The ‘Little Kim Tae Hee’ Whose Promising Career Was Cut Short by Harsh Industry Realities
Once dubbed the “Little Kim Tae Hee” for her pure and sweet beauty, actress Heo Yi Jae was seen as one of the most promising young stars in the Korean entertainment industry. Born on February 19, 1987, in Seoul, she rose to fame with memorable roles in “Prince Hours” (2007) and “Single Dad in Love” (2008). However, her sudden retirement in 2016 shocked fans, and it wasn’t until 2021 that she revealed the heartbreaking reason behind her departure — sexual harassment by a male co-star.
A Brilliant Start and a Sudden Decision to Retire
Heo Yi Jae began her entertainment career in high school as a magazine model. She officially debuted in the indie film “Da Capo” (released in 2008), followed by small roles in sitcoms and a breakout performance as Kim Rae Won’s love interest in “Sunflower” (2006). Her resemblance to top actress Kim Tae Hee earned her the nickname “Little Kim Tae Hee.” In 2007, she landed a leading role in “Prince Hours,” earning accolades such as Best New Actress at the Premiere Rising Star Awards and recognition at the Andre Kim Best Star Awards.
Her momentum continued with a lead role in “Single Dad in Love” (2008). In 2009, she joined YG Entertainment and appeared in films like “19-Nineteen” (with T.O.P and Seungri) and “Girlfriends.” She married businessman Lee Seung Woo in 2011 and paused her career, choosing not to renew her contract with YG. They had two sons before quietly divorcing in 2015. Her final acting role came in “You Are a Gift” (2016), after which she disappeared from the public eye.
A Shocking Revelation That Rocked the Industry
In a 2021 interview on WayLand (hosted by Way of Crayon Pop), Heo Yi Jae revealed the heartbreaking reason for her retirement: repeated sexual harassment from a married male co-star. After refusing to interact off-set, she was subjected to verbal abuse, public humiliation, and even a disturbing proposition—he suggested they sleep together to improve their on-screen chemistry. When she declined, the emotional abuse escalated, and no one from the crew intervened. Though she didn’t name him publicly, Way confirmed knowing the identity, which shocked her, as she had once admired the actor.
Fans speculated the accused was Oh Ji Ho, Heo Yi Jae’s co-star in “Single Dad in Love,” but he denied all allegations and threatened legal action. Heo Yi Jae asked the public not to engage in a witch hunt, admitting she lacked legal proof and apologizing to those falsely implicated.
Her story quickly trended on Korean social media. According to Extra Korea, 60% of Korean actresses have received sexual propositions, 48% lost roles after refusing, and 31.5% experienced harassment, highlighting a pervasive issue. She also shared being physically mistreated by a senior female co-star under the guise of “method acting,” including being slapped and having her hair pulled during filming.
Current Life: A Quiet Yet Emotional Comeback
After 2016, Heo Yi Jae largely vanished from the public eye. She re-emerged in a 2021 interview looking noticeably thinner and more refined. In 2024, she made a rare public appearance at a special screening of Sunflower with co-stars Kim Rae Won and Kim Hae Sook. The event marked a rare moment where fans could see her in public again.
As of 2023, Heo Yi Jae is believed to be living a private life in Seoul, raising her two sons. Though fans hope for her return to acting, her silence suggests otherwise. In her WayLand interview, she candidly said, “I love acting, but I hate the politics of the industry.”
Heo Yi Jae’s story is more than just the fall of a rising star—it’s a sobering reminder of the emotional cost of fame and the lack of protection within the entertainment industry.
