Choi Byung-gil, a divorced producer, and Seo Yu-ri, a voice actress, are still at odds. On April 20, 2026, Choi wrote a long post on social media in which he talked about his ex-wife's accusations and his money problems.
According to Daum, producer Choi Byung-gil posted a message on Instagram titled "A message dedicated to Ms. Seo Yu-ri," where he disclosed his current financial struggles. He said, "I would like to pay the settlement money, but it is difficult to do so as I currently have no income," and added, "I just want to get the work done as soon as possible so I can pay the settlement money."
Regarding communication issues, Choi explained the reason he blocked Seo's contact. He stated, "The reason I blocked your contact is that I repeatedly asked you to reach out through my lawyer, but you did not comply," Choi wrote. "I am not even in a position to pay my phone bill at the moment, so the line has been cut off, but the number remains the same." Despite this, he insisted, "I have no intention of going into hiding."
Choi emphasized the importance of reputation within the entertainment industry. He said, "In this industry, image and reputation are everything," and warned that "Negative attacks against each other help no one." He then appealed to Seo Yu-ri, "Even if you can't cheer me on, couldn't you at least leave me alone so that I, who lack ability, can rise again in the market and pay the settlement money?"
Producer Choi previously released documents related to their divorce settlement. According to reports, these included provisions for casting Seo Yu-ri in leading or supporting roles in dramas and participating in overseas festivals. Choi claimed these terms were finalized with an additional amount but described them as "realistically impossible conditions."
Seo Yu-ri refuted Choi's claims, clarifying, "The content in question is merely a proposal for discussion, not a final agreement." She also criticized the financial claims, stating, "It is difficult to accept the claim that an additional 60 million won was added when the money hasn't even been properly repaid."
Ongoing Media Attention and Choi Byung-gil's Appeal for Resolution
The couple married in 2019 and divorced in March 2024. Their public dispute continues to draw significant media attention.
On April 19, as per Chosun Daily, Seo took to social media to reject the divorce agreement proposal recently shared by Choi, saying, "Stop trying to divert media attention. It's just a 'proposal' for agreement, not the final signed document. The final agreement does not include these terms. I will organize my stance and share it soon."
The argument started after Choi made public a draft divorce agreement from March 2024 that spelled out financial responsibilities and conditions for entertainment after the divorce.
According to the proposal prepared by Seo's legal team, Choi was required to pay 263 million Korean won (approximately $212,000) by December 31, 2024, with a 12% annual interest penalty if delayed starting January 1, 2025.
The proposal also demanded that Choi refrain from obstructing Seo's entertainment career and honor previously agreed commitments to cast her in certain dramas. Additionally, it requested his accompaniment to the Cannes International Series Festival in April 2024.
Choi countered the claims, stating that he never agreed to such promises and that casting decisions are not solely his responsibility as a director. He described the Cannes festival request as "unreasonable" and said he added an extra 60 million won (about $48,500) to finalize the agreement.
Seo had previously revealed last month that Choi was obligated to pay her 323 million won by the end of 2024, with interest applied if delayed. She expressed frustration over blocked communications and unpaid debts, stating she inherited 2 billion won in debt during their divorce and had personally repaid about 1.3 billion won.
In response to Choi's claims that the debts were related to their joint business "Lona Universe," she posted a screenshot of her apartment registry showing a mortgage exceeding 700 million won as of July 2020. Seo questioned why she would need such loans when she earned over 100 million won that year and accused Choi of misrepresenting the debt's origin.
The financial dispute centers on loans totaling about 600 million won, of which Seo claims Choi repaid only half.
Seo concluded her social media post by criticizing Choi's handling of the situation: "A master of diversion, fully acknowledged."
The dispute remains unresolved as both parties continue to publicly contest the terms and facts surrounding their divorce settlement.
