Lee Jae-a to embark on public dating journey as father Lee Dong-gook expresses protective concerns

Lee Jae-a, the daughter of former soccer player Lee Dong-gook, is set to attempt public dating through a broadcast program. Ahead of his daughter's first appearance on a dating reality show, Lee Dong-gook has already shown signs of anxiety. While expressing that watching his daughter go on dates would feel awkward, the "daughter-fool" father revealed his protective nature, stating he would come to pick her up immediately if she were to cry due to romance.

In contrast to her father's worries, Lee Jae-a expressed a firm determination regarding her romantic pursuits, stating, "I am not going there just to play; I will be serious."

Lee Jae-a will appear in "When Our Kids Fall in Love 3," a variety program co-produced by tvN STORY and E Channel, which premieres on the 11th at 8:00 PM. As the program features parents observing their children's dating processes, a major point of interest this season is how Lee Dong-gook will view his daughter's new encounters. Attention is focused on the entertainment potential created by the contrast between the former athlete father's strong image and the way he becomes infinitely weak in front of his daughter.

In a previously released interview, Lee Dong-gook confessed his lack of confidence in watching his daughter's dating life. He expressed discomfort, noting it would feel cringeworthy to see his daughter sharing expressions of affection with someone. However, he added that if Jae-a were to be hurt and cry during the dating process, he would go to get her immediately. This moment clearly revealed the protective instincts of a father who has not easily let go even after his daughter has become an adult.

In response, Jae-a drew laughter by joking, "It feels like Dad will be waiting with a telescope." Lee Dong-gook countered by asking if he couldn't join as a "manager," not hiding his desire to directly intervene in his daughter's dating scenes. The father's complex emotions—knowing he must respect his daughter's choices while feeling uneasy at the thought of meeting her romantic partner—were captured in their playful conversation.

Jae-si, her twin sister, also sent both concern and support ahead of her younger sister's dating. Jae-si's concern was regarding Jae-a's consideration for others. She worried that in the process of forming a relationship with a stranger, Jae-a might be overly conscious of the other person's gaze or fail to express her own emotions properly. While predicting that Jae-a might freeze up in a new environment, Jae-si comforted her by saying that if someone fails to recognize Jae-a's charm, it is simply that person's choice. She even revealed the strong bond between the sisters by stating she would have dated Jae-a if she were a man.

Contrary to her family's worries, Jae-a does not intend to approach these encounters lightly. When her father expressed his wish for her to simply have a good time, Jae-a drew a clear line, saying, "I am not going there just to play; I will be serious." This implies she is open to the possibility of forming an actual relationship even within the format of a dating reality show. The program is expected to show the daughter, who grew up under the protection and support of her family, choosing love and building relationships on her own.

Lee Jae-a's vision for romance and marriage was also revealed. She stated that her dream is to meet a good person and have a long-term relationship before marrying, much like her parents, who met at age twenty and married after a long courtship. Her parents' relationship has influenced her views on romance. Her desire for a long-term relationship built on trust and getting to know one another, rather than short-term excitement, reflects her serious attitude toward this appearance.

The type of son-in-law Lee Dong-gook desires is someone who is tall and good at sports. While he offered these criteria consistent with his background as an athlete, Jae-a's response was unexpected. She confidently stated, "I can just protect him." Rather than being bound by the conditions her father expects from a partner, she showed a bold attitude of choosing the person she likes and leading the relationship herself.

With Lee Dong-gook appearing ready to head out with a telescope and Lee Jae-a dreaming of serious love while laughing off her father's worries, attention is focused on what kind of partner Jae-a will meet and what emotions she will build under the gaze and support of her family.

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