After experiencing the pain of divorce, Yulhee, a former member of the group Laboum, is making a fresh start through a marathon.
The MBN special project to commemorate its 30th anniversary, "Running to Live" (hereafter referred to as "Running to Live"), is a sports reality entertainment program that showcases stars from different backgrounds challenging themselves to marathon and overcoming their limits.
Sean, known as the "Marathon Angel," and Lee Young-pyo serve as the Director General and Vice Director General, respectively, while Bae Seung-jae and Yang Se-hyung join as marathon commentators. The 16 "beginner runners" joining this marathon include Heo Jae, known as the "Basketball President"; actress Bang Eun-hee; former baseball player Yang Jun-hyuk; lawyer Yang So-young; hair loss specialist Han Sang-bo; chef Jeong Ho-young; choreographer Bae Yoon-jung; brain scientist Jang Dong-seon; former MBC announcer and broadcaster Son Jeong-eun; fitness creator Jo Jin-hyeong from "Physical 100"; former baseball player Choi Jun-seok; singer Sleepy; comedian Kim Seung-jin; singer Ahn Seong-hoon; Yulhee from Laboum; and Lee Jang-jun from Golden Child.
Yulhee's appearance in a variety show has particularly caught attention. Yulhee, who married FTISLAND's Choi Min-hwan and has three children, embarked on a journey of independence after her divorce. Notably, she is currently in a legal battle concerning custody as she revealed recordings indicating Choi Min-hwan's visits to an establishment after their divorce.
Yulhee, who transitioned to acting after her divorce, is set to meet viewers through "Running to Live." She hopes to stand proudly as a mother of three and is expected to convey heartfelt maternal love as she challenges herself in the marathon.
During a press conference held online on the 18th, Yulhee commented on her participation in "Running to Live," saying, "My eldest son just started elementary school, and during the entrance ceremony, when I talked about participating in the marathon, he said he knew. I said I would do my best, and he expressed that he wanted to join me, which gave me strength."
Yulhee showed her motherly love, stating, "I personally feel invigorated by having the kids around when I practice. My son is athletic and energetic. If he participates, I think he would do well." The former basketball player Heo Jae, former baseball player Yang Jun-hyuk, and soccer player Lee Young-pyo humorously chimed in, recommending their respective sports upon hearing that Yulhee's son was athletic.
As someone known as a "homebody," Yulhee expressed significant concerns. She said, "While preparing for the marathon, my lifestyle changed. Previously, I would just lie in bed, and time would pass quickly, but now, I feel the value of time by using it productively. My acquaintances are surprised to hear that I'm preparing for a marathon. They worry a lot, but they also encourage me when they see me exercising."
This raises memories of the conflicts Yulhee had with Choi Min-hwan. In an interview after their divorce, Choi Min-hwan claimed that Yulhee's frequent departures and sleeping habits were reasons for their separation. He stated, "During the five years we lived together, we had over 20 disputes that led her to leave. Sometimes for just a day or two, and at longest for a week or ten days," and added, "Yulhee sleeps excessively, sometimes up to 18-20 hours a day, and when I’ve mentioned this, she would get angry and leave the house."
In response, Yulhee's side did not provide any specific statement. Subsequently, Yulhee seems to have completely changed her lifestyle by challenging herself in a marathon through "Running to Live."
Yulhee expressed, "I liken life to a marathon, and I want to convey that 'Running to Live' is not just a program about running but a story of 16 individuals with different narratives running towards a single goal," hoping that viewers also gain strength by watching her.
Meanwhile, Choi Min-hwan and Yulhee filed for a divorce by mutual consent in December 2023. They agreed not to exchange any financial support or property division, while custody and parental rights were granted to Choi Min-hwan. However, in November of last year, Yulhee filed a lawsuit regarding custody, alimony, and property division, citing Choi Min-hwan's visits to an establishment, leading to ongoing conflicts.
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