K-Pop icon and accomplished actress Ahn Hee Yeon, famously known as Hani from EXID, is making a highly anticipated return to the small screen, marking her first television appearance in three years. Her comeback follows a period away from the spotlight due to personal controversies, making her return a significant moment for fans and the industry alike.
Hani’s Highly Anticipated Return to TV
EXID member-turned-actress Ahn Hee Yeon (Hani) shared her thoughts on returning to television for the first time in three years after stepping away from the spotlight due to personal controversies.On July 22, the production presentation for KBS2’s new weekend drama ‘Love On The Menu’ was held at The Saint in Guro-gu, Seoul. Director Hong Seok Goo attended the event alongside cast members Ahn Hee Yeon, Ha Seok Jin, Park Yoo Na, Bae Jung Nam, Kwon Hae Hyo, Yoon Yoo Sun, Ryu Seung Soo, and Jin Kyung.Premiering on July 25, ‘Love On The Menu’ tells the story of a fractured family that reunites around home-cooked meals, healing emotional wounds and rebuilding their relationships through warmth, care, and shared experiences. Ahn Hee Yeon plays Han Gyu Rim, a woman who rekindles a romance with her longtime former lover.The event also marked Ahn Hee Yeon’s first official public appearance since the controversy involving her fiancé, psychiatrist Yang Jae Woong.
The anticipation surrounding her return was palpable, and Ahn Hee Yeon didn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room.
Addressing the Controversy: Hani’s Candid Thoughts
When asked about her return, Ahn Hee Yeon began by saying, “First of all, I feel sorry for causing concern to so many people because of my personal matters.”She continued, “To be honest, I also feel apologetic talking about my personal life in a setting like this. So many people poured their hearts into making this drama, and my biggest hope is that I don’t cause any harm to the project. I kindly ask for your understanding regarding the questions that I cannot answer in detail.”Speaking about the pressure of returning after such a long hiatus, she admitted, “Of course, I feel a great deal of pressure. But that’s something I have to bear, so I’m doing my best. I’m grateful to be able to meet viewers again through a weekend drama, and through the character Han Gyu Rim, I hope to bring comfort, hope, and love to many people.”When asked whether her personal circumstances affected her portrayal of Han Gyu Rim, she replied, “Han Gyu Rim has many similarities to me, but she’s also very different. I wanted to understand her better, so I even learned cooking and sought out various experiences. Through that process, I became much closer to the character and was able to understand her more deeply.”
This dedication to her craft is a testament to her professionalism, especially considering the circumstances that led to her temporary withdrawal from the public eye.
Navigating Challenges: The Road to ‘Love On The Menu’
Ahn Hee Yeon had largely stepped away from acting after a major controversy erupted in 2024 when a patient died at the psychiatric hospital operated by her fiancé, Yang Jae Woong, who served as its chief director. The hospital was later ordered to suspend operations before ultimately closing, while the case became the subject of a police investigation and a National Assembly audit.As a result of the incident, the couple’s wedding, originally scheduled for September 2024, was postponed indefinitely. Although the incident occurred at her fiancé’s hospital, Ahn Hee Yeon also became the target of widespread criticism online, facing backlash despite having no direct involvement in the case. Following the controversy, she remained out of the public eye and temporarily suspended her acting career.
Now, after a three-year break, fans are eagerly awaiting her portrayal of Han Gyu Rim, showcasing her resilience and artistic growth.
A Resilient Comeback: Looking Ahead
Ahn Hee Yeon made her acting debut in the 2020 MBC drama ‘XX.’ ‘Love On The Menu’ marks her first acting project in approximately three years since appearing in the Disney+ original series ‘Call It Love.’
