FT Island’s Choi Minhwan has publicly addressed the turbulent marriage to his former wife, LABOUM’s Yulhee, revealing three major crises that contributed to their divorce in December 2023. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Dispatch, the “Love Sick” singer provided startling details about their relationship dynamics and the events leading to their split.
A Marriage Tested by Allegations and Absences
Minhwan’s revelations come amid ongoing public scrutiny, especially after he gained custody of their three children—a son and twin daughters. Many critics had painted Yulhee as an inattentive mother, a portrayal she countered in October 2023 by alleging Minhwan frequented adult establishments. She even filed a lawsuit to overturn the custody decision, claiming his misconduct made him an unfit parent.
While Minhwan denied the allegations of soliciting prostitution, the controversy forced him to take a hiatus from his career.
Minhwan Reveals “Abnormal Sleep Patterns”
In his interview, Minhwan highlighted Yulhee’s unusual sleeping habits as a major strain on their marriage. He alleged she often slept for 18 to 20 hours a day and became irate when he brought it up.
“Yulhee would get very angry whenever I mentioned her excessive sleeping. It led to her neglecting family responsibilities,” Minhwan stated.
He also revealed that Yulhee frequently ran away from home, leaving him to manage the household and children. “She left the house more than 20 times in just five years of marriage. Who can handle that?” he questioned.
Military Service and Family Responsibilities
Yulhee’s supporters have suggested her behavior could be linked to the pressures of caring for three children while Minhwan was serving in the military. However, the FT Island drummer refuted these claims, explaining they hired professional caregivers to ease her load.
“When I was in the military, a caregiver came daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. My mother also helped with housework and prepared dinner. Yulhee was never pressured to cook or clean,” Minhwan clarified.
Despite their struggles, the couple briefly reconciled in 2021.
Late-Night Outings and Final Separation
The final breaking point, Minhwan disclosed, came in 2023 when Yulhee began going out late at night and returning early in the morning.
“She would put on makeup after the kids were asleep and leave the house. Sometimes, she stayed out until 5 or 6 a.m. and slept the entire day,” Minhwan explained.
When her outings became routine, Minhwan filed for divorce, marking the end of their tumultuous relationship.
While Minhwan expressed understanding of Yulhee’s difficulties during their marriage, their mutual decision to divorce underscores the irreconcilable challenges they faced. For now, Minhwan continues to focus on raising their children, while Yulhee works to rebuild her image amid public scrutiny.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.