Actor Song Joong Ki has sparked heated debate online after making a firm statement about marital boundaries during a recent television program.
When asked whether he would allow his wife to go out drinking with a male friend after 10 p.m., the Descendants of the Sun star replied bluntly: “At 10 p.m., you should already be asleep.”
The response, while brief, made clear his disapproval of late-night outings with members of the opposite sex.
Supporters argued his answer reflected a traditional view of marriage, prioritizing safety, fidelity, and stability. Critics, however, labeled the remark as “controlling” or “patriarchal”, insisting that trust and personal freedom should exist even within marriage.
The seemingly lighthearted exchange soon revived discussions about Song Joong Ki’s former marriage to Song Hye Kyo. Some netizens commented: “Hearing him say this makes me understand why she divorced him.”
The Song-Song couple, once celebrated globally after their romance blossomed on the set of Descendants of the Sun (2016), married in 2017 but divorced less than two years later without revealing the reasons.
Since then, the two stars have taken contrasting directions. Song Joong Ki remarried British actress Katy Louise Saunders in January 2023 and welcomed two children. Song Hye Kyo, on the other hand, has remained focused on her career, achieving worldwide acclaim with The Glory and securing leading roles in major projects.
Observers have speculated that the couple’s differences in priorities, one desiring family life, the other pursuing career goals, may have played a role in their split. While unconfirmed, fans have noted that during their marriage, the couple had no children, whereas Song Joong Ki quickly embraced fatherhood after remarrying.
Ultimately, Song Joong Ki’s comment highlights broader debates about relationships and personal boundaries. His words show that even years after divorce, any mention of marital expectations inevitably draws comparisons to his past with Song Hye Kyo.
Both stars, however, appear to have found fulfillment on their own paths—one through family, the other through career. As many netizens concluded, there is no universal formula for marital happiness; the key lies in finding a partner who shares one’s values and respects each other’s independence.
