Singer Song Ha-ye. [Herald POP (now Herald Muse) provided]
Singer Song Ha-ye. [Herald POP (now Herald Muse) provided]

YouTuber and singer Jo Maeryeok (real name Jo Jang-woo, 32) has spoken out after news broke of his upcoming marriage to fellow singer Song Ha-ye, also 32.

On Wednesday, Jo wrote on his Instagram that he was "truly overwhelmed with gratitude" for the flood of congratulations and words of support that poured in alongside the news reports.

"Everything still feels a little surreal, but we will love each other for a long, long time and build a beautiful life together," he wrote, adding, "If you continue to bless our journey ahead with your warmth, we could not be happier."

Song had announced the news Tuesday, posting a handwritten letter on her own Instagram. "I met someone who cherishes me just as I am and stands by my side in every moment — and this year, I am getting married," she wrote.

She added that she had long dreamed of creating "a small heaven of a home" — one where she could be someone's wife for life, sharing each other's days up close, laughing together on good days and supporting each other through hard ones. "Someone has come into my life with whom I want to make that dream come true," she wrote.

Addressing her fans, Song said the news might come as a surprise and that some might feel a little hurt or conflicted. "That is exactly why I wanted to share this directly, in my own words," she said.

The two met in March, when Song appeared as a guest on Jo's YouTube channel.

Jo is a content creator with more than 1 million subscribers, producing travel, culture and music content. He also leads Annoying Box, an 18-piece big band project.

Song first gained recognition through SBS's "K-Pop Star Season 2" in 2013 and made her official debut the following year with the single "Cheoeumiya."


dbsdn1110@heraldcorp.com