On the July 22 episode of SBS’s Dolsing Fourmen, former After School member Lee Joo Yeon appeared alongside actors Choi Jin Hyuk, Park Ki Ryang, and Shin Kyu Jin. During the broadcast, the former idol opened up about her early popularity as one of Korea’s original “ulzzang” internet celebrities, alongside stars like Goo Hye Sun and Park Han Byul.
She recalled, “In middle school, I wore glasses because of poor eyesight. When I started wearing circle lenses in high school, I gained attention and even beat Goo Hye Sun and Park Han Byul in a popularity poll.”
Her sudden rise led to casting offers in numerous CFs, from school uniforms to MP3 players, eventually landing her a spot in After School despite not being confident in singing or dancing. She shared, “I told them I couldn’t do it, but they kept pursuing me. Eventually, I found myself dancing next to Kahi.”
Then came the bombshell moment. Host Lee Sang Min jokingly asked, “Then you might’ve gotten hit by Kahi at least once, right?” Lee Joo Yeon responded with a laugh and a simple, “No comment.” The ambiguous remark immediately caught viewers’ attention, especially long-time fans of the group.
Known for their intense and powerful concepts like pole dancing and marching band performances, After School stood apart from the typical “pretty girl group” mold. Leader Kahi, who debuted at 29, was often dubbed the group’s “disciplinary officer” for her strict leadership. In a 2023 episode of MBC’s King of Masked Singer, Kahi admitted, “I was cold and strict. I regret not being more affectionate to the members.”
Lee Joo Yeon’s coy response on Dolsing Fourmen has now reignited rumors that the group’s disbandment may not have been as smooth as fans once believed.
Nate
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