Lee Hyori Once Dominated Guinness Records: 891 Headlines, 300% Sales Spike, and a Legacy Before BLACKPINK Jennie
On the July 2 episode of tvN’s You Quiz on the Block, iconic singer Lee Hyori looked back at her unprecedented fame during the early 2000s—an era many consider the golden age of K-pop divas. While newer idols like BLACKPINK’s Jennie now dominate trends, Hyori reminded viewers that she once reigned as Korea’s ultimate “It girl.”
At the height of her popularity following the release of her hit single “10 Minutes,” Lee Hyori was featured on the front page of newspapers 891 times, earning her a spot in the Guinness World Records. Her influence extended far beyond music and entertainment—she became a powerhouse in advertising, causing a 300% spike in mobile phone sales as a brand model. Her impact was so significant that the mobile phone industry published a tribute ad in her honor, a first for any celebrity.
“I was like today’s Jennie,” Hyori said with a grin. “Before me, it was Jung-hwa unnie (Uhm Jung-hwa).” Hyori also became the first Korean entertainer to win both a grand prize in music and in entertainment, cementing her status as a multi-talented star. Known for her fearless versatility, she accepted up to four or five filming schedules a day, constantly exploring variety shows and new roles. “I even filmed for 24 hours straight and once appeared in just a single episode of Running Man,” she recalled.
Far from being offended by younger stars being compared to her, Hyori shared that she embraced the legacy, “You know what? I still haven’t moved over. I loved it when I saw headlines saying ‘Move over, Lee Hyori’—because it meant my name still carried weight.”
Beyond entertainment, Lee Hyori was a cultural trendsetter. From fashion items like cargo pants, hoop earrings, and crop tops to lifestyle shifts like small weddings, yoga, and vegetarianism, her every move influenced the nation. She humbly reflected, “I’m grateful and amazed. It still surprises me that people would follow what I do.”
Lee Hyori’s journey from idol stardom to a respected cultural icon continues to inspire a new generation of fans and artists alike. With each appearance, she reminds the world of the foundation she helped build—one trend, one hit, and one newspaper cover at a time.
