In the episode of 2 July of Tvn Tuiz on the blockiconic singer Lee Hyori I looked back to his unprecedented fame in the early 2000s: a time many consider the golden age of the K-pop diva. While the most recent idols like Blackpink’s Jennie now dominate the trends, Hyori reminded the spectators who once reigned as the last “it girl” of Korea.
At the height of his popularity after the release of his successful single “10 minutes”, Lee Hyori was presented on the front page of newspapers 891 timesgaining a place in them in Guinness World Records. Its influence extended well beyond music and entertainment: it became an electricity plant in advertising, causing a Pike of 300% in sales of cell phones as a brand model. His impact was so significant that the cell phones industry has published a tribute announcement in his honor, the first for any celebrity.
“I was like today’s Jennie”, Hyori said with a smile. “Before me, it was Jung-Hwa Unnie (Uhm jung-hwa). “ Hyori also became the first Korean entertainer to win both a Great Prize in Music and Entertainmentcementing his status as a multi-talented star. Known for his fearless versatility, he accepted up to Four or five filming programs per dayconstantly exploring varieties and new roles shows. “I also turned for 24 hours in a row and once I appeared in a single episode of Running Man”, He remembered.
Far from being offended by younger stars compared to her, Hyori shared that he embraced the inheritance, “Do you know what? I have not yet moved. I loved it when I saw the titles say” move, Lee Hyori “, because it meant that my name was still carrying weight.”
In addition to entertainment, Lee Hyori was a cultural trendsetter. From fashion items such as loading trousers, circle earrings and tops cultivated with lifestyle shifts such as small weddings, yoga and vegetarianism, its move has influenced the nation. Reflected humbly, “I am grateful and amazed. I still surprise me that people will follow what I do.”
Lee Hyori’s journey from the celebrity of Idol to a respected cultural icon continues to inspire a new generation of fans and artists. With each apparition, the Foundation that has helped to build the world: a trend, a success and a newspaper coverage at a time.
