Ahn Jae-wook undergoes vasectomy to support wife's health

Musical actress Choi Hyun-joo has revealed the extraordinary way her husband, actor Ahn Jae-wook, shows his love for his family. The story unfolded as Choi, who experienced significant difficulties during the pregnancy and childbirth of her two children, expressed her dread regarding a third pregnancy. In response, Ahn Jae-wook underwent a vasectomy without any prior consultation. The couple's differing personalities and ways of thinking were highlighted through how they approach family life.

On the 31st, Choi appeared on tvN STORY's 'Table Tales,' sharing anecdotes about her married life with Ahn and raising their two children. The broadcast featured Choi alongside musical actresses Jung Young-joo, Lee Yeong-mi, and Kim Yong-ju, who shared stories about life and family.

The broadcast also mentioned the vision of family that Ahn had always dreamed of. Lee Young Ja remarked, "I heard Ahn Jae-wook's romantic dream is to wake up his family after having a drink and cook for them himself."

In response, Choi shared the realistic difficulties of parenting. She explained that it was not easy to put their first child to sleep, and the situation would repeat where if the child woke up after finally falling asleep, she had to put them back to sleep again.

"He knows very well how hard it is to put them back to sleep if they wake up after being settled, but when he comes home tipsy, he forgets that," Choi recalled, drawing laughter as she described the situation: "So I would say loudly, 'Oppa! Shh!'"

Stories also emerged about how those around them say Ahn finds his wife intimidating. While Choi mentioned, "He said he has never been afraid of anyone in his life," she explained that because she knows her husband's personality, she is not the type to blindly cater to him.

The difference in their personalities was particularly evident in their communication styles. Choi noted that her MBTI is the exact opposite of Ahn's, saying, "When women talk to their husbands about various things, they aren't necessarily looking for an answer, but rather seeking empathy, aren't they?"

However, she explained that when Ahn hears a problem, his tendency is to analyze the situation and suggest solutions rather than providing emotional empathy. "Oppa is a total 'T,' so he evaluates and suggests ways to solve things," Choi said, describing the couple's dynamic.

The most unexpected anecdote in the marriage of these two individuals with different tendencies was the story surrounding a third child.

Choi revealed that she suffered from severe morning sickness during both pregnancies and that recovery after childbirth was not easy. She explained that she felt considerable difficulty in getting pregnant again, especially as the physical burden of advanced maternal age was added to the mix.

"Both the first and second children had such severe morning sickness that the pregnancy periods were very difficult," she said. "Since recovery after childbirth is also hard due to being an older mother, I said, 'I can't do a third child. It's too hard. I can't give birth anymore.'"

However, without Choi knowing, Ahn had already made a decision. Choi shared, "He went and had the surgery immediately without a word. I was so surprised." She explained that rather than going through separate persuasion or discussion, her husband accepted the situation she was struggling with and took direct action.

"Once Oppa decides, he does it immediately," Choi added. Although it was a brief anecdote, it revealed how the couple navigates the sensitive issue of family planning by considering each other's realistic burdens and choices.

Lee Young Ja joked about this, saying, "It seems like Ahn Jae-wook has finally met his match." She further commented that it seemed as though Ahn had discovered a new kind of happiness by leaving his former life of being alone to form a family.

Ahn and Choi met through musical theater. Ahn has been active not only as an actor but also as a singer and musical actor, and Choi is also a talented actress who has been active on stage for a long time. Since they have both worked in the same field of performing arts, the fact that they have maintained their relationship while understanding each other's professional characteristics and lifestyles is an important background to their marriage.

Ahn debuted as an MBC open recruitment talent in 1994 and has expanded his field of activity across dramas, films, music, and musicals. In particular, he rose to stardom as a Hallyu star through 'Star in My Heart,' securing high recognition not only domestically but also throughout Asia. Since then, he has demonstrated his acting skills in works such as 'Light and Shadow,' 'The Fifth Child,' and 'The Empire: Empire of Law,' and has continued his work on the musical stage.

Choi has also established her position as a stage actress through major musical works such as 'The Phantom of the Opera,' 'Jekyll & Hyde,' and 'Monte Cristo.' Beyond their status as a star couple, the two have built a home by navigating the common issues faced by ordinary couples, such as parenting, personality differences, and daily conflicts.

This anecdote drew attention not just because of the personal choice of a vasectomy, but because of how Ahn accepted and acted upon the physical and emotional burden his wife was carrying.

Choi's confession also shows that marriage is not always about sharing the exact same thoughts. Rather, it is a process of acknowledging different personalities and desires, and forming a real bond by sharing the burdens that one partner finds difficult to bear alone.

The relationship revealed on the show is not one of perfect synchronization. Ahn seeks to solve problems, while Choi seeks empathy. Their lifestyles and personalities differ. Nevertheless, in maintaining their life as a family, they show a willingness to acknowledge their differences and respond to each other's needs.

Ultimately, the "silent surgery" Choi revealed carries a meaning beyond a simple anecdote. While everyone expresses love differently, sometimes understanding a partner's struggle and taking responsibility in one's own way can be a more direct message than any long explanation.