Hanni of EXID has directly confessed her prolonged hiatus and deep concerns, evoking both sympathy and support from fans.
The third episode of the Channel A entertainment program 'Oh Eun-young Stay,' aired on the 7th, featured the commencement of the Stay 2 program with Dr. Oh Eun-young, Go So-young, and special part-timer Yoo Se-yoon. On this day, Hanni made her entrance as the first resident, clad in training clothes, with no makeup, carrying just a backpack and arriving alone by train, surprising everyone.
In a pre-interview with the production team, Hanni noted, "Starting my career as a celebrity too early made me realize that after my contract ended, I didn't know the world at all. I felt like I was a frog in a well." During the subsequent 'auto-talk' session, she added, "I tend to be very observant of others. But now, I want to stop being that way," and confessed, "Being perceptive is tough, but I think I had to be in such an environment."
At one time, EXID's 'Up & Down' became a viral sensation, quickly establishing Hanni as a leading idol. She was loved for her sexy visuals and refreshing personality, but the face shown during this broadcast revealed signs of emotional distress. After a long silence, she emerged with a visibly haggard face and a somehow changed demeanor, evoking concern.
Hanni shared, "Having gone through various experiences recently, I’ve felt that my life is not going as I wish. I’ve realized there have been moments when I couldn’t choose what happens to me. As a result, I have naturally let go of the desire to control my life. I found myself thinking, 'Is it okay to live like this?'"
Hanni suspended her activities after a patient death incident occurred in May last year at the hospital operated by her partner and psychiatrist Yang Jae-woong. Patient A was hospitalized for treatment of diet pill addiction but passed away after 17 days, and the incident was only revealed two months later. This led to controversy over whether Hanni was aware of the situation, resulting in the cancellation of her planned appearances and effectively halting her activities.
Due to this incident, the couple indefinitely postponed their wedding plans, and Hanni refrained from domestic activities while cautiously starting to return by participating in an overseas festival as a complete EXID group. Recently, she shared the stage with EXID members on KBS2's 'Immortal Songs,' signaling her official return to activities.
Meanwhile, the law firm LKB Partners, representing Yang Jae-woong, stated that "an investigation is currently underway by the police regarding the appropriateness of isolation and coercive measures for the patient and the legality of the procedures involved," and they are keeping a close watch on the legal proceedings.
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS
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