Famous Actor Sparks Controversy Over Treatment of Significantly Younger Spouse
Shim Hyung Tak is facing controversy after a past TV clip resurfaced showing how intense his fights with wife Hirai Saya get.
The clip aired in 2024 on Channel A’s Trendy Men’s Lifestyle. Shim admitted on air, “We fight pretty intensely.” He described a recent argument where he got out of the car mid-fight and went home alone, leaving things unresolved.
Though Shim said they made up after Saya reached out first, the story sparked backlash. Fans pointed out Saya is 18 years younger and moved from Japan to Korea for him. Many criticized Shim’s behavior as inconsiderate and immature.
Fellow cast members on the show didn’t hold back either. Kangnam joked Shim shouldn’t raise his voice to his wife at all. The age gap and Saya’s sacrifices made the situation more awkward.
“Shim Hyung Tak said he and his wife, who is 18 years younger than him, fight really intensely. When Kangnam pointed out that it’s not right—especially since she moved to Korea for him—Shim suddenly shot back, ‘Then you shouldn’t be saying a word to Sang Hwa either.’”
— @rubygongdue/X
“He then asked Kangnam if he had ever raised his voice at his wife, and when Kangnam responded, ‘Are you crazy? What are you even talking about?’ Shim seemed genuinely surprised and said, ‘Really? You’ve never raised your voice??’ They have an 18-year age gap… What is there for him to even yell at her about?”
— @rubygongdue/X
Netizens slammed Shim for lacking awareness and social sense. Sympathy poured out for Saya, calling the situation isolating and unfair.
“He’s so full of sh*t. She deserves to be treated so much better.”
“If he’s saying things like that on-air for attention because of money issues or whatever, that’s honestly the worst.”
“You shouldn’t be yelling, no matter what happens.”
“Why is he even yelling in the first place?”
The backlash comes off the clip showing Shim Hyung Tak and Hirai Saya on their wedding day:
Shim’s handling of the fight drew criticism as immature and cold. Fans say he needs to treat his wife with more respect given her sacrifices.
Actor Shim Hyung Tak (left) and his wife, Hirai Saya (right), on their wedding day | @hiraisaya9988/Instagram
The clip reignited debates on social media about his attitude during conflicts and the pressure on Saya, especially with the large age gap.
| theqoo
Watch the full resurfaced moment here:
심형탁 아내랑 18살차이나는데
세게싸운다함강남이 심형탁한테 아내랑 18살차이나고
남편따라 한국온 아내한테
그럼 안된다고 잡도리하니까대뜸 강남한테
“너도 상화씨한테 한마디도 하면 안돼”그러곤 강남한테 소리지른적 없냐고 질문했는데
강남이 “큰일나지 무슨소릴 하고있어”
라 하니까… pic.twitter.com/Ccmwjgc4f3— 루공 (@rubygongdue) April 11, 2026
As the situation develops, fans expect Shim Hyung Tak to show more maturity and respect to Hirai Saya.
Source: Chosun Ilbo and theqoo