Responding to VnExpress, Korean star Lee Hyori said she was impressed by the peacefulness and vitality of Vietnamese people when she first came to Ho Chi Minh City to perform a show.
Lee Hyori talks about the reason for leaving the city to return to the countryside. Video: Tan Cao
On November 5, Lee Hyori performed at the GENfest music event in Ho Chi Minh City, receiving cheers from thousands of spectators. On this occasion, she talk about life, work
- What is your impression when you came to Vietnam for work?
- When I landed at Tan Son Nhat airport, I was welcomed by many fans. I was touched when I received a bouquet of flowers with my picture printed on it 20 years ago. I didn't think I had so many fans in Vietnam.
In Vietnam, there are many motorbikes, life is vibrant. I enjoy seeing many women driving this means of transport, carrying small children on the back. I feel their strength, and Vietnamese people in general are very friendly and approachable.
I visited some places, went to restaurants to enjoy typical cuisine. I ate dishes like pho, spring rolls, bought a cup of sidewalk coffee, all were very delicious. I hope to have the opportunity to return to Vietnam for a longer time, to experience other activities.

Lee Hyori drinks coffee and relaxes when coming to Vietnam. Photo: Lee Hyori's Instagram
- What do you think when Vietnamese audiences consider Lee Hyori a "sexy symbol in music" for the past 25 years?
- I thank the affection and compliments of Vietnamese fans. It is true that my songs often have quite sexy nuances. This time in Ho Chi Minh City, I also brought songs with the same spirit. However, my current sexiness contains more maturity, different from when I first started my career, because I am also getting older now.
I used to think that the audience was looking forward to a 20-year-old Lee Hyori coming to Vietnam, but now I'm over 40 years old. However, when I look into the eyes of the audience, I think you don't care too much about this. I believe that everyone will always remember a young Lee Hyori. Surely you love me much more than my husband (laughs).
- How do you feel when standing on the same stage with young Vietnamese singers like tlinh, HIEUTHUHAI, MONO?
- I also want to meet and interact with you, but due to different schedules, I haven't had the chance. However, I see that everyone brings very positive energy.
I hope to sing, stand on stage with Vietnamese artists or compose music together in the future. If you know any suitable singers, please suggest or introduce them to me.

Lee Hyori sang and danced for nearly an hour with Vietnamese fans at an event on the evening of November 5 in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: GENfest
- How has your life been on Jeju Island these past years?
- After getting married in 2013, my husband and I moved from Seoul to an island, accepting to end our brilliant career. We made the decision because we wanted to live a simpler life, closer to nature.
I am now happy with everything in my life for the past 10 years. I have a few dogs and enjoy taking them for walks, which is also a way to exercise and enjoy the fresh air.
Sometimes, I miss Seoul - the bustling city that I have been attached to for 30 years. During the time I lived and worked here, there were times when I was tired, but it was also the time when Lee Hyori shined, leaving her mark on her career. I once wrote a song about this city, named Seoul , and performed it at the last concert.
- How do you maintain your current figure and demeanor?
- I love sports activities, especially yoga for many years. I maintain and practice diligently every day because it helps me stay flexible and mentally comfortable.
When I came to Vietnam for work these past few days, I was guided and experienced yoga at a class in District 2. When I arrived, I saw that not only Vietnamese people practiced but also many people from different countries, so there was a sense of familiarity, without distance.
Lee Hyori was born into a poor family. At the end of high school, she caught the eye of DSP Media's talent scout and had the opportunity to learn choreography and vocals properly. In 1998, she debuted as the leader of Fin.KL, distinguishing herself with her tanned skin, cowboy style, dyed hair, and tattoos.
In the early 2000s, she was voted "Sexy Queen" by audiences many times. The media and audiences called her "Asia's Britney Spears". When the group disbanded, Hyori became successful as a solo artist, winning many prestigious awards. Colleagues and senior artists praised the singer for being friendly and often creating a fun atmosphere.
In 2013, she and musician Lee Sang Soon secretly married and moved to Jeju. News 1 reported that Hyori's marriage was considered a fairy tale by the media.
Vnexpress.net
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