The couple reveals their journey of cautious romance amid parenting and long-distance challenges
Category: World News
In a heartfelt announcement, Youngsik and Hyunsook, stars of the ENA and SBS Plus dating reality show ‘나는 솔로’ (I Am Solo), have confirmed their romantic relationship after seven months of dating. The couple revealed their status in a video posted on March 21, 2026, on Youngsik's YouTube channel, ‘댄식이’ (Dansiki). The video, titled ‘What Is the Relationship Between Youngsik and Guest Hyunsook at His House?’ captures the couple's candid conversation about their journey together.
During the video, Youngsik expressed his excitement about Hyunsook’s visit to his home in Gwangju, saying, “Today, Hyunsook came to visit our house. We had some delicious food, and I think I might have had a bit too much to drink.” He humorously noted that his daughter suggested they film for YouTube, adding a light-hearted touch to the moment.
Hyunsook, reflecting on their relationship, stated, “We’re in a close relationship,” confirming the romantic connection that had developed since their time on the show. Both Youngsik and Hyunsook shared that they had been cautious about revealing their relationship due to their responsibilities as parents. Youngsik explained, “We had been seeing each other for some time, but we were careful because of the kids. We needed time to get to know each other better.”
The couple’s relationship faced unique challenges, primarily due to their long-distance arrangement—Youngsik residing in Gwangju and Hyunsook in Incheon. “It was a precarious time for us,” Youngsik admitted, noting the difficulties of maintaining a relationship across such distances. “There were times we drifted apart, but we also had moments of coming closer together.”
Hyunsook echoed these sentiments, saying, “We needed to be sure about each other. After the show ended, I suggested to Youngsik that we should seriously consider dating.” She expressed her concerns about how publicly announcing their relationship could affect their children, saying, “I worried about what would happen if we broke up after going public, and how it would impact the kids.”
Despite these concerns, the couple decided to take their time, allowing their bond to strengthen over the past seven months. They navigated a relationship filled with ups and downs, including periods of separation, and ultimately felt ready to share their love with the world.
Youngsik reflected on their journey, stating, “If this had been just for the show, we would have announced it sooner. But we were serious about this, considering the kids and everything.” He noted that their relationship was not just for media attention but was built on genuine feelings and mutual respect.
As they shared their story, the couple received an outpouring of support from fans and followers. Many expressed their happiness for the couple, appreciating their thoughtful approach to parenting and romance. Comments flooded in, celebrating their relationship and wishing them well, with fans saying things like, “It’s great to see you both taking care of your kids while finding love,” and “Congratulations on overcoming the challenges of a long-distance relationship!”
This announcement marks a significant moment for the couple, as they join other successful pairs from the show, including couples who have transitioned into marriage. The 28th season of ‘나는 솔로’ has seen five couples emerge, with Youngsik and Hyunsook now proudly among them.
As they embark on this new chapter together, both Youngsik and Hyunsook remain committed to balancing their relationship with their responsibilities as parents, demonstrating a mature and thoughtful approach to love.
In a world where reality TV often blurs the lines between genuine connections and scripted drama, the story of Youngsik and Hyunsook stands out as a refreshing reminder of the complexities of modern romance.