Lee Ji Hyun, former member of the popular K-pop girl group Jewelry, has announced a temporary pause in her activities as a hair designer to take a well-deserved break and go on a family trip with her two children.
Known for her successful transition from idol to hairstylist, Lee has captured fans’ attention not only for her creative skills but also for her heartfelt dedication to her clients and family.
A New Chapter After Jewelry
After her time in Jewelry, Lee Ji Hyun faced numerous personal challenges, including two divorces, while raising her son and daughter on her own.
Despite these hardships, she has demonstrated remarkable resilience by pursuing a second career in hairstyling.
Her transformation from idol to hair designer has been widely praised, as she combined her passion for beauty with dedication to serving her clients.
Since November 2023, Lee Ji Hyun has been working toward her national hairstylist certification—a demanding process requiring both skill and discipline.
Recently, she successfully passed the exam, marking a major milestone in her career.
Her clients, who have followed her journey, often express admiration for her perseverance and professionalism.
A Busy Schedule and Dedication to Family
Despite her accomplishments, Lee Ji Hyun’s schedule has been nothing short of hectic.
Running a hair salon while raising two children requires careful time management and immense energy. In a recent social media post, she candidly shared her feelings:
“I’ve been so busy that we haven’t been able to go on a family trip. I especially feel so sorry during every school break. This trip is 100% for my kids. I’ll be their dedicated helper, carry all the luggage, open my wallet, and give them my all as a mom.”
Photos accompanying the post show Lee Ji Hyun boarding a plane with her son and daughter, emphasizing her focus on creating memorable experiences with her children.
Fans were charmed by her authenticity and heartfelt words, expressing their support for her decision to prioritize family.
The Joy of Being a Hairstylist
Lee Ji Hyun has openly shared that she finds fulfillment not just in her career but also in the personal interactions she has with clients.
Social media posts reveal moments where she was moved to tears by handwritten letters, thoughtful gifts, and warm gestures from people she’s served.
She described these interactions as deeply meaningful, noting that they provide her with motivation and a sense of purpose in her daily work.
Her approach to hairstyling is characterized by a mix of skill, creativity, and care.
Beyond simply providing a service, she aims to make each client feel valued and appreciated, creating an environment where beauty meets genuine human connection.
This dedication has contributed to her growing reputation as both a talented and compassionate hairstylist.
Fan Support and Encouragement
“It’s so nice to see you living so diligently. Enjoy this healing time with your family.” “Even amidst a busy life, time with your children is the most precious. You’ll shine even brighter after recharging.” “Lee Ji Hyun, you’ve worked hard—go and enjoy your time with your family!”
These messages reflect the admiration fans have for her resilience, dedication, and authenticity.
Many also expressed excitement for her eventual return to hairstyling, eagerly anticipating her continued success in her second career.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Lee Ji Hyun’s story is an inspiring example of balancing personal and professional responsibilities.
After facing challenges in her personal life, she has continuously worked toward building a fulfilling career while raising her children as a single parent.
By temporarily closing her salon to focus on her family, she demonstrates the importance of self-care and prioritizing loved ones.
Her journey highlights the evolving lives of former idols, who often transition into new fields after their entertainment careers.
Lee Ji Hyun’s success as a hairstylist illustrates that determination, skill, and genuine care for others can lead to meaningful accomplishments beyond the spotlight.
Looking Forward
While her hair salon is temporarily closed, Lee Ji Hyun’s fans remain supportive and eager for her eventual return.
Her family trip is a much-needed opportunity to recharge, spend quality time with her children, and create lasting memories.
Upon her return, it’s expected that she will continue to inspire through her artistry, dedication, and ability to balance career ambitions with personal life.
Lee Ji Hyun’s journey from Jewelry idol to licensed hairstylist, single mother, and public figure continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
By sharing both her successes and struggles openly, she has built a connection with fans that goes beyond music or beauty—highlighting the human side of public figures who navigate complex personal and professional landscapes with grace and resilience.
K-pop girl group ILLIT delighted fans with a heartfelt Chuseok greeting on October 6, 2025, at noon KST.
Sharing the video through their official channel, the group addressed their fandom GLLIT with a message of gratitude, warmth, and celebration, capturing the festive spirit of one of Korea’s most cherished holidays.
In the video, all members were dressed in traditional hanbok, each radiating their own distinct charm while maintaining a sense of elegance and harmony.
The hanbok, with its vibrant colors and flowing designs, added to the festive atmosphere, highlighting the members’ poise and cultural appreciation.
A Message from ILLIT to GLLIT
The group began by sending heartfelt wishes:
“We hope your hearts shine as brightly as the full moon. Enjoy delicious food with your loved ones and take time to rest and recharge both your body and mind. We’ll also be thinking of our GLLIT fans while spending a happy holiday.”
This message not only embraced the traditional essence of Chuseok, a Korean harvest festival celebrated with family gatherings and rituals, but also reflected the group’s genuine connection with their fans.
By drawing parallels between the full moon—a symbol of completeness and brightness—and the love and support of their fans, ILLIT successfully conveyed both gratitude and affection.
They also acknowledged the fandom’s ongoing support:
“Thanks to your constant support, we’re able to stay strong. We’ll continue practicing hard to show you even better performances and joyful moments.”
Through these words, the members highlighted the symbiotic relationship between idols and their fans, emphasizing how GLLIT’s dedication fuels the group’s growth and motivation.
Upcoming Comeback and Concert
ILLIT is currently preparing for a comeback in November, which fans are eagerly anticipating.
While details of the new album have not been fully revealed, expectations are high due to the group’s consistent track record of delivering high-quality music and innovative concepts.
Their upcoming work is expected to continue showcasing ILLIT’s versatility, blending energetic performances with catchy music and meaningful lyrics.
In addition to the comeback, the group will host their ‘2025 ILLIT GLITTER DAY ENCORE’ concert on November 8–9 at Olympic Hall in Seoul.
This event has already sold out during the pre-sale period, reflecting the growing popularity of ILLIT and the strong devotion of their fans.
The concert promises to be a memorable occasion, filled with fan-favorite tracks, choreographed performances, and interactive moments that allow GLLIT to engage directly with the group.
Cultural Significance of Chuseok Greetings
Chuseok, often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving, is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and celebrating the harvest season.
It is a period marked by traditional rituals, festive meals, and the exchange of warm wishes.
For idols like ILLIT, sending a Chuseok greeting not only shows cultural respect but also strengthens the bond with their fans, offering a glimpse into the members’ personal and heartfelt side.
ILLIT’s choice to wear hanbok during the greeting further reinforced the traditional sentiment while adding a visually striking element to the video.
Fans worldwide appreciated the combination of modern idol charisma with cultural authenticity, which is a signature approach that helps K-pop idols connect with both domestic and international audiences.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Following the release of the Chuseok greeting, fans quickly took to social media to express their excitement and admiration.
Many GLLIT shared screenshots, clips, and heartfelt messages, praising ILLIT for their thoughtfulness and elegance.
Hashtags related to the group and Chuseok trends quickly surged, reflecting both the group’s influence and the emotional resonance of their holiday message.
This warm reception highlights the importance of personalized communication between idols and fans.
In a highly competitive industry, moments like these help maintain loyalty and cultivate a stronger fan-idol relationship, reinforcing ILLIT’s growing presence in the K-pop scene.
Looking Ahead
ILLIT’s Chuseok greeting demonstrates more than just seasonal celebration; it underscores the group’s commitment to fan engagement, cultural pride, and continuous growth.
With a comeback on the horizon and a sold-out GLITTER DAY ENCORE concert, the group is poised to further establish themselves as key players in the next wave of K-pop acts.
As November approaches, fans eagerly await the release of new music and the opportunity to see ILLIT perform live once again.
Their blend of musical talent, captivating performances, and sincere fan interactions ensures that ILLIT continues to shine brightly, much like the full moon they referenced in their Chuseok message.
Through moments like these, ILLIT proves that K-pop is not only about music and performance—it is also about connecting hearts across the globe, celebrating tradition, and creating lasting memories for fans worldwide.