Actor Lee Dong-jin and fencing gold medalist Kim Ji-yeon welcome twins

Actor Lee Dong-jin and former national fencing champion Kim Ji-yeon have reached the emotional milestone of becoming parents nine years after their marriage. Having supported each other through their respective careers, the couple has finally welcomed twin siblings, beginning a new family chapter as a prominent "star couple" bridging the entertainment and sports worlds.

Kim personally announced the news of the birth via social media (SNS) on the 28th. She shared several photos, stating, “On July 21, the most precious gifts to our family, twins Lucky and Vicky, were born into this world.”

The released photos capture Lee smiling brightly while holding the two newborns. Another photo shows the twin siblings sleeping peacefully wrapped in swaddles, delivering a warm sense of emotion to fans.

Kim revealed, “From the pregnancy process to childbirth, there were many unexpected challenges, both big and small. That is why I am sharing this joyful news a little late.” She continued, “Fortunately, both Lucky and Vicky and our couple are recovering well. Although there is still more time needed for care, I am simply grateful that the children are growing healthily day by day.”

Her words, which implied the childbirth process was not entirely smooth, conveyed the joy of becoming parents alongside the tension and responsibility felt in welcoming new life. As twin births require even more meticulous care and preparation compared to typical pregnancies, the time the couple spent enduring these challenges together feels even more meaningful.

Kim also revealed the children's names. The son is Lee Jun-seo, and the daughter is Lee Seo-ah. She requested, “Our whole family will greet you again with healthy and bright appearances. Please continue to watch over us with warm hearts.”

This birth is drawing significant attention as the culmination of the long journey the couple has walked together. Lee and Kim held their wedding in 2017 after dating for three years. Since then, they have supported each other's professional challenges, and they had previously announced the pregnancy earlier this January.

Kim is an indispensable figure in the history of Korean fencing. She elevated the status of Korean women's fencing globally by winning a gold medal in the women's individual sabre at the 2012 London Olympics. Her victory was a crucial moment that proved the competitiveness of Korean fencing on the international stage, establishing her as a star of the sport's "golden generation."

Fencing is a sport that requires instantaneous judgment, concentration, and physical agility, as well as high-level psychological strength. Based on her experience reaching the pinnacle of the sport by overcoming extreme tension in international competitions, Kim has been recognized for conveying the values of sportsmanship and challenge even after her retirement.

Her husband, Lee, is an actor known for his steady performances. He gained public recognition through appearances in dramas such as 'I Hear Your Voice' and 'Pinocchio,' building a distinct acting style across various genres.

While their marriage initially drew attention as a union between an actor and a sports star, they have since been noted for their partnership built on mutual respect and understanding. Now, having both reached the top of their respective fields, they are embarking on a new role as parents.

Recently, the public sharing of family news by celebrity couples has become a cultural phenomenon. Beyond the glamour of fame, the public finds deep empathy in the human process of life and the sight of celebrities growing alongside their families. Lee and Kim are creating this connection by sharing the lives of the individuals behind the titles of national champion and actor.

For the couple, who have spent more than 10 years together including their dating period, the birth of the twins is a profound milestone. Having chased their respective dreams between stadiums and film sets, they have now begun a new journey of building a future for their children.

A union where the intensity of sports meets the sensibility of art, and two lives that arrived after a long wait—the new story of Lee Dong-jin and Kim Ji-yeon's family is just beginning.