Lee A-young Denies Unemployed Status After JTBC Love War Appearance

Employment Status and Financial Disputes

During the July 21 broadcast of Love War, Shim Kyu-deok—an S University graduate and lawyer—criticized Lee’s spending habits, referring to her as unemployed. The conflict centered on Lee’s use of Shim’s card for dermatology and massage costs, while Shim himself reportedly spent millions of won on exercise. The tension escalated when Shim suggested using a bed and scarf from his ex-wife and proposed buying counterfeit wedding rings, according to iMBC.

In her July 23 statement, Lee denied ever being unemployed. She explained that she was managing housework, group buying, home shopping, and working at a dermatology clinic simultaneously. Due to the physical exhaustion of balancing these roles with a “mission” to complete wedding preparations within five months, she decided to resign only from the dermatology clinic, as reported by v.daum.net.

Lee further detailed that her time following the resignation was occupied by broadcasting shoots, family trips to Hawaii, moving house, and wedding-related tasks such as sanggyeonrye (formal meeting between families) and selecting hanbok. She expressed a desire to return to work after the wedding, though she noted that Shim currently opposes this and the matter is still being coordinated.

Authenticity and YouTube Controversy

The couple faced accusations of deceiving viewers after launching a joint YouTube channel, Ni-deok-nae-tat, on July 20—one day before the Love War episode aired. In their first video, Shim stated that while they appeared conflicted on the show, they actually have a good relationship, which is why they are marrying. This led some netizens to suspect the appearance was a promotional stunt to increase their influence, according to 뉴시스.

Lee clarified that the YouTube channel was a long-planned idea to preserve memories. She explained that the relationship explanation video was uploaded because they were surprised by the VCR footage during studio filming. While maintaining that Love War was unscripted and that their concerns were genuine, she apologized if their actions made them seem lacking in sincerity, as reported by 스포츠경향.

Interpersonal Conflict and Reflections

The broadcast highlighted severe clashes, including instances where Shim reportedly told Lee, That is why you live this way, and What if the child takes after your brain? Shim also allegedly hit a wall while telling Lee to stand facing the wall. These behaviors prompted MC Seo Jang-hoon to question Shim’s attitude and income, according to iMBC.

Despite the backlash, Lee defended Shim on July 22, stating that he is a deep and good person who simply lacks social skills and is clumsy with expression. She attributed some of his high-handed tone to professional habits from his work as a lawyer. Lee also shared that Shim wrote a preface for a book to support her, helping her overcome fears of becoming a housewife, according to mhnse.com.

Lee concluded her apology by stating that both partners are reflecting on their faults: Shim for his lack of respect and harsh joking, and Lee for her perceived lack of economic conceptualization.

Couple Background Summary

• Lee A-young: Former cast member of Dolsingles Season 1.
• Shim Kyu-deok: Former cast member of Dolsingles Season 5; Lawyer.
• Relationship: Met through an introduction in January of the previous year; currently preparing for remarriage.