When Kim Nam Joo was asked last year what she wished for in her relationship with husband Kim Seung Woo, she said that what she wanted most was for nothing to change.
Her dream was that time would pass but their relationship would remain exactly as it was.
"I want my husband to think of me as a friend like he does now. I want to be the first person he confides in," she said.
She admits that their marriage has not always been easy.
"Dating was fun, early marriage was hard," she said.
And yet the couple survived the early days of their marriage and only grew closer. They are known for being very supportive of each other. They cameo on each other's dramas and appear on talk shows together. She still calls him "oppa" and considers him her best friend. From the rough times early in their marriage they learned to discuss their problems and encourage each other.
"I also compliment him on whatever he does," she said, then added with a laugh, "Sometimes I have to lie but I'm always very complementary."
The actors met at a celebrity gathering at a Cheongdam-dong beauty salon and married in 2005. They have two children. Kim Nam Woo took time off from her career to raise her family but when she did, she worried that her career was over.
Although she was well known for her work in the dramas "Model," "The Boss" and "Her House," the actress was sure that growing older meant she would not be offered another role.
"When I was young and thought about what my life would be like at this age I was sure I wouldn't still be working," said Kim Nam Joo, 42. "I thought I'd be pushed out of leading roles, and that my pride would not endure it. But like flowing water, I've come to where I am now."
She made her comeback in 2009 with the drama "Queen of Reversals," written by Park Ji Eun. She worked with Park Ji Eun again on "My Husband Got A Family," which was the highest rated Korean drama in 2012.
Her husband Kim Seung Woo has an impressive list of acting credentials. The 44-year-old actor has been in almost 30 films and 20 dramas. His recent drama appearances include "Iris" and "Iris II," "Miss Ripley" and "Athena: Goddess of War." So, he has had his share of beautiful leading ladies.
How does a marriage survive all the love scenes that are part of their day job? A sense of humor helps.
When Kim Nam Joo was asked about her husband's love scenes with actress Lee Da Hae, she smiled and said, "It's okay. I just changed the password on our door lock."
But when asked about her kissing scene with Park Shi Hoo in "Queen of Reversals," she said, "That's different."
Kim Seung Woo considers himself very lucky to be married to such a beautiful wife. In an interview for Vogue Korea, he said that he was very happy to be with her and wants to remain with her for a lifetime.
