Jo Yoon-hee gets daughter's custody after divorce with Lee Dong-gun, here's a look at their relationship timeline
Lee Dong-gun and Jo Yoon-hee are no longer married to each other. Their respective agencies have confirmed that the two have divorced after spending three years of togetherness. The couple first met on the sets of KBS2 weekend drama 'The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop' aka 'Laurel Tree Tailors'. The top-rated series ended on February 26, 2017, and around the same time, the couple announced to the world that they were dating. The couple got married to each other in May that year and in December, announced the arrival of their daughter. Cut to last week, Jo Yoon-hee's agency made a public announcement that the actress is no longer married to Lee Dong-gun. The latter's agency too put out a statement about the divorce arbitration proceedings on Wednesday.
The couple might not be together anymore but here's a look at their relationship timeline.
February 26, 2017: Lee Dong-gun and Jo Yoon-hee weekend drama, "Laurel Tree Tailors", airs its final episode.
February 28, 2017: According to Soompi, Lee Dong-gun's agency FNC Entertainment and Jo Yoon-hee’s agency King Kong by Starship revealed, “The two of them developed romantic feelings and began dating near the end of ‘Laurel Tree Tailors.’ Please support them.”
March 2, 2017: Jo Yoon-hee for the first time confirmed her relationship to Lee Dong-gun indirectly, on her radio show on KBS CoolFM titled 'Jo Yoon-hee's Raise the Volume'.
"We all dream of a special kind of love. A special kind of love that is not meant for special people but one that occurs when two ordinary people meet together. That radiant love is shining out there now somewhere," stated Jo as according to All KPop. "It's embarrassing to say but I think I become that radiant love for someone. You all probably have read the news by now, thank you so much for your congratulating messages and support. Please look forward to our blossoming love."
May 2, 2017: Lee Dong-gun confirmed that he's legally married to Jo Yoon-hee and expecting first child with Jo Yoon-hee.
Lee Dong-gun wrote to fans, “I am writing this because I think all of you should be the first ones to know. Jo Yoon-hee and I, who met through a drama and became lovers, have registered our marriage and legally become husband and wife. While preparing to get married, we were blessed with a child, and we are thankfully and eagerly waiting for the child’s birth. For now, I will be focusing on my drama ‘Seven Day Queen’ (tentative title), and we will hold a private wedding with our family and close acquaintances once I am done with the project. I am unsure about how this news will be received by my fans who have always supported me, but as much as I want to become a better actor and a happier person, it is my wish to receive blessings from all of you. Please look over us warmly. In order to repay the love I’ve received from everyone, I will work hard to become an even better actor and a great husband.”
Jo Yoon-hee too confirmed the news on her radio show. She began with, “Have you found your morning star? The one you can briefly see in the early evening and the early morning? I’ve found mine. I’ve missed you all.”
“You were all surprised by the news, right? The articles [about the marriage and pregnancy] were published today, and many were surprised but we’ve also received a lot of warm congratulations. Thank you. The timing was just right for everything, almost like we’d planned it all out. We promise to live bright and positive lives, like the shining morning star," she added.
May 10, 2017: Lee Dong-gun surprises Jo Yoon-hee by personally dropping in the studio of her radio show to congratulate her for the shows successful 1-year completion. According to Soompi, the couple divulged details about their relationship for example telling the listeners about their first kiss that happened inside a car.
Jo Yoon-hee also revealed what made her fall for Lee Dong-gun to which she replied, “His kindness and thoughtfulness. I don’t pay attention to looks.” She also revealed that Lee Dong-gun was very caring as a husband and would buy her favorite food items to eat before and after her radio program.
When asked to list the most memorable event from the past year, Lee Dong-gun said, “When we conceived our child.”
September 29, 2017: The two held a private wedding in a restaurant in Jongno-gu, Seoul, four months after registering their marriage.
December 15, 2017: The couple's respective agencies made an official announcement stating that their daughter, Lee Roa, has arrived.
According to HelloKPOP, Jo Yoon-hee's agency mentioned, “Jo Yoon-hee is now recuperating while receiving blessings from her family members and friends". Meanwhile, Lee Dong-gun's label revealed, “Lee Dong Gun is currently ecstatic to have his first child. Please give them your warm love and support.”
May 22, 2020: Jo Yoon-hee's agency makes the divorce announcement.
"Hello. This is King Kong by Starship. First, we would like to express our regret at having to convey this unfortunate news. We are making an official statement regarding the reports of actress Jo Yoon-hee’s divorce. We are informing you that on May 22, Jo Yoon-hee officially divorced Lee Dong-gun through divorce arbitration proceedings at the Seoul Family Court. As we deliver this sudden news, we ask for the understanding of those who congratulated the couple and cheered on their marriage. Jo Yoon Hee will work hard in order to greet you in the future through good activities."
May 28, 2020: Lee Dong-gun's agency puts out an official statement on behalf of him regarding the divorce.
"Hello. This is FNC Entertainment. First, we would like to express our regret at having to convey this unfortunate news to fans who love Lee Dong-gun. Lee Dong-gun reached the decision of divorce after serious contemplation, and on May 22, he completed the divorce arbitration proceedings at the Seoul Family Court. We apologize for causing concern to many, and [Lee Dong-gun] will work harder to give a better impression as an actor."
According to a report by Dispatch, Jo Yoon-hee has received custody of their daughter.