Idol-Turned-Actress Contemplates K-Drama Return Amid Controversial Fiancé, Sparking Mixed Reactions
EXID’s Hani is facing controversy over her potential K-Drama comeback after a three-year hiatus.
On January 8, 2026 (KST), Hani’s agency SUBLIME told OSEN she’s reviewing an offer for the female lead role, Han Gyu Rim, in KBS’s new weekend drama Love Is Coming. This would be her first drama role since Call It Love on Disney+.
The announcement sparked mixed reactions online. Fans are divided because of Hani’s fiancé, psychiatrist Yang Jae Woong, who has been tied to a medical malpractice controversy since 2024. His hospital faced criminal charges after a patient died, leading Hani to postpone their wedding originally set for September 2024.
Hani stayed low-key since, focusing on EXID group activities and working as a yoga instructor.
“She didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t know if she broke up with him or not, but she did call off the wedding after the controversy.”
“Leave her alone. What did she do wrong?”
“She was building up her acting career until the scandal. It sounds like she’s looking at a role for a weekend K-Drama, which I think she definitely can pull off.”
“I don’t get why Hani’s getting heat for this. It wasn’t her controversy. She’s fine to resume activities.”
“She didn’t do anything wrong, so why are we associating the controversy with her?”
Online debates continue: some say she should cut ties with Yang Jae Woong; others argue she’s unfairly dragged into his scandal.
“But if she hasn’t dumped him yet, it cannot be helped that she keeps getting associated with his scandal.”
“Hani didn’t do anything wrong… but I do think she should break up with the guy.”
“Yeah, I don’t think people are telling her to never return. I think people are simply saying she needs to deal with the gossip if she’s going to keep dating him.”
“Oh, it’s scriptwriter Lee Kyung Hee‘s new work?!”
“This just isn’t fair to Hani, though. She had to stay low-key for three years when other problematic male stars stayed active just fine.”
Hani’s potential drama, Love Is Coming, is set to air in August.
“Oh… So she is still dating the guy?”
“I mean, Lee Seung Gi didn’t do anything wrong either, if we’re being technical.”
“Whoa, scriptwriter Lee Kyung Hee is coming back?”
“If something like that happened and she still didn’t break up with him… I end up thinking birds of a feather flock together, so I don’t see Hani in a good light either. I’m also not fond of women who ruin their own lives by being with the wrong man and not being able to leave… Not cases where they were deceived, but when they know the man is at fault and still stay? In the end, I think she’s probably on a similar moral level as him.
I’d say the same if the genders were reversed. Like, this applies to [Lee Seung Gi] who keeps getting mentioned in the comments above too.”
Yang Jae Woong and 12 medical staff were referred to prosecutors over suspected violations of the Medical Service Act. Five staff members have been indicted. The hospital was ordered to close for three months and is now shutting down.
Hani’s comeback plan faces strong public debate. Will she return to acting fully or still stay silent?
Stay tuned.
