68-Year-Old Divorcee Shim Hyung-rae Admits Feelings for Lee Sang-mi, Four Years His Junior

Comedian Shim Hyung-rae openly revealed his sincere interest in actress Lee Sang-mi on TV Chosun's variety program Joseon's Lovers, raising the possibility of a new romantic storyline on the show. Shim, a divorcee, could not hide his attention as he watched Lee's stage, and after her performance ended, he approached her in person to offer heartfelt encouragement. His direct expression of interest quickly drew the attention of viewers.

The episode of TV Chosun's Joseon's Lovers that aired on July 6 featured the preliminary round of a special fifth-anniversary project, the Joseon's Lovers Singing Contest. As various participants took the stage with their own stories, the appearance of unmarried actress Lee Sang-mi and Shim Hyung-rae's reaction to her became one of the broadcast's central talking points.

On this day, Lee Sang-mi appeared on stage in an outfit reminiscent of a pure white wedding dress, complete with veil-style styling, immediately drawing attention. Her elegant, bride-like look and composed atmosphere prompted admiration from the cast members, and the studio was filled with a warm mood.

Before her performance, Lee spoke honestly about recently being in what she described as a two-way romantic situation, exchanging interest with two men at the same time. She said, "My fantasy about marriage has grown much stronger than before. I really want to use this opportunity to succeed in getting married." She then chose Yang Hye-seung's signature song "Glamorous Single" and completed the stage with her bright energy and lively performance.

During this process, Shim Hyung-rae's gaze naturally turned toward Lee Sang-mi. From rehearsal through the main performance, he watched her closely and showed deep interest. He repeatedly asked the other cast members, "She still hasn't married? Why hasn't she?" making his curiosity clear.

After hearing that Lee Sang-mi had postponed her own marriage for a long period while caring for her mother, Shim said, "She was a devoted daughter," revealing both sympathy and an even deeper sense of interest. The broadcast also showed him watching Lee's performance intently until the end, unable to take his eyes off her.

The first person to notice the change in Shim Hyung-rae's mood was fellow cast member Shim Hyun-seop. Shim Hyun-seop cautiously said, "It seems like he is interested." Hearing this, Hwang Bo-ra asked directly, "Are you really interested in her?" Instead of giving a long answer, Shim Hyung-rae quietly nodded and acknowledged his feelings. His unexpected response instantly filled the studio with laughter and surprise.

Watching the moment unfold, Oh Na-mi wittily asked, "Then does that make it three now?" referring to Shim Hyung-rae joining the existing blind-date candidates around Lee Sang-mi as part of a new romantic storyline. The cast members responded in a lively mood with a range of playful reactions.

Lee Sang-mi later delivered an even richer performance by presenting a special duet stage with the original singer Yang Hye-seung. However, in the final judging, she narrowly received a provisional pass rather than a full pass. After the results were announced, Lee said, "I want to graduate from this song now," adding that she wanted to sing "Glamorous Single" for the last time, succeed in getting married and begin a new life. Her sincere wish drew support from the cast.

After the stage ended, Shim Hyung-rae personally went to see Lee Sang-mi after she returned to the waiting room and offered warm consolation. He told her, "I was watching the whole time," and added, "When the result was announced, my heart hurt too." His calm but affectionate words made his feelings for Lee even clearer, and the scene attracted viewers' attention.

Shim Hyung-rae's unexpectedly straightforward behavior also became a topic online after the broadcast. Viewers reacted to seeing a different side of the comedian, who has long been loved for his cheerful comic image, as he expressed his feelings honestly toward a woman. Interest is also growing in the subtle romantic atmosphere that has formed between the two.

Shim Hyung-rae married in 1992 but later went through a divorce, and he is now showing that he is cautiously opening his heart to a new relationship. Lee Sang-mi has also steadily expressed her desire to marry, so viewers are watching with anticipation to see what direction the connection that began through the variety program may take.