Former lieutenant from 'Steel Troops W' announces marriage to girlfriend

A former lieutenant in the female army reserve, who appeared on the variety show 'Steel Troops W', has publicly announced that she is marrying her same-sex partner.

On August 26, a video was uploaded on the YouTube channel Yeojaisgood, featuring the former lieutenant Kwak Sun Hee with her girlfriend. The two openly shared how they met, their dating journey, and even some of the challenges they face in everyday life.

Kwak Sun Hee introduced herself as a "former lieutenant of the Republic of Korea Army’s 53rd Infantry Division" and revealed that she is now working as a model and marathon runner. She served as the team leader of the Army unit on the variety program 'Steel Troops W'. Meanwhile, her girlfriend described herself as a 30-year-old professional working in Seoul’s food and beverage industry.

Their love story began by chance at a bakery that Kwak frequently visited. Kwak Sun Hee recalled, "I couldn’t forget the way she kept smiling at me." She continued to share that she realized she had feelings for her now-girlfriend after seeing her making coffee. After realizing her feelings, Kwak decided to approach her, saying, "Unnie, please DM me."

Her girlfriend initially thought Kwak was simply a bread enthusiast, but later realized her feelings were sincere. "That’s when I started to open my heart to her," she explained.

The couple also answered fan questions in the video. When asked about her sexuality, Kwak shared, "Back when I appeared on 'Steel Troops W,' I still thought of myself as heterosexual. My appearance on the show was strictly as a soldier; it had nothing to do with my personal relationships."

Her girlfriend added with a smile, "At one point I asked, ‘Do you really like women?’ and she said, ‘I don’t know for sure, but I do know I really like you.’ At first, her being an influencer felt like a bit of a barrier, but now I’m proud to be ‘the woman Sun Hee chose.’"

The two currently live together. They tried to register each other as spouses when filing residency paperwork, but were only recognized as "cohabitants" under Korean law.

Looking ahead, Kwak revealed that the couple plans to travel to the United States this November for the New York Marathon, and they are exploring options to make an official marriage vow while there. They also intend to hold a wedding photoshoot on Jeju Island after returning to Korea.

Kwak acknowledged that some friends have expressed concern over how quickly things are moving. "People say, ‘You haven’t been together that long. Aren’t you rushing it?’ But straight couples also get married after just a few months. Why should it be any different for us?" she said firmly.

She continued, "I never imagined myself getting married, but now I want to live with her forever. I even picture us raising a child who takes after us. I can already see us in a wedding dress and tuxedo. It feels natural."