On March 29 KST, Ryeowook delivered the good news with a hand-written letter dedicated to his fans.
Ryeowook wrote on this day,
"Dear my blue starlights, E.L.Fs,
Hello, this is Super Junior's Ryeowook.
I come with news that I wanted to deliver personally to my dearest friends, E.L.Fs who always cheer me on and send me love with all your hearts. So I'm writing this letter in the hopes that my sincerity will reach you.
I first met E.L.Fs one early winter on November 6, 2005, at the age of 19, and now I am in the 20th year of my career at 38-years old.
Ever since then, our E.L.Fs protected their place right next to us. I believe that our friendship became stronger and stronger as we experienced happy and sad times together throughout the years.
That is why I want to tell you this news first, but at the same time, I feel nervous.As you all know, I have been seeing someone.After spending much time with this person, I naturally began to feel that I wanted to form a family with her.It was by no means a sudden decision, and after much thinking and deliberation with the company and my members, I have decided to hold a wedding ceremony this spring, at the end of May.I am always thankful for E.L.Fs who supported me despite my shortcomings and imperfections, but on the other hand, I do feel apologetic when I think about how some of you may be surprised by this news.Still, I intend to greet you unchangingly as Ryeowook of Super Junior and Ryeowook who sings for all those who will cheer me on when I stand on stage with my members and for all those who want to hear my singing.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our members and the SM Entertainment staff for cheering me on in my decision.E.L.Fs! It's still pretty chilly outside. Make sure to always bundle up and take care not to catch cold. Thank you always, and I love you."
Meanwhile, Ryeowook and Ari (Kim Sun Young, born 1994) began dating publicly in September of 2020. Ari debuted as a member of TAHITI in 2012 and promoted in the K-Pop scene until the group's disbandment in 2018.