Hani EXID Breaks Two-Year Silence Amidst Fiancé’s Malpractice Scandal, Marks Acting Comeback with ‘Love On The Menu’

Jakarta, Indonesia – After a two-year hiatus from the public eye, marked by intense scrutiny and personal hardship, Hani, the acclaimed former member of K-pop girl group EXID, has officially returned to the entertainment industry. The hiatus was primarily triggered by a grave medical malpractice scandal involving her fiancé, psychiatrist Yang Jae Woong. Hani, whose real name is Ahn Hee-yeon, made her highly anticipated return at a recent press conference for her upcoming Korean drama, Love On The Menu, an event that also served as her first public address regarding the tumultuous period. Her appearance on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, alongside the drama’s director and fellow cast members, marked a pivotal moment in her career, signaling both a professional resurgence and a cautious re-engagement with the public narrative surrounding her personal life.

A Public Figure’s Private Turmoil: The Backdrop to Hani’s Hiatus

Hani rose to prominence as a charismatic and talented member of EXID, a group that defied expectations to achieve massive success, largely propelled by the viral fan-cam of their hit song "Up & Down" in 2014. Known for her powerful vocals, engaging stage presence, and candid personality, Hani quickly became a beloved figure in the K-pop landscape, eventually branching out into acting, variety shows, and solo music projects. Her career trajectory had been consistently upward, positioning her as one of the most versatile and recognized idols of her generation.

In the years leading up to the scandal, Hani had confirmed her relationship with Yang Jae Woong, a well-known psychiatrist who had garnered significant public recognition through his frequent appearances on television programs. Dr. Yang was celebrated for his ability to articulate complex psychological concepts in an accessible manner, earning him a reputation as a highly sought-after expert in mental health. Their relationship, initially met with public interest and generally positive reception, soon progressed to an engagement, with wedding plans tentatively set for September 2024. The pairing of a beloved K-pop idol and a respected medical professional seemed, at first glance, to be a match made in public relations heaven, symbolizing stability and mutual admiration.

However, this seemingly idyllic narrative was abruptly shattered in mid-2024 by a shocking development that plunged Hani’s personal life and burgeoning acting career into an unforeseen crisis.

The Malpractice Scandal Unfolds: A Chronology of Events

The turning point occurred on Wednesday, July 26, 2024, when a report by the prominent South Korean broadcasting network SBS brought to light grave allegations against Yang Jae Woong’s medical practice. The report detailed the tragic death of a female patient, which was attributed to suspected medical malpractice at the psychiatric hospital owned and operated by Dr. Yang. The accusations were not merely administrative but pointed directly to professional negligence, leading to severe public outcry and legal repercussions.

• July 2024: SBS breaks the news of alleged medical malpractice at Yang Jae Woong’s hospital, involving the death of a female patient. The report quickly gains national attention, sparking widespread public debate and concern over medical ethics and patient safety.
• Immediate Aftermath (Late July 2024): The public reaction is swift and overwhelmingly negative. Social media platforms, particularly Hani’s Instagram account, become a conduit for public frustration and anger. Fans and netizens alike deluge her with comments, many urging her to reconsider her engagement to Yang Jae Woong, questioning his professional integrity, and expressing disappointment that she was associated with such a serious incident. The intensity of the online backlash highlights the unique pressures faced by K-pop idols, whose personal lives are often intertwined with their public image and career trajectory.
• August 2024: Amidst the escalating controversy and legal investigations, the planned September 2024 wedding between Hani and Yang Jae Woong is officially postponed indefinitely. This decision reflects the severity of the situation and the impossibility of proceeding with a joyous public event under such a heavy cloud of scandal.
• September 2024: Further legal developments emerge as the investigation progresses. Dr. Yang Jae Woong, along with other doctors and medical staff at his hospital, are formally indicted on charges of professional negligence resulting in death. This signifies a serious legal battle ahead, with potential long-term implications for all involved. Concurrently, the hospital owned by Yang Jae Woong is ordered to be permanently closed, a direct consequence of the legal findings and regulatory actions taken by health authorities.
• July 2024 – July 2026: Following these events, Hani largely withdraws from public life. Her vibrant presence on social media dwindles, and she refrains from taking on new projects. This two-year "vacuum" marks a period of personal reflection, legal navigation, and professional stagnation, as she grapples with the fallout of a scandal that was not directly her own but profoundly impacted her life and career. The silence from such an active public figure underscored the gravity of the situation and the immense pressure she was under.

The Comeback: Navigating Personal Scandal and Professional Demands

On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the silence was finally broken. Hani reappeared at the press conference for Love On The Menu, looking poised but visibly cautious. This event was not just about promoting her drama; it was her first public opportunity to address the controversy that had sidelined her for two years. Her opening remarks immediately set a tone of apology and responsibility, acknowledging the public’s concern.

"Sejujurnya, aku juga merasa menyesal membicarakan kehidupan pribadiku di acara seperti ini. Banyak yang mencurahkan hati mereka untuk membuat drama ini dan harapan terbesarku adalah tidak menyebabkan kerugian apa pun pada drama ini. Aku mohon pengertian tentang pertanyaan-pertanyaan yang tidak bisa aku jawab secara detail," Hani stated, her words translated from Korean, conveying a delicate balance between acknowledging her situation and protecting her professional commitments. She expressed sincere regret for "causing concern to many people" due to her fiancé’s case.

Her cautious approach was deliberate and strategic. She emphasized her desire not to cause any detriment to the Love On The Menu production team, highlighting the collective effort and dedication poured into the drama. This sentiment reflects a common challenge for celebrities embroiled in personal scandals: the need to separate their private struggles from their professional endeavors, especially when their work involves a large team. Hani’s decision to limit detailed responses about her personal life was a clear attempt to redirect focus back to her acting and the drama itself, demonstrating a mature understanding of the media landscape and the potential for her personal issues to overshadow the artistic merit of her work.

"Love On The Menu": A Vehicle for Redemption and Renewal

Love On The Menu is more than just a drama for Hani; it represents a crucial opportunity for her professional redemption and a fresh start. In the drama, she takes on the role of Han Gyu Rim, a character described as the backbone of her family, who runs a side dish stall at a traditional market. This role presents a stark contrast to Hani’s glamorous idol image, allowing her to showcase a different facet of her acting capabilities – portraying a relatable, resilient woman facing everyday struggles.

Hani revealed that she undertook cooking lessons to authentically portray Han Gyu Rim, a testament to her commitment to method acting and her dedication to the role. This preparation underscores her seriousness about her acting career and her determination to deliver a convincing performance after her extended absence.

The drama’s plot weaves a narrative of destiny and social divides, a common yet compelling theme in Korean dramas. Han Gyu Rim’s character is reunited with her former lover, Kim Mu Jin, played by the seasoned actor Ha Seok Jin. Their past relationship ended due to differences in social status, a narrative device that often resonates deeply with Korean audiences. Kim Mu Jin is depicted as a successful chef and owner of an Italian restaurant, creating a compelling contrast with Han Gyu Rim’s humble market stall owner. This dynamic promises a rich exploration of love, sacrifice, and societal expectations.

The chemistry between Hani and Ha Seok Jin is anticipated to be a key draw for viewers. Their characters’ journey of rediscovery and reconciliation, set against the backdrop of culinary arts and challenging social norms, aims to captivate audiences. Love On The Menu is scheduled to air every Saturday and Sunday at 7:55 PM KST on KBS2, and will also be available for international streaming on Viu, ensuring a wide global reach for Hani’s comeback project.

Broader Implications: Celebrity, Public Scrutiny, and Resilience

Hani’s journey reflects the immense pressure and unforgiving scrutiny faced by public figures in South Korea, particularly K-pop idols. The "moral clause" often unofficially applied to celebrities means that even indirect involvement in scandals, especially those touching on ethical or legal boundaries, can severely impact their careers. The public’s swift and strong reaction to the malpractice allegations, extending to Hani despite her indirect involvement, highlights the expectation of impeccable conduct from those in the public eye.

The two-year hiatus was not merely a break but a period of forced introspection and re-evaluation, both for Hani personally and for her professional team. Such a prolonged absence can often be career-ending for many entertainers in the fast-paced K-pop and K-drama industries, where new talent constantly emerges. Her successful return, therefore, speaks volumes about her resilience, the loyalty of her fanbase, and the strategic planning involved in her comeback.

The incident also brings into focus the challenges of celebrity relationships, particularly when one partner is a public figure in a non-entertainment field. The actions of Yang Jae Woong, a respected professional, had immediate and devastating consequences for Hani’s career, demonstrating how intertwined the lives of public figures become. It underscores the ethical considerations of reporting on such sensitive cases, balancing the public’s right to information with the potential for collateral damage to individuals not directly implicated in criminal acts.

Hani’s decision to address the scandal, albeit cautiously, during her comeback press conference was a critical step in reclaiming her narrative. By acknowledging the past and expressing regret for the "concern" caused, she demonstrated accountability and a desire to move forward responsibly. Her focus on the drama and her character also served as a professional pivot, signaling her commitment to her craft above personal drama.

As Love On The Menu prepares for its premiere, all eyes will be on Hani. Her performance in the drama will not only be judged on its artistic merit but also as a testament to her strength in overcoming adversity. Her comeback is more than just a new acting role; it is a significant moment in the ongoing narrative of a public figure navigating the complexities of fame, personal crisis, and professional resilience in the unforgiving spotlight of the entertainment world. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between public and private life for celebrities and the enduring human capacity for growth and renewal even after profound challenges.