Seo Jang Hoon slams lawyer for using wealth to dominate relationship

"Judging love with money?" As the conflict between a couple from 'Love After Divorce' preparing for remarriage was revealed on screen, broadcasters Seo Jang Hoon and singer Lee Hyori unleashed a series of intense criticisms against the boyfriend's remarks centered on his economic power. In particular, Seo delivered a blunt rebuke, calling it the "worst comment," and expressed concern that a repeated sense of economic superiority in a relationship could lead to a power imbalance.

In the JTBC variety show 'Love War' airing on the 21st, the realistic conflicts faced by Shim Kyu-deok and Lee A-young, a divorced couple facing remarriage, are revealed.

During the broadcast, Lee confessed that she feels psychological pressure due to the repeated words and actions of her partner, Shim.

She lamented that her boyfriend judges most of daily life through economic efficiency and monetary value, stating, "He says things like, 'I earn this much in an hour, so instead of doing this, it's better to do something else in that time.'"

In response, Shim cited the characteristics of his profession as the reason.

He said, "It is a profession where all time is converted into money as soon as a consultation is scheduled and a client calls," adding, "If I just reduce the time my girlfriend spends relieving stress, I can earn that much more."

He further added, "Since I earn more, I have also told her to quit her job and rest at home if she is having a hard time."

However, these remarks were pointed out as revealing a perception of the relationship based on economic superiority rather than consideration for the partner.

Lee confessed her feelings at the time, saying, "After hearing those words, I even thought, 'Why is this person acting like this? Is he a narcissist?'"

The panelists agreed that this style of conversation could damage the essence of a relationship.

Seo pointed out the danger of repeated behavior, saying, "Once you get married and the relationship becomes familiar, even harsher words could come out than now."

As the conflict continued, Shim repeatedly explained his logic, saying, "Ultimately, since I am the person with the higher hourly wage, I have to think that it is beneficial for me to earn the money to move past this."

Hearing this, Seo finally could not hold back and reacted strongly.

He delivered a direct hit, criticizing the attitude of linking economic power to relationship superiority, saying, "You say the worst comments so nonchalantly. I'll ask you half-jokingly, half-seriously. How much do you earn a month? Just how much money do you make to act so arrogant?"

Lee Hyori also took issue with Shim's way of speaking.

She pointed out that the attitude of cornering and trying to persuade a partner with logic is inappropriate in a romantic relationship, asking, "Is dating a legal battle?"

Another conflict is also revealed in the broadcast.

Lee exposed, "He bought a luxury wedding ring for his ex-wife, but he told me to buy a fake one," and the cast members could not hide their shock at the unexpected remark.

Seo and Lee, who had initially tried to understand Shim's position, turned to a critical stance after the story was revealed, reacting that "it is difficult to defend him any longer."

As the preview also shows Shim eventually shedding tears, attention is gathering on what conclusion the two people's conflict will reach.

In psychology, it is explained that if economic power is used as a basis to justify superiority in decision-making within a romantic relationship, an 'economic power imbalance' can be formed. This is identified as a factor that weakens the partner's autonomy and psychological stability and lowers relationship satisfaction. Experts emphasize that the more healthy a relationship is, the more mutual respect and communication methods—rather than the amount of income—determine the continuity of the relationship.

Lee is from Season 1 of the MBN dating show 'Love After Divorce,' and the lawyer Shim became known through Season 5 of 'Love After Divorce.' The two met through an acquaintance last January and developed into a couple, continuing their relationship on the premise of remarriage. This broadcast is also garnering interest as a case study of how a couple facing marriage can overcome differences in realistic values.