceremony and chose a cozy family dinner. They even donated 50 million won (around $36,256) to a non-profit organization called Good Neighbors. Their love story first charmed everyone in 2019. It all began in 2018 when So Ji Sub appeared on an SBS entertainment show to promote his movie Be With You. Cho Eun Jung was hosting the show and they met again at a gathering with mutual friends. Their friendship blossomed into a beautiful romance and now they have been together for 4 wonderful years.

Ham So Won and Jinhwa

Ham So Won and Jinhwa’s marriage in 2018 garnered much attention due to their significant age difference. Their relationship began in October 2017, reportedly initiated by Jinhwa’s persistent pursuit of Ham So Won. An acquaintance of Ham So Won revealed, “Jinhwa was smitten with Ham So Won and chased after her for several months. She initially hesitated due to the age difference and expressed her reluctance several times. However, she eventually came to understand Jinhwa’s sincerity and began dating him.” The couple’s journey continued to play out on television, with their wedding and pregnancy both documented on Taste of Wife. However, the show was later canceled amid various allegations. Despite the controversy, the couple welcomed a daughter in 2018.

Ham So Won and Jinhwa’s relationship is not the only instance of significant age gaps in Korean celebrity couples. Lee Young Ae and Jung Ho Young have a 20-year age difference, while Mina and Ryu Philrip have a 17-year gap. Choi Seong Guk even married a girlfriend 24 years younger than he is.

Source (1, 2, 3, 4)