Elevator Fight... 'Shop' Lee Ji-hye & Seo Ji-young
Lee Ji-hye's YouTube Joint Appearance Sparks Attention
"Dispute Rumors True"…Cool Acknowledgment Draws Eyes
Broadcasters Lee Ji-hye (left) and Seo Ji-young. [Photo source: Screenshot from the YouTube channel 'Mipji Anheun Gwanjong Unni']
Lee Ji-hye and Seo Ji-young of the group Shop, who were once rumored to have had a falling out, stood together in front of the camera for the first time in 15 years. On this day, the two coolly admitted that "there was indeed a conflict."
On the 17th, a video titled "Lee Ji-hye and Seo Ji-young Together in Front of the Camera for the First Time in 15 Years" was uploaded to Lee Ji-hye's YouTube channel "Mipji Anheun Gwanjong Unni" (Not Annoying Attention-Seeking Sister). The video showed the two appearing together and having a conversation. Upon seeing Seo Ji-young, Lee Ji-hye said, "How many years has it been?" and expressed, "I feel like crying." She continued, "She was a very close friend who shared a significant chapter of my life," and introduced her as "a best friend who, despite some time apart, has become close again."
They drew attention by mentioning the "conflict incident" that caused a stir in the entertainment industry at the time. The two had a physical altercation in an elevator in 2002 while active as Shop, which led to the group's disbandment. After time passed, they reconciled and have maintained their friendship since. Lee Ji-hye said, "By greeting you like this, I hope there will be no more mentions of conflicts among the members." Seo Ji-young coolly admitted, "Well, it was all true." She then added with a laugh, "But it was quite a long time ago. People don't really care anymore."
They also discussed the possibility of the group reuniting. When Seo Ji-young mentioned that she recently attended a god concert, Lee Ji-hye asked, "Seeing god hold a concert, how about Shop having a concert once?"
Seo Ji-young replied, "The nervousness is a problem, but now even speaking a little loudly makes me cough. We are lip-sync singers, but my sister is good at live singing, so I feel sorry about that. I feel like I was lucky to have met a good team back then." In response, Lee Ji-hye said, "I can't guarantee it, but it might be possible before we turn seventy. If Ji-young had no interest at all, she wouldn't appear in the video. If she opens her heart, it might be a bit difficult now, but I feel like we could hold a concert in our sixties."
Finally, Seo Ji-young said, "It's been such a long time since I greeted you like this, so I'm nervous and rambling, and I'm very sorry. But I came out with the courage hoping to be even a little help to my sister. Still, I will occasionally greet you through my sister's YouTube."
Netizens who watched the video responded with comments such as "I thought I was seeing things," "They look so good together," "Seo Ji-young is just the same. Nice to see her," "Wishing you both to share an unchanging friendship," "They really look comfortable with each other now," "Everyone can make mistakes when they are young. It's heartwarming to see you doing well now," "Supporting your friendship," "Seo Ji-young should start a YouTube channel too," and "Looking forward to a full Shop reunion."
Shop, a group that debuted in 1998, received great love from the public by hitting the charts with every song they released, including "Tell Me Tell Me," "Sweety," "My Lips Are Like Warm Coffee," "Good for You," and "Close." However, in October 2002, the group disbanded after news of a physical altercation between Lee Ji-hye and Seo Ji-young in an elevator became public.
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