[Sportschosun Lee Ji-hyun] Broadcaster Lee Soo-geun candidly shared the love story with his wife, Park Ji-yeon, who is 12 years younger than him, and explained why he entrusted all financial control to her after marriage.
On the 16th, Lee Soo-geun, Im Woo-il, and Lee Mi-joo, the cast of KBS 2TV's new variety show "Welcome to Soogeun School," appeared as guests on the "Famous Guest Together" segment of KBS 1TV's "Morning Forum."
Lee recalled that he first met his current wife when he was enjoying huge popularity with the "High Note Impossible" segment on KBS's "Gag Concert." He said, "Once things started going well, I became very confident. So I pursued my wife for six months," adding, "At first, she said, 'You're not my type,' but in the end she accepted my proposal and became my wife."
At the time, Park was 21 and had visited the set to experience working as a stylist. Lee said, "Because my wife is small and pretty, my comedian colleagues showed interest in her by taking her to movies and buying her meals," and added, "I was so busy with 'High Note Impossible' that I only saw her later, but by then I had already fallen for her."
The couple also drew attention for their 12-year age gap. Lee said, "Back then, a big age difference was often viewed negatively in society," and added, "When she said she didn't want me as a boyfriend, I felt sorry and angry at the same time. I went to a beer bar in her neighborhood to apologize one last time, but while talking, I suddenly burst into tears."
He added, "At first, my wife thought I was joking, but when she saw me crying, she said she could feel that I was sincere," and shared the behind-the-scenes story of how they ended up getting married.
After marriage, he said he handed over all financial control out of respect and trust for his wife. Lee said, "Even now, I call my wife 'honey' and speak to her formally. I say things like, 'Have you eaten?' and 'Where are you going?'" showing his affection.
He also said, "I gave all household management and financial control to my wife. I don't even know how much money is in my bank account," and added with a laugh, "If I need something, I say, 'Honey, can you send me a little money for this?'"
He explained, "The house is under joint ownership. When my wife was pregnant, she was stuck at home, so I wanted her to at least enjoy the feeling of saving money," expressing his deep trust in her.
Meanwhile, Lee Soo-geun married Park Ji-yeon in 2008, and the couple has two sons.
olzllovely@sportschosun.com
