On December 2, actor Ji Dae-han’s YouTube channel “Byungjin Bro” uploaded a new video titled “Thank you for really coming out“.
The video featured actors Kim Rae-won, Kim Hae-sook, Heo Yi-jae, Kim Byeong-ok and Ji Dae-han, who reunited after 18 years to commemorate the re-release of the movie “Sunflower” (directed by Kang Seok-beom). The actors greeted the audience during a special stage event and shared the joy of their long-awaited reunion.
The spotlight fell on actress Heo Yi-jae, who stepped away from the entertainment industry after her retirement. Returning to the camera after a long time, Heo Yi-jae embraced Kim Hae-sook warmly upon being recognized. However, her noticeably changed appearance drew attention. Kim Hae-sook exclaimed “Is that you, Yi-jae? Oh my, Yi-jae. I almost didn’t recognize you“, expressing surprise at her altered features and overall aura.
Heo Yi-jae rose to fame with roles in films such as “Sunflower”, “A Dirty Carnival” and dramas like “Prince Hours”, “Single Dad in Love”. In 2011, she married Lee Seung-woo, a singer-turned-businessman seven years her senior, and temporarily paused her acting career. The couple, who had two sons together, announced their divorce after five years of marriage.
![Sunflower](https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2024/12/02180120/sunflower-1-120324-1.jpg)
After her divorce, Heo Yi-jae briefly returned to acting with projects like the film “Woo-joo’s Christmas” and SBS’s drama “You Are a Gift” but did not continue her career afterward, leaving fans curious about her whereabouts.
In 2021, Heo Yi-jae appeared on the YouTube channel “WayLand” and caused a shock by sharing, “The reason I decided to retire was because of a married actor who is now living happily.” She disclosed that a senior actor on one of her past projects had verbally and emotionally abused her, even demanding a one-night stand.
![Heo Yi Jae](https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2022/11/13164346/Heo-Yi-Jae-06112022-2.webp)
As speculation about the actor’s identity grew, Heo Yi-jae eventually clarified, “I didn’t make these comments to target or attack anyone, so I ask you to refrain from witch-hunting. I personally called the actor who was wrongly accused and apologized. This will be the last time I mention or address anything related to that person.”
Meanwhile, the film “Sunflower”, in which Heo Yi-jae starred, tells the story of Oh Tae-sik, a man who had lived in the shadows without ever dreaming, finding hope as he embraces the concept of family for the first time. The action-noir movie attracted 1.3 million viewers upon its release in 2006.
Source: Daum