So Ji-Sub is a Married Man!

By Jae-Ha Kim
Kocowa.com
Apriil 7, 2020

So Ji-Sub is officially off the market! The popular South Korean actor and his fiancee, reporter Jo Eun-Jung, registered their marriage on April 7.

In a letter to his fans, So wrote:

This is one of the most important decisions in my life and I am hopeful that everyone will support my decision. I am regretful to be making this announcement during a time that is difficult for everyone. But I will always be grateful and try my best. It is my hope that everyone stays healthy. I will see you soon.

Getting married during the coranavirus pandemic could be difficult for anyone. But So, who has always been private about his personal life, and Jo expressed a desire to keep their celebration intimate, with only a few immediate family members. In lieu of a big, expensive reception, the newlyweds donated 50 million Korean won (about $41,000 USD) to the charity, Good Neighbors. (He had previously donated 300 million won — or about $255,000 — to the same organization.)

So’s talent agency, 51K, released the following statement:

So Ji Sub has tied the knot. The couple became partners for life and became a legal couple today, April 7, as they registered their marriage. They wanted to quietly cherish this most important moment of their lives and to provide a bit of hope during these difficult times. They donated to Good Neighbors and are providing tablets and devices to needy children for their education.

Much has been made of the age difference between the couple. So is 42. Jo is 17 years his junior. But sparks flew when they met in 2018. She was the reporter assigned to interview So and his “Be With You” co-star Son Ye-Jin. You can see them flirting a little bit in this clip below:

After photos of them out and about were published, the couple confirmed their relationship in May 2019, but deftly evaded questions about any future marriage plans.

So has been one of South Korea’s most eligible bachelors for the past twenty years. He has always said he would like to be married and start a family one day. Because the marriage announcement seemed to come out of nowhere, 51K added in their press release that this is not a “shotgun wedding,” but a natural evolution of their relationship.

They puckishly added, “So Ji-Sub is not young!”

So may not be in his 20s anymore, but he’s one of those actors (and men!) who just seems to improve with age.

Having begun his career as a teenage model, it’s not surprising that  one of So’s earliest K-Dramas was the SBS series, “Model.” As he grew into his role as one of Korea’s favorite leading men, he played a street-wise adoptee abandoned by abusive parents in Australia (“I’m Sorry, I Love You“); a gifted doctor who’s the target of his jealous brother (“Cain and Abel“); a former police officer using his cyber skills to uncover his friend’s death (“Ghost“);  a chaebol who is intrigued by a woman who talks to ghosts (“Master’s Sun“); and the heir to a fortune, who would prefer to live his life quietly as a physical trainer (“Oh My Venus“).

And he was previously in the news a few days ago when fans noticed that his 2018 K-Drama “My Secret Terrius” appeared to have predicted the coronavirus pandemic. (KOCOWA’s Gina Yi wrote about that here.)

His next acting role will be in the upcoming film “Confession,” where he will star opposite Korean American actress Yunjin Kim (“Lost,” “Ode to My Father,” “Shiri“).

Here’s hoping that their marriage brings So and Jo much happiness and comfort during this difficult time. Congratulations, So Ji-Sub and Jo Eun-Jung. Fighting!