Seven years have passed since the end of the Song-Song couple, and perhaps both Song Hye Kyo and Song Joong Ki have learned to accept a simple truth: they were once a beautiful part of each other’s past, but they should never have been part of each other’s future.
In June 2019, Asia was stunned by news that Song Hye Kyo and Song Joong Ki, often called the “couple of the century,” had filed for divorce, ending a romance that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. Seven years later, the lives of South Korea’s two biggest stars have moved in completely different directions. While Song Hye Kyo has turned to her career as a form of healing, Song Joong Ki has chosen family life as her new destination, even if her journey hasn’t been as smooth as many once imagined.
Song Hye Kyo: Overcoming public scrutiny through artistic success
When the marriage ended, Song Hye Kyo faced the harshest wave of public criticism. Surrounded by speculation and relentless media attention, she responded with remarkable composure. Instead of defending himself publicly, he allowed his work to speak on his behalf.
After a period of relative tranquility, Song Hye Kyo experienced a true career renaissance through The Glory. Her portrayal of Moon Dong Eun, a deeply wounded yet fiercely resilient woman, almost felt like a reflection of her journey beyond the screen.
No longer the gentle romantic heroine known for her sweet image, Song Hye Kyo has emerged as a stronger, sharper and more commanding figure. She reaffirmed her status as one of Korea’s most influential actresses, while her beauty, maturity, and commercial value continued to thrive at the highest levels of the entertainment industry.
Song Joong Ki: Personal happiness and professional challenges
In contrast to his ex-wife’s professional rebirth, Song Joong Ki’s post-divorce story has taken a quieter turn in terms of career achievements.
The actor quickly found happiness again, marrying former actress Katy Louise Saunders and becoming the father of two children. Building a peaceful family had long been one of his biggest dreams and, in this sense, he got exactly what he wanted.
However, obtaining one thing often means sacrificing another. His deep focus on family life seems to have coincided with a less dominant screen presence. Many of his recent projects have received mixed reactions, with critics pointing to less compelling scripts and performances that some felt lacked the impact of his peak years during Descendants of the Sun.
His appearance has also become a topic of discussion among netizens, with some commenting that he no longer maintains the refined image that once defined him. Additionally, his frequent discussions of his wife and children during interviews have occasionally elicited mixed responses, leading some fans to believe that the mysterious allure of his former heartthrob image has faded.
A necessary farewell for two people who move at different paces
Looking back over the past seven years, many would agree that divorce was ultimately the right decision.
Song Joong Ki found peace in the roles of husband and father, the life he had always hoped to build. Song Hye Kyo, meanwhile, has fully embraced her professional ambitions, proving that a woman can create her own kingdom without needing a man by her side.
Born in 1981, Song Hye Kyo remains one of South Korea’s most powerful actresses, with iconic works including Autumn in My Heart, Full House, That Winter, The Wind Blows, Descendants of the Sun and The Glory. Song Joong Ki, born in 1985, rose to fame through Sungkyunkwan Scandal, The Innocent Man, Descendants of the Sun, Vincenzo and Reborn Rich.
Ten years ago, audiences across Asia were captivated by Descendants of the Sun. The Song-Song couple took their love story from the screen to real life, eventually marrying and feeling like they were living a modern fairy tale. Their 2017 wedding was widely described as the “wedding of the century.” Yet less than two years later, they announced their divorce in June 2019.
Now, seven years later, they both seem to have accepted the fact that, although they once represented a beautiful chapter in each other’s lives, they were never destined to share the same future.
Today, Song Hye Kyo and Song Joong Ki’s separation is no longer about comparing who is happier. Instead, it reflects two different life choices and two individuals who have returned to being their authentic selves. One shines in the spotlight of artistic achievement, while the other finds comfort in the quiet warmth of family life.
Maybe this is the happiest ending they could have given themselves.
Sources: K14
