Singer and painter Solbi, 42, whose legal name is Kwon Ji-an, opened up about her love story with actor Lee Gyuhan, 46, in her first broadcast appearance since the two announced their engagement.
Appearing Monday on the KBS Cool FM radio segment "Street Romance Fighter" on "Gabi's Super Radio," Solbi said she was deeply moved by the outpouring of congratulations. "So many people have sent their blessings, and I'm truly grateful," she said. "I'm so touched that I get to have a marriage celebrated by so many."
Solbi said it was a gift of apples that convinced her to marry Lee. "After filming wrapped on 'Oraedoen Mannam Chugu,' oppa kept sending me apples as gifts — different varieties, different seasons," she said. "When I asked why, he told me it was his apology for not choosing me in the final selection."
"He also signed up for one of my classes and came in person," she added. "I was moved by that. I could feel his sincerity in the way he tried to understand me and approached me at my own pace."
The two appeared together last year on the third season of "Oraedoen Mannam Chugu," a reality dating show on KBS2 and KBS Joy. Solbi chose Lee in the final selection, but Lee did not reciprocate. "Solbi means so much to me, and I've been a fan," he said at the time, "but I think it's right not to light the candle, if only to protect the people who are precious to me." Solbi responded with disappointment, saying, "That's a shame."
Solbi described Lee as "someone who genuinely respects me — clear, dependable." She praised him further, saying, "He's attentive and considerate, a really warm person. He takes great care of himself too — he works out every day and is very neat."
"One of my goals was to go straight to marriage without any dating rumors, and I'm so grateful it actually worked out that way," Solbi said.
Asked how she managed to keep the relationship out of the public eye, she said it came down to "20 years of experience without a single dating rumor." She added, "At my age, people might assume conditions and background matter more, but being able to marry someone I truly love feels like the greatest blessing."
Solbi's agency Jian Castle announced Thursday that the couple had recently completed a meeting of both families and plan to hold a private wedding ceremony in April next year, open only to immediate family and close acquaintances.
On the same day, Solbi wrote on SNS: "I have found a life partner, and together we will paint our tomorrows. I will cherish and be grateful for every moment we create together, and we will complete this work of art called 'us.'"
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