O Jeong-yeon remains single 14 years after divorce, seeking love at first sight

“I wonder if my life is closer to that of a Buddhist monk.” Broadcaster O Jeong-yeon opened up about her feelings regarding not finding a new connection in the 14 years since her divorce. What drew even more attention was the firm dating philosophy she revealed. O Jeong-yeon candidly disclosed her strict standards for love, stating, “If I don't fall in love at first sight, I won't be able to meet them.”

On the 24th, O appeared on Kim Chae Yeon's YouTube channel “Seong Gyeong Goes to the Temple” to discuss love and life. While visiting Okcheonam in Seoul, O remarked on her current dating status, saying, “It seems like I just don't have that kind of destiny,” adding, “I was at a point where I wondered if my fate was to live a life of desirelessness.” She confessed that rather than actively seeking a relationship, she had begun to wonder if a connection simply wasn't meant to be.

Kim Chae Yeon offered her support, saying she would pray for her, adding, “I hope you meet a truly good person and are able to recognize a good connection when you see one.” The connection between the two women also became a topic of conversation. O revealed that watching Kim transition into a freelance broadcaster gave her the courage to overcome her fears and pursue a new path. When O described Kim as a “guiding figure,” Kim jokingly asked, “You didn't follow my lead in getting a divorce, did you?” drawing laughter.

As it turns out, O's requirements for a partner are unexpectedly simple yet clear. Explaining that people often misunderstand her based on her appearance, she noted that she lives a life that is more detached from worldly desires than people think. She stated she seeks someone whose values align with her own: someone who is happy when following their instincts in fun activities, rests comfortably when it is time to relax, and immerses themselves intensely in work to achieve self-realization.

The challenge lies at the very start of a romance. Although Kim advised her not to judge a person too quickly, O remained firm: “If I don't fall in love at first sight, I won't be able to meet them.” She candidly admitted that there are times she won't even meet someone because of their physical appearance. Ultimately, she believes that to find the person she wants, she must be instinctively drawn to them rather than simply finding someone who meets certain criteria.

O married a former basketball player in 2009 and divorced in 2012. Since then, she has steadily expanded her career as a broadcaster, but news of new marriages or relationships has been scarce. Rather than the fact that she has been single for 14 years, what is more notable is that she has lived life on her own terms instead of forcing her lifestyle to fit someone else.

In the end, being single does not seem to signify a deficiency for O. However, the story could change if someone captures her heart at first sight. While she claims to lack destiny, her conflicting confession that she "must fall in love at first sight" clearly defines the conditions of the love she is waiting for.