If you were a fan of the girl group ALICE (formerly ELRIS), you probably remember the absolute shockwave that hit the K-pop community in April 2024. One day, Kim So-hee is a rising star in the industry, and the next, she's retiring for good. Poof. Gone from the spotlight. Why? Because she fell in love.
Honestly, it felt like a plot twist from a K-drama.
The man at the center of this—Kim So-hee husband—became an overnight mystery. Fans were scouring the internet, trying to figure out who this guy was and how he managed to convince one of the industry's most talented vocalists to trade her microphones for a wedding ring. It wasn't just a "break," either. It was a full-on "I'm leaving the industry" retirement.
Who Is the Man Who Won Her Heart?
Let’s get the facts straight because there’s been a lot of gossip flying around, especially recently.
Kim So-hee’s husband is a businessman. He isn't a celebrity, which is why you won't find his face plastered across magazine covers or a public Instagram handle. He is 15 years older than So-hee. Since So-hee was born in 1999 (making her 24 at the time of the announcement), her husband was roughly 39 when they decided to tie the knot.
A 15-year age gap is always going to get people talking. Kinda expected, right? But for So-hee, this wasn't some impulsive decision. Reports confirmed the couple had been dating for about a year before they decided to register their marriage in May 2024.
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They didn't go for the massive, televised celebrity wedding either. They kept it small. It was just family, close friends, and the kind of intimate vibe you’d want when you’re literally starting a brand-new life outside the public eye.
The Meeting: No, It Wasn't at a Bar
Here is where things get a bit messy and, frankly, frustrating for the couple.
In mid-2025, some really nasty rumors started circulating online. People were claiming So-hee met her husband while working at a bar. Some even went as far as creating fake screenshots of conversations to "prove" it.
So-hee didn't take that sitting down.
She took to her Instagram (the one window we still have into her life) to set the record straight. She filed a formal complaint with the prosecution, basically saying, "Enough is enough."
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The truth? They met at a birthday party. It was a gathering for a colleague she had filmed with in the past. It was a natural, normal meeting between two people in the same social circle. Since then, she’s described her life as the most stable and happy she’s ever been.
Why the Sudden Retirement?
Most idols don’t just quit. They might go on hiatus or pivot to acting. So-hee was actually doing great in acting—you might remember her in the TVing series Duty After School.
But when her contract with IOK Company was coming to an end in May 2024, she had a choice. Renew and keep the idol grind going, or start "Chapter 2." She chose the latter.
"I will now be living the second chapter of my life not as ALICE Sohee but Kim Sohee."
That quote from her handwritten letter really says it all. She wanted a normal life. She wanted to be a wife and a private citizen.
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What Life Looks Like Now (2026)
So, where is she now?
As of early 2026, Kim So-hee is living that quiet life she promised. While she occasionally posts updates, she’s mostly focused on her family. Her husband continues to run his business, and despite the weird rumors that popped up last year, they seem more solid than ever.
It’s a rare thing in K-pop. We’re used to seeing stars try to balance everything until they burn out. So-hee just walked away while she was at the top.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Followers
If you’re still following the story of Kim So-hee and her husband, here’s how to navigate the current landscape of news:
- Check the Source: Because her husband is a non-celebrity, tabloid sites often "borrow" photos of other people or invent "business details." If it doesn't come from a reputable news outlet like YTN or MK, take it with a grain of salt.
- Respect the Privacy: She retired specifically to escape the idol microscope. Avoid sharing "spotted" photos if they haven't been shared by her first.
- Ignore the "Bar" Rumors: The legal case in 2025 confirmed these were fabricated by an influencer. Don't engage with the old threads; they’ve been debunked by the prosecution.
- Follow Her Official Path: If you want real updates, stick to her personal social media. She’s made it clear she isn't returning to the industry, so don't hold your breath for a "reunion tour."
Kim So-hee's transition from the runner-up of K-Pop Star 6 to a private wife and daughter-in-law is a reminder that sometimes, the "happily ever after" isn't on a stage—it’s just a quiet dinner with the person you love.