On March 8, Son Dam-bi took to social media to share a poster of the drama “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” accompanied by the caption, “It makes my nose sting. As expected, writer Im Sang-chun.”
Im Sang-chun is the acclaimed screenwriter behind “When the Camellia Blooms,” the drama that solidified Son Dam-bi’s standing as an actress.
What makes this moment particularly poignant is that “When the Camellia Blooms” starred Gong Hyo-jin, once known as one of Son Dam-bi’s closest friends. Gong Hyo-jin’s stellar performance in the series earned her the prestigious Grand Prize (Daesang) at the KBS Drama Awards.
The drama was widely lauded as a masterpiece, seamlessly intertwining romance, suspense, and social commentary. It resonated deeply with audiences for its raw and heartfelt exploration of prejudice, unconditional love, and human perseverance. Viewers especially praised the chemistry between Gong Hyo-jin and Kang Ha-neul, along with the drama’s delicate yet powerful storytelling and its realistic take on societal issues.
Meanwhile, Son Dam-bi recently opened up about how her personal life has evolved since marriage. Speaking candidly on her YouTube channel, she reflected, “I used to worry a lot and be timid, but I think I’ve changed a lot since getting married. While taking a break, I’ve learned to be more patient and wait for the right time. Life is unpredictable, but I think it’s something worth looking forward to.”
She also took a moment to reflect on her past, saying, “I used to be drawn to darkness, almost like an artist’s strange affliction. I even thought I liked men with that kind of energy.” However, after tying the knot with former speed skating champion Lee Kyu-hyuk, she came to a realization. “I’ve come to understand that I actually like healthy-minded people. I never imagined my life would turn out this way.” Expressing deep admiration for her husband, she added, “My husband is truly someone with a strong and healthy mindset.”
In May 2022, she married Lee Kyu-hyuk, who is five years her senior. However, their wedding stirred controversy when longtime friends, including Jung Ryeo-won and Gong Hyo-jin, were noticeably absent, fueling speculation of a fallout.
Now, Son Dam-bi is preparing for a new chapter in her life. She is expecting her first child in April, and it has been revealed that she and Lee Kyu-hyuk will be welcoming a daughter.