[Sports Chosun’s Go Jae-wan reports] Comedian Kim Byung-man shared his divorce story and introduced the family that became his ‘saviors’.
On the broadcast of ‘Joseon’s Lovers’ on the 25th, comedian Kim Byung-man, who announced his ‘September wedding’, joined the show as a new lover along with his beloved family. In an interview conducted on Jeju Island, Kim Byung-man cautiously shared his current situation, saying, “Many people were wondering if I was ‘reflecting’ since I hadn’t appeared on TV for a while. I took some time for mental recuperation and preparing for a new start, which is why I’m returning after a long break.”
Kim Byung-man opened up about his past cautiously, stating, “I’m not sure how much I need to tell for it to be believed…” According to him, he was living with his mother until he registered his marriage and moved out in 2010. He had entrusted all his economic rights, including his national ID and certification, to his then-wife, saying he often heard, “You’ve exceeded the credit card limit” for a card with a limit of 20 to 30 million won. Kim Byung-man also revealed, “Even when my spine was broken during filming in 2017 and I was in an American hospital facing the possibility of becoming disabled, my ex-wife did not come,” bowing his head.
When asked why he didn’t divorce despite all this, Kim Byung-man responded, “The scariest thing after escaping poverty was falling back into it. I didn’t want my mom to have to work in a restaurant again. So, I chose the path to protect my career.” Kim Byung-man was in a situation where he passed the comedian exam after eight attempts, and back then, divorce would have been a significant stigma for a celebrity. In that stressful situation, Kim Byung-man found refuge not on the comedy stage but in remote jungles. He shared his inner thoughts, saying, “When I decided to divorce, I was at a breaking point. I didn’t mind not being on TV anymore. Let’s litigate.”
Kim Byung-man introduced the family that became his savior. In the VCR, his first daughter, nicknamed ‘Jjang-i,’ and his second son, ‘Ttok-i,’ appeared. Looking at his tall first daughter who takes after her mother, Kim Byung-man said with laughter, “People say I’m carrying a bigger kid than expected. It’s not that my daughter is big; I’m just small.” Meanwhile, his second son, ‘Ttok-i,’ who takes after him, displayed remarkable athletic skills and developed muscles even as a baby. Kim Byung-man, playing skillfully with his children in the swimming pool, and his wife watching them, were also revealed.
The couple then participated in a joint interview. Introducing his current wife, whom he will marry in September, Kim Byung-man said, “We met in 2006 when I was still unknown, dated for around a year, and she was the girlfriend I had parted with.” Kim Byung-man’s wife recalled their first meeting, saying, “I met him through a mutual friend, and I didn’t know he was a comedian back then. He was very proactive from the beginning, saying he was thinking of marriage…” However, as Kim Byung-man got busier with work, they grew apart, and back then, Kim Byung-man had mentioned, “I think I can consider marriage after four more years.” His wife at the time decided to distance herself as she wondered if she was putting pressure on him regarding marriage.
Despite their separation, Kim Byung-man’s mother intervened amidst his difficult time with the divorce lawsuit, rekindling their connection. Kim Byung-man shared his affection, saying, “(When I met her again) I honestly just wanted to hold on to her. She is not just my ‘wife’ but my ‘home’ to me.” The loving confession from Kim Byung-man moved the lover MCs watching through the VCR, making them teary-eyed.
The broadcast depicted Kim Byung-man as a ‘jack-of-all-trades dad’ and ‘braggart dad’ delightfully enjoying time with his playful children. He confessed, “She taught me the concept of happiness. Thinking, ‘I have to be a proud dad’, my wife feels even more precious. There are no words beyond ‘savior’.” ‘Joseon’s Lovers’ captured the scene of Kim Byung-man’s marriage registration, with the program’s writers and producers as witnesses. He recollected his past, saying, “It’s been years waiting for this moment… I’m sorry to the kids for not being there in family photos,” wanting to show a happy life by openly revealing his family.
Kim Byung-man ended by saying, “I think my mother and father in heaven would be pleased. I thought, ‘What would be exciting about a honeymoon at 50?’ but it is exciting,” lifting the marriage registration certificate with a joyful smile.