Lee Young-ja, ultimately a 'declaration of remaining single'? "I want to live for myself, not someone else"… remarks draw attention
Broadcaster Lee Young-ja recently drew attention with what amounted to a near 'declaration of remaining single,' offering a heartfelt confession in a recent interview that she would choose a life for herself over marriage.
On the 29th, on KBS2 variety show Baedalwatsuda, Lee Young-ja said, "I have always lived like the head of the family since I was young. With a parent's heart I took care of my younger siblings' marriages," and added, "Now I want to live not for someone else but for myself." She went on, "Even when I say I want to live for myself, I feel like I've forgotten what I actually liked," and added, "I hear a lot of people tell me to meet a good person, but now I don't want to bring someone into my life."
In response to her calm confession, panelist Professor Lee Ho-seon diagnosed, "Lee Young-ja has lived her whole life in the role of a 'guardian.' That role has ended, and now she is at a point where she truly wants to take care of herself," and said, "If someone comes in, she may fear becoming a guardian again."
Her remarks naturally recalled her relationship with actor Hwang Dong-ju. The two became a final couple on last spring's KBS2 dating show Pursuing Old Encounters, but afterward each went their own way, prompting reactions that it was "just for the show." Recently, a scene from Kim Jun-ho and Kim Ji-min's wedding where Lee Young-ja said, "That guy has ambition too," showing an ambiguous reaction about Hwang Dong-ju, was released and renewed interest in their relationship.
Immediately after the broadcast, online communities reacted with comments such as, "So her true feeling was a declaration of remaining single," "Her frankness is admirable," "Courage to live for herself rather than others, I support her," and "Lee Young-ja's words somehow stick with me."
Meanwhile, on tvN STORY's Young-ja and Se-ri's What's Left, she also opened up about once almost marrying and said, "Now I want to understand myself rather than love someone," touching viewers with her sincerity. Thus, Lee Young-ja says she will live as the "main character of her own life." Many people are sending warm support rather than regret for her choice.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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