Singer Soyou (강지현), formerly of K-pop girl group SISTAR, recently appeared on JTBC's dating talk show “Love War” (戀愛戰爭), where she candidly discussed her personal relationships. She revealed she has not dated in five years and, for the first time, shared the reason behind her long single spell, linking it to her previous relationship. Her honest confession surprised the show's panelists.
In the episode aired on December 4, Soyou served as a special dating consultant, analyzing various relationship scenarios and sharing her dating philosophy alongside Lee Hyo-ri (이효리), Seo Jang-hoon (서장훈), and Kim Hee-chul (김희철). When the topic of relationships arose, she unexpectedly stated, “It’s been a very long time since I’ve dated,” prompting surprised reactions from everyone present.
Lee Hyo-ri expressed her disbelief, saying, “I always thought you wouldn’t have any gaps in your dating life; it felt like you were always in a relationship.” Soyou chuckled in response, “Many people have that impression, but it’s actually been a very long time.” She then confessed, “I haven’t had a boyfriend for five years.”
Addressing her five-year dating hiatus, Soyou revealed the reason for the first time, admitting, “My last ex-boyfriend was truly terrifying.” This single statement immediately captured everyone’s attention. Although she did not elaborate on the details, her expression suggested that the relationship left a significant emotional scar.
Lee Hyo-ri promptly asked with concern, “Are you still unable to forget him?” Soyou responded softly, “He was truly a terrible person.” This brief comment conveyed the extent of the pain her previous relationship had caused her.
After hearing Soyou’s story, Lee Hyo-ri expressed sympathy, saying, “You were hurt too deeply by a man.” She lamented, “It’s truly regrettable to think that you wasted five years because of such a person.” Her words resonated with many viewers, who felt for Soyou.
In addition to sharing the reason for her dating hiatus, the show also revealed Soyou’s “Dating MBTI” analysis results. As an INTJ, she was described as someone who “prioritizes personal goals over a partner,” has “minimal emotional fluctuations,” and possesses a “calm and rational personality.” Soyou laughed, commenting, “I rarely get angry; I’ve never had a big fight with a boyfriend.”
She also recounted her angriest moment during a relationship. Since both she and her ex were celebrities, they mostly dated at home, leading to many of his personal belongings being kept at her place. After one argument, she silently gathered all his items and sent them back to his home without saying a single word throughout the process.
Soyou revealed that even the gifts her ex-boyfriend had given her were returned. Hearing this, Lee Hyo-ri jokingly asked, “You didn’t secretly keep the more expensive gifts, did you?” which elicited laughter from the set.
Unexpectedly, Soyou responded with a wry smile, “Actually, the things I gave him were more expensive.” Her comment brought a sudden silence to the set, and the panelists couldn't help but show expressions of pity.
