Former Wonder Girls Member Sunye Reflects on Marriage, Family, and Culinary Journey

Sunye, a former member of the Wonder Girls, revealed her grandmother's initial opposition to her marriage.

On the October 27th episode of KBS 2TV's 'New Release Pyeonstorang,' Sunye joined as a new chef, showcasing her culinary skills. Once known as a national idol, she now captivates audiences as a homemaker of 14 years.

During the show, Sunye shared, "I am currently living as a working mom raising three daughters." She mentioned her eldest is in middle school and her youngest in elementary, jokingly calling herself a "middle school mom."

Reflecting on her past, Sunye recalled getting married at 24 and moving to Canada. Her marriage in 2013, at the height of her idol career, was a major topic of discussion. She shared, "I lived in Canada for about 10 years," speaking candidly about the long hiatus and changes in her life post-marriage.

Sunye also opened up about her changed lifestyle compared to her idol days. She admitted, "I often made mistakes in front of the camera because of lingering idol habits." The time spent focusing on her family and children shaped who she is today.

Her culinary skills were honed during this period. Sunye expressed her passion for cooking, saying, "If I hadn't pursued singing, I might have opened a restaurant." As a novice homemaker, she learned Korean cuisine through cookbooks and blogs.

Sunye noted, "Back then, there was no YouTube, so I made many mistakes," but added, "After having children and continuously cooking Korean food, I became a master of home-cooked meals." She showcased her advanced cooking skills, including making her own seasonings, a testament to her dedication.

Sunye expressed her longing for her late grandmother, saying, "I was entrusted to my grandmother from birth. She was like a mother to me." She reminisced about the love and care she received from her grandmother, who raised her like a daughter.

Sunye prepared her grandmother's signature dishes, radish rice and tofu stew, recalling her childhood. The studio was filled with emotion as childhood photos and memories were shared.

Sunye also recounted the time before her marriage, saying, "When I announced my marriage at 24, my grandmother opposed it because I was too young." However, after meeting her fiancé, her grandmother became one of their biggest supporters.

After her grandmother's passing, her aunt and uncle filled the void. Sunye expressed gratitude, saying, "My aunt and uncle are like another set of parents. They always took care of me while raising their own three children."

She candidly shared her insights on happiness learned through parenting, stating, "Raising children isn't easy, but I discovered true happiness in the process."

Reported by Kim Eun-jung, TenAsia journalist eun@tenasia.co.kr