Divorced After 12 Days, Korean Actress Joins New Dating Reality Show

Actress Lee Min-young (50) is making her long-awaited return to reality TV. She recently confirmed her appearance on Because I'm Solo (솔로라서2), airing on SBS Plus and E Channel, where she will showcase her day-to-day life. The show features MC Shin Dong-yup, and divorced or single individuals, with past participants including Hwang Jung-eum, Yoon Se-ah, and Chae Rim.

This marks Lee Min-young’s first reality TV appearance in 10 years since The Woman Living Alone in 2014.

Lee Min-young debuted as an actress in 1994 through MBC’s 23rd talent program and gained attention for her roles in dramas like Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce), The Law Cafe, Perfect Marriage, and The Khitan War.

In 2006, she married actor Lee Chan, but their relationship shockingly ended just 12 days later. The brief marriage made headlines when Lee Min-young revealed that she had been physically assaulted by Lee Chan during their honeymoon and subsequently shared photos of herself hospitalized. She also claimed to have suffered a miscarriage due to the abuse.

Their split led to a legal battle, with both sides presenting conflicting stories. While Lee Chan denied the allegations, he was ultimately sentenced to one year in prison with a two-year suspended sentence. The couple had never filed their marriage registration.

Following the breakup, Lee Min-young publicly shared that she has been living alone for 18 years. Meanwhile, Lee Chan remarried and had a son.

Lee Min-young’s team confirmed her participation in Because I'm Solo 2, set to air this March. “This will be her first time sharing parts of her personal life that have never been shown before,” they revealed. “Audiences will get to see the real Lee Min-young, not just her on-screen persona. Her down-to-earth and bold nature promises an exciting, heartfelt glimpse into her life as a solo woman.”

The actress herself expressed both excitement and nervousness about her return to TV. “I wanted to show my true self beyond the characters I play on screen. It’s been a while since I appeared on a variety show, but I’m determined to share my daily life with sincerity,” she said.