Baek Ji-young explains decision to stay with husband after drug incident

Singer Baek Ji-young revealed on October 31 that she chose to embrace husband Jung Suk-won following his 2018 arrest and suspended prison sentence for using philopon. Rather than offering unconditional forgiveness, she stated she decided to continue the marriage because she knew his true character during that time.

Singer Baek Ji-young has revealed the reason why she continued her marriage with husband Jung Suk-won following his past drug incident. While those around them view her as a wife who shielded her husband's mistakes, Baek's explanation differs slightly. She stated it was not unconditional forgiveness, but rather that she knew what kind of person he was and judged that it was a time when she needed to embrace him.

On October 31, actress Sunwoo Yong-yeo appeared on the YouTube channel 'Baek Ji-young' to discuss marriage with the singer. During the appearance, Sunwoo Yong-yeo offered advice regarding the attitudes necessary for a couple to live together and the process of understanding one another. Drawing from her long marriage, she shared, "I think a married couple should move in the same direction. They may not fit at first, but once they become a couple, they must adjust to one another."

Sunwoo Yong-yeo also mentioned her own marriage. Despite her husband having a stubborn personality for 50 years, she said, "When he made food, I would quickly prepare it and give it to him. If you love, it is not unpleasant." Her point was that what is important between a couple is the heart to accept one another rather than the effort to change the other person.

Baek Ji-young continued the conversation by asking how important appearance is in a marital relationship. Sunwoo Yong-yeo responded that appearance cannot be viewed simply as facial features, stating, "When you look into the eyes, you can see whether this person loves me or not." She explained that even if someone looks ordinary at first, there are people who appear more handsome the more you share your heart with them, implying that love changes how one views their partner.

Listening to the conversation, Baek Ji-young turned the topic to the early days of her marriage. She recalled the conflicts they faced, saying, "Around the three-year mark of our marriage, all the troubles came at once." Jung Suk-won also admitted there were issues with his behavior during the early stages of their marriage, noting, "It was a time when I was wandering a lot." He added, "I came to know the joy of loving and the joy of giving through this person. I caused trouble in the early part of the marriage. That is why we are doing well now."

Baek Ji-young spoke candidly about the public perception surrounding her husband's past mistakes. She explained the meaning behind the comments people make about her, such as "When Suk-won made a mistake, I embraced him." Baek stated, "If he had always been that kind of person, I would have turned my back as well. I know what kind of person he is. Because of the kind of mistake he made, I thought this was a time to embrace him."

This is distinct from unconditionally covering up a husband's mistakes or implying that maintaining a marriage is a given. Baek explained that she decided to continue the relationship by considering the person she knew Jung Suk-won to be and the circumstances at the time. It revealed that choices regarding trust and responsibility between a couple are difficult to define simply as forgiveness or sacrifice from an outside perspective.

Jung Suk-won married Baek Ji-young in 2013 and was arrested and tried in 2018 on charges of using philopon. At the time, he was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years. Although the incident caused a significant impact on their marriage, the two have continued their relationship since then.

In this conversation, Baek Ji-young did not beautify her husband's past, nor did she package her choice as a one-sided sacrifice. She explained that her decision to continue the marriage was based on her understanding of her spouse, with whom she has lived for a long time, and her own judgment. Jung Suk-won also drew attention by admitting his wandering and mistakes at the time and stating that the two are doing well now.

Read the original (Korean)