Life after Song-Song couple: what have Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo done since divorce – and why is their US$11 million ‘love nest’ being destroyed?

Apr 5 , 2020

South Korean actress Song Hye-kyo, right, and actor Song Joong-ki had a celebrity marriage of less than two years. Photo: AP

Song Joong-ki is in coronavirus self-isolation and just bought a Malibu beach holiday home, Song Hye-kyo is modelling for Chaumet, Suecomma Bonnie and Sulwhasoo – but why is their house being demolished?

Actor Song Joong-ki, who has kept a low profile since his divorce with actress Song Hye-kyo, is reported to have torn down the home he had shared with his former wife. According to the International Business Times, the Itaewon mansion was bought for a sum of US$11.6 million.

A sign on the construction site reveals the property still remains under Song Joong-ki's name, and details on a rebuilding permit hint about the actor’s new plans for his estate. A Today Online report says that while the permit was issued earlier, construction had only started last month. The probable reason for the delay, as per the same report, was because the Song-Song couple had not yet finalised the terms of their divorce and division of assets.

Local media had also recently announced that Song Joong-ki appears to have bought a luxury condominium in Hawaii, located nearby Ala Moana Beach. A real estate source estimates the property’s value to be about US$2.8 million and believes it is likely to be used by the actor as a holiday house.

Song Joong-ki is back in Korea after having spent time in Colombia shooting for his upcoming film, Bogota. However, filming has been halted because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. At the height of the virus spread in Korea, the actor donated one million won (US$874) to the cause, while he was working overseas.

Adhering to health protocols, Song Joong-ki is currently spending his time in self-isolation. While taking time to rest, a Soompi report states the actor may be considering another film project, called Season of You and Me, which is based on the story of the late Yoo Jae-ha, an acclaimed singer-songwriter.

South Korean actor Song Joong-ki (left) and actress Song Hye-kyo, known as the Song-Song couple because of their shared surname, filed for divorced after less than two years of marriage. Photo: Instagram

Song Joong-ki’s former spouse, Song Hye-kyo, has also been busy with her own string of projects since the divorce and has made numerous public appearances. In September of last year, local news speculated the actress may be spending time in New York to take up art classes.

On her personal Instagram account, Song Hye-kyo shows her schedule is full of shoots and appearances for the brands she endorses, such as Parisian jewellery house Chaumet, designer shoe label Suecomma Bonnie and beauty brand Sulwhasoo.