Yeo Esther and Hong Hye-geol. [Herald POP (now Herald Muse)]
Yeo Esther and Hong Hye-geol. [Herald POP (now Herald Muse)]

Family medicine specialist and entrepreneur Yeo Esther has revealed details about her husband Hong Hye-geol's hygiene habits.

The couple, both medical doctors, recently appeared on the KBS 2TV variety program "Oktapbang-ui Munje-adŭl," sharing updates on their life after reuniting under one roof for the first time in five years.

Yeo said she was happy about moving back in together but added some conditions. "I don't think sharing a bedroom will work, and I'd prefer he stay out of my bathroom," she said.

She also disclosed some of Hong's everyday hygiene habits. "After showering, he uses three towels and just throws them all on the floor — they stay damp and grow mold," she said. She then stunned the cast by revealing that Hong had gone 33 years without flushing the toilet after urinating.

Hong defended himself, saying the behavior was simply habit. "I always flush for number two — I've just never flushed for number one," he said. "Urine is sterile. It's not harmful."

The hosts pushed back, asking "So that's why you don't flush?" and "Are you using it like a chamber pot?" Hong cited frugality as his reason for not flushing.

The couple also revealed they have not kissed once in 33 years of marriage. "We're both very particular about oral hygiene," Yeo said. "If I try to drink Hong Hye-geol's coffee after eating kimchi, he won't even let me touch his straw."

Yeo and Hong are both alumni of Seoul National University's College of Medicine, one year apart. They married in 1994 and have two sons.


choigo@heraldcorp.com