Chae Rim revealed on her personal page on 14/6 that her divorce from Chinese actor Cao Tu Ky in 2020 stemmed from a desire to avoid constant arguments and an "angry mother" persona. She has been a single mother for six years to their son, Min Woo. Addressing questions about why she didn't try harder to save her marriage for her child's sake, the actress stated, "But if we argue every day, and I become an angry mother, what would happen to my child? Was I born to suffer and live in suffocation?"

The actress admitted that during her difficult marriage, she was often grumpy, frowning, and angry. These feelings exhausted her. She realized she needed to take a deep breath and learn to live happily and healthily. After the divorce, she felt stronger, capable of resolving difficulties without psychological struggle. For her, divorce became an opportunity for personal growth.

Chae Rim and her son Min Woo, 9 years old this year. *Video: Instagram/Chaerim*

"I can stand on my own, so why should I seek happiness from a man?" she said. "I can say these words because I have poured my heart and soul into it. It is the culmination of all my tears and smiles."

The actress married actor Cao Tu Ky in 2014 and moved to China to live with his family. As their marriage fractured, Chae Rim brought their son Min Woo back to South Korea, changing his surname to hers. By 2020, both announced their divorce. Chae Rim initially avoided contact with her ex-husband and did not mention him to their son.

Tu Ky visited his son in South Korea in 2024. *Video: Instagram/Chaerim*

In 2024, Chae Rim put aside past hurts and reconnected with Cao Tu Ky, allowing him to visit their son in South Korea. She also enrolled Min Woo in additional Chinese language classes to facilitate communication with his father. Chae Rim has also taken her son to China to visit his paternal grandparents.

Chae Rim stated that she and Cao Tu Ky now maintain a normal relationship, focused on creating a healthy environment for Min Woo. She has thoroughly explained the divorce to her son, assuring him that it is normal if either parent finds a new partner. She would not object to Cao Tu Ky bringing a girlfriend to visit Min Woo, provided the adults do nothing to harm the child.

Chae Rim in "All About Eve". *Video: MBC*

Currently, Chae Rim and Min Woo reside on Jeju Island. She finds the environment healthy, close to nature, and suitable for her son to explore. For over 10 years, Chae Rim has not acted, instead focusing on businesses selling cosmetics and mother-and-baby products.

Chae Rim, a top South Korean beauty of the 2000s. *Photo: Osen*

The actress gained fame in the 2000s with works like "All About Eve" (starring alongside Jang Dong Gun), "Four Sisters", "Green Grass", "Love in the Sea", "The Yang's Saga", and "Li Family Courtyard". Before Cao Tu Ky, Chae Rim had a nearly three-year marriage with South Korean singer Lee Seung Hwan.

Nhu Anh (*according to Sohu*)