Lee Ji-hyun regrets leaving Jewel: "'One More Time' was hugely popular... I could have had an extra house" [Dongchimi] [★BamTV]

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Ji-hyun expressed regret over leaving the group Jewel.

The MBN variety program 'Sokpuri Show Dongchimi,' which aired on the 30th, was themed around 'Do you know why you are not happy?' and featured Hong Kyung-min, Lee Ji-hyun, and Ko Myung-hwan as guests.

That day, Lee Ji-hyun said, "I debuted at 15. Back then, I didn't understand the value of earning money through broadcasting activities. Even when I earned money, I had no idea how much it was. I had no dreams or goals. I just performed whenever managers told me to. I feel like I was living like a machine. Even though I received a lot of love and attention back then, even when we won first place on shows like 'Inkigayo,' it didn't feel like it was mine. I wondered, 'Am I really the one receiving this?'" she said frankly.

She continued, "I felt bewildered by that feeling. I didn't know what I truly liked or what I wanted to do; I just worked. As time went on, I wanted to find my identity and understand what I truly loved. So, when 'Superstar' was at its peak in popularity, I left Jewel." she recalled.

Lee Ji-hyun added, "Back then, money automatically came with work, and even though I was popular, I wasn't very happy. On the contrary, I am too happy now. Even if I exhaust my soul and physical strength, I get up again to learn, study, serve customers, take care of children, and manage the household. That is happier now. Back then, I had no purpose. I started because I liked it, but now I am happy because I have goals and a purpose." she revealed.

Regarding her recent advice to Seo In-young to freeze her eggs on YouTube content, Lee Ji-hyun explained, "My children are already grown, but In-young hasn't even started yet. I was genuinely worried. I thought, 'It's hard raising children this much; when will she get pregnant, give birth, and raise them?' Out of concern, I recommended it."

When the cast mentioned that Jewel gained huge popularity with 'One More Time' after her departure, Lee Ji-hyun said, "I heard they traveled by helicopter for events back then. I regretted it then. I should have stayed. If I had, wouldn't I have had an extra house?" her comment drew laughter.

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*This content was translated by AI.