Lee Sang Soon absent from radio as Lee Hyori finds peace at yoga studio

As singer Lee Sang Soon's prolonged absence as a radio DJ continues, his wife Lee Hyori has been seen enjoying a peaceful daily life at the yoga studio she operates. With Lee Sang Soon's exact return date and the specific reasons for his absence remaining unknown, interest in the couple's daily lives is resurfacing as news of Lee Hyori's recent activities emerges.

On the 4th, the official SNS of Ānanda, the yoga studio operated by Lee Hyori, posted photos and videos celebrating its 1st anniversary. The released photos featured commemorative cookies engraved with the studio's name, the phrase 'ANANDA 1st ANNIVERSARY', and heart designs. Additionally, footage of a yoga class attended by staff from a sportswear brand was shared. In the class, which included young children, Lee Hyori showed a natural side while taking commemorative photos with the participants.

This update has garnered particular attention because it coincides with Lee Sang Soon's prolonged absence from the radio.

Lee Sang Soon has been absent from his position as the DJ of MBC FM4U's 'A Perfect Day with Lee Sang Soon' consecutively from the 30th of last month through the 5th of this month, following his absences on the 27th and 28th of last month. As it was previously reported that he had difficulty hosting normally on the 26th due to health reasons, he has been away from his post for a significant period based on live broadcast standards.

The production team has not provided any detailed explanation regarding Lee Sang Soon's specific condition or his return schedule. Consequently, curiosity and concern are growing among listeners, with some asking, "Is something happening?"

However, it is difficult to speculate about specific illnesses or serious health issues based solely on the information released so far. Previously, the production team mentioned Lee Sang Soon's condition and explained that he needed rest. Therefore, some point out that rather than expanding unverified health rumors, it is necessary to wait for an official announcement regarding his return.

In this situation, Lee Hyori was captured continuing her daily life at the yoga studio, appearing largely unchanged from her usual routine. While one member of the couple faces a prolonged hiatus in activities, the other continuing her own business and daily life has instead piqued public curiosity.

Since marrying Lee Sang Soon in 2013, Lee Hyori has consistently shared her interests in music, broadcasting, life on Jeju Island, yoga, meditation, and environmental lifestyles with the public. Recently, by operating the yoga studio Ānanda in Seoul, she has been creating a lifestyle and cultural space that goes beyond being a mere celebrity hobby.

The name of the yoga studio, 'Ānanda', is known to mean 'joy' or 'bliss' in Sanskrit. This aligns to some extent with the attitude toward life that Lee Hyori has demonstrated. Her recent steps, which place more weight on the balance of body and mind, slow living, and self-care rather than a glamorous star image, are being materialized through the space of the yoga studio.

Conversely, for Lee Sang Soon, radio is a medium through which he reveals a more private identity. Having worked as a guitarist and a musician from the group Rollercoaster, he has communicated with the public by calmly delivering stories of music and daily life rather than through flashy performances. 'A Perfect Day with Lee Sang Soon', which began in November 2024, has also been evaluated as a program that showcased a different charm from his existing broadcaster image by combining his calm tone with his musical tastes.

Due to the nature of radio, a DJ's absence carries more meaning than a simple replacement of a host. As a medium that meets listeners at the same time every day to provide a voice, a long-term vacancy changes the very rhythm of the program. Especially for a DJ hosting a program named after himself like Lee Sang Soon, interest in his empty seat is bound to grow.

Since their marriage, Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon have met the public by respecting each other's areas of activity while appearing together when necessary. While their life on Jeju Island was consumed like a genre of popular culture as it was revealed through variety shows, they have more recently been seen continuing independent activities in their respective fields.

While Lee Hyori creates a new space for life through her yoga studio, Lee Sang Soon has been expanding his world through music and radio. Therefore, there is no basis to interpret Lee Hyori's peaceful update as being directly related to Lee Sang Soon's absence. However, in that the daily lives of even members of one family can move on separate orbits, this update has become an interesting scene showing the current state of the two.

Born in 1979, Lee Hyori debuted with Fin.K.L in 1998 and established herself as an iconic star of the first generation of girl groups. Since then, she has maintained immense popularity as a solo artist with hits like 'Ten Minute' and 'U-Go-Girl,' while remaining a mainstay in Korean pop culture through her work in variety shows, fashion, and advertising.

Lee Sang Soon has also built a significant career as a guitarist and producer through his work with Rollercoaster and the Veranda Project. Since marrying Lee Hyori, public interest in him has expanded beyond his musical career to his lifestyle and personal character.

The current focus remains not on speculating about Lee Sang Soon's health or private life, but on when he will return to the microphone for 'A Perfect Day.' While Lee Hyori continues her routine at the yoga studio, anticipation for Lee Sang Soon's return will persist until an official announcement is made.