South Korean actress Song Ji-hyo (송지효) launched her personal YouTube channel, "JIHYO SSONG," last October, hoping to share her daily life and connect more with fans through videos. However, less than a year into its operation, she announced a temporary suspension. On the 17th, she released a farewell video where she became emotional while discussing future plans, creating a poignant atmosphere.
On the 17th, Song Ji-hyo uploaded a new video to her YouTube channel titled "To. Everyone who has loved JIHYO SSONG." The video began with her preparing shabu-shabu and playfully stating, "I'm going to invite a guest." Unexpectedly, the 'guest' turned out to be herself, instantly filling the scene with Song Ji-hyo's unique comedic charm.
However, she then abruptly shifted to discussing the channel's future, saying, "Today might be the last time." As soon as the words left her mouth, she quickly corrected herself: "It's not the last time." Song Ji-hyo clarified that the channel would not be officially ending but would instead go on a temporary "hiatus" to allow her time to reorganize. "I hope everyone waits a little while until a more solid and determined JIHYO SSONG can suddenly reappear before you," she stated.
Seeing the production team's regretful reactions, she quickly reassured them, "Since it's not the last time, don't cry." She explained that this break was simply to "make it more solid and perfect." She also emphasized that she never considered this hiatus a true end. "It's not the last time; we can't think of it as the last time. Since we started, there should be an ending. But what kind of ending is there for YouTube?"
Reflecting on her past filming experiences, Song Ji-hyo admitted there were regrets. When asked, "Don't you feel it's a pity?" she candidly replied, "If I said I didn't feel any pity at all, I'd be lying."
She believes one of the biggest lessons from running her YouTube channel was realizing that "passion alone isn't always enough to get things done." Song Ji-hyo expressed her hope that upon her return, "JIHYO SSONG" will not just be empty words but will truly deliver on its promises. "It shouldn't just be quick talk; I need to return as a Ji-hyo Ssong who can say things that can actually be done and keep promises."
She also emphasized that fans shouldn't view this hiatus as a farewell. "It's not the last time; don't think of it as the last time. I'll be back soon." She even hinted that she wouldn't completely cut off contact with fans during her break, suggesting she might still share updates or good news through the channel. "Maybe I'll occasionally upload my current status, and if there's good news, I can tell everyone the whole process through Ji-hyo Ssong." At this point, Song Ji-hyo seemed to be overcome with emotion, choking up and unable to continue speaking.
Finally, she composed herself and said, "I'm going to rest for a while. This isn't a complete break, but a return after reorganizing and tidying things up." She also offered her final well wishes to fans: "Until then, I hope you all only encounter wonderful things."
Song Ji-hyo officially launched her YouTube channel last October with great enthusiasm, but it also sparked controversy over her styling choices.
Fans had repeatedly expressed their desire for her to dress up more for work, appearing prettier and more vibrant. At the time, Song Ji-hyo frequently filmed her YouTube videos with her hair casually pulled up with a claw clip, which even led fans to express disappointment. Even staff members advised her against constantly using the claw clip, but Song Ji-hyo once responded with frustration, "I'll try not to use a claw clip, but please don't keep telling me not to use one."
Because her styling was perceived by some as "lacking sincerity," Song Ji-hyo later made a significant change on SBS's "Running Man" (런닝맨), appearing last month in an off-the-shoulder outfit, a rare departure from her usual style, which garnered considerable discussion.
Now, with her sudden announcement of a YouTube hiatus and her emotional moments in the farewell video, fans are even more eager to see what kind of "JIHYO SSONG" she will return as after her reorganization.
