Exploring the Lives of the ‘Winter Sonata’ Cast 20 Years Later

The Lead Pair: Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo

More than two decades have elapsed since the height of popularity for Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo, who were once titans in the Korean cinema landscape. Today, these stars are less recognizable to Generation Z. While Choi Ji Woo remains somewhat active, occasionally sharing glimpses of her life on Instagram, Bae Yong Joon seems to have all but vanished from the entertainment radar.

Born in 1972, Bae Yong Joon is credited as a trailblazer of the Hallyu wave, which has significantly expanded Korean culture and entertainment across many Asian nations.

Prior to his iconic role in Winter Sonata, Bae Yong Joon established himself through various dramas including First Love, Have We Really Loved?, and Hotelier. His collaboration with Choi Ji Woo in Winter Sonata not only catapulted his career but also marked a gradual shift into a more private life away from the limelight.

Following 2002, Bae Yong Joon began to diminish his acting commitments, redirecting his energy towards production endeavors. In 2006, he took a significant step by founding KeyEast Entertainment and explored various business ventures that included dining establishments and cafés.

His last leading role was in The Legend (2007), with his final appearance being a guest role in Dream High (2011).

In 2015, Bae Yong Joon made headlines for marrying actress Park Soo Jin, who is 13 years his junior, and they now share two children—one son and one daughter.

By 2018, he sold all of his shares in KeyEast to the entertainment giant SM Entertainment. Speculations about his retirement arose in 2022 when he sold a long-maintained website.

Korean media reports suggest that Bae Yong Joon and his family currently live in Hawaii, USA. Close sources indicate that this relocation signifies a move towards a quieter, more retired lifestyle.

Details about his current life remain scarce, as he avoids social media, while his wife made her last Instagram post in January, which was subsequently removed.

In April, KeyEast affirmed that Park Soo Jin had ended her exclusive contract due to her inactivity in the entertainment scene over the years.

Amassing a net worth exceeding $74 million, it appears that Bae Yong Joon has opted to step back from the bustling entertainment scene in favor of a peaceful family life.

In contrast to her former co-star, Choi Ji Woo remains engaged in the entertainment industry, albeit at a reduced pace. Her latest portrayal as the lead in the family drama The Most Beautiful Goodbye (2017) was followed by brief cameos in Crash Landing on You (2020) and a supporting role in Shooting Stars (2022).

Choi Ji Woo continues to connect with fans through her personal Instagram, with her most recent update featuring behind-the-scenes shots from a commercial shoot dated October 4.

At the age of 49, Choi Ji Woo remarkably maintains a youthful appearance, praised for her slender figure and elegant fashion sense.

In March 2018, she married a non-celebrity who is nine years younger. While specific details about her husband remain private, it’s reported that he heads a tech firm. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 2020.

Lee Hye Eun’s Journey

Beyond the central figures of Choi Ji Woo and Bae Yong Joon, supporting actress Lee Hye Eun has sustained a presence in the industry. In Winter Sonata, she portrayed Kong Jin Suk, the beloved best friend of the female lead, appreciated for her charm and kindness.

During the show’s production, Lee Hye Eun was an emerging talent with limited industry recognition. Although her role was minor, it served as a catalyst for her career progression, allowing her to secure her first lead role in Love and Hate. However, despite this early success, her career faced obstacles, leading her to primarily accept supporting roles and occasional guest appearances.

Despite these challenges, Lee Hye Eun remains committed to her craft. Her latest appearance was in the drama Kill Heel, although she again played a guest role.

While her professional achievements may have been modest, Lee Hye Eun finds joy in her personal life. Now at 49, she enjoys a close-knit family and often shares amicable moments with her son in the media. Her son excels in both academics and sports, adding richness to her life. This balance between a moderate career and a fulfilling family life fosters a sense of satisfaction.

Now 49, Lee Hye Eun has experienced considerable change since her Winter Sonata days. In her downtime from filming, she opts for natural simplicity, often embracing a makeup-free look and casual attire. Although she may not have the youthful beauty of her earlier years, she embraces her maturity and is content with her current self.

Recent images of Lee Hye Eun reflect her comfort and happiness, showcasing her self-acceptance and inner peace.

The Story of Park Sol Mi

Winter Sonata stands as a hallmark series of the original Hallyu wave, significantly boosting the careers of its cast.

Among the cast, actress Park Sol Mi, who portrayed the male lead’s mistress, remains a well-discussed figure after the show’s finale. While co-star Choi Ji Woo continues to thrive with ongoing projects, Park Sol Mi has opted for a more reserved life. Fans were left amazed when she revealed glimpses of her off-screen life, showcasing her enduring beauty.

After years away from the public eye, Park Sol Mi recently re-emerged by joining the cast of Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant alongside actor Han Jae Suk. While Han’s changed appearance startled fans, Park Sol Mi was warmly complimented for maintaining youthful and captivating looks even at 44 years old. She shares her daily life, filled with youthful snapshots, on social media from time to time.

When Winter Sonata debuted, Oh Jae Rin, her character, was notorious for her selfishness, but she is still recognized for her compelling acting skills. She continued to make an impact in roles such as that in All In, where she was a prominent supporting actor in the Korean film scene. Despite her notable talents and beauty, Park Sol Mi’s film career has not flourished as much as her contemporaries’, often relegated to roles of mistresses or in less notable productions.