Ailee and Choi Si-hoon discussed their pain from online bullying.
On the 15th, the couple appeared as guests on tvN STORY's 'Kim Chang-ok Show 3.'
That day, Ailee said, "We are fans of Mr. Kim Chang-ok. Whenever it comes up on social media, we share it with each other. However, as we were preparing for our wedding, we wanted to hear good words directly from him, so we decided to visit him," sharing the reason for their appearance.
Ailee shared about her first meeting with Choi Si-hoon, saying, "I have a close friend, and we decided to catch up after a long time. They suggested meeting with 'a younger sibling they know,' and that's how we met for the first time. The more we talked, the more I found him to be serious and thoughtful, very kind. After keeping in touch, we went to see a concert by god seniors. While clapping, our hands kept bumping into each other. It wasn't unpleasant. I left it that way, but he ended up holding my hand first."
Despite their happiness, the couple faced challenges. Ailee mentioned, "This might be a concern we have to carry for a lifetime. As my husband continues to be exposed to the media and online, people tend to compare us or create rumors with false narratives. He gets hurt deeply by those things."
She added, "My husband really works hard. He is diligently living his life while doing various jobs, but people think he is unemployed. (My husband) is not just an influencer but also works and has a company job. He works hard, but I am the one who is working, and people perceive him just as someone who lives off my money, leading to a lot of negative opinions about him. It's very upsetting for me to watch. I feel really frustrated because there's nothing I can do about it."
Choi Si-hoon also shared, "After appearing on 'Single's Inferno,' rumors started spreading, and it was tough because my efforts were being invalidated. I didn't want to engage. I wished people didn't recognize me. But then I ended up meeting my wife and getting married, and interest started again alongside those stories. I truly live hard, but that is quite upsetting for me," he confessed. To this, Ailee added, "Because of the unemployed rumors, I can't use my money freely."
Additionally, when panel members asked Choi Si-hoon how he overcomes a broken heart, he responded, "Work is tough, and it's mentally exhausting, so at some point, my expressions disappeared, and I became like a robot. There were times I just sat at home for a long time. When it is too difficult, I sit alone in a room without thinking and try to manage my feelings."
In particular, when Hwang Jae-seong remarked, "You must have had many thoughts," Ailee said, "If I hadn't met you, I wouldn't have to live worrying about others' opinions. I feel so sorry. Yet I'm grateful that you chose me. I have such feelings," and she shed tears, evoking sympathy.
Listening to the couple's stories, Kim Chang-ok shared, "I feel similar to you two. The more lectures I give, the more comments I receive, sometimes thousands. I end up reading those comments, and they definitely leave an impression on me. The negative comments stand out. Positive support isn't as visible." He continued, "I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's last year, and the next day, articles confirmed it as 'Alzheimer's.' Then they said I had retired. For six months, when people saw me, they would greet me with 'Live long.'" He expressed disbelief at it.
Kim Chang-ok reflected, saying, "Because of that experience, I started to think for myself. First, do I wish to be liked by everyone? Second, this line of work doesn't seem to suit me. I dislike being evaluated by others, and it is truly burdensome. It feels like I'm constantly auditioning."
Finally, Kim Chang-ok advised the couple, "Have you ever encountered someone who directly said hurtful things to you? I doubt that's the case. These comments will fade away like morning fog. If they were real, they would come forward to say it. Most of the text is mere illusion. There are many fake speed bumps in Jeju Island. We need to be cautious about those fake speed bumps, but there's no need to be scared. In time, everything will be proven."
Meanwhile, Ailee will marry 'Single's Inferno' participant Choi Si-hoon on April 20 after about a year of dating. The couple has reportedly already registered their marriage last August.
[Photo] Broadcast capture
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