'Love After Divorce' couple Shim Kyu-deok and Lee A-young reveal conflicts: 'We postponed remarriage once'

Shim Kyu-deok and Lee A-young, a couple who met through the MBN dating reality program 'Love After Divorce,' will appear on the JTBC variety show 'Love War' to candidly discuss the realistic concerns and differing values they face ahead of their remarriage. Their sharp disagreements regarding financial management, spending habits, and views on marriage are expected to spark heated debates in the studio.

In the fifth episode of JTBC's 'Love War,' airing on the 21st, the couple will share the conflicts they are experiencing as a real-life pair and their feelings regarding their upcoming marriage. The program is a talk-based variety show that analyzes couple conflicts from various perspectives, highlighting the realities of dating and marriage.

Shim, who has been married once before, is a lawyer and a graduate of Seoul National University. He revealed that he currently bears most of the couple's living expenses and cited Lee's spending tendencies as a primary source of their conflict.

Specifically, Shim cited examples such as the purchase of a luxury hairband worth approximately 400,000 won and various beauty and grooming expenses, lamenting, "Even though she is not currently working, her spending standards are somewhat high." He candidly revealed that the gap in their perceptions of financial planning and spending habits is a major friction point as they prepare for marriage.

Lee offered a completely different perspective. She pointed out that Shim is "too self-centered" and shared specific instances of his personality and behavior during their relationship. As she actively defended her position and refuted Shim's claims, unexpected episodes unfolded, reportedly causing the studio atmosphere to intensify.

Notably, even cast members who initially sympathized with Shim shifted their stance as the debate progressed. Lee Hyori remarked, "That's not right," while Seo Jang Hoon offered blunt criticism, stating, "That makes no sense," leading to a tense confrontation. As the panelists' opinions diverged, the episode is expected to bring to the surface realistic issues that must be addressed before marriage.

The couple also revealed that they had previously postponed their marriage plans. "We decided to take more time to reflect on each other because we felt we might regret it if we married right away," they confessed, explaining that they chose thorough communication and adjustment over a hasty decision. Their cautious approach to remarriage is expected to resonate with viewers facing similar real-world dilemmas.

Actress Chae Jung An will also appear as a special guest, showcasing her signature unfiltered wit. She candidly shared past dating experiences, stating, "I have dated someone more famous than me," while offering practical advice based on her own life experiences with both marriage and divorce.

The studio atmosphere reportedly heated up even further, with Lee noting, "I am not someone who loses an argument anywhere, but I get nervous with Jung An unnie's no-filter wit."

Recently, variety programs have evolved beyond simple romance to deeply explore the practical challenges faced by couples, such as remarriage, financial management, and differing values. As remarried households continue to increase socially, content that emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding and communication before marriage is gaining significant traction with viewers.