Lee Kyu-han faces backlash over romantic confession to Solbi

Actor Lee Kyu-han has drawn criticism following a romantic confession to his bride-to-be, Solbi, on her YouTube channel on the 22nd. While Lee claimed to have liked Solbi for 20 years, netizens have questioned the remark in light of his public relationship with singer Nam Yu-jeong from 2023 to 2024.

Actor Lee Kyu-han has faced an unexpected backlash after sharing a sweet love story ahead of his marriage to singer and painter Solbi. While intended as a heart-fluttering confession for Solbi, his remarks have resurfaced discussions among some netizens regarding a lack of consideration for his former partner, as his past public relationship is being re-examined. His attempt to reassure his bride-to-be through his characteristic playful humor has instead become a spark for controversy.

On the 22nd, Lee Kyu-han appeared on Solbi's YouTube channel, "Solbi Is Back," to express his affection for her as a groom-to-be. This appearance marks the first time the couple has appeared together following their marriage announcement, drawing significant interest. In the video titled "Introducing my groom-to-be," Solbi showed no hesitation in her affection, introducing Lee Kyu-han as "Solbi's groom-to-be, Lee Kyu-han, who is about to marry the most beautiful person in the world."

Lee Kyu-han also showed a caring side by looking after Solbi's YouTube activities. Revealing that he has been a long-time subscriber to "Solbi Is Back," he expressed concern for his bride-to-be's channel management, stating, "It feels like you've been resting for too long. I hope YouTube becomes more active." When Solbi referenced her past video "I will get married within 3 years" and asked what he was thinking at the time, Lee Kyu-han elicited laughter by retorting, "Do I have to wait three years?"

The atmosphere grew even sweeter during Lee Kyu-han's confession to Solbi. When Solbi asked, "Did you like me back then too?" he replied, "I have liked you since 20 years ago." While the bride-to-be was delighted by the sentiment that he had held her in his heart for a long time, the scene was met with unexpected interpretations online after it was released.

The core of the controversy lies in Lee Kyu-han's history of public dating. He was in a public relationship with singer Nam Yu-jeong, a former member of the group BBGIRLS, from 2023 to 2024. At the time, the two announced their relationship and shared their affection through social media. Consequently, some have pointed out that his statement about liking Solbi for 20 years could sound disrespectful to his former partner. While it is natural to find new love after a past relationship ends, some viewers feel that the way current love is emphasized should also consider how it reflects upon previous relationships.

Other questions have also been raised. Some wonder why, if Lee Kyu-han truly had feelings for Solbi for such a long time, he did not actively develop the relationship when they met on the variety program "Pursuing Old Encounters." At that time, Lee Kyu-han expressed interest by telling Solbi, "You were a woman from the very beginning," but it took time for the two to develop into a couple. The gap between his confession emphasizing past interest and the actual timing of their relationship has been viewed as puzzling by some viewers.

Additionally, Nam Yu-jeong's past views on dating have resurfaced. Appearing on the YouTube channel "Defconn TV," Nam Yu-jeong stated, "Since my past love has passed, I have forgotten it. I have no regrets and want to find a new love." Furthermore, on a radio program, she mentioned that she "tries to avoid people who are excessively over-the-top without saying anything," suggesting she feels burdened by partners who use overly rapid or exaggerated expressions. While there is no evidence that these remarks were directly aimed at Lee Kyu-han, they are being discussed online again in connection with this controversy.

On the other hand, some argue that there is no need to over-interpret Lee Kyu-han's remarks. He had expressed interest in Solbi on "Pursuing Old Encounters," and in this video, he responded with his signature humor and banter within an atmosphere intended to please his bride-to-be. The phrase "I have liked you since 20 years ago" could be viewed as a romanticized expression of their connection rather than a literal explanation of a long-standing unrequited love.

Ultimately, this controversy appears to be a case where the intention of the remarks and the interpretation by the audience diverge. To Solbi, it was a sweet confession emphasizing a long connection and a fated love, but to some members of the public who remember his past public relationship, it sounded like words that did not sufficiently consider his relationship with his former partner. While it was a moment to confirm their love for the couple preparing for marriage, public scrutiny has extended to how that confession reflects upon past relationships.

Ten days after their marriage announcement, Lee Kyu-han has been perceived by some as a man overflowing with affection for his bride-to-be, while others see him as someone who did not fully weigh the weight of his words. While humor and playfulness can soften the atmosphere, public remarks can be interpreted in various contexts regardless of intention. As the confession intended to reassure Solbi turns into an unexpected controversy, interest in their love story continues.

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