Ryu Hye-young finds joy in simple living and sharing

Actress Ryu Hye-young provided a sense of calm healing by revealing a modest lifestyle far removed from the glamorous daily life of a star. Her simple way of life was fully displayed as she spent her days at her own pace in an old apartment and gave away items she no longer used to her neighbors for free.

In the episode of the MBC variety show 'I Live Alone' broadcast on the 7th, Ryu Hye-young was shown sharing memories while walking with her friend of 16 years, Go Kyung-pyo, alongside a 'nourishing course' featuring the 'Deong-eoriz' group consisting of Gu Seong Hwan, Kim Shin-young, and Lee Sun-min.

The broadcast recorded a viewership rating of 6.1% nationwide, an increase of 0.8% points from the previous week. The 2049 viewership rating also recorded 4.3%, ranking first among all programs on Friday. The best minute occurred when Ryu Hye-young and Go Kyung-pyo climbed Namsan's 'Sam-soon Stairs' together; as the two walked in step while sweating, the momentary viewership rating soared to 7.8%.

The most eye-catching aspect of Ryu Hye-young's daily life was its unremarkable ordinariness. She maintained her own life rhythm in an old apartment, doing housework, enjoying housewife vlogs, and continuing to study foreign languages every day.

Following English and Japanese, she recently began studying Spanish. Regarding her consistent daily foreign language studies, Ryu described it as "feeling like my own form of meditation." Beyond simply learning a new language, she accepts it as a time to let go of complex thoughts and organize her day.

Her ongoing 'Decluttering Project' was also modest yet impressive. Ryu organized items she no longer used in her home and offered them for free through a secondhand trading platform. Instead of throwing away unnecessary items, she handed them to those in need, simultaneously practicing the 'joy of emptying' and the 'pleasure of sharing.'

Instead of the consumption and ostentation commonly seen in variety shows depicting a star's daily life, Ryu found happiness in her daily routine by letting go of what she did not need and sharing it with others. Although it was the act of sharing a small item, it contained Ryu's lifestyle of valuing relationships and experiences over the possession of material goods.

Afterward, Ryu met her friend of 16 years, Go Kyung-pyo, at a famous cold noodle restaurant. The two first met as college seniors and juniors with a one-year age difference. Ryu engaged in comfortable conversation only possible between old friends, sharing anecdotes such as meeting Go's parents at his studio apartment when he wasn't there, as well as college memories, the dreams she held at the time, and worries about the future.

"When the two of us meet, we walk endlessly," Ryu said, leading Go along a walking course she prepared herself. Rather than setting a specific destination, the two talked and enjoyed the surrounding scenery while walking the path.

In particular, a scene where Go naturally tidied Ryu's bangs created a moment reminiscent of the relationship between Seong Bo-ra and Seong Sun-woo in 'Reply 1988.' The Rainbow members were fully immersed in their natural appearance, drawing laughter with reactions like, "You never know what will happen in life."

However, Ryu drew a line, acting as if they were merely long-time friends. Rather than the possibility of their relationship leading to a special romance, the comfort of friends who have watched each other's lives for a long time stood out even more.

Go also displayed his characteristic sociability. While walking, he naturally greeted people he met on the street and even happily exchanged greetings when he happened to run into a college alumnus.

The two concluded their summer stroll by visiting the 'Dokkaebi Site,' which had gained attention on SNS, to make a wish together. Even without a grand trip or special event, a fulfilling day was created simply by walking, talking, and sharing a meal with an old friend.

Reflecting on the day, Ryu said, "It was a happy and thankful day to have a friend who enjoys things with me."

Ryu, who was imprinted on the public through her intense character in 'Reply 1988,' is now showing herself living at her own pace outside of her works. Studying foreign languages every day, emptying out unnecessary items, sharing them with someone, and walking endlessly with an old friend.

Perhaps the image Ryu showed this day is closer to a record of a person discovering happiness in an ordinary life rather than a special day for a star. That is why it feels even more comfortable and leaves a long-lasting impression.