Yeo Esther and Hong Hye-gol Begin Overseas Trip
The couple is traveling to Turkey and Kenya following their reconciliation and five years of living apart.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Celebrities
Yeo Esther and Hong Hye-gol departed for a two-week trip to Istanbul, Turkey, and Maasai Mara, Kenya, on October 28, 2026. The journey marks a milestone for the couple, who resumed living together in June 2026 after five years of separation.
Why it matters
The trip serves as a birthday celebration for Hong Hye-gol, who is turning 60, and acts as a recovery activity for Yeo Esther. Esther has reported significant mental health progress, noting she has had no negative thoughts since October 2025 following her medical treatment.
Yeo Esther underwent 28 sessions of electroconvulsive therapy to treat depression. The current overseas trip is scheduled to last for 2 weeks.
The players
Yeo Esther
She is a medical doctor and media personality known for sharing health information and her personal recovery journey with the public.
Hong Hye-gol
He is a medical journalist and television personality who frequently collaborates on media projects with his wife.
The details
The couple is joined by a producer and two managers to document their travel experiences on Facebook and the EstherTV YouTube channel. Hong Hye-gol ensured the trip would proceed by booking non-refundable accommodations to prevent any possibility of cancellation.
Timeline
August 2025 marked the beginning of a five-year period of separation.
October 2025 was the last recorded instance of negative thoughts for Yeo Esther.
June 2026 was when the couple resumed living in the same house.
October 28, 2026, was the date the couple departed for their overseas trip.
Industry Dynamics
The couple uses digital platforms to share their life events, following the broader industry trend of celebrities managing their own public narratives through direct-to-consumer video channels. This approach replaces traditional exclusive magazine deals with real-time, authentic engagement.
Fans can follow the couple's travel updates and experiences directly through their social media profiles and the EstherTV YouTube channel. This direct access allows the audience to view the documentary-style content at no additional cost.
The takeaway
Reconciliation after a long separation often requires intentional shared experiences to rebuild a household dynamic. Implementing dedicated time for travel and celebration can be a practical step in fostering positive mental health and relationship renewal.
Further reading
For more news on public figures, visit the Celebrities section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 조선일보.
