Broadcaster Seo Yuri, PD Choi Byung-gil.

PD Choi Byung-gil appealed that he is facing financial hardship amid his public dispute with his ex-wife, Seo Yuri.

On the 20th, PD Choi posted on his social media, calling it “A letter to Ms. Seo Yuri.” He stated, “I have never once gone back on my intention to pay the settlement money after signing the agreement,” and added, “It is only that, due to my lack of ability, I still have not been able to generate income, so I cannot pay it yet.”

He continued, “As you know better than anyone, this industry truly rises and falls on image and reputation. Negativity toward each other does no good,” adding, “I only wish to quickly make something work and, above all, pay the settlement money as soon as possible.”

He also explained why he blocked contact. “The reason I blocked your number is that I repeatedly asked you to contact me through my lawyer, but you ignored that,” he said, adding, “I am not even in a position to pay my phone bill at the moment, so the line has been cut off, but my number remains the same, and even if it changes, I do not intend to disappear.”

PD Choi pleaded, “Could you, if not support me, at least just leave me alone so that, lacking as I am, I can get back on my feet in the market and pay the settlement money?”

The controversy flared after documents exchanged during the divorce process were made public. The documents were said to include conditions such as casting Seo Yuri in at least lead·supporting-lead roles in dramas and joining overseas festivals. Regarding this, PD Choi claimed, “They were conditions that were unrealistic,” saying he rejected them and concluded the negotiations by adding an additional monetary amount instead.

However, Seo Yuri countered, “It was merely a draft proposal, not the final agreement. Those items were not included in the final agreement,” further intensifying the conflict.

Meanwhile, the two married in 2019 and divorced in 2024.

The following is the full statement from PD Choi Byung-gil.

A letter to Ms. Seo Yuri

I have never once reversed my intention to pay the settlement money after signing the agreement. However, due to my lack of ability, I have still been unable to generate income, so I have been unable to pay it.

As you know better than anyone, this industry truly depends on image and reputation. Negativity toward each other benefits no one.

I also want nothing more than to make something good happen quickly and pay the settlement money as soon as possible.

The reason I blocked your contact is that I repeatedly asked you to reach out through my lawyer, but you did not comply. I am not even in a position to pay my phone bill at the moment, so the line has been cut off, but the number remains the same, and even if it changes, I do not intend to go off the grid.

So please ease up a bit on the negativity toward me, and, even if not with support, could you at least leave me alone so that, lacking as I am, I can get back on my feet in the market and pay the settlement money.

I earnestly ask this of you.