Actress Ye Jung Hwa recently returned to the public eye after a nine-year hiatus, making a rare television appearance to support her husband, actor Ma Dong Seok, on tvN’s I Am Boxer. The appearance took place during the program’s grand finale episode, which aired on January 23, 2026 (KST), and immediately drew attention due to Ye Jung Hwa’s long absence from the entertainment industry.
Ye Jung Hwa Returns to Public Spotlight Supporting Husband Ma Dong Seok
The finale featured a championship boxing match between Guk Seung Joon and Lee Chae Hyun and attracted a star-studded audience that included celebrities such as Wonder Girls’ Yubin, Lee Joo Bin, and Simon Dominic. However, much of the spotlight focused on Ye Jung Hwa, who had halted her public activities in 2017 and had not appeared on television since. Her presence marked her first official appearance in nearly a decade.
During the event, Ma Dong Seok proudly introduced Ye Jung Hwa to the audience, saying she had come to cheer for her husband. She stood to greet viewers and expressed affection by making finger hearts toward him, a gesture that was warmly received and quickly became a memorable moment of the episode. Her appearance highlighted the couple’s close bond and mutual support.
Ma Dong Seok and Ye Jung Hwa’s Relationship Journey and Long-Awaited Public Moment
Ma Dong Seok, born in 1971, and Ye Jung Hwa, born in 1988, have a 17-year age difference and began publicly dating in 2016. Despite public attention surrounding their relationship, the couple maintained a relatively private personal life. Ma Dong Seok later revealed at an awards ceremony in 2022 that they had legally registered their marriage in 2021, describing Ye Jung Hwa as his “most supportive wife.” They went on to hold a delayed wedding ceremony in May 2024.
Ye Jung Hwa’s surprise appearance not only showcased her support for her husband but also marked a meaningful moment for fans who had not seen her publicly in years.
