Lee Hyori appears in a JTBC variety program. (Photo / JTBC Screenshot)
Lee Hyori is mourning the loss of her father, as reflections on her past comments about family and childhood have resurfaced following the news.
On April 12, her agency Antenna confirmed that Lee Hyori’s father had passed away. She is currently staying at the funeral hall with her husband Lee Sang-soon and family members, receiving visitors in mourning.
Personal reflections on father draw renewed attention
In the wake of the news, Lee Hyori’s past remarks about her father have gained renewed attention. Through various broadcasts, including Hyori’s Homestay, she had openly shared memories from her childhood.
Growing up as the daughter of a barber, she once recalled feeling embarrassed when her father cut her hair in a uniform style. “I didn’t like it, and I felt ashamed when my friends came to the shop,” she said at the time, describing the emotional complexity of her younger years.
She also reflected on moments that took on new meaning over time. “When my father asked me to step on his legs after work, I found it bothersome back then. Now I wish I had done it more,” she admitted, expressing regret and a sense of hindsight.
Lee Hyo-ri takes a walk with her father in an unidentified place. (Photo / Hyori sister SNS)
From conflict to understanding
Lee Hyori had previously spoken candidly about the difficulties in her relationship with her father, including strict discipline during her upbringing. She acknowledged that those experiences left her with feelings of resentment at the time.
However, she later offered a more nuanced perspective, noting that her father likely carried his own burdens while supporting the family in Seoul. Her reflections suggested a gradual shift from frustration toward empathy and understanding.
In other interviews, she also spoke about her relationship with her parents more broadly, saying that memories of both her mother and father were intertwined in ways that made it difficult for her to stay in frequent contact.
Public response and funeral arrangements
As news of her father’s passing spread, messages of condolence have continued to emerge from fans and the entertainment industry. Many have revisited her earlier statements, noting the honesty with which she addressed her family history.
The late father, identified as Lee Jung-kwang, passed away on April 12. The funeral hall has been set up at Chung-Ang University Hospital in Seoul, with the funeral scheduled for the morning of April 14. He will be laid to rest in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province.
The renewed attention to Lee Hyori’s past reflections highlights the enduring emotional weight of family relationships, as well as the personal narratives that often accompany public figures throughout their careers.
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