Kim Gu Ra announces divorce from his wife after 18 years of marriage

TV personality and commentator Kim Gu Ra announced that he and his wife have ended their 18 years of marriage with a consensual divorce. 

On the afternoon of August 25, Kim Gu Ra released a letter to the public through his agency Line Entertainment. The letter read:

"This is Kim Gu Ra.

First off, I'm sorry for being the bearer of disappointing news when so many of you supported us by saying that you will see our family through difficult times. Today, we have ended our 18 years of marriage through consensual divorce, after the cooling-off period that the courts have allowed us.

Although our family matters are personal, many people are aware of our situation; hence, I want to relay a couple words after some deliberation. During the past two years and four months when issues within our household grew more problematic, we argued countless times. But as our words became more sharp, we hurt each other even more. 

We have received counseling at the hospital, and last year, we spent time apart for three months. Through these series of events and communication, we came to our senses, and decided to end our married relationship, realizing that the gap between us cannot be closed. I concluded that it is best to give my all at being Donghyun's parent. Coming to such a decision, I couldn't ignore what my mother had to say. 

We were able to yield to one another, thinking of Donghyun who was able to deal with this tumultuous and sensitive period of time relatively well. We are always thankful and apologetic towards Donghyun. 

Donghyun is currently in his second year of high school, and he will stay with me until he becomes an adult. With anything regarding Donghyun, I plan to communicate with Donghyun's mother whenever possible and Donghyun will be able to go to his mother whenever he so desires. 

We will respect the decision Donghyun will make when he becomes an adult. And I will be responsible for Donghyun's mother's liabilities until the very end. 

I will live the best I can as a TV personality and as a child's parent. Thank you as always."

The MC and comedian's marriage troubles had previously come to light when he suffered a panic disorder last year and had to be hospitalized. It was revealed that the MC had been suffering immense amount of stress because of the debt that the family was in due to his wife being the surety for her relatives' debts.