On the October 5th episode of SBS's variety show 'My Ugly Duckling,' actors Choi Jin-hyuk and Yoon Hyun-min visited Lee's Tokyo residence.
Lee guided the two through her modestly sized home, revealing that the rent is approximately 130,000 won. When Choi Jin-hyuk asked about the absence of a sofa, Lee explained, "I sleep on the sofa without a bed." Due to the limited space, Yoon Hyun-min stumbled as he bumped into Lee.
The kitchen was so small that it couldn't even fit a single soup bowl in the sink. Lee confessed, "It's so cramped that I've cried." The bathtub was also notably mini-sized.
Explaining why she chose to live in Tokyo despite having a home in Seoul, Lee said, "Last year was an off-season, and I was mentally exhausted. I thought, 'Why not take a break and create some content?'"
Lee began her solo living experience in a 9-pyeong studio apartment in Tokyo in April last year. She shared, "I'm turning 40, and next year marks my 20th anniversary since debut. I wanted a new challenge. I thought, 'If I learn Japanese, maybe I can try something new.'"
In response to some netizens criticizing her for being able to afford such a lifestyle, Lee clarified, "This isn't a challenge or living situation like in my 20s. I'm in my 40s." She added, "Don't expect me to live like I'm in my 20s." She concluded, "Even if this Japanese experience fails, I don't think it will ruin my life. It will be a good experience."
By Da-yeon Jeong, Ten Asia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr