On March 18, 2025, actress Lee Soo-kyung made headlines during her appearance on SBS Plus and E Channel's reality show 'Solo'. She candidly discussed her struggles with severe skin issues, resulting depression, and agoraphobia, leading her to contemplate retirement.
Lee revealed, "I couldn’t work because my skin was so bad, and I faced symptoms like depression and agoraphobia." Her emotional toll was evident as she shared how her condition worsened over time. "It became so severe at times I couldn’t even bear to look at my reflection; it felt as if I had the skin of an adolescent suffering from severe acne. I was shocked at how quickly it deteriorated. Each day, I found myself caught between despair and the prospect of changing careers altogether," Lee explained.
The challenges she faced stemmed from not only her skin issues but also various personal complications, including transitioning to a new management company. "I had to navigate multiple issues at once, leading me to take considerable time off work. I was truly at my wit's end and thought maybe it was time for me to change professions altogether, as acting was the only career I had ever known," she stated.
The actress’s experience revealed the raw, emotional side of celebrities often hidden behind the limelight. Lee described periods of time where she felt so overwhelmed she found it hard to interact with others, stating, "I would cry when meeting people, fearing ‘what would they think of my appearance?’ I was embarrassed to see myself, let alone anyone else. During this time, I only did what I needed to survive and nothing more."
Despite her struggles, Lee utilized her time off thoughtfully. She pursued additional qualifications, obtaining certificates in aroma therapy and puppy training. "I learned aroma therapy over the span of more than a year. It was therapeutic for both my mind and body, even if my skin was still recovering," she shared. Lee added, "It took about two years for my skin to fully heal. I believe those trying days were necessary for my growth as both a person and as an artist. I emerged with newfound perspectives on what's truly important: my happiness and well-being."
Lee's candid revelations were complemented by lighter moments on the show, including sharing her penchant for wine. She humorously dubbed herself as 'Lee Sool-kyung'—a nickname derived from her fondness for drinking. She proudly showcased her wine cellar, which boasts around 120 bottles of wine and champagne, explaining, "Many of my wines have increased tremendously in value; one of the world’s most expensive wines is among my collection. It’s currently worth tens of millions of won!"
Her candid admission of encountering the consequences of her drinking, alongside her affection for fine wines, added depth to her character on the show. While discussing her recent hangover, Lee joked, saying, "I didn’t drink much yesterday, but somehow I still ended up with this hangover. Maybe I've partied one too many times!"
Lee's musings during the episode provided insight not only about her life but also showcased her resilience. Her trials and tribulations are something many people can relate to, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness. During her darkest periods, she found unexpected joy and wisdom.
Lee Soo-kyung concluded her reflections by highlighting how her difficult experience transformed her life outlook. Instead of only focusing on external validation, she learned to value her emotional health above all. "I used to be so caught up with how others perceived me, believing I had to look perfect and busy all the time. But through this tough time, I realized true happiness lies within yourself. I used to train for hours daily, without taking breaks, and now I appreciate leisure time so much more. Finding joy and peace has become my top priority," she stated.
'Solo', airing every Tuesday at 8:40 PM, offers viewers astute reflections on single life and the challenges it entails, showcasing how individuality can lead to happiness.
