On April 22, South Korean actress Choi Yeo Jin posted a video on her YouTube channel addressing a wave of rumors that have emerged following the announcement of her upcoming marriage. In a calm but firm tone, she refuted the allegations point by point and declared her decision to take legal action.
Choi is set to marry a non-celebrity fiancé in June. While this marks her first marriage, her fiancé, director Kim Jae Wook, is previously divorced. The rumors began after footage resurfaced from a past variety show featuring Choi, Kim, and his ex-wife — filmed when Kim and his ex-wife were still married. The appearance led to widespread speculation, including unfounded claims of an affair and rumors branding the couple’s past relationship as being associated with a cult.
In the video, Choi recalled a late-night call from longtime friend Bae Jung Nam, who expressed concern over the swirling misinformation. “He said, ‘I almost believed it myself,’” she recounted. “He told me I needed to take action to protect myself, and I was grateful for that sincere advice.”
Choi admitted she initially wanted to ignore the situation but was compelled to speak out when even close acquaintances began to doubt her. “These baseless stories are not only hurting me but my friends and family. People are responding and believing the most absurd fiction,” she said.
While browsing YouTube, Choi found a video titled ‘Why Choi Yeo Jin’s Husband and His Ex-Wife Are Linked to a Cult.’ She addressed the accusation, saying, “The name ‘Club Eden’ is being misinterpreted simply because it shares two syllables with a known group. But it’s absolutely not connected. I’m not religious. My fiancé goes to church, but that’s all.”
She went on to debunk several claims, including one alleging she had been detained and had her phone confiscated. “I was never imprisoned. My phone is right here,” she said, waving it on camera. “And no, I was not gaslighted.”
Another rumor pointed to a crown Kim wore on his birthday as evidence of cult activity. “That was just a cheap party crown we bought online for 10,680 KRW (about $7.5). That’s what people are using as proof,” Choi said incredulously.
She also revealed that the religious group in question had reached out to her directly via direct message. “They asked me to confirm publicly that I have no ties to them. They’re also taking legal action and have contacted several YouTubers, resulting in many videos being taken down.”
Addressing allegations that she lived with Kim and his ex-wife, Choi clarified, “That never happened. I lived alone in one of the ten houses on the property. It’s a sports facility, and I was there to train. The show made it look like everything was provided, but I paid for everything. It’s an expensive sport.”
She also denied ever referring to Kim’s parents as “mom” and “dad,” stating, “I said they looked after me like parents, not that I called them that.”
Responding to a rumor about a fight with Kim’s ex-wife, Choi said, “There was no fight. Not once.” She also explained a misinterpreted comment in which someone read her gratitude toward Kim’s ex-wife as sarcastic. “I don’t express myself emotionally. She knew I was having a hard time and tried to comfort me. That’s all.”
Regarding cultural backlash against her relationship, she acknowledged, “If you only look at the situation through what’s on the internet, even I admit it seems strange. But every relationship has a story. If you look closer with an open mind, it’s not so hard to understand.”
As for claims that she was marrying for money, Choi refuted them firmly. “If I were marrying for money, I would have done it in my twenties. I had many offers from wealthy suitors back then. But I believe in natural relationships built on trust.”
She concluded the video with a strong message: “These false, sensational rumors need to stop. It’s gone too far. I hope this ends today. Please take those videos down. I don’t want to see these people face to face in court.”
SHARE
