[Sportschosun Kim So-hee] Comedians Shim Jin-hwa and Kim Won-hyo shared their honest feelings after deciding to give up plans for a child and spoke about their happy married life.
On the 22nd episode of KBS 1TV's "Morning Forum," the couple, now in their 15th year of marriage and widely known as one of the entertainment industry's most affectionate pairs, appeared as guests. As soon as they came on stage, they held hands and kissed, drawing attention from the start with their unchanged affection.
That day, announcers Um Ji-in and Park Cheol-gyu mentioned a recent social media post by Shim Jin-hwa that had gone viral online. The photo was taken at the first-birthday party of comedian Kang Jae-joon and Lee Eun-hyung's son, and it showed Shim Jin-hwa and Kim Won-hyo looking warmly at the child, drawing widespread interest.
In response, Shim said, "We both love children so much that I posted the photo. Then so many comments came in from people all over the country cheering us on."
Shim then spoke candidly about their decision regarding children. She began cautiously, saying, "We both originally wanted children and tried very hard, but it just didn't happen." She added calmly, "But everyone’s life takes a different shape, doesn't it? We've been living together for 15 years. Living as just the two of us has been so enjoyable."
Now 46, Shim said, "I'm already older. Even so, people still tell us that it could happen." She added, "Of course, it might work if we keep trying, but as we lived as a couple, we found that this is enjoyable too," expressing satisfaction with her current life.
Kim also expressed gratitude for the support the couple has received. He said, "I think especially mothers are saying those things because they worry about us and want to cheer us on." He added with a laugh, "When I'm signing autographs, a lot of people tell me, 'I'll let you know a good place later.'"
Shim said, "This period has already lasted 15 years, so now we can say, 'We're okay.'" She continued, "We've decided to live happily together. Please don't look at us with pity or worry. We are truly doing very well and living happily."
Kim then lightened the mood with his trademark humor, saying, "I've heard it so many times that I feel like I'm going to get pregnant."
Meanwhile, Shim married comedian Kim Won-hyo in 2011, and the couple has no children.
After years of infertility and efforts to conceive, including in vitro fertilization, Shim said last year, "We have decided to live well without children. I am truly grateful to the many people who supported us. You can stop cheering for our child now." Her candid statement drew widespread support.
