On May 17, 2026, the celebrated South Korean singer Lee Sun-hee made a rare and revealing appearance on the YouTube channel ‘My Geum-hee,’ captivating viewers with candid reflections on her four-decade-long career, her creative rebirth as a DJ, and her personal journey toward embracing her playful side. The interview, which coincided with the release of her new song ‘Now I See Love’—her first in four years—offered fans and newcomers alike a window into the evolving artistry and philosophy of a woman whose music has shaped generations.
Lee Sun-hee, now 61, spoke openly about the emotional and creative process behind ‘Now I See Love.’ The song, which has already drawn praise for blending her signature sensibility with a fresh, modern vibe, marks a significant milestone in her storied career. According to 천지일보, Lee described her initial reaction to the melody, saying, “The moment I heard the melody, I felt it was very simple yet powerful.” She went on to reveal that the lyrics, penned by lyricist Sim Hyun-bo, struck a deeply personal chord. “When I first received the lyrics, it felt so much like my own story that I felt exposed,” Lee admitted, adding, “It made me realize that sometimes a third-party perspective can be more accurate than my own.”
Recording the song was no small feat. Lee explained that she spent three days in the studio, singing for four to five hours each day in an effort to pour her emotions into the track. “I sang to the point where I felt there was no emotion left to give,” she reflected. The song’s composer, Park Geun-tae, collaborated closely with her throughout the process, ensuring that every nuance of feeling was captured. The result has resonated with listeners, many of whom, as noted by 천지일보, have praised the song for its unique blend of classic Lee Sun-hee emotion and a new, invigorating energy.
But Lee’s return isn’t just about a new single. She’s also stepping boldly into uncharted territory as a DJ, performing under the name DJ HEE. This creative leap, she explained, is her own form of rebellion—a way to challenge herself and break free from the expectations that have long surrounded her name. “I don’t usually do anything rebellious, but this is my own little rebellion,” she said, as reported by 엑스포츠뉴스. Lee, who has been a fan of heavy metal and hard rock since before her debut, found herself drawn to the intense, repetitive beats of EDM and bass house music. “There aren’t really any songs these days that hit you with that kind of force,” she mused. “But when I discovered EDM, I felt that same intensity through the repetitive beats.”
Despite her decades of experience in music, Lee considers herself a newcomer in the DJ world. “I’ve been making music for 40 years, but as a DJ, I’m a rookie,” she confessed on the YouTube channel. She sees DJing not just as playing tracks, but as a creative process of matching and transforming music—a chance to meet new musicians and explore new sounds. “I wanted to meet other musicians, not just in engineering but in music creation, and see what I’m capable of,” she explained. The opportunity to debut as DJ HEE last year came at just the right time, giving her a platform to test her skills and share her evolving musical passions with a broader audience.
Lee’s foray into DJing has even influenced her appearance. Her recent perm hairstyle, which drew attention during the interview, was a practical choice turned personal statement. “I got a perm to help my friends who dry my hair, and this is just how it turned out,” she laughed, as recounted by 엑스포츠뉴스. “I thought, ‘I don’t know, let’s just live with it as it is.’” The new look, paired with her openness about her journey, signals a willingness to embrace change and let go of old inhibitions.
Throughout the interview, Lee was refreshingly honest about the challenges she’s faced in navigating life outside of music. “The world outside of singing is still difficult for me,” she admitted, according to 천지일보. To broaden her horizons, she’s been participating in book clubs and social gatherings, seeking out new relationships and perspectives. These experiences, she believes, are helping her grow not just as an artist, but as a person.
Perhaps most touching was Lee’s revelation about her personality and her hopes for the future. Despite being known for her powerful stage presence, she confessed that she’s always had a playful, affectionate side—a side she’s often hidden out of concern that it might make others uncomfortable. “I actually have a lot of aegyo (playfulness), but I’ve held it back because I thought people might find it awkward,” she said. Now, however, she’s ready to let that side shine. “I want to start showing it more. I want to become a cute grandmother,” she declared with a smile. Embracing this mindset, she believes, will make aging less frightening and help her see the world in a new light. “If I think about growing old with this attitude, it won’t be scary or lonely, and the world will look different,” she reflected.
Host Lee Geum-hee, who guided the conversation, remarked on how refreshing it was to see this new side of Lee Sun-hee. “It was even better to see a different side of Lee Sun-hee than we’ve known,” she commented, echoing the sentiments of many fans who have followed Lee’s career since her debut in 1984 with the award-winning song ‘To J.’ Over the years, Lee has delivered a string of hits, including ‘Ah! Memories,’ ‘Fate,’ and ‘Meeting You Among Them,’ cementing her place as one of Korea’s most beloved vocalists.
As Lee Sun-hee embarks on this new chapter—balancing her established legacy with a willingness to take risks and embrace change—she serves as a reminder that reinvention is possible at any stage in life. Whether she’s pouring her soul into a ballad, experimenting with new musical genres, or simply letting her playful side shine, Lee continues to inspire audiences with her authenticity and courage. For fans old and new, her journey is far from over—and as she herself seems to believe, the best may be yet to come.