Lee Hye-young: From Tumultuous Divorce to Cancer Battle and a Resilient Return
A decades-long career marked by both professional success and personal hardship has defined the life of Lee Hye-young, the 53-year-old singer and actress. From a highly publicized divorce and subsequent legal battles to a recent cancer diagnosis, Lee’s story is one of remarkable resilience and continued determination.
Lee Hye-young’s journey into the public eye began with a celebrated marriage to fellow singer Lee Sang-min in 2005, following a nine-year courtship. However, the union proved short-lived, dissolving after just a year and two months and culminating in a contentious divorce punctuated by multiple lawsuits filed by Lee Hye-young against her then-husband.
Initial speculation surrounding the split centered on financial difficulties. Reports indicated Lee Sang-min’s struggling business ventures had created significant strain, and unsubstantiated claims even surfaced regarding the alleged publication of compromising images by Lee Hye-young in an attempt to resolve debts. While these claims were later refuted, the incident continued to generate public discussion. Further complicating matters, theories emerged suggesting a “camouflage divorce” intended to shield assets, but Lee Hye-young’s legal counsel dismissed this notion, stating, “If it were a camouflage divorce, Hye-young has no reason to file a lawsuit.”
Rumors of infidelity, specifically involving singer Baek Ji-young, also circulated at the time, but were ultimately dispelled by Baek Ji-young herself through an appearance on the JTBC program Knowing Brother. According to aides, the core issue was a disconnect in the marital relationship, exacerbated by economic pressures. Lee Hye-young, known for her desire for a traditional family life, reportedly felt neglected as Lee Sang-min prioritized his work.
Following the divorce, Lee Hye-young transitioned her focus from music to acting, achieving notable success in television dramas such as Queen of the Father and Rolling You Rolling. In 2011, she remarried a businessman, a vice chairman of the MBK Partners private equity fund, in Hawaii. This new chapter brought a period of relative privacy, with Lee Hye-young largely stepping away from the spotlight.
Her return to television came in 2021 with a role on MBN’s Dol Singles. However, this comeback was soon overshadowed by a devastating health crisis. During filming, a tumor was discovered in her lungs, leading to a cancer diagnosis. “I was diagnosed with cancer in the 10th anniversary of my marriage,” Lee Hye-young revealed in a December 2023 appearance on Shin Dong-yeop’s Woven. “I thought I could die while surgery.” She described a harrowing experience, including being admitted to a large hospital room, and the simultaneous cancer diagnoses of both her parents.
Despite undergoing pulmonary resection surgery without chemotherapy, Lee Hye-young faced further health setbacks, including an emergency room visit for gallstones. Yet, she remains optimistic, stating in a December 2023 appearance on MBC’s Radio Star that her condition is “better than before.”
In July 2024, Lee Hye-young candidly discussed the financial burden of her medical treatment during an interview on Chae Jung-an’s YouTube channel. She revealed that a significant portion of her income is now dedicated to hospital expenses and charitable donations, admitting, “The money is almost all for hospital expenses or donations.” Netizens responded with an outpouring of support, praising her strength and positive outlook.
Adding another layer to her complex personal history, Lee Hye-young recently offered a gracious message of congratulations to her former husband, Lee Sang-min, on his recent remarriage. Speaking on Lee Ji-hye’s YouTube channel Unpaid Kwanjong Sister in 2024, she expressed, “I hope the woman is okay.” Lee Sang-min, who married a businesswoman 10 years his junior on April 30th, is reportedly pursuing in vitro fertilization with his new wife.
Lee Hye-young’s story is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, navigating personal and professional challenges with unwavering courage and a commitment to living life to the fullest.
