Kim Ho-young shares new relationship philosophy amid resurfaced tension with Ock Joo-hyun

Musical actor Kim Ho-young revealed on the 3rd that he is practicing not to invest too much emotion into relationships, a sentiment gaining attention as Ock Joo-hyun expressed regret in July regarding her decision to withdraw a defamation lawsuit against him.

Musical actor and entertainer Kim Ho-young has revealed a changed perspective on human relationships. He shared a significant sentiment, stating, "You don't know how things are until you experience them," while explaining that he is practicing how to not invest too much emotion into every relationship. His remarks have drawn attention as the past conflict with Ock Joo-hyun regarding the so-called "Ok-jang-pan controversy" has resurfaced this year. This comes approximately four months after Ock Joo-hyun expressed regret over withdrawing her previous lawsuit.

During an appearance on the YouTube channel New Woman on the 3rd, Kim Ho-young engaged in conversations on various topics with Lee Gyeong-sil and Jo Hye-ryun. While mentioning his extensive network that spans both the entertainment industry and beyond, he revealed the principles of human relationships he has acquired after meeting countless people over a long period.

“You don't really know how things are until you experience them,” Kim said, adding, “Relationships also require training. That is why I am practicing how to not invest my heart [too much].” His point was that rather than simply maintaining friendships with many people, it is important to distinguish relationships that are truly necessary for oneself and to adopt an attitude of not pouring all of one's emotions and energy into everyone.

He explained, “There are people who become your side even if you don't invest your heart. If there are people who are on the same wavelength, or people you want to contact and think of whether it is good news or bad news, I think those are the people who suit me.” He suggested that true connections are found in those to whom one's heart naturally turns and who stay by one's side without special effort, rather than the quantity of relationships or outward intimacy.

The scale of Kim Ho-young's social circle also drew surprise. Stating that he has more than 5,000 contacts saved in his mobile phone, he revealed, “After my debut, I worked alone for about 16 years without a manager. I had to know people's contact information even just to promote myself.” He explained that because he had to actively seek work and expand his field of activity over a long period, he had proactively built relationships. However, separate from boasting about his wide network, he expressed that he no longer intends to give equal weight to all relationships.

These remarks are gaining more attention as they coincide with the past conflict with Ock Joo-hyun being mentioned again this year. In July, Ock Joo-hyun mentioned the 2022 "Ok-jang-pan controversy" via a fan communication platform, reflecting on how she had sued Kim Ho-young for defamation but subsequently withdrew the complaint. She claimed that while she heard words of thanks from Kim Ho-young for withdrawing the lawsuit, she only heard explanations that he had never targeted her.

Ock Joo-hyun revealed that she suffered damages to advertising contracts due to the controversy at the time, stating, “What I regret most after that incident passed is withdrawing the lawsuit.” As the conflict had escalated to legal action, interest has continued regarding whether the emotions of both sides were fully resolved following the withdrawal of the complaint. However, in Kim Ho-young's recent remarks, there was no direct mention of Ock Joo-hyun or the past incident. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude that his general thoughts on human relationships are a message directed at a specific person.

The conflict between the two erupted following the casting controversy for the musical Elisabeth in 2022. At the time, when Kim Ho-young posted on social media, “The days of 'asari-pan' (a mess) are old news. Now it is 'ok-jang-pan' (a clean floor mat),” some interpreted this as a targeted remark aimed at Ock Joo-hyun. As suspicions and speculations regarding the casting process in the musical industry spread, the controversy expanded across the performing arts scene.

In response, Ock Joo-hyun sued Kim Ho-young for defamation, and the impact grew as senior actors in the musical industry also voiced their positions. The legal conflict was eventually settled when Ock Joo-hyun withdrew the lawsuit, and news was also shared that the two sides had cleared up misunderstandings and reconciled at the time. However, the conflict was highlighted again this July when Ock Joo-hyun brought up the matter and expressed regret over withdrawing the lawsuit.

It is noteworthy that Kim Ho-young, who has maintained a wide range of interpersonal relationships enough to hold thousands of contacts, now prioritizes the quality of relationships over quantity. His statement, “You don't know how things are until you experience them,” contains the experience gained from meeting various people over a long time and a cautious attitude toward relationships. As these remarks were made at a time when the past controversy is being discussed again, various interpretations are following, but since he did not name a specific person, caution is needed against overinterpreting the meaning of his words.

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