Lee Hyori’s Candid Remark Steals the Show on ‘Love Naggers’
During a recent broadcast of JTBC’s ‘Love Naggers,’ singer Lee Hyori made a memorable and humorous slip of the tongue that had viewers in stitches. The episode featured the struggles of a long-term couple, together for four years and living together for three and a half.
A Couple’s Growing Disconnect
The female half of the couple, a former announcer, described her demanding schedule. She explained that she wakes up at 5 AM to prepare dinner every morning, as her partner, a fitness trainer, begins his workday at 6 AM. Her own work extends until 11 PM, leaving her with only 7 hours of sleep. “I work 17 hours a day,” she stated, recounting her initial understanding of his busy schedule. “I knew he was busy and thought I should understand, but it wasn’t to this extent.”
She revealed that she initiated cohabitation believing her partner had no days off. She has relocated three times to be closer to his workplace, and all household chores fall on her shoulders. Despite her efforts to communicate via text, her messages often went unread by her partner, though he would respond to messages he deemed necessary, showcasing a stark difference in their communication styles.
Lee Hyori commented on this disparity, saying, “If he truly had no time, I might understand. But not responding even when he sees it feels unpleasant.” The woman expressed her hurt, asking, “Do you have no intention of contacting me?” as her partner remained unreachable until after his usual work hours.
Her partner defended his actions, stating, “It’s difficult to contact you in that situation.” He further elaborated, “Honestly, how often have we met? We’ve been having the same issues for so long. If we’ve been together this long and things haven’t improved, there must be a reason.” In a separate interview with the production team, he added, “I’ve never asked you to wait. It might sound apologetic, but I feel like there’s a sense of avoidance.”
Differing Priorities in a Relationship
The couple’s only shared time is during their early morning meals. However, the male partner’s habit of spending over an hour in the restroom watching shorts disrupted this precious time. Lee Hyori firmly addressed this, stating, “When you come home from work, shouldn’t you want to see your girlfriend’s face, not shorts? We’ve been together for 12 years, and we don’t do that. I want to see your face and talk. That’s not acceptable.”
The man’s behavior was contrasted with his apparent affability towards female gym members, including receiving an expensive designer bracelet from one. This observation prompted Lee Hyori’s now-famous remark: “Aren’t you falling under the ‘Jang Yeong-sil Act’?” The comment, referencing a historical figure known for innovation and also a legal term for patent infringement, brought laughter to the studio.
The woman then raised another significant issue: the complete lack of physical intimacy throughout the year. “There has been no physical contact this year. I think it’s a serious problem. I can’t even talk to my friends about it. I wonder if I’ve lost my charm,” she confessed, expressing her deep concern.
Fellow panelist Kim Heechul acknowledged the gravity of the situation. “This is a truly serious problem, especially considering her age. At 27, she’s at the peak of her career, possibly during her ‘Sori Sori’ days, working incredibly hard, sleeping only 3-4 hours in the car. But love can overcome anything,” he offered, attempting to provide some comfort.
