Lee Hye-young on Ji Ye-eun's health struggle: 'It hurt more than my own pain'

Actress Lee Hye-young expressed deep concern upon hearing news of actress Ji Ye-eun's recent health struggles. Having navigated her own medical challenges, Lee offered sincere consolation, candidly sharing her worries for the younger actress before presenting a hand-drawn painting as a token of support.

On the 30th, Ji appeared as a guest on the YouTube channel 'Hye-young is Unstoppable,' where she and Lee engaged in a candid conversation covering topics from marriage and family to the realities of middle age and health.

The discussion began with a story about a woman feeling increasingly distant from her husband as her marriage progressed. Upon hearing this, Ji reflected on her own parents, noting, "I think my mom and dad were like this too." She shared her thoughts on the shifting nature of marital relationships, adding, "I want to be different, but they say it doesn't work out that way."

Drawing from her own life and observations, Lee explained the unique challenges of being in one's 40s. "It can be like this in your 40s. You have to navigate your 40s well," Lee said. "When you reach your late 40s, menopause sets in, and since the children have grown up and no longer rely on their mother, you experience hormonal changes in your heart."

She advised, "In times like that, you must find ways to relieve stress. Research ways to enjoy yourself alone. Then, your husband will treat you well again." Her advice suggests that beyond resolving marital conflict, women who have prioritized their families often need to reclaim an independent sense of self during middle age.

Lee also noted that marital relationships can evolve into a new form of intimacy during one's 50s. "Once you pass your 40s, the closeness that comes in your 50s returns," she said. "When you reach your 50s, you become more like friends and it gets even better."

Lee, who previously served as a producer for the 1990s groups Roo'ra and S#arp, has expanded her career into acting, broadcasting, and painting. She often uses her artwork to express her personal experiences and emotions, and her conversation with Ji went beyond typical variety talk, evolving into a meaningful dialogue about the realities of life for female entertainers across generations.

The discussion regarding health drew particular attention. When a story was shared about a woman experiencing health anxiety following a battle with cancer, Lee empathized deeply.

Having personally faced health issues, Lee offered comfort to the storyteller: "We are talking and laughing like this now, but I know this feeling too well. You will be okay, so please don't eat bad things."

Lee then revealed her own heartache regarding Ji's health. "When I heard the news on the phone that Ye-eun was sick, my heart hurt more than if I were the one who was sick," Lee said. After seeing Ji in person, she expressed relief, adding, "Seeing you today, I feel like my worries were unnecessary."

Ji appeared in high spirits. Lee encouraged her to focus on the positive, saying, "You are doing so well. There is nothing to worry about. Now, let's just go eat delicious food and do fun things."

Responding to Lee's sincerity, Ji replied, "I thought about contacting 'Flower Ward,' but because of the age difference, it wasn't easy. I should contact you more often." It was a sentiment that acknowledged their generational gap while expressing a desire to maintain their bond.

To conclude the conversation, Lee presented a special gift: a painting she had created specifically with Ji in mind. "I expressed you while painting," Lee said, adding her affection by stating, "Among entertainers in their 30s, Ye-eun is my favorite." For Lee, seeing the junior she had worried about sitting before her in good health was a joy in itself.

Ji has recently emerged as a rising variety star, gaining attention for her unique character and quirky communication style. Her unadorned expressions and spontaneous reactions have set her apart from more traditional variety personalities.

Lee, a veteran in the industry, has continuously expanded her horizons from singer to actress, broadcaster, and artist. The painting she gifted Ji represents more than just a present; it is a gesture of solidarity from a senior who has navigated life's ups and downs to a junior who is just beginning to carve out her own path.

Ultimately, Lee's comment that Ji's news "hurt more than my own pain" underscored her deep affection. What began as a moment of worry concluded with a bright promise to enjoy life's simple pleasures together.