Actress Lee Joo-bin Reflects on Marriage and Motherhood After 'Spring Fever'

"Recently, I visited a friend's house who is raising twins and took care of them for about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It shattered some of my illusions about marriage. I realized, 'Ah, this is reality.' I understand why my married friends say, 'It's great, but you don't have to do it.' (laughs)"

Actress Lee Joo-bin shared these thoughts during a wrap-up interview for the tvN drama 'Spring Fever' on the 13th. Born in 1989, she candidly discussed her views on marriage and parenting, alongside her experiences with the drama.

'Spring Fever' is a drama based on a web novel of the same name, depicting a pink romance that melts the frozen hearts of teacher Yoon Bom (played by Lee Joo-bin) and passionate man Sun Jae-kyu (played by Ahn Bo-hyun). The drama concluded on the 10th with its highest viewership rating of 5.7% (Nielsen Korea, paid households).

In the drama, Lee Joo-bin played Yoon Bom, an ethics teacher at Shinsu High School and a voluntary outsider with a frozen heart. Once lively, she became embroiled in a false affair scandal, leaving her deeply scarred. However, after meeting Sun Jae-kyu in Shinsu-eup, she gradually opens her heart, clears her name, and overcomes her past wounds. Lee Joo-bin's portrayal of Yoon Bom's journey from being trapped in past pain to overcoming it through love received praise.

Lee Joo-bin debuted to the public in the 2017 SBS drama 'Whisper' and was known to be a trainee in DSP Media's girl group before her acting career. Although she didn't debut at a young age, she steadily built her filmography. She gained popularity as a supporting lead in the 2024 tvN drama 'Queen of Tears' and later secured main roles in tvN's 'Divorce Insurance' and KBS2's 'Twelve.' Despite high expectations, both projects did not achieve significant success. However, in 'Spring Fever,' she successfully brought out the charm of the original work while adding her unique touch, earning acclaim and reaffirming her presence as a lead actress.

Lee Joo-bin revealed that she stayed in Pohang for about 6-7 months for the filming of this project, marking her first long-term location shoot since her debut. She said, "In the past, staff members had clear work hours. Once filming ended, it was like, 'Goodbye, see you.' But this time, I got to know the staff better by spending more time together, sharing personal stories, and learning about their relationships and concerns. Being constantly together naturally led to deeper connections."

She added, "I realized how many beautiful places there are in Korea. The sky in Pohang was truly beautiful. My phone is filled with sky photos. Even during car scenes, while Ahn Bo-hyun was driving, I would capture the sky. Enjoying the sky made filming more enjoyable."

"I always enjoy filming as if I'm traveling. I love finding local eateries and enjoying delicious food near the filming locations. This time, I truly enjoyed it, feeling like I was on a trip."

Previously, Lee Joo-bin appeared on the web variety show 'Salon Drip' to promote 'Spring Fever,' where she shared various stories with Jang Do-yeon. She mentioned having many friends with children. After experiencing twin parenting at a friend's house, she said, "I found my friend admirable. It made me realize how amazing mothers are. I also realized that marriage and parenting are different from the fantasy. I used to think I would eventually get married and have kids, but after experiencing it for just two hours, I reconsidered." She added, "I truly respect all parents in the world."

"I realized that marriage and parenting are choices, not necessities. I used to think I would eventually do it, but now I feel less inclined. If it happens naturally, it happens; if not, it doesn't."

Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr