“We wore Hye Eun-yi”… Her ‘People Who Are Good Just Thinking About Them’ [Yoo Jae-young’s National Kkanbu Story]
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Singers Hye Eun-yi, Yoon Hee-jung, and Kwon Sung-hee have maintained a deep friendship for over 50 years, supporting each other through personal and professional challenges.
- Their bond began in the early 1970s when they were young singers navigating the music industry, often performing in challenging venues.
- Despite Hye Eun-yi's immense fame and periods of isolation, her friends Yoon and Kwon remained constant sources of support, emphasizing the value of genuine connection.
The enduring friendship between veteran singers Hye Eun-yi, Yoon Hee-jung, and Kwon Sung-hee offers a heartwarming glimpse into the power of long-term connection, spanning over five decades. Dubbed a "triangle of friends," their bond has weathered personal struggles and the intense spotlight of the entertainment industry, highlighting the profound value of unwavering support.
I wore Hye Eun-yi.
Their paths first crossed in the early 1970s, a time when Hye Eun-yi (born Kim Seung-ju) was singing to support her family and Kwon Sung-hee was a university student working night gigs. Yoon Hee-jung had already achieved recognition by winning the first "National Singing Contest." Despite their different starting points, they found common ground, performing in various venues and sharing the dreams and hardships of aspiring artists. Their initial meetings often took place in bustling entertainment spots, laying the foundation for a friendship that would deepen over time.
Old friendships don't just happen. People who don't give up on relationships end up as friends.
Hye Eun-yi, who rose to national stardom with hits like "You Don't Know" and "I Really, Really Like You," experienced immense fame but also profound loneliness. During her peak popularity, she faced periods of intense pressure and isolation, finding it difficult to open up. However, Yoon and Kwon were constants in her life, offering a non-judgmental presence. They shared meals, discussed music, and simply enjoyed each other's company, providing a vital emotional anchor.
You guys, shall I tell you old stories too?
Kwon Sung-hee, who gained fame with the hit song "Let's Go to Na-seong" as part of the group Saem Trio, also acknowledged the demanding nature of the industry. She recalled Hye Eun-yi's early success, noting how she was already a star while Kwon was still emerging. Yoon often acted as a mediator, clarifying that Hye Eun-yi's reserved nature was not arrogance but a consequence of industry pressures and a lack of communication skills. This mutual understanding and defense underscore the depth of their connection, proving that true friendship transcends fame and hardship.
Hye Eun-yi is not arrogant. She just doesn't have good communication skills.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.