K-Pop fans have always admired the resilience of their idols, and former Jewelry member Lee Jihyun is proving to be a true testament to that spirit. The beloved OG idol recently captivated hearts on CGN’s program Sky Blue Scent (August 11th) as she bravely confessed the immense personal battles she’s overcome, including a severe health crisis following two divorces and the challenges of single parenthood. Her candid revelation offers a powerful glimpse into the hidden struggles behind the glitz and glamour of the industry.
A Battle for Health and Sanity
On August 11th, on the channel CGN‘s program Sky Blue Scent, Lee Jihyun, originally from the group Jewelry, appeared as a guest and recalled the past days she endured raising two children alone after experiencing two divorces.
In the broadcast, Lee Jihyun recounted the darkest period of her life, saying, “My health was really bad. Especially around the time of my second divorce, I think I was at my worst.” She detailed a harrowing double affliction, stating, “In a situation where there was no answer by human means, I suffered from panic disorder and tuberculosis simultaneously.” This period, marked by immense personal turmoil and the responsibility of caring for her children, pushed her to her physical and mental limits.
The impact of her illness was profound. She continued, “My daily life completely collapsed then. The medicine was so strong that both my body and mind broke down, and I couldn’t even take a single step out of bed,” painting a vivid picture of her utter exhaustion and despair. The weight of her circumstances, battling both a severe physical illness and a debilitating mental health condition, meant she had to halt everything. Ultimately, due to the harsh tuberculosis medicine and battling panic disorder, Lee Jihyun had to completely stop all outside activities and stay at home for about a year. This period of forced isolation, while undoubtedly painful, also became a crucible for her eventual transformation.
From Idol to Hair Designer: A New Beginning
Having remarkably overcome these hard times, Lee Jihyun also revealed her inspiring process of taking on new life challenges. Far from the spotlight of her entertainment career, she embarked on a courageous second act as a hair designer. Acknowledging the difficulty of this pivot, she confessed, “That decision was never easy,” but shared her incredible determination with pride: “After eight attempts, I obtained a beauty qualification and finally became a hair designer.” This unwavering resolve to build a new life for herself and her children speaks volumes about her inner strength.
Her personal journey has been one of significant ups and downs. Lee Jihyun married a non-celebrity man in 2013 and welcomed one son and one daughter, but their marriage concluded by mutual consent in 2016. She then remarried an ophthalmologist in 2017, hoping for a new beginning, but announced another divorce in 2020. Throughout these transitions, her children have remained her primary focus and motivation.
Just last month, Lee Jihyun gave fans another glimpse into her resilient life, sharing the struggles of juggling work and childcare through her social media account. At that time, she wrote, “Kids, I’m sorry, I’m busy. It’s never a life for me. Will you understand when you grow up?” This raw and heartfelt message perfectly captured her genuine feelings as a mother passionately striving for her children’s future despite a demanding daily life. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the unwavering spirit of a mother dedicated to her family.
