Actor Ku Kyo-hwan. [Yonhap]
Actor Ku Kyo-hwan. [Yonhap]

Actor Ku Kyo-hwan, 44, and director Lee Ok-seop, 39, were already legally married in 2022, it has emerged. The union marks the culmination of a nine-year journey as both romantic partners and creative collaborators.

According to Ku's agency Namoo Actors, the couple registered their marriage in 2022.

"The two have remained steadfastly by each other's side as each other's closest colleague and family," the agency said. "They will continue to work hard to greet audiences with great projects in their respective roles."

The pair's connection dates to 2013, when they met as alumni of Seoul Institute of the Arts. They began their relationship while working together on the short film "4th Year Bokyung-i" and went public with their romance in 2020. Over the years, they cemented their standing as creative partners, collaborating on a string of acclaimed independent films including "Maggie," "Three Animals" and "Romeo: Guilty of Having Eyes."

Their collaboration has continued uninterrupted since their marriage. The couple will work together again as director and actor on "Your Country," which recently wrapped filming, and on "Love Counselor," which is set to go into production.

Ku made his acting debut in 2008 and drew critical attention with the film "Jane" before building a singular career spanning both commercial and art-house cinema — including "Peninsula," "Escape from Mogadishu," "Escape" and the drama series "D.P." His latest film, "Resurrection Man: The Red," opened Wednesday, with another title, "Heavy Snow," also set for release before the end of the year. Director Lee made their directing debut in 2007 with "Ssijimi wa Bbadeoweibeu" and has likewise established themselves as one of Korean cinema's most distinctive auteurs, known for their original vision and assured directorial sensibility.


shee@heraldcorp.com