Lee Hee-jin [SBS 'My Ugly Duckling']
Lee Hee-jin [SBS 'My Ugly Duckling']

Lee Hee-jin, 47, a member of first-generation girl group Baby V.O.X, has opened up about being a victim of dating violence.

Lee appears on SBS variety show "My Ugly Duckling," airing Sunday, alongside actor Lim Won-hee, 55.

The episode features a "scandal" between Lee and Lim. Lim invites Lee to his home to give her driving lessons, while fellow Baby V.O.X member Yoon Eun-hye reveals she had "actually heard about a romantic connection between the two."

Lee said her last relationship was in her early 30s and that she had been "afraid to meet men" since then. She admitted she had been drawn to bad boys, and disclosed that a former boyfriend had not only cheated on her and stolen from her but had also confined her against her will. The trauma from that abusive relationship left her unable to date for about 15 years.

According to the Korean National Police Agency, reports of dating violence last year totaled 105,327 cases, a 19.2 percent increase from 88,394 cases in 2024. Dating violence encompasses physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse, as well as controlling behavior and threats within romantic relationships.


paq@heraldcorp.com