Lee Hyori Opens Up About Moving to Jeju: “I Couldn’t Handle the Pressure Anymore”
On the June 28 episode of the YouTube show “Pinggyego“, K-pop legend Lee Hyori opened up candidly about her decision to leave Seoul and start a new life in Jeju Island.
The episode titled “It’s Not Just About Sharing a Meal | EP.80” featured Lee Hyori in conversation with longtime friend Yoo Jae-suk, where she reflected on her hiatus from the entertainment scene and what led her to step away.
Recalling her time in Jeju, Lee said, “I only realized how precious and grateful I am for this job after I left and stopped doing it. That’s when it hit me.”
Yoo responded with empathy “So in a way, you were a bit burnt out”, to which Lee replied, “Exactly. I just didn’t have the strength to face the backlash that came when I made mistakes.”
Lee admitted that in her younger years, she was more resilient in the face of criticism: “Back then, when I was getting hate, I’d tell myself, ‘I’ll prove them wrong next time.’ Even if an album didn’t do well, I’d say, ‘I’ll kill it next time.’ But now, I don’t have that kind of energy or fire anymore. That’s why I hid.”
However, she shared that she’s now ready to move forward. “If I give up, I’ll fall into a darker place. The only thing that helps me endure is the love of my family and those around me.”
Lee Hyori credited her husband, Lee Sang-soon, for being her emotional rock: “He always says things like ‘You can do anything’ or ‘Even in your 50s or 60s, you can still make it.’ He says it so often, and it really helps.”
Yoo Jae-suk praised Lee Sang-soon as well, calling him “a genuinely good person”, and added, “When he’s stressed, he just steps out for a smoke instead of complaining.”
Lee Hyori’s heartfelt confession resonated with fans, shedding light on the mental and emotional toll fame can take—even on the most seasoned stars. Her honesty continues to inspire admiration and support from the public.
