K-Pop Pioneer Lee Hee-jin Talks Marriage, Aging, and Reality TV Comeback
On June 23, the legendary K-pop girl group Baby V.O.X reunited on the YouTube channel 1theK Original, captivating fans with a rare, full lineup appearance. The members looked back at personal anecdotes and media information about themselves, sparking candid conversations.
Among the heartfelt stories, Lee Hee-jin opened up about her thoughts on marriage—a topic she also touched on during her 2019 appearance on Running Man, where she said she found dating younger men burdensome, fearing she might overwhelm their lives. ‘I still feel the same,’ she shared. ‘I have a compulsion that I must support younger partners.’
This prompted a humorous but sharp interjection from fellow group member Shim Eun-jin, who said, ‘Younger men are pretty old now too.’ The witty banter illustrated the sisters-like bond the group maintains even years after their heyday.
When asked whether she’d consider joining a dating reality show, Lee responded honestly: ‘I’d sincerely consider it, but I’d be cautious. If I don’t get married, it’s fine too. I can just focus on dating. And if I don’t date, I’ll work hard enough to retire in a luxury senior residence.’
The segment struck a chord with viewers, highlighting not just nostalgia for Baby V.O.X but also the evolving lives of idol stars navigating adulthood and life beyond the spotlight.
