After a long time Running Man Partner Kim Jong-kook got married, actress Song Ji-hyo found herself facing a wave of questions about her love life, especially: “When will you get married?”
In a recent interview, the 44-year-old actress made headlines with her refreshingly honest response: “I don’t want to get married right now. I have absolutely no intention of doing so.”
Song Ji-hyo revealed that between the ages of 25 and 30, she faced enormous pressure from her parents to settle down. Her mother often arranged blind dates, hoping to find her a suitable partner.
But the actress confessed that she despises the experience. After a heated argument with her parents over being pressured into getting married, she decided to leave home for an entire week to find peace.
Reflecting on that moment, he shared: “Forcing yourself to meet people through blind dates is really painful.”
When asked about Kim Jong-kook’s recent wedding, Song Ji-hyo admitted that she felt “a little empty.” Despite years of playful romantic tension Running Manhe clarified that their relationship was purely platonic: “It’s just the effect of the show. We consider ourselves family.”
With a touch of humor, he added: “Everyone who was rumored to date ended up getting married!”
According to Baijiahao, Song Ji-hyo now faces professional challenges related to age and the gender gap in the entertainment industry.
In 2016 she appeared on Running Man for an average of 12 minutes and 37 seconds per episode. By 2024, his screen time reportedly dropped to just 4 minutes and 15 seconds.
National data from South Korea shows that for female artists over 30, casting invitations drop by 67% and unemployment among women over 35 rises to 23%.
While many of her peers have shifted focus to family life or work behind the scenes, Song Ji-hyo continues to remain active in variety shows, acting and business.
In 2022, Song Ji Hyo launched her own lingerie brand, a project she had been developing for eight years. He personally participated in the production and pattern making, but business was slow, with only one or two orders a day.
However, the actress remains determined: “My goal is not to make money. I just want to experience the joy of accomplishing something on my own.”
Despite the challenges, Song Ji-hyo continues to juggle filming, variety appearances and brand management, proudly stating: “Work makes me feel free.”
Song Ji-hyo’s story reflects the struggles many women face between societal expectations and personal freedom, and her courage in choosing independence continues to inspire fans of all generations.
Sources: Kenh14, Baijiahao
