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Why K-Pop Star Paul Kim Got Married Without a Wedding

Published Tuesday, Jan. 21st, 2025


A photo of pop star Paul Kim sitting on a couch, behind the photo is a background of hearts
(Image on right: Paul Kim by Marie Claire Korea / Creative Commons Attribution 3.0/ WikiCommons)

Elope with Inspiration from Korean Pop Star Paul Kim & His (Secret) New Wife

 

K-Pop star Paul Kim announced he was getting married to his longtime girlfriend last year, but the couple never had a wedding ceremony – a decision that has caused rumors and confusion within the singer’s international fan base.

 

This week, Paul Kim finally revealed why the couple chose not to have a wedding nine months ago, and we think you’ll find the reason totally relatable:

 

 

“After seeing friends who got married, I realized that wedding preparations aren’t easy,” Paul Kim told a host of ‘Same Bed, Different Dreams 2 – You Are My Destiny,’ Kim Gu Ra on Monday (via TenAsia)

 

“Since it was our marriage, I suggested to my wife that we focus on each other instead, and she readily agreed,” he said. Kim added that protecting his new wife’s privacy as a non-celebrity was also a primary reason to elope, though he didn't want the marriage to be a secret.

 

See Paul Kim on Instagram @pkalbum

 

Get the full scoop in this article from TenAsia

 

Screen shot of Paul Kim on Korean tv show Same Bed Different Dreams 2: You Are My Destiny on January 20th, 2025

Screenshot: Paul Kim appeared on 'Same Bed, Different Dreams 2 – You Are My Destiny,' on January 20th, 2025, via TenAsia.

 

Easy elopements like Paul Kim's are trending

 

Now that’s something every engaged couple can probably relate to: wedding planning takes a lot of work and a lot of time, even with the help of a wedding planner! It can be overwhelming and expensive to plan a big wedding, causing many couples to skip the stress and elope.

 

Eloping can be very sweet and meaningful, even without a full wedding! You don't have to have a courthouse wedding: Ask a friend or family member to act as your personal wedding officiant, and gather with only one or two close friends to exchange your marriage vows -- sweet, easy, and unforgettable. Check out the article below to learn more!

 

In fact, lots of celebrities have eloped: Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes eloped in a secret wedding sometime before 2022; Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard eloped at a courthouse in 2013; and Jessica Alba and Cash Warren eloped in 2008, just to name a few.

 

 

Who is K-Pop Star Paul Kim's New Wife?

 

Paul Kim, whose full name is Kim Tae-hyeong, has still not revealed his wife’s identity, in order to protect her from the intense public scrutiny and tabloid attention that K-Pop stars often face. The couple had been dating for nine years when they got married in April of 2024, and are still happily together. 

 

Paul Kim talked about his life as a newlywed on the Korean television show ‘Same Bed, Different Dreams 2 – You Are My Destiny’ (Dongsang Imong 2: You Are My Destiny) on January 20th. The show explores the life of celebrity couples, offering insight into the real lives of couples in the spotlight. The Korean pop singer is known for his platinum hit "Me After You," and chart-topping love songs "Empty," "Traffic Light," "But I'll Miss You," and "Like Yesterday."

 


 

How to Elope with Inspiration from K-Pop Star Paul Kim

 

Want to elope like this sweet celebrity K-Pop couple? Click the links below for help planning a secret wedding or low-stress elopement ceremony. 

 

 

 

Browse all of AMM's Eloping Ideas 

 


 

Ask a Friend to Officiate Your Elopement Ceremony! 


Good things happen when friends and relatives help out at the wedding ceremony! Eloping with the help of close friends is a great way to ensure the wedding day is as intimate and personal as it can be. When a loved one officiates, every moment means more! 


Ask a friend or family member to officiate your wedding with free online ordination through American Marriage Ministries (AMM). 

ORDAINED MINISTER ONLINE APPLICATION

Why AMM? American Marriage Ministries is an inclusive nondenominational internet church that ordains and trains ministers to officiate marriage ceremonies. We are a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit church, and help people from all backgrounds and beliefs become ordained ministers for weddings. Our online ordination is free, accessible, and never expires.

 

Officiating weddings is an incredible honor, and a great way to show your love and support for the people getting married. As a wedding officiant, you will help to create memorable ceremonies and memories that last a lifetime.


AMM Ministers can legally officiate weddings in every state* (it's much harder in Virginia, where we're looking into our options). After getting ordained with AMM, you might need to register your ordination with your local county clerk’s office. Click the link above to get started! 

 

 

The wedding officiant stands next to a groom on the wedding day during an outdoor ceremony, they are looking toward the camera, where the other spouse will walk down the aisle

Become an ordained minister online with American Marriage Ministries and officiate wedding for friends and relatives. (Photo: Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock)

 


 


Jessica Levey
Jessica Levey

Lead Staff Writer & Illustrator

Jessica loves exploring the history and magic of ritual, the connections between people and places, and sharing true stories about love and commitment. She's an advocate for marriage equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and individuality, and is an ordained Minister with AMM. When she’s not writing or illustrating for AMM, she enjoys city hikes, fantasy novels, comics, and traveling.

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