Song Ji-hyo: Biography, Relationships & Controversy

Song Ji‑hyo built her reputation as the “Ace” of Running Man, but behind that playful persona lies a story of resilience shaped by a childhood accident and recent career controversies. This fact‑based profile covers her career, relationships, and the events that have defined her public image.

Real Name: Chun Sung‑im ·
Born: August 15, 1981 ·
Height: 168 cm ·
Estimated Net Worth: $10 million ·
Years Active: 2003–present ·
Known For: Running Man (since 2010)

Ten key facts about the actress, from her birth name to her current status.

Did Song Ji Hyo ever get married?

Song Ji‑hyo has never been married. Despite persistent speculation — especially among international fans — she has not publicly confirmed any relationship or engagement. In interviews, she has described herself as single and focused on her career.

Is Song Ji‑hyo single?

• As of 2025, she is not known to be in a relationship. Her private nature means little is confirmed (Gluwee profile).
• Rumors occasionally surface, but none have been verified by the actress or her agency (Wikipedia).

Has Song Ji‑hyo ever been engaged?

• There is no public record of an engagement. She has never discussed a proposal or wedding plans in any media appearance (Gluwee).

Who is Jihyo’s ex boyfriend?

No ex‑boyfriend has been officially confirmed. The most persistent rumor links her to fellow Running Man cast member Kim Jong‑kook, but both have denied it. Another rumored partner is actor Baek Sung‑hyun, her co‑star in the 2006 drama Princess Hours.

Who did Song Ji‑hyo date?

• Kim Jong‑kook: The two were often paired by fans, but neither confirmed a relationship (Wikipedia).
• Baek Sung‑hyun: Linked after Princess Hours, but no evidence of a real romance (Wikipedia).

How many boyfriends has Song Ji‑hyo had?

• She has never publicly disclosed a number. Reports suggest she keeps her dating life extremely private, so any count is speculative (Gluwee).

The pattern is clear: Song Ji‑hyo’s romantic life is a black box. Fans and media have only rumors to work with, and the actress has chosen to keep that door firmly closed.

What happened to Song Ji Hyo?

In March 2026, a wave of online criticism targeted Song Ji‑hyo’s role on Running Man. Viewers complained that she contributed little to the show and even started an online petition calling for her removal. The controversy revived earlier comments from 2023 about her “half‑hearted” performance.

Why is Song Ji‑hyo being asked to leave Running Man?

• An online petition launched in early 2026 gained thousands of signatures, citing her low energy and lack of screen time (Wikipedia).
• Similar criticism emerged in 2023 when a CNA Lifestyle report noted that she was “reportedly paid S$10,000 a week” but faced complaints about her effort.

What recent controversy surrounds Song Ji‑hyo?

• In 2023, she terminated her exclusive contract with agency Uzu Rocks after a payment dispute. A Seoul court later ruled that the agency owed her 984 million won in unpaid earnings (Times of India).
• She has not publicly addressed the 2026 viewer calls. The show’s producers have also stayed silent (Wikipedia).

What happened to Ji‑hyo when she was 8?

At age 8, Song Ji‑hyo was involved in a serious traffic accident that left her hospitalized. She has spoken about the incident in interviews, saying it left lasting effects and shaped her determined outlook on life.

Did Song Ji‑hyo have a childhood accident?

• Yes. The accident occurred in 1989 near her hometown of Pohang. She was hit by a vehicle and suffered injuries that required medical treatment (Wikipedia).
• In a 2018 interview, she recalled that the experience made her “more stubborn and resilient” (Wikipedia).

How did the accident affect her life?

• The accident left her with a scar on her left cheek, which she has occasionally hidden with makeup. She has said it does not bother her anymore (Wikipedia).
• She credits the ordeal with giving her the mental strength to handle the pressures of the entertainment industry (Wikipedia).

How rich is Song Ji‑hyo?

Song Ji‑hyo’s net worth is estimated between $10 million and $15 million. Her income comes from acting, variety show appearances, endorsements, and modeling. She also owns a luxury apartment in Seoul worth several million dollars.

What is Song Ji‑hyo’s net worth?

• Celebrity Net Worth estimates it at $12 million (Celebrity Net Worth estimate).
• Other sources, like Gluwee, put the figure “between $10 million and $15 million.”

How does Song Ji‑hyo earn money?

• Her main income streams are acting fees, Running Man appearance fees, brand endorsements, and modeling contracts (Gluwee).
• In 2023, a CNA Lifestyle report said she was reportedly paid S$10,000 per week for Running Man.
• She also has a family background in business: her father ran a marine transportation company in Tongyeong (Zapzee report).

Song Ji‑hyo is comfortably wealthy, but her earnings are tied to a career that is currently under scrutiny. The legal dispute with Uzu Rocks also showed that even established stars can face payment problems.

Song Ji‑hyo built a career on resilience — from a childhood accident to a decade on one of Korea’s most popular variety shows. But the same industry that made her a star now demands a reckoning. For a 43‑year‑old actress in a youth‑driven market, the choice is clear: she must either reinvent her on‑screen persona or risk becoming a footnote on the show that defined her.