On February 21, a new video titled “Legendary Tension Story Lee Hyori vs. Baek Ji-young – The Truth (Live Q&A)” was uploaded to Baek Ji-young’s YouTube channel. During the live broadcast, Baek Ji-young and her husband, actor Jung Suk-won, communicated with fans in real time.
One fan asked, “Do you keep in touch with Lee Hyori?” To this, Baek Ji-young responded, “Why are you so curious about that?”
The production team then explained that short clips of what appeared to be a “tension-filled moment” between the two singers have been circulating online. The clip in question dates back to 2012, when Baek Ji-young appeared as a guest on SBS’s Jung Jae-hyung & Lee Hyori’s You and I.
At the time, Lee Hyori who debuted in 1998 as a member of Fin.K.L jokingly said, “I’m the senior.” Baek Ji-young responded with a laugh, “Oh my, senior. I forgot you’re my senior.” The playful exchange was later interpreted by some netizens as a subtle “power struggle,” turning into a viral meme.
Upon hearing that the clip was still circulating, Baek Ji-young said, “That’s going around? That’s so funny. Fin.K.L is my senior.” However, Jung Suk-won chimed in, pointing out that Baek Ji-young had actually debuted earlier in 1997 as part of a trot duo called “Trot Voice.”
Caught off guard, Baek Ji-young quickly interrupted him, joking, “That doesn’t count! It has to be as Baek Ji-young to count. I’m the junior,” drawing laughter from viewers.
As for her current relationship with Lee Hyori, Baek Ji-young clarified, “We never really had the chance to become close. We’re the kind of people who might occasionally ask how the other is doing that’s about it.”
Sources: Nate