Park Jae-hyun and Han Hye-joo Divorce: Breastfeeding Dispute and Daughter’s Health Concerns
The recent airing of TV Chosun’s “X’s Private Life” has brought renewed attention to the 2017 divorce of actor Park Jae-hyun and Han Hye-joo, revealing a conflict surrounding breastfeeding their daughter. Han Hye-joo shared a difficult experience, detailing how she felt pressured to continue breastfeeding even while experiencing hyperventilation.
Early Marriage and Differing Parenting Styles
Park Jae-hyun and Han Hye-joo married six months after beginning their relationship, following Han Hye-joo’s premarital pregnancy. However, the couple quickly discovered that marriage differed significantly from dating. Han Hye-joo described feeling overwhelmed as a first-time mother, stating, “Marriage and dating were different. Shortly after giving birth, I was as well a mother for the first time, so I had a hard time physically.” She also noted ongoing clashes with her then-husband regarding parenting approaches.
The Breastfeeding Conflict
A particularly painful memory for Han Hye-joo involved a dispute over breastfeeding. She recounted experiencing hyperventilation while pumping breast milk, feeling as though she was suffocating. Despite her distress, Park Jae-hyun reportedly insisted she continue breastfeeding, believing it was crucial for their daughter’s health. Han Hye-joo revealed that her ex-husband later questioned whether their daughter’s immune system was weak due to not receiving enough breast milk. “I cried because I felt like I was going to die because I was suffocating while pumping. I suddenly started hyperventilating. But Seo-won’s father insisted that she should breastfeed, and that she should breastfeed to be healthy,” she stated.
Park Jae-hyun’s Response and Public Reaction
Park Jae-hyun acknowledged that he may have been “rigid” in his views but claimed he was unaware of the severity of his wife’s hyperventilation during breastfeeding. This revelation surprised him while watching the broadcast. Kim Gu-ra questioned Park Jae-hyun’s traditional mindset, while Jeong Gyeong-mi criticized his lack of support for his wife during a vulnerable time, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing a mother’s well-being in such situations.
Daughter’s Health and Divorce Reasons
The couple’s daughter was born with a congenital heart disease, requiring significant care. Han Hye-joo stated that caring for her daughter became her priority, contributing to the eventual divorce. She explained that from her perspective, prioritizing their daughter’s health was paramount, while Park Jae-hyun reportedly viewed the divorce as stemming from her refusal to care for his mother.
This case highlights the complexities of marital disagreements and the importance of open communication and mutual support, particularly during the challenging period following childbirth.