Lee Sun-jung (이선정), a South Korean actress known for her striking looks and distinct personality in the late 1990s, made headlines in 2012 for her whirlwind marriage to TV personality LJ after just 45 days of dating. The marriage, however, lasted only about four months before ending in divorce. After years away from the entertainment industry, Lee recently announced her official return and launched a new YouTube channel, offering a glimpse into her real life beyond the cameras. Reflecting on her past struggles, she candidly admitted to enduring immense physical and mental hardship, including severe panic attacks and even suicidal thoughts, a revelation that has garnered sympathy from many.
On the 16th, Lee released her latest video on her personal YouTube channel, “Lee Sun-jung’s Selection” (이선정의 선정하기), featuring singer Bae Ki-sung (배기성). Upon meeting, she affectionately referred to him as “an older brother I truly adore,” showcasing their close personal friendship.
Lee revealed that during her past struggles with panic disorder and a difficult period in her life, Bae often accompanied her for exercise and sang with her, helping her through those challenging times. She expressed her gratitude to the senior artist who offered a helping hand during her low point.
Recalling the painful experiences, Lee confessed, “It was so agonizing back then, I even wanted to die. My panic attacks were severe, and I suffered immensely both physically and mentally.” She explained that she was under tremendous pressure at the time. Years later, looking back on that period, her perspective has shifted. She remarked, “After 14 years, I’ve slowly become numb to it, and I now think, ‘things just happen that way.’” Her words convey a sense of acceptance after navigating life’s storms and gradually letting go of the past.
Beyond discussing her marriage and health, Lee also shared her current living situation on her YouTube channel. She revealed that her accumulated savings are almost depleted, and without acting gigs, she has been temporarily unemployed. To make ends meet, she has donned an apron and rubber gloves to help out at her mother’s noodle shop, bustling around the kitchen.
She admitted, “This is my mom’s restaurant. Not working means being unemployed, so instead of staying home, I’d rather come help my mom.” In the video, she is seen skillfully cooking and straining noodles in front of a steaming stove, even effortlessly lifting heavy pots, revealing an unexpected side of herself.
However, she also disclosed that she initially had no idea how to cook noodles and only intended to help serve dishes. Unexpectedly, she gradually became proficient in tasks like cooking noodles and washing dishes. Speaking about the pressures of real life, she expressed her frustration, “Life is really hard right now, it’s truly difficult.” Her words resonated with many viewers, who empathized with the challenges she currently faces.
Furthermore, Lee discussed the impact of her divorce on her life. She stated that after her marriage broke down, the media consistently reported on the events from a negative perspective, causing her immense psychological stress. She recalled, “The media almost exclusively published negative reports, which put a lot of pressure on me. Things only began to calm down after I gave my last interview.”
Lee also admitted that her decision to speak out in an interview at the time was driven by her desire to prevent public misunderstandings from escalating. She believed that if she continued to remain silent, the public would only generate more speculation, and misunderstandings could deepen. Now, by sharing her life and past experiences through YouTube, she offers the public an opportunity to see another side of her, facing real life after stepping away from her celebrity persona.
