Song Joong-ki sparks debate after fan introduces him via ex-wife

Actor Song Joong-ki showed signs of discomfort during a recent street encounter abroad after a fan introduced him as "the person who married Song Hye-kyo." The remark, which bypassed his professional identity, has drawn online criticism following his 2019 divorce and 2023 remarriage to Katy Louise Saunders.

Actor Song Joong-ki momentarily froze with a stiff expression after hearing overseas fans introduce him by the name of his ex-wife, Song Hye-kyo, during a street encounter. Although he quickly regained his smile and greeted the fans, the rude remark that defined his current identity through his past marriage has drawn criticism online.

A video capturing Song Joong-ki encountering fans on a street abroad has recently spread on social media. In the footage, Song Joong-ki is seen waiting on a road with staff members, dressed casually in a gray sweatshirt and a black hat. During the encounter, he appeared relaxed as he naturally exchanged greetings with fans who recognized him.

The controversial moment began when voices nearby asked about Song Joong-ki's identity. A Chinese individual pointed at Song Joong-ki and asked, "Who is that?" to which another person responded by explaining that he was "the person who married Song Hye-kyo." Instead of using his name as an actor or mentioning his representative works, the individual introduced him through his former spouse.

Upon hearing the remark, Song Joong-ki momentarily furrowed his brow, revealing signs of discomfort. Although it was only for a brief moment, his changing expression caught attention in the video. However, it is difficult to definitively conclude what he actually felt based solely on his expression. Song Joong-ki soon relaxed his face and continued greeting the local fans.

Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo developed a romantic relationship after working together in the 2016 KBS2 drama 'Descendants of the Sun.' The two married in October 2017, drawing significant attention across Asia, but the marriage did not last long. They drew public attention when they underwent divorce proceedings in 2019 and have since followed their own paths.

Song Joong-ki remarried British actress Katy Louise Saunders in 2023 and currently has one son and one daughter. Having formed a new family following his marriage and divorce, his life has entered a different phase from the past.

The reason this video has become a topic of discussion lies in the discomfort felt when a celebrity's past private life is prioritized over their current identity. While the marriage to Song Hye-kyo is a fact of Song Joong-ki's life, it is not the sole standard by which to describe him. Despite his long career as an actor and his current life, introducing him solely through his relationship with a former spouse can be perceived as rude to the individual.

As Song Joong-ki's change in expression in the short video draws attention, interest is also growing online regarding the attitude toward celebrities and the manner in which their private lives are mentioned. The scene has left food for thought regarding whether it is appropriate to freely bring up a person's past under the guise of familiarity.

Read the original (Korean)