Chae Rim finds independence after two divorces: 'Why rely on men?'

Actress Chae Rim has shared updates on her life on Jeju Island with her son and mother, revealing a much more resilient life philosophy. Having navigated the ups and downs of two marriages and divorces, she is gaining widespread empathy by embracing an independent outlook—one where she creates her own happiness through her own strength rather than depending on others.

Recently, Chae Rim released a video capturing her life in Jeju via her Chinese social media (SNS) account. The footage contains simple yet warm scenes of her daily life spent with her son and mother.

In the video, Chae Rim took a moment to ask her son about his satisfaction with living on Jeju Island.

When Chae Rim asked, "Are you happy living on Jeju Island?", her son answered without hesitation, "Yes. 99 out of 100." He added, "The reason I took off 1 point is because Mom scolds me sometimes," drawing laughter from the audience.

In response, Chae Rim expressed her deep affection for her son. She revealed her infinite love for him, saying, "Ha Min-woo is such a precious being that even if Mom gave him 100 points, it wouldn't be enough."

The video, which captures the daily life of an ordinary family, drew attention not just as a simple update, but as a glimpse into the life Chae Rim—who has lived under public scrutiny for a long time—is now choosing to lead.

In particular, Chae Rim made headlines by sharing her honest thoughts regarding societal expectations and the advice she receives through another video.

She asked, "Why do people keep telling me to look for happiness in men?" and added, "I don't know why they keep telling me to rely on men when I am standing on my own two feet."

She further shared her values, stating, "This is something I discovered myself by spending my energy, time, and tears," and "Happiness is not something someone brings to you, but something you create for yourself."

This is interpreted as a demonstration of Chae Rim's evolved perspective, as she proactively carves out her own path without being shaken by the gaze of others, even after her past experiences with marriage and divorce.

Chae Rim married singer Lee Seung Hwan in 2003 but divorced in 2006. Later, she married Chinese actor Gao Ce in 2014 and had a son, but announced her divorce again in 2020.

After her two marriages, Chae Rim moved away from a life centered on the entertainment industry, relocated to Jeju Island, and began a new chapter with her son. Her choice to raise her child in nature and find balance through family time shows a significant shift in her life's direction.

Chae Rim is candidly sharing the personal struggles and choices that were once hidden behind her glamorous profession. She is now living a life where she designs her own happiness as an individual woman and a mother, rather than living under the labels of a wife or an actress.

By choosing the value of an ordinary daily life over the glamorous spotlight, Chae Rim's life on Jeju Island delivers a quiet resonance to many, conveying the message that even after failure and heartache, one can reconstruct their life in their own way.