South Korean actress Lee Bo Young shared that she went through a two-year career slump after publicly revealing her relationship with actor Ji Sung. Several male co-stars reportedly refused to work with her during this time.
The couple met in 2004 while filming the SBS drama Save the Last Dance for Me. Although their relationship started as a senior-junior dynamic, Ji Sung eventually opened up about his feelings by secretly leaving a letter in Lee's bag while he was on military leave.
Lee initially rejected him because she felt dating a celebrity would be too burdensome, but she later accepted his sincerity, and they began dating in 2007.
Not long after, Lee Bo-young faced unexpected professional setbacks. "I heard actors saying, 'I won't film with her,'" she recalled during her appearance on Healing Camp.
"My ad contracts were canceled, and my income dropped to one-tenth. I mentally shut down and hid myself away."
During her time away from work, Lee questioned her self-worth. "I blamed myself for losing my edge at work just because I chose to love someone."
Throughout her struggles, Ji Sung remained supportive and committed to her. The couple married in 2013 and now have two children. They celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary with a couple's photo shoot earlier this year.
Lee eventually made a successful comeback in I Hear Your Voice, winning top acting awards at the Baeksang Arts Awards and SBS Drama Awards.
Reflecting on her experiences, she humbly said, "There are many actresses who can replace me — that's why I wanted to act even better."
Lee Bo-young's story shows resilience and the power of steady love when facing challenges.
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