Following a sudden marriage announcement and retirement from the entertainment industry that surprised everyone, former group Alice singer Sohee took it upon herself to clarify the rumors surrounding her. Realizing that silence can make rumors become truth, Sohee is determined to take a firm stance to correct the rumors and continue her happy married life.
In 2017, Sohee appeared on the SBS audition program 'K-pop Star Season 6,' where she claimed the runner-up position. She later debuted as a member of the girl group Alice and challenged herself in acting, including in the TVING original 'After School War Activities.' She announced her retirement along with a surprise marriage announcement in April last year.
At 25 years old in 2024, the young age seemed too early for her to announce retirement from the entertainment industry, which drew attention to the background of her choice to retire along with marriage. However, the specific background remained unknown, and Sohee stated, "I met someone who has become a great support to me. We promised to get married as we have become incredibly precious to each other. I am now trying to live my second life as Kim Sohee, not Alice Sohee. I will live happily so that you all won't have to worry as much as you have loved me" before silently marrying and leaving the entertainment industry.
The sudden and unresolved circumstances surrounding her retirement gave rise to rumors. Some suspected Sohee of being a 'bar girl.' In response, Sohee explained, "What? What is 일프로?" stating that she met her husband, a businessman 15 years her senior, at her older sister's birthday party where they were both filming, and she showed signs of wanting to take legal action regarding the rumors.
However, the rumors did not subside, and Sohee made the decision to take legal action because she realized, "Although I could have initially overlooked it as unimportant due to it not being true, I learned that such silence in the world allows rumors to be accepted as truth."
On the 30th, Sohee explained, "I recently experienced uncomfortable situations due to absurd false facts, and I have decided to pursue a lawsuit. The case has now been referred to investigative authorities."
Sohee elaborated, "From my trainee days until my retirement after debuting in 2017, I have never behaved in a way that I couldn't be proud of in the entertainment industry for ten years. I have always looked forward and quietly done my best in my position, and I believe I have also walked with a sense of pride in my work and responsibility. I met my husband naturally after encountering him at a colleague's birthday party where we were both filming, and now I am experiencing the most stable and happy time of my life."
She continued, "During this time, I received reports that false articles about me were posted by accounts targeting celebrities or influencers with a large number of followers. At first, I thought little of it and just issued a warning, but the perpetrator began crossing the line. Starting from ridiculous claims that I met my husband while working in a bar, they even created and spread manipulated screenshots of conversations like 'I saw Sohee' and 'I worked somewhere,' and they threatened my family as well. I have lived more diligently than anyone in my activities in the entertainment industry and have done my best in my role, so it has been extremely difficult for me to see the sincerity and honor I have maintained for a long time being distorted and doubted."
She added, "Fortunately, those who were harmed by the perpetrator came forward courageously to report it directly, and thanks to them, the case was quickly referred to the investigative authorities. I believe that shaking someone's life with falsehoods is not something to be taken lightly, which is why I decided to convey my position directly. This matter will go to the end without leniency, to ensure that such actions will not be repeated again."
Although it was a sudden marriage announcement and retirement, Sohee is now living a happier married life than anyone else. Many have been supporting her as she takes a stand against the rumors that frown upon her and aims for "real education."
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