Actress Lee Il-hwa has addressed public speculation regarding her youthful appearance, clarifying her skincare practices and recounting a past misunderstanding involving actor Park Bo-gum. The discussion arose during a recent appearance on the tvN STORY program ‘What Do We Do Now?’, where Lee was joined by fellow actresses Oh Hyun-kyung and Yoon Ji-sook. The trio, who became friends after co-starring in the 2021 drama ‘Young Lady and Gentleman,’ shared insights into their lives and careers.
Discussing Ageless Appearances and Skincare
During the broadcast, the show’s host, Lee Young-ja, presented old photographs of the three actresses, remarking on how they appeared about ten years younger than their actual ages. She inquired about their secrets to maintaining such a youthful look, questioning if they followed specific beauty regimens.
Lee Il-hwa responded by emphasizing a balanced lifestyle, stating, “I eat well when I eat and exercise diligently when I exercise.” Yoon Ji-sook then revealed a more specific approach, admitting, “I receive skincare treatments once a year.”
Building on this, Lee Il-hwa shared her own routine, explaining, “I get a ‘shinsang lifting’ procedure at a dermatology clinic.” She elaborated that this treatment helps enhance one’s appearance and that she undergoes it approximately once a year. Lee Young-ja agreed with the sentiment, noting, “Even if you don’t get plastic surgery, you still need to maintain your skin.” Yoon Ji-sook further emphasized the long-term benefits of consistent care, adding, “The difference between those who consistently take care of their skin and those who don’t becomes very apparent after 20 or 30 years.”
Addressing the ‘Park Bo-gum Girlfriend’ Rumor
The conversation also touched upon a past incident where Lee Il-hwa was mistakenly identified as actor Park Bo-gum’s girlfriend by international fans. This misunderstanding stemmed from a photograph taken during a vacation following the tvN drama ‘Reply 1988.’ Lee Il-hwa participated in an overseas vacation reward trip after the drama’s success. During this trip, she took a photo with Park Bo-gum, who was also a prominent cast member in ‘Reply 1988.’
The image, shared publicly, led some international viewers to assume a romantic relationship between the two actors, likely due to the age difference and their on-screen chemistry in the popular series. Lee Il-hwa clarified that the photo was taken in a casual, friendly context and that the subsequent speculation was a misinterpretation. She explained that while she received the vacation reward, the photo with Park Bo-gum inadvertently caused the misunderstanding among overseas fans.
The Impact of ‘Reply 1988’
‘Reply 1988,’ which aired in 2015-2016, was a massive success in South Korea and garnered a significant international following. The drama’s realistic portrayal of family life and friendships in the late 1980s resonated deeply with audiences. Lee Il-hwa played the role of Kim Sun-young, the mother of protagonist Sung Deok-sun, while Park Bo-gum portrayed Choi Taek, a genius Go player and a close friend of the main characters.
The chemistry and camaraderie among the cast members were evident both on and off-screen. The vacation reward trip was a testament to the drama’s success and the production team’s appreciation for the cast’s hard work. However, as Lee Il-hwa’s experience illustrates, public perception and the interpretation of social media content can sometimes lead to unintended consequences and rumors.
Maintaining Youthful Appearance: A Multifaceted Approach
Lee Il-hwa’s comments highlight a common interest among public figures and the general public alike: how to maintain a youthful appearance as one ages. While genetics play a role, lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise, as emphasized by Lee, are crucial. Furthermore, advancements in dermatological treatments, like the ‘shinsang lifting’ procedure mentioned by Lee Il-hwa, offer non-invasive options for skin rejuvenation.
The insights shared by Lee Il-hwa and Yoon Ji-sook underscore the importance of consistent skincare and professional treatments. The notion that diligent care over decades leads to significant differences in appearance is a widely accepted principle in beauty and wellness. For Lee Il-hwa, her candidness about her skincare routine not only demystifies the process but also provides practical information for viewers interested in similar methods.
In conclusion, Lee Il-hwa’s recent television appearance provided clarity on both her beauty regimen and a past public misconception. By sharing her experiences, she offered a glimpse into the efforts involved in maintaining a vibrant appearance and navigated a humorous, albeit mistaken, association with a younger co-star. Her balanced approach to health and skincare continues to resonate with audiences, reinforcing her image as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
