K-pop Idol Obsession: 80 Million Won Debt and a Broken Home

An 80 million won debt and a neglected child—this is the heavy price of an obsession. According to EDaily, a husband in his 40s has decided to pursue a divorce and seek custody after his wife's extreme idol fandom activities ruined their family. The wife had reportedly been following a male idol who debuted on a TV survival show two years ago, escalating from a casual hobby into severe financial and parental neglect.

K-pop Idol Obsession Leading to Massive Debt

The husband's claims paint a grim picture. He stated that his wife neglected their 10-year-old daughter's school runs and basic childcare to follow the idol's busy schedule. The breaking point came when he discovered a hidden notice for a negative bank account loan in his name. His wife had secretly used his personal seal to forge the documents. She spent the money on birthday billboard advertisements in Gangnam and bought 500 copies of the same album just to secure a spot at a fan signing event. Combined with credit card debt, the total loss exceeds 80 million won.

Legal Consequences of Extreme Fandom

Attorney Shin Jin Hee from Shinsegae Law Firm noted that the wife's behavior goes beyond a hobby, causing significant financial harm. Since the debt was incurred without the husband's knowledge through document forgery, it might be excluded from property division in the divorce. Furthermore, while full-time housewives are often favored in custody battles, the wife's proven record of child neglect could significantly strengthen the husband's case for primary caregiving rights.