On August 19, Sports Chosun reported Lee Hyori’s recent appearance on JTBC’s Love War. During the show, she shared explosive details about an ex-boyfriend. The star candidly admitted: “Back then, I fought a lot with my ex. In my 20s, I had a fiery temper. The men I liked were not gentle either. Looking back, those times were memorable.”
The singer, born in 1979, shocked the studio by recalling how their arguments escalated to property destruction: “Whenever we had a major fight, we would throw our phones until they shattered. I ended up replacing three to four phones during that period.”
On the same episode of Love War, Lee Hyori also shared her personal dating rules: “I really enjoy drinking and socializing, but I always know my limits. I never sit at drinking tables with unfamiliar men late at night. I never make my partner feel insecure.”
On online forums, netizens are actively trying to uncover the identity of the ex-boyfriend she mentioned on the broadcast. Before marrying her current husband, musician Lee Sang Soon, rumors linked the “K-pop Queen” to Bi Rain, actor Lee Seo-jin, singer Sung Si-kyung, and businessman Choi Sung-wook.
Born in 1979, the public recognizes Lee Hyori as a first-generation “K-pop Queen” and an enduring sex symbol in South Korea’s entertainment industry. Debuting in 1998 as a member of the legendary group Fin.K.L, she skyrocketed to A-list stardom after launching her solo career with the national hit “10 Minutes.” With her sharp charisma, trendsetting fashion style, and captivating stage presence, Lee Hyori defined the standards of healthy, free-spirited, and confident beauty for Korean women at the time.
Beyond her stellar career, millions admire Lee Hyori for her inspiring lifestyle and independence. Following the peak of her fame, she chose a peaceful life on Jeju Island with her husband, musician Lee Sang Soon, leaving behind high-society glamour for nature. Through reality shows like Hyori’s Bed and Breakfast (Hyori’s Homestay), she revealed a simple, down-to-earth side far removed from her stage persona.
Singer Jung Jae-hyung introduced Lee Hyori and her husband, though it took over a year for them to realize their feelings. During their first meeting, an awkward atmosphere filled the room. Lee Sang-soon ate with Jung Jae-hyung and Lee Hyori before driving her home. He later revealed that he froze not because he disliked her, but because he couldn’t believe he was sitting next to the iconic “Sexy Queen.” A year later, they met again at Jung Jae-hyung’s concert, where Lee Sang-soon finally got her phone number. After the show, he texted to ask if she arrived home safely, but she didn’t reply.
The turning point in their relationship came courtesy of a stray dog. When Lee Sang-soon moved into an attic apartment, he decided to adopt a rescued dog. Knowing little about dog breeds or care, he called Jung Jae-hyung for help.
Jung Jae-hyung reconnected Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon because the K-pop star loves animals deeply and excels in pet care. Lee Hyori sent him a photo of a dog from a shelter and invited him to record a song for an animal protection campaign, sparking their romance.
Just before the recording day, Lee Sang-soon broke his arm in an accident. Surprisingly, this mishap brought them closer. “Hyori found out and brought over homemade food. When she arrived, I was trying to clean up the house. She asked if my arm hurt, and my heart skipped a beat right then. It was an opportunity to see a completely different side of Hyori,” Lee Sang-soon recalled fondly. Behind her cool and glamorous stage persona, Lee Hyori proved to be remarkably warm and caring.
In 2013, the couple surprised the public by announcing their marriage. Lee Sang Soon may not have been the richest or most handsome man to pursue Lee Hyori, but he proved to be the one who loved her most sincerely. Their peaceful life on Jeju Island remains an inspiration to many.
