Hyeon Suk and Kwangsoo reveal divergent views on remarriage

Jung Il-dae (Kwangsoo from Season 16) and Kim So Yeon (Hyeon Suk from Season 22), both from 'I Am SOLO', have once again revealed conflicting perceptions regarding remarriage. While the two had previously disclosed conflicts surrounding children and past marriage histories during their preparation for remarriage on broadcast, they have now shown another gap regarding their certainty about marriage itself.

In the 12th episode of the JTBC dating reality show 'Love War' aired on the 14th, the relationship between Season 16 Kwangsoo and Season 22 Hyeon Suk, referred to as the 'Solo Divorced Couple,' was the focus. As both have started new relationships following divorce, they are facing realistic issues that differ from typical dating. In particular, there is a difference in the psychological and social burdens they face regarding remarriage, as Hyeon Suk is a divorcee with a child, while Kwangsoo is a so-called 'double divorcee' with two previous marriages.

When the production team asked about their intention to marry on this day, Hyeon Suk replied, "I am not sure about the thought of marriage."

Kwangsoo also left the possibility of marriage open but stated, "I do have thoughts of marriage, but it might not be with So Yeon."

This means that although they are continuing their romantic relationship, neither of them currently assumes marriage with their partner as a definitive future. Especially in a relationship predicated on remarriage, the question of 'will they marry' carries significant weight, as it involves complex factors beyond simple affection, such as the experience of past marriage failures, child-rearing, family relationships, and perceptions of legal marriage. Their remarks have caused considerable waves.

The debate reignited during a conversation surrounding Kwangsoo's second marriage history.

Hyeon Suk pointed out that before they broke up following an argument in an underground parking lot, Kwangsoo had said something to the effect of, "I have been divorced twice, but I am not a double divorcee." Hyeon Suk also explained that Kwangsoo's second marriage was different from a typical marriage.

According to Kwangsoo's explanation, he was planning a long-term world trip with his girlfriend at the time, and ahead of the trip, the partner's mother encouraged them to register the marriage, leading to a rushed legal marriage process. He stated that they did not hold a wedding ceremony or a formal meeting between families, and they departed for the trip without informing close acquaintances of the marriage.

However, during the trip, he encountered aspects of his partner that he had not known before, and eventually decided to divorce. Kwangsoo explained that he went through the legal procedures after returning to the country.

Based on this process, Kwangsoo perceived his second marriage differently from a marriage in the conventional sense. He distanced himself from being defined as a 'double divorcee,' explaining in essence, "Actually, it was just registering the marriage between lovers and then going on a honeymoon."

The problem is that Hyeon Suk perceives the same incident in a completely different context.

Hyeon Suk expressed her hurt, claiming that Kwangsoo had previously said to her, "You have a child." She felt that Kwangsoo mentioned the fact that she has a child as if it were a relatively disadvantageous condition, making her feel as though his acceptance of her was a special choice.

Hyeon Suk shared her emotions at the time, saying something to the effect of, "Sang Cheol, Yeong-ho, Kwangsoo, and Youngsoo from Season 16 all said they disliked women with children, so I felt like, 'I am the one who accepted a divorced woman with a child.'"

On the other hand, Kwangsoo countered, saying that the nuance and context of what he said at the time were different from how Hyeon Suk perceived it. Even with the same sentence, one side perceived it as 'choosing the partner,' while the other perceived it as 'comparing each other's conditions,' revealing the emotional rift once again.

As the difference in their positions failed to narrow, panelist Seo Jang-hoon stepped in to mediate. Seo Jang-hoon pointed out that from a legal perspective, Kwangsoo falls under the category of a 'double divorcee' since he has experienced marriage twice, but explained that there is a possibility that the individual might want to emotionally minimize their past marriage.

He interpreted Kwangsoo's remark as meaning, "I am a double divorcee, but can't my heart not count it as a marriage?" He also analyzed that the expression 'You have a child' might not have been a comment weighing who has more disadvantageous conditions, but rather an expression that emerged during the process of comparing the fact that the two have different types of marriage and divorce experiences.

In reality, in a remarriage relationship, the number of past marriages and the presence of children carry significance beyond simple history. While they remain clear legal records, the actual experience and memory of marriage can differ for each individual. For one person, a second marriage might be remembered as a brief legal relationship, while for another, it could be seen as a major decision involving the restructuring of an entire family, including children.

The conflict between the two is particularly sensitive because their relationship has already been made public alongside issues regarding children.

The pair previously appeared on Channel A's 'My Golden Kids,' where they disclosed the confusion experienced by Hyeon Suk's daughter and the concerns of family members during their preparation for remarriage. During the broadcast, Hyeon Suk's young daughter was seen calling a stranger 'Dad,' leading Dr. Oh Eun-young to explain that the child had not yet fully formed the concept of a 'father.'

The broadcast also highlighted how the choices of adults regarding remarriage can have a significant emotional impact on young children, as a scene was shown where the child called her mother, Kim So Yeon, a 'fake mom.'

Because of this, the views on marriage revealed on 'Love War' are not merely a question of 'to marry or not to marry.' If the two continue their relationship, it will not end as a choice between two lovers, but must consider the child and the formation of a new family structure.

For Hyeon Suk, remarriage could mean choosing a new spouse while simultaneously reorganizing her daughter's living environment and emotional relationships. Kwangsoo must also define his past marriage experiences and determine what a new marriage means to him.

Ultimately, the conflict between them is not just about the presence of love. Even when using the same word, 'marriage,' one person holds different standards regarding how much of a past marriage to acknowledge, while the other considers how their partner views their status as a parent.

As the connection that began on 'I Am SOLO' moves into reality outside of the screen, their relationship is becoming closer to the practical challenges of remarriage than the excitement typical of dating reality shows. Their conflict clearly demonstrates that the legal definition of marriage and the emotional definition felt by the individuals do not always align, and that in remarriage, emotions alone cannot resolve all issues.

Currently, neither has taken a definitive stance on marriage. While Kwangsoo left the possibility open, he noted the partner might not be Hyeon Suk, and Hyeon Suk also replied, "I am not sure," regarding the matter. With the family story involving her daughter already public, the conclusion they reach will remain a choice they must make in reality, beyond the broadcast.