A man in his 40s has come forward with allegations that his wife’s extreme obsession with a male idol has led to massive financial debt and neglect of their young child, prompting him to seek divorce and custody.
According to local reports, the woman became deeply involved in fan activities for a male idol who debuted through a TV survival program two years ago. Initially, her husband viewed her fandom participation as a harmless way to relieve stress from parenting. However, he claims the situation gradually spiraled out of control.
The husband alleged that his wife began prioritizing the idol’s schedule over basic parental responsibilities, including taking their 10-year-old daughter to and from school and managing household duties.
“My wife neglected taking our daughter to and from school because she was following the idol’s schedule,” he said. “She also became careless about basic childcare and household chores.”
The situation escalated further when the husband discovered a bank notice for a negative balance loan taken out under his name—a loan he claims he never authorized.
“I found a notice hidden deep in our bedroom closet,” he explained. “I realized she had secretly taken my seal and used it to take out a loan without my knowledge.”
According to the husband, his wife admitted to spending excessive amounts of money on fan-related activities, including birthday advertisement billboards at Gangnam Station and purchasing 500 copies of the same album in an attempt to secure entry to a fan signing event.
With loans and credit card debt combined, the total reportedly exceeds 80 million won (approximately USD 60,000).
Despite the financial strain, the husband claims his wife showed little remorse.
“She told me money can always be earned again,” he said. “But if my oppa’s ranking drops, will you take responsibility?”
Unable to continue the marriage, the husband has decided to file for divorce and seek full custody of their daughter, citing financial recklessness and parental neglect.
Attorney Shin Jin Hee of Shinsegae Law Firm commented that the wife’s actions appear to go beyond a simple hobby.
“This behavior has caused serious financial harm and involves neglect of essential family duties,” Shin explained. She added that debts incurred without a spouse’s consent may be considered personal liabilities, potentially excluded from property division during divorce proceedings.
Shin further noted that while courts often favor a full-time homemaker as the primary caregiver, failure to properly care for a child could significantly strengthen the husband’s case for custody. In addition, legal consequences such as claims for damages or criminal charges related to document forgery may also be considered.
The case has sparked widespread discussion online about unhealthy fan culture, financial responsibility, and the boundaries between personal interests and family obligations.
Sources: Koreaboo