South Korean girl group EXID rose to peak fame with their viral hit “Up & Down” (위아래), but member Hyelin (혜린) recently revealed that even at the height of their popularity, their actual income wasn't as impressive as outsiders might have imagined. In recent years, she has expanded into the restaurant business, operating a taco shop in Anguk, Seoul, which generates an average monthly revenue of approximately ₩140 million (about US$100,000), drawing significant public attention.
Beyond managing her restaurant, Hyelin has also been simultaneously involved in musicals, DJ gigs, and idol activities, maintaining a packed schedule. Her busy lifestyle even prompted her close friend, Lee Ji-hyun (이지현) of the group Jewelry, to express concern. Unexpectedly, during a recent scalp examination, Hyelin was shocked to discover she was experiencing hair loss.
On Sept. 24, the YouTube channel “현생모드퀸지현” released its latest video, titled “Opening a Salon, and the First Customer is a 'Hair Loss' Patient…”. In the video, Hyelin sought out Lee Ji-hyun for scalp care. Lee Ji-hyun, who has transitioned into the beauty industry, previously endured two marriages and battled panic disorder and tuberculosis. After overcoming personal hardships, she found a new direction, gradually building a second career outside entertainment as a hair designer.
In the video, Hyelin revealed that she has been so busy lately she wishes she could “cut her body into four pieces.” Between performing in musicals, running her taco shop, working as a DJ, and her ongoing idol activities, she has almost no downtime. She opened her taco shop in March this year, officially venturing into the food and beverage industry. She previously shared on YouTube that the restaurant averages about ₩140 million (approximately US$100,000) in monthly revenue, with a net profit of around ₩40 million (approximately US$30,000) after all expenses, a revelation that sparked considerable discussion.
Upon hearing about Hyelin’s lifestyle, Lee Ji-hyun was shocked, asking, “Do you even sleep?” She couldn't help but warn her, “You’ll die if you keep going like this. It’s only because you’re young now; if you continue living this way, something serious will happen.” Hyelin admitted that repeated bleaching had made her scalp extremely fragile. “Because I keep bleaching my hair, my scalp has become very sensitive, and my hair is getting thinner, which is why I came for scalp management.”
Lee Ji-hyun then used a scalp diagnostic device and found Hyelin’s scalp was noticeably red and in a highly sensitive state. Lee Ji-hyun exclaimed, “These scalps are really hurting. The most important thing now is to address the redness and sensitivity.” She even described Hyelin’s scalp condition as “like it’s spitting blood,” and advised her, “Are you going to keep wearing hair extensions? You must switch to hairpieces and try to avoid stimulating your scalp as much as possible.”
The inspection results further shocked Hyelin when Lee Ji-hyun directly diagnosed her with hair loss, concluding that scalp management had become extremely urgent. Lee Ji-hyun explained that Hyelin’s scalp might be experiencing pain and irritation due to hair extensions, so it's crucial to minimize stimulation and nourish and soothe the scalp with suitable care products.
Hearing she had been diagnosed with hair loss, Hyelin was visibly upset, admitting, “Because I can’t see the back myself, and no one has ever told me.” She then realized her scalp condition might have been a red flag for a while. Seeing Hyelin push herself so hard, Lee Ji-hyun couldn't help but express her concern, saying, “At least I have children. You don’t even have children, why are you living so desperately?”
In response, Hyelin revealed the reason she had kept hidden in her heart: “After thinking about it, didn’t we always have to be chosen to get work in the past? So, I’ve probably always been anxious.” She confessed that she has grown accustomed to actively seeking work. “I look for things to do every day; I can’t just sit around doing nothing anymore. Now I want to learn how to find a way to truly rest.”
These words reveal that Hyelin, who appears to have a full schedule and diverse career, has actually been burdened by the pressure of “anxiety without work,” which has now manifested in her physical health.
