Jang Dong-jik reveals divorce and family secrets kept for 20 years

Actor Jang Dong-jik is drawing attention once again as he opens up about his marriage, divorce, and his two daughters—stories he had kept private for a long time.

A video titled "I divorced about 20 years ago. High-end actor Jang Dong-jik, who married at an early age, explains why he didn't disclose his marriage and divorce to society" was recently released on the channel 'Scoop World - The Man from Back Then.'

The video re-examines the Jang Dong-jik episode originally broadcast in September 2023. At that time, the broadcast garnered significant attention by revealing his long-veiled family history and his life as a father rather than just an actor.

During the broadcast, Jang Dong-jik cautiously brought up his past while mentioning the passing of his mother.

"I think the biggest reason was that I went through a divorce at an early age," he stated, adding, "It has been about 20 years since the divorce."

He explained that although he had already started a family during the period he began receiving public attention as an actor, his marriage did not last long.

"I was more worried about how the children would be perceived than the fact of the divorce"

The reason Jang Dong-jik did not disclose his marriage and divorce for such a long time was not for himself, but to protect his two daughters.

"My mother raised my two daughters. I was in a situation where I had to work outside the home," he confessed, expressing his feelings of apology toward his family.

He continued, "Nowadays, there is a social perception that many couples can separate if they are not compatible, but for a profession like mine, things can be overinterpreted and highlighted."

Due to the nature of being an actor, he felt a heavy burden that his personal life could be linked to his professional activities or lead to unnecessary scrutiny.

In particular, he revealed, "The children were young and had just started school. I kept it strictly hidden because I was afraid that rumors like 'this is how their family is' would become a burden to them."

It was the heart of a father who worried more about the wounds his young children might receive and the gaze of those around them than his own image.

First reveal of his two daughters... "Many people don't even know I was married"

In the broadcast, Jang Dong-jik's two daughters also drew attention when they were revealed.

After visiting a restaurant with a woman, he surprised those around him by introducing her as "my lover." However, the woman laughed and revealed her true identity, saying, "That is such an old-fashioned style."

She was actually Jang Dong-jik's eldest daughter.

Born in 1997, the daughter mentioned, "I have a younger sibling as well," at which point Jang explained, "Since I haven't really shared such stories on television, there are many people who don't even know the fact that I was married."

While he had maintained a single image to the public for a long time, he had actually lived a life of taking responsibility for his family more than anyone else.

The confession of 'Father Jang Dong-jik,' not 'Actor Jang Dong-jik'

Jang's confession went beyond a simple celebrity revealing their family; it led to a conversation about how to protect one's personal life and make choices amidst changing times.

In the past, the fact of a divorce could have a fatal impact on a celebrity's image, and especially when there are children, the entire family often had to endure unwanted attention.

In that reality, it appears that Jang did not hide his story, but rather waited until his children were grown.

His confession, carefully brought forth after a long 20 years, showed another side of actor Jang and the sense of responsibility he has carried as a father.