South Korean actor Lee Kyu-han (이규한) and singer-painter Solbi (솔비), whose real name is Kwon Ji-an (권지안), announced their marriage today, Oct. 15. The couple plans to hold their wedding in April 2027, a revelation that has garnered significant attention. Interestingly, Lee Kyu-han previously identified as a “non-marriage advocate,” stating he had no intention of tying the knot. Solbi, too, once declared she “didn’t want to marry a celebrity.” Their decision to walk down the aisle together has brought their past remarks back into the spotlight, highlighting a striking contrast. Beyond their sweet romance, Solbi’s impressive financial standing and notable artistic achievements have also become a renewed topic of discussion.
Lee Kyu-han and Solbi first met while appearing on the third season of the KBS Joy and KBS 2TV dating reality show “Love of the Old Friend,” which aired last year. During the program, they openly expressed their mutual affection, and their on-screen interactions gradually blossomed into a real-life romance, ultimately leading to their decision to marry. Solbi’s agency, Jian Castle, confirmed the marriage news on Oct. 15, stating that the couple recently arranged a meeting between their families to discuss wedding plans. The ceremony is expected to take place in April 2027 and will be held privately, with only family, relatives, and close friends in attendance.
With the marriage announcement, the couple's past views on matrimony have resurfaced. In February 2023, Lee Kyu-han appeared on Channel A’s variety show “Life of a Recent Man – Groom Class,” where he admitted to always considering himself a non-marriage advocate. At the time, he explicitly stated, “I have absolutely no thoughts of getting married.” He even revealed that he not only disliked real-life weddings but also felt awkward and uncomfortable filming wedding scenes for dramas, to the point where it affected his acting. This clearly demonstrated his strong aversion to marriage at the time.
Unexpectedly, approximately three years later, Lee Kyu-han announced his impending marriage, preparing to embrace a new chapter in his life — a stark contrast to his previous “absolutely no desire to marry” stance. His fiancée, Solbi, also previously expressed a clear position on marriage. Last September, on her personal YouTube channel “Solbi is Back,” while discussing relationships and marriage with Hwang Bo, she candidly stated, “I don’t want to marry a celebrity.” She also emphasized that her unmarried status was not due to an inability to find a partner but rather a personal choice, revealing her own standards and ideas about marriage.
However, Solbi ultimately chose Lee Kyu-han, who is also in the entertainment industry, creating a contrast with her past statement. With one having identified as a non-marriage advocate and the other not wanting to marry someone from the industry, their decision to become husband and wife has added considerable buzz to their relationship.
Beyond their romantic lives, Solbi’s achievements in the art world are equally impressive. She began painting to cope with depression and gradually developed a unique creative style, incorporating personal philosophies and messages into her works, successfully establishing herself as a painter. After approximately 14 years dedicated to art, she won a grand prize at the Barcelona International Art Fair in 2021, showcasing her prowess as an artist.
Solbi’s paintings have not only attracted collectors but also numerous celebrities, including host Jun Hyun-moo (전현무) and former S.E.S. member Eugene (유진), who have reportedly purchased her works. One painting even fetched a record 23 million Korean won (approximately 500,000 New Taiwan dollars), demonstrating her remarkable market value. She continues to create under her real name, Kwon Ji-an, hoping to be recognized as an artist rather than solely as a celebrity.
Interestingly, Solbi’s paintings have also been rumored to bring good luck. She once revealed on the JTBC variety show “Knowing Bros” that a saying circulated among affluent women in Cheongdam-dong: “Good things happen if you buy her paintings.” There were even parents whose children were preparing for their third year of high school entrance exams who specifically sought her out, hoping she would paint for them. Jun Hyun-moo also sparked discussion after winning an entertainment award after collecting Solbi’s work, further fueling the “lucky painting” rumors.
Beyond the value of her artwork, Solbi’s generous side has also been revealed. She once shared that when planning a vacation with her staff, she personally booked a private pool villa for them to enjoy their time off, leaving a strong impression with her lavish style. Now, as she prepares to marry Lee Kyu-han, her sweet romance is not the only thing receiving blessings; her art career and personal life are also once again drawing public attention.
Notably, Lee Kyu-han also had a previously public relationship. He and Yujeong (유정), a former member of the girl group BB GIRLS (브브걸스), who is 11 years his junior, met in early 2023 while filming a variety show. In September of the same year, their agencies confirmed they were dating. During their relationship, the couple frequently shared their interactions and publicly displayed affection on Instagram, drawing considerable public interest.
However, this relationship lasted only about a year, with the couple announcing their breakup in August 2024. Following the split, both parties deleted their shared interactions on Instagram and unfollowed each other’s accounts, which sparked much discussion at the time. Now, Lee Kyu-han’s new marriage announcement, with Solbi — who he connected with on a dating show — has brought renewed attention to the couple’s romantic journey, from past relationships to their impending marriage.
