SEOUL: Former South Korean supermodel Kim Ja-yeon, 45, has tied the knot with 70-year-old senior Samsung executive Young Sohn.
According to the Korea Times, the couple, who first connected through their shared academic background, celebrated their nuptials with an intimate ceremony in Switzerland.
Taking to social media to break the happy news alongside a series of elegant wedding photos, Kim expressed her gratitude to her supporters: “Everyone, I’m married! I’m happy to share this wonderful news with all of you who have always supported me.”
Her new husband, Young Sohn, boasts an impressive corporate portfolio, serving as a senior adviser to Samsung Electronics and chairman of the board at Harman International—Samsung’s automotive technology and audio subsidiary.
He previously served as the electronics giant’s president and chief strategy officer, chairs its Semiconductor Advisory Board, and established a Silicon Valley venture capital firm.
Despite Sohn’s heavyweight professional credentials, Kim stressed that their connection was anchored in mutual respect rather than status.
The pair first met two years ago through their connections at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where both had studied in different fields.
What began as a casual alumni connection gradually deepened over time.
“After confirming our feelings for each other early this year, we travelled between the United States, Korea and Europe, learning to understand and respect each other’s worlds,” Kim shared, noting how their relationship turned romantic earlier this year.
Reflecting on her partner’s character, she added: “More than all his achievements, my husband is a warmhearted person who genuinely cherishes and loves me and always treats me with consideration and respect. And he finds me, despite my tall height, incredibly cute.”
Responding to the wave of warm wishes from fans, Kim reflected candidly on finding love later in life, noting that everyone moves at their own pace and her special connection just happened to arrive after 40.
Kim first rose to prominence in 2003 through the 12th Supermodel Contest before pursuing an international catwalk career.
She later transitioned into fashion trend analysis, earning a degree in Fashion Business Management from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology alongside her MIT MBA.
Her research focused on how technology drives innovation in fashion.