Comedian Song Young-gil discusses divorce and raising two sons alone

Comedian Song Young-gil revealed on the Dongchimi YouTube channel that he is raising two sons while living with his parents, six years after his divorce. He shared how intense psychological pressure and family discord led to panic and anxiety disorders during his five-year marriage.

Comedian Song Young-gil has opened up about his life as a man six years into divorce, raising two sons alone, and the psychological hardships he endured during that process. His story, revealed through the YouTube channel Dongchimi, captures the grueling reality behind the glamorous stage.

"Difficult times mentally"... Confession of panic and anxiety disorders

Song Young-gil candidly confessed to the psychological difficulties he faced during his marriage. Although he gained recognition through the "An Saeng-gye" corner on Gag Concert, his schedule at the time was extremely demanding. Because rehearsals began on Monday and Tuesday for Wednesday recordings, meetings often lasted until dawn, frequently resulting in late returns home.

During this period, family discord and personal health issues coincided. "My wife suffered from postpartum depression, and I felt such intense psychological pressure that I immediately sold the motorcycle I used to ride right after my first child was born," Song said. "Ultimately, it led to a long period of mental hardship, enough to result in panic disorder and anxiety disorder." He explained that these accumulated conflicts eventually led to his decision to divorce after five years of marriage.

Raising two sons and living with parents, "Chicken is the goal"

Having obtained custody after his divorce, Song Young-gil is raising his two sons alone while living with his parents. To provide a stable environment for the children, he made practical decisions, such as settling his lease deposit and house to move into a larger home. He also found psychological stability through the process of caring for the children with the help of his parents.

During the period when comedy activities were diminished due to the impact of COVID-19, he made intense efforts to make a living, including challenging himself with musical stages and considering delivery work. "My children love chicken, so I live with the mindset that if I work hard, chicken will come," Song stated. He added that he started the YouTube channel Chicken Is Coming to leave memories of his children's childhood through broadcasts that allow him to be with them.

Realistic retirement and economic responsibility

Song Young-gil also mentioned the economic weight he feels as a head of a household. Facing the need to support the education of his eldest son, who is currently pursuing graduate studies in Australia, and his youngest, who is facing university exams, he shared his realistic concerns, stating, "Supporting my children's education comes before retirement planning." He added that while he did not hesitate to help others in the past, he now feels the responsibility to prepare for the future.

"I don't live luxuriously, but I want to live without causing harm to others," he said, sharing that he is currently living an industrious life, such as taking out installment savings accounts with dreams of owning a home. He expressed realistic fears regarding soaring housing prices, noting, "I haven't been able to buy a house yet, but as my recognition rises and I start saving money, I am taking out installment savings accounts."

Source: original video (YouTube)