Ko Hyun Jung is back in headlines for her turbulent marriage with chaebol heir Chung Yong Jin and the drama that led to their 2003 divorce.
The former top actress shocked fans when she quit acting at her peak in 1995 to marry Chung, vice chairman of Shinsegae and grandson of Samsung founder Lee Byung Chul. Their union was viewed as a fairytale alliance between star power and chaebol blood.
Rumors soon surfaced that Ko was ostracized by her in-laws for being a “ddanddara,” or entertainer. Allegedly, they even avoided speaking Korean around her to exclude her socially.
Despite having two children—a son born in 1998 and a daughter in 2000—troubles in the marriage persisted behind closed doors.
The final breaking point was Ko’s reportedly flashy lifestyle clashing with chaebol expectations. The controversy exploded after the theft of a corporate Porsche she used—owned by Shinsegae—at 3 a.m. near Han River Park in Apgujeong.
Ko filed a police report claiming she left the keys inside while stepping away briefly. However, her story changed several times, prompting public suspicion about her late-night activities and company.
Insiders say the incident embarrassed Chung enough to push for a quick divorce.
The couple finalized their split in November 2003 through court mediation in just two hours. Ko received ₩1.5 billion (about $1.2 million) in alimony. Custody of their two children went to Chung—a rare outcome in Korea.
Ko Hyun Jung’s once-envied marriage turned into a cautionary tale about the harsh realities of becoming a “daughter-in-law of Samsung.”
“They often avoided speaking in Korean around her to ostracize her.”
— Source on family tensions“Ko reported the car stolen at 3am from Han River Park in Apgujeong, claiming she had left the keys inside while stepping away briefly. Her story changed multiple times.”
— Report on Porsche theft incident
