South Korean actress and Running Man star Song Ji Hyo has publicly addressed her decision to remain unmarried at 44, citing the complexities of domestic life as a primary factor.
Song Ji Hyo’s Perspective on Marriage and Relationships
Song Ji Hyo, who has maintained a high-profile career in the Korean entertainment industry for two decades, recently opened up about her private life. During a conversation with rapper Nucksal on her YouTube channel, she candidly admitted that while she once harbored a desire for marriage, her outlook has shifted after observing the realities of married life, including the challenges of raising children and the necessity of constant compromise.
According to Song, she finds the prospect of sharing a living space and the resulting loss of personal autonomy—which she contrasts with the breathing room found in dating—to be a significant deterrent. “When I hear stories like this, I want to marry, but as soon as I look at my own life in reality, I stop thinking about it,” she stated.
The Shift in Relationship Norms for Korean Celebrities
The public conversation surrounding Song’s relationship history has also drawn attention to her past. During a December 2025 episode of Running Man, Song revealed she had been in an eight-year relationship with a non-celebrity, a fact she had previously kept private because no one had specifically asked. This disclosure surprised her co-stars, including Ji Suk Jin and Kang Hoon.
This revelation stands in contrast to her publicly confirmed celebrity relationship, which was with C-JeS Entertainment founder Baek Chang Joo in 2012. That relationship lasted approximately one year.
Why Lifestyle Realities Are Changing Marriage Trends
Nucksal, who is a father, noted that the transition to parenthood often leads to increased conflict, emphasizing that marriage removes the “space to escape” that exists in dating. He highlighted that communication and compromise become non-negotiable survival skills once a couple shares a home.
Did you know?
Song Ji Hyo’s recent career moves include diversifying her professional portfolio, such as her work as a model for the lingerie brand NINA SSONG, signaling a continued focus on independent entrepreneurial ventures alongside her television appearances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Song Ji Hyo choose not to marry?
Song Ji Hyo has stated that while she is not inherently opposed to the idea of marriage, the realities of domestic life, the loss of personal space, and the demands of constant compromise—as discussed with guests on her show—have led her to conclude that it is not currently the right focus for her life.

How long was Song Ji Hyo’s longest relationship?
In a December 2025 episode of Running Man, Song revealed she was in a relationship with a non-celebrity for eight years before they eventually parted ways.
Has Song Ji Hyo been married before?
No, Song Ji Hyo has never been married. Her previous high-profile relationship with C-JeS Entertainment CEO Baek Chang Joo occurred in 2012 and lasted for about one year.
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