Comedian Kim Jung-ryul reveals 13-year separation from wife due to alcohol

Comedian Kim Jung-ryul is opening up about the long-held marital conflicts and periods of separation he endured. Although he was once the star of 'Sunguri Dangdang' who made the Republic of Korea laugh, behind the glamorous stage lay painful years of growing distant from his wife due to alcohol issues.

On the upcoming broadcast of MBN's 'Kim Ju-ha's Day and Night' on the 8th, Kim and Hwang Ki-soon will appear to reveal stories hidden behind his comedy career, alongside a special friendship that has lasted for 44 years.

During the broadcast, Kim will candidly share his experience of two separate periods of living apart during his marriage. He cited his drinking habits as the primary cause of the distance between him and his wife, honestly stating, "Because I drank so much, there were points of conflict."

In particular, he recalled how he hurt his family after getting drunk. Reflecting on his behavior, he said, "I made many mistakes, such as coming home drunk and waking up my sleeping wife to keep talking to her."

Ultimately, unable to endure it any longer, his wife suggested, "I can't live like this anymore. Let's separate," leading the couple to live apart for the first time.

Kim shared that after a six-year separation, they began living together again, but they faced conflict once more due to his uncorrected drinking habits. This eventually led to a second separation, and he surprised the cast by revealing, "If you combine the two periods of separation, it amounts to about 13 years."

Previously, Kim had already disclosed his separation from his wife during his appearance on the 2020 SBS Plus show 'Are You Eating Well?'. At that time, he expressed his complex feelings, saying, "I have been separated from my wife for 10 years. It's not a divorce; you could think of it as almost a 'graduated marriage' (jolhon)."

He also expressed late regret, saying, "One day, my wife said she was leaving the house. Out of sudden anger and pride, I told her to leave. That was 10 years ago. I didn't know it would turn out like this."

Even for a comedian who provided laughter to countless people, life was not always as perfect as a stage. Kim's recent confession carries significance as he acknowledges his shortcomings and long-standing marital conflicts while reflecting on his relationship.

After making his debut through the 1981 MBC Gag Contest, Kim became a representative star of the comedy scene in the 1980s and 1990s, receiving great love for his unique gestures and catchphrases.