Koo Kyo-hwan and Yi Ok-seop Were Already Legally Married After 9-Year Romance

From leading creative partners in film to lifelong spouses

Koo Kyo-hwan (44), an actor, and Yi Ok-seop (39), a director and one of South Korea’s leading independent-film power couples, have drawn public attention after it emerged that they are already legally married. According to their agency, Namoo Actors, the two quietly registered their marriage in 2022 and became lifelong partners.

They first met while working on the 2013 short film 'Bo-kyung, a Fourth Grader' and continued their relationship for nine years, building it on deep mutual trust. Their decision to marry without a separate wedding ceremony, setting aside formalities, reflects the down-to-earth and sincere way they have long conducted themselves. “The two remain steadfastly by each other’s side as each other’s closest colleague and family,” the agency said, underscoring their enduring affection.

From 'Maggie' to 'Your Country,' a seamless synergy on and off screen

The two, who are also alumni of the Seoul Institute of the Arts, have worked not only as a couple but as distinctive 'creative partners' who have brought fresh energy to South Korean cinema. The original synergy they created in numerous projects, including 'Maggie', 'Three Fish' and 'Romeo: The Sin of Having Eyes', has won enthusiastic support from critics and audiences. Their artistic rapport continued even after they publicly acknowledged their relationship in 2020.

Now married, the pair’s collaboration remains firmly in progress. They have successfully completed filming for 'Your Country', a film starring comedian Jang Do-yeon, and are set to appear together as director and actor in the new film 'Love Counselor,' starring actress Lee Na-young.

Distinctive careers shining in their respective fields

Koo Kyo-hwan, who made his debut in 2008 and earned critical acclaim for the independent film 'Jane', went on to establish himself as an irreplaceable box-office draw through commercial films including 'Peninsula', 'Mogadishu' and 'Escape', as well as the Netflix series 'D.P.' He is currently appearing in theaters in his latest film, 'The Resurrection Man: The Red,' which opened on Aug. 30, and his film 'Heavy Snow' is also scheduled for release later this year.

Director Yi Ok-seop has likewise cemented her position as one of South Korea’s distinctive auteur filmmakers by consistently presenting short films infused with her own firm aesthetic, beginning with 'Sijimi and Ppadeo Wave' in 2007.