Celebrity Newlyweds Living Apart – Hyomin's Case
In recent years, some celebrity couples in South Korea have embraced a new kind of married life: living apart even after the wedding. This arrangement, known as "living separately after marriage," is gaining public attention and even sparking debate.
One such couple is Hyomin from the K-pop group T-ara, who recently shared her experience of this unconventional lifestyle on MBC's variety show Point of Omniscient Interfere. Her openness about her marriage stirred a variety of reactions from fans and viewers alike.
Why Are Newlyweds Living Apart?
There are many reasons why newlyweds might start married life in separate homes. In some cases, it's a practical decision—maybe the new home isn't ready yet due to remodeling or construction delays. For others, it's about maintaining personal space, especially when both partners have demanding careers or are used to independent lifestyles.
In Hyomin’s case, her new home with her husband wasn’t finished being furnished. As a temporary solution, she chose to continue living in her own place while her husband stayed in his. Luckily, the couple lives next door to each other, allowing for easy visits and shared time while preserving personal space.
Living Apart: A Sign of Changing Marital Norms?
Some see this trend as a healthy shift in how we view modern marriage. Today’s couples are more aware of mental health, personal boundaries, and managing relationship stress. Living apart in the early days of marriage can help ease the emotional and logistical pressures of merging two lives at once.
Hyomin herself shared how stressful it was to plan her wedding. The checklists, the decisions, even arguing with her partner just a day before the big event—it all sounds familiar to many brides and grooms. By living separately at first, she was able to regain her emotional balance and gradually ease into married life.
And let’s not ignore modern-day realities: interior design delays, housing shortages, rising rent prices. Buying or renovating a home, especially in cities like Seoul (or New York or L.A., for that matter), is more complicated than ever before. Some couples simply have no choice but to wait.
The Critics: What’s Lost When Couples Live Separately?
But not everyone is cheering this new trend. Critics argue that it goes against traditional values. In many cultures, the very idea of marriage involves living together, building shared routines, and forming day-to-day intimacy (emotional closeness). Living in separate homes might delay or even weaken that important bond.
There’s also the financial aspect. Two homes mean two rent payments, two sets of utilities, and more overall cost—something not every couple can afford. And let's not underestimate the influence of societal expectations. Parents, older relatives, and even coworkers might have harsh judgments or express concern, asking: “Why don’t you live together? Is everything okay?”
And while Hyomin and her husband seem content with their arrangement for now, others might find it harder to maintain emotional closeness across separate addresses—and hard to find the “right time” to finally move in together.
More Than Just Celebrities: What It Reflects About Society
It’s easy to look at celebrity couples and think, “That’s not real life.” But in many ways, their choices reflect broader social shifts. Young couples in Tokyo, London, or even San Francisco are echoing similar trends. For people in fast-paced, high-pressure job markets, especially creatives or professionals with non-traditional schedules, having space isn’t a luxury—it’s a need.
For many millennials and Gen Z couples, a healthy marriage no longer begins with constant togetherness. Instead, it starts with mutual respect, including the respect for each other’s space and emotional needs. Living apart can help couples re-enter the relationship daily with intention—not just habit.
The Public Reacts
Online reactions to Hyomin's honest interview were mixed but largely supportive. Some fans expressed initial surprise—expecting a dreamy, romantic newlywed life. But many praised her honesty and how clearly in touch she seemed with her needs.
Comments ranged from “That actually makes sense for mental health” to “I wish I could do that with my spouse when we get overwhelmed.” At the same time, others still clung to traditional ideas: “If you’re married, living together should be the whole point,” one user criticized.
Final Thoughts: Is There a Right Way to Be Married?
Marriage has rarely been a one-size-fits-all institution. What worked for our grandparents might not work for us. And in some ways, that’s progress.
While living apart as newlyweds isn’t for everyone—and shouldn't become a permanent solution for most—it’s a reflection of how people are rethinking the basics of commitment. Marrying someone doesn’t mean erasing yourself. For Hyomin and her husband, it means getting to know each other slowly and intentionally, even if it means sleeping under different roofs for a while.
At the end of the day, the most successful marriages are the ones where both partners feel seen, respected, and supported. And if living in separate spaces is what it takes to get there, maybe it’s not so unconventional after all.
