Still 'Yang Jae-ung's fiancée'... Han-i: "The burden I must bear" — going head-on [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

EXID member and actress Ahn Hee-yeon (stage name Han-i) has gone head-on regarding the controversy surrounding her fiancé Yang Jae-ung, making her return to television screens for the first time in three years.

On the afternoon of the 22nd, a production presentation for KBS 2TV's new weekend drama "Love Is Coming" was held at The Saint in Sindorim-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul. Director Hong Seok-gu and actors Ha Seok-jin, Ahn Hee-yeon, Park Yu-na, Bae Jeong-nam, Kwon Hae-hyo, Yoon Yoo-sun, Ryu Seung-soo, and Jin Kyung attended the event.

"Love Is Coming" is a family recipe drama that tells the story of two men and women who gather the fragments of broken families to prepare the warmest meal in life. It portrays the tender reunion romance between Kim Mu-jin (played by Ha Seok-jin), a man who gave up everything for love, and Han Gyu-rim (played by Ahn Hee-yeon), a woman carrying the weight of family. Director Hong Seok-gu, known for "Beauty and Mr. Romantic," and writer Lee Kyung-hee, who penned "Sorry, I Love You" and "Affectionately," have joined forces on this project.

Notably, Ahn Hee-yeon is drawing attention for her return to television screens after three years with this work. This marks her first acting role since the Disney+ original series "Let's Call It Love" in 2023.

Moreover, Ahn Hee-yeon had previously been drawn into public scrutiny when her "fiancé," Yang Jae-ung, a psychiatrist 10 years her senior, became embroiled in controversy over a patient's death in October 2024. As a result of this fallout, she not only postponed her wedding scheduled for September that year but also suffered significant damage to her public image.

Although the wedding has been indefinitely postponed, she remains officially Yang Jae-ung's "fiancée," so negative labels continue to follow her.

In response, Ahn Hee-yeon broke her silence and for the first time publicly shared her feelings regarding the controversy surrounding her fiancé. She stated, "First of all, I feel deeply sorry that my personal matters have caused concern to many people. It is also embarrassing for me to discuss personal issues at this event. Many people have worked hard with great effort to film 'Love Is Coming.' My greatest wish is not to harm their efforts. Therefore, I kindly ask for your understanding regarding parts where I cannot provide specific answers."

As it was her first challenge in a weekend drama and required portraying a character closely connected to reality, did she feel any pressure? In the drama, Ahn Hee-yeon plays Han Gyu-rim, an employee at a side dish shop who remains strong and energetic despite difficult circumstances. Han Gyu-rim spends a brilliant year with Kim Mu-jin, who appears like fate amidst her arduous days, but ultimately decides to end their relationship, believing that even lovers can be made unhappy by harsh reality.

Ahn Hee-yeon honestly admitted, "Of course, I felt significant pressure." She then added, "However, since this is also the burden I must bear, I am working hard with all my strength. I am grateful to meet many people through this weekend drama. Through the character of Gyu-rim, I hope to offer comfort, hope, and love to many viewers. I wish they could feel warmth."

Ha Seok-jin drew attention by warmly supporting his co-star Ahn Hee-yeon. When asked about their chemistry, he said, "I believe that discussions about (Ahn) Hee-yeon's appearance and other external factors may have actually helped her concentrate her energy while working on this project. Although I didn't know how long it had been since she last worked on a production, I expected that coming back to the set after such a long time would bring a desire to recharge her energy. In reality, she is approaching the work with abundant energy, and since I am able to receive it well and work together, I feel fortunate." He expressed the warm heart of a senior colleague.

He continued, "In the drama, we are not such a smooth-sailing couple who get along perfectly. I am also looking forward to how much closer we will become and how intense our romance will be in the future. So far, our chemistry has been excellent, and I am grateful while filming." He highlighted their unique chemistry.

Han-i also expressed her gratitude toward Ha Seok-jin, creating a heartwarming atmosphere. She said, "Before filming began, I wanted to get closer with oppa, so I suggested hiking, and we went together. We shared many deep conversations during that time, naturally got to know each other well, and grew closer. That helped us start strongly." She added, "Since this is also a project I haven't done in a long time, there were likely many things I didn't know and areas where I was lacking. Whenever that happened, oppa would watch carefully like a tsundere character and quietly help me out. I rely on him greatly and am truly grateful. Perhaps because of this mindset while filming, these aspects are showing well on screen, which I feel fortunate about."

The first episode of "Love Is Coming" will air at 8 p.m. on the 25th.

Meanwhile, it has been two years since the death incident of a 30-year-old female patient (Patient A) occurred at the hospital operated by Yang Jae-ung.

Doctor B, a psychiatrist in his 40s who was responsible for Patient A, along with four nurses and nurse assistants aged 40 to 50, are currently on trial without detention on charges including negligent homicide arising from professional duties.

According to the Prosecution Service investigation results, it was determined that Patient A was continuously administered psychotropic drugs that caused intestinal obstruction by medical staff including Doctor B without appropriate protection or observation.

The police have referred Yang Jae-ung and seven hospital officials to the Prosecution Service, but they have not yet been brought to trial. The hospital operated by Yang Jae-ung filed for closure in January this year and has ceased operations.

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*This content was translated by AI.