Sim Gyu-deok opens up about panic attacks amid wedding pressure

Sim Gyu-deok, a lawyer who appeared on the MBN show 'Love After Divorce', has opened up about the psychological distress he experienced following the public criticism and controversy surrounding his broadcast appearance.

As a groom-to-be who should have been celebrating, he instead faced unexpected scrutiny, confessing that he suffered from panic symptoms and difficulty breathing. He noted, however, that his faith in his partner, Lee A-young, was what allowed him to endure those difficult moments.

In a video released on the YouTube channel 'Your Fault, My Fault' on the 2nd, Sim candidly shared his recent life and current state of mind.

When asked about his upcoming marriage, he admitted, “My desire to get married has actually grown even larger,” but added, “I don't know if I will be able to walk into the wedding venue in this state.”

While this should be a time to prepare for a happy future, he explained that the intense evaluations and criticism following the show have left him deeply wounded.

Lee, also preparing for the wedding, expressed concern for his well-being and suggested postponing the ceremony to allow him sufficient time to recover. However, Sim firmly rejected the idea, revealing his determination to proceed with the scheduled wedding.

To him, the marriage is more than just an event; it is a profound promise between two people who endured hardship together.

Sim revealed that he suffered extreme stress when recalling moments during the broadcast recording when he received public criticism from celebrities he admired.

“I had panic symptoms, and there were moments when I felt dizzy and couldn't breathe well,” he explained. He added that he spent much of that time in self-reproach, wondering, “Why did I do that?”

During this period, his greatest source of strength was Lee A-young.

“In that situation, the person who would have been the angriest would have been my girlfriend,” Sim said. “But seeing her smile while looking at me gave me great comfort.”

He expressed deep gratitude to Lee for staying by his side despite his flaws, noting that his conviction regarding their marriage has only strengthened.

Previously, Sim expressed his intention to reflect on his controversial behavior during the show via his YouTube channel, 'Sim & Co. Law Firm.'

“Just because I earn a lot of money doesn't mean the story is forgiven. I am sincerely reflecting on it,” he stated.

He also voiced regret over his decision to appear on the show: “My future wife said she didn't want to appear on a broadcast, but I suggested we do it because I thought it would be fun. Many of my bad sides were shown on the broadcast, and honestly, I feel like I have lost a lot.”

Sim and Lee met on MBN's 'Love After Divorce' and are currently preparing for remarriage. They have recently drawn public interest by appearing on variety shows focused on couple conflicts and relationships.

This confession serves as more than just a clarification of controversy; it highlights the gap between a public figure's private life and the scrutiny they must endure from the public.

By admitting his mistakes and wounds rather than presenting a perfect image, and with Lee standing firmly by his side, the couple has once again chosen mutual trust as they navigate the intense spotlight of fame.