Lee Byung-hun: The Most Controversial Ex of Song Hye-kyo?
Among Song Hye-kyo’s famous exes — Hyun Bin, Song Joong-ki, and Lee Byung-hun — the one who left the most controversial impression is undoubtedly Lee Byung-hun.
While each of her former partners has a unique story, Lee Byung-hun’s past continues to raise eyebrows even today. Here’s a closer look into why many believe he was the worst match for the beloved actress.
A Man of Talent — And Scandal
Born in 1970, Lee Byung-hun debuted at the age of 21 and quickly made a name for himself. At 25, he won the Grand Bell Award for Best New Actor for his role in Who Makes Me Crazy, launching what would become a highly successful acting career.
Blessed with sharp features and undeniable charisma, fans saw him as the epitome of on-screen sexual tension — but critics often said he appeared dated or too intense in real life.
The Relationship with Song Hye-kyo: Short and Stormy
In 2003, Lee Byung-hun and Song Hye-kyo began dating after co-starring in the hit drama All In. The couple quickly became a hot topic in the media, but their relationship lasted just one year before abruptly ending.
At the time, there were widespread rumors that Lee Byung-hun had a violent temper in private, which allegedly drove Song Hye-kyo to end the relationship. Though never officially confirmed, the breakup left many fans worried about what really happened behind closed doors — and marked Lee Byung-hun with a reputation for being difficult and possibly toxic in relationships.
Marriage to Lee Min-jung: A Power Imbalance?
In 2013, Lee Byung-hun married actress Lee Min-jung. Media outlets praised her beauty, elegance, and elite background — painting her as a “white, rich, and beautiful” woman.
Yet many observers felt that in this marriage, Lee Min-jung took a more submissive role, especially in the face of Lee Byung-hun’s past controversies and alleged scandals. Some speculated that despite her status, she often appeared to “settle” in the relationship — fueling public sympathy and discussion.
Final Thoughts
While Lee Byung-hun’s acting career remains respected, his personal life — especially his relationship with Song Hye-kyo — continues to be a topic of public scrutiny. Compared to her other exes, Lee Byung-hun’s history appears to be the most troubling, at least in the eyes of fans.
In the world of Korean entertainment where image is everything, his story stands as a reminder that behind the fame, not every romance is a fairytale.