Kwak Sun Hee is publicly announcing her marriage plans with her girlfriend despite legal hurdles in Korea.
The Iron Squad W contestant appeared on a YouTube show with her non-celebrity girlfriend and revealed they plan to marry in November. Kwak Sun Hee shared how their relationship began over a shared love of bread.
Kwak described herself as a “former first lieutenant of the 53rd Infantry Division” turned model and marathoner. Her girlfriend, a “30-year-old employee at a company in Seoul,” recognized Kwak from the show while working at a bakery.
People often ask who made the first move or confessed first, Kwak said.
“I think many still find it unusual when relationships develop naturally. But I really love bread, so I often go to the same bakery. I hadn’t gone for a while because I was busy, but when I visited again, my girlfriend was at the counter. She kept smiling at me through her mask, and I thought, ‘Do I have something on my face?’ But it turned out she recognized me from The Iron Squad W.”
“Her smile was so beautiful. On my second visit, I fell for her even more just from watching her make coffee. Her neat hairstyle, shoulders, and the way she wore her apron really left an impression. When I bought bread and left, I even flirted first, telling her to DM me.”
— Kwak Sun Hee
Kwak also addressed questions about her sexual orientation, saying she didn’t realize she was attracted to women until after her show aired.
“I didn’t go on the show to meet women. In fact, up until the show aired last year, I thought I was straight. I was there as a soldier, not to find women. I really hope people don’t misunderstand.”
— Kwak Sun Hee
The couple is already living together but confirmed they could not legally register their marriage in Korea.
“We tried to register each other as spouses when we changed our residency, but the district office told us that since we’re both women, we could only be registered as cohabitants. But in November, I’ll be in New York for the marathon, and my girlfriend will come with me. We found out there’s a place where we can exchange marriage vows there, so if possible, we plan to do it. After returning, we’ll have a wedding photoshoot in Jeju at the end of November.”
— Kwak Sun Hee
Kwak sounded optimistic about their future together.
“I never thought about marriage before, but meeting her made the word come naturally. I want to live with her, even dream about having children that resemble us. When I can so clearly picture us in a wedding dress and tuxedo, I think that’s proof I really want to marry her.”
— Kwak Sun Hee
This comes amid ongoing challenges in South Korea regarding legal recognition of same-sex marriages. Kwak and her girlfriend are opting for marriage vows abroad and a formal photo shoot to celebrate their commitment.
Sources: Sports Chosun and Insight
