Kim Dong Wook talks marriage, newborn daughter and parenting moments

Kim Dong Wook opened up about his marriage to wife Stella Kim and how becoming a father has changed his daily life.

On May 25, Kim Dong Wook appeared on the YouTube show Zzanbro Shin Dong Yup.

During the episode, Kim Dong Wook spoke candidly about his relationship timeline with Stella Kim. He shared, “It was really short. We met each other’s families after seven months, and four of those months were long-distance. My wife was in New Jersey while I was in Korea.”

He continued, “We only dated in person for about three months when she came to Korea on vacation, and after that we immediately arranged the family meeting and set the wedding date.”

Kim Dong Wook, who married after approximately one year and three months of dating, also revealed that their wedding venue held special meaning for the couple.

“We got married at Myeongdong Cathedral because we share the same religion, and my father-in-law and mother-in-law were also married there, so it was meaningful,” he explained.

The actor added that even their first date was connected to the cathedral. “We didn’t intentionally go there for religious reasons. We were wondering where to go on our first date and ended up in Myeongdong. Someone mentioned there was a famous cathedral there, so that became part of our first date memory.”

The cast also congratulated Kim Dong Wook on becoming a father after welcoming a daughter in February. Host Shin Dong Yup commented that the actor looked noticeably brighter since becoming a parent.

Kim agreed, saying, “I definitely laugh much more now. Since I’m always smiling at the baby and speaking gently to her, I naturally smile more too.”

He also humorously shared the realities of parenting, admitting, “Sometimes I take a ‘bathroom vacation.’ When things get exhausting, I say, ‘I’m going to the bathroom for a bit,’ and sit there watching YouTube or using my phone.”

Meanwhile, Kim Dong Wook married Stella Kim, who is seven years younger than him, in December 2023. Stella Kim previously gained attention after it was revealed that she had once trained under SM Entertainment and was reportedly part of the early lineup considered for Girls’ Generation. She currently works as a beauty brand marketer between the United States and Seoul.