Ock Joo-hyun, the acclaimed singer and musical theater actress who rose to fame as a member of the legendary first-generation K-pop girl group Fin.K.L, has candidly addressed long-standing public misconceptions about her views on marriage while reflecting on her remarkable 27-year career in the entertainment industry. The 45-year-old performer made these revealing comments during her appearance on a Channel A variety show that aired on September 8, where she welcomed fellow artists singer Tei and musical actress Lee Ji-hye as guests for an intimate home-cooked meal.

Fin.K.L debuted in 1998 and quickly became one of South Korea's most influential girl groups during the late 1990s K-pop boom. Ock shared fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from those early days, providing fans with rare insights into the group's journey to stardom. In 2005, she made a significant career transition by moving into musical theater, where she has since established herself as one of the industry's most respected performers.

During the show, Ock revealed a surprising attitude shift regarding her Fin.K.L identity that occurred early in her musical theater career. "When I debuted in musicals, I wished people would forget I was Ock Joo-hyun from Fin.K.L," she admitted. "But I've realized Fin.K.L is inseparable from my life." This revelation highlights the complex relationship many K-pop artists have with their idol past as they pursue different artistic paths.

Ock explained that Fin.K.L's current project of remaking their classic hit songs serves as a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to the devoted fans who have supported the group throughout the years. She shared exciting details about the project, revealing that Lee Hyo-ri participated in recording "Feel Your Love" in August, and confirmed that the group plans to release "White" as their winter comeback. These collaborations demonstrate the enduring bond between the Fin.K.L members despite their individual career paths.

As the only unmarried member among her Fin.K.L bandmates, Ock addressed the personal reasons behind her hesitation toward marriage with remarkable openness. "After losing my father when I was young, I had to take on the role of provider and husband to my mother," she explained. "That made me hesitant to think about marriage." This deeply personal revelation sheds light on the family responsibilities that have shaped her life decisions and priorities.

When asked about her ideal romantic partner, Ock surprised many by naming actress Cho Yeo-jeong. "I admire someone I can learn from and rely on," she explained, highlighting her desire for an intellectually stimulating and emotionally supportive partnership. This candid response reflects her mature approach to relationships and her focus on finding genuine compatibility.

Throughout her career, Ock has maintained an exceptionally close relationship with her fans, who have served as a constant source of strength and motivation. She revealed a touching daily ritual, explaining that she calls fan letters her "meal companions" because she reads them during every meal. This practice demonstrates the profound connection she maintains with her supporters and how their words nourish her both literally and figuratively.

The conversation turned particularly emotional when Ock recounted the story of a devoted fan who courageously shared their cancer diagnosis with her. She described how this fan regularly attended her performances throughout their treatment and gradually recovered their health. This powerful example illustrates the healing power of music and the meaningful relationships that can develop between artists and their audiences, showcasing the profound impact entertainment can have on people's lives during their most challenging moments.