EXID's Hani Breaks Silence and Opens Up on 'Oh Eun Young Stay'

Hani, a former member of EXID, has made a notable return to the public eye, sparking speculation about her comeback. On July 7, she appeared as a guest on the Channel A variety show, Oh Eun Young Stay. Arriving without a manager or staff, Hani surprised the production team by taking a train with just a backpack, dressed in casual training clothes and without makeup. She entered quietly, greeted everyone with a bright smile, but her face also revealed signs of nervousness and complex emotions.

During the show, Hani shared her first deep reflections since her debut. In a pre-interview with the production team, she confessed, "I started my career too early, and after my contract ended, I realized I knew nothing about the world. I felt like a frog in a well." She expressed her feelings of disillusionment, saying, "I thought, 'This isn't what I expected.' I had been running on this belief, but now I wonder how I should live."

Hani also discussed her personality, stating, "I tend to be very sensitive to others' opinions. But now, I want to stop being that way." She reflected on her struggles with control in her life, admitting, "I questioned why my life doesn't go as I wish, and I’ve learned to let go of the need to control everything. I started to wonder, 'Is it okay to live like this?'"

Last year, Hani faced controversy following a tragic incident at the hospital of her boyfriend, psychiatrist Yang Jae Woong, which led to public backlash. Amidst the growing criticism and reports of their impending marriage, she voluntarily withdrew from a scheduled variety show, causing disruptions in the program's production as other cast members also stepped down. Despite it being the year of her 12th anniversary since debut, Hani had no commemorative activities with EXID or interactions with fans. Her wedding plans were indefinitely postponed, and she effectively took an eight-month hiatus from her career.

In March, Hani made her return to the stage alongside EXID members during a special episode of KBS2's Immortal Songs, marking a significant moment for her as it was her first performance in front of fans since her hiatus. This was a cautious yet definitive step forward.

Now, about four months later, Hani confronted her inner self on Oh Eun Young Stay. In the preview, she hinted at sharing her honest thoughts, stating, "I can’t live like this anymore," addressing the pressures of public scrutiny. Following the broadcast, viewers responded positively to her transformation and candid revelations, with comments like, "I can feel her sincerity," "She seems more mature now," and "Thank you for enduring the tough times. I hope she can now live the life she wants." Hani's gradual return has been met with an outpouring of support and encouragement.

After a period of quietly avoiding the public eye, Hani is now bravely taking steps at her own pace, and many hope her path will once again be filled with success.