Despite failing to debut with SNSD, Lee Yeon Hee's friendship with the group remains solid -- and they showcased it ahead of the her baby's birth.
On August 15, former SM Entertainment trainee-turned-actress Yeon Hee showcased her unchanging closeness with the Girls' Generation members by thanking them on her Instagram Story.
In her post, the "Race" actress showed off a bouquet of flowers with the message, "Congratulations," in it, along with various baby clothes. Yeon Hee then tagged members Tiffany, Sooyoung, and Hyoyeon and wrote, "Thank you," revealing that the presents came from the three idols.
Yeon Hee is due to give birth next month, and in the photo, the soon-to-be first-time mom smiled brightly while holding the baby items.
She was also praised for her beauty, even with her baby bump being vaguely visible.
Meanwhile, Yeon Hee's friendship with SNSD began when they were still under SM Entertainment as idol trainees.
In 2001, Yeon Hee won in the "SM Youth Best Selection Contest" for her visuals. She was then scouted by the agency and initially groomed to become a member of Girls' Generation.
The girl group would soon be hailed as the "Nation's Girl Group." Unfortunately, she wouldn't be part of it.
Rather than pursuing her idol path, she chose to become an actress under the same label. She would eventually become notable for her works, such as "Reunited Worlds," "Phantom," "Race," and more.
Despite this, the eight members have maintained a close connection with the actress. They have been spotted hanging out, appearing in programs together, and showing affection to each other in broadcasts.
In a show Yeon Hee did together with Yuri, the latter revealed a popular "myth" about why the actress didn't debut in SNSD, and that was because of her "too pretty" face.
"There is a myth about this within SM. (Yeon Hee) was just too pretty on her own. People there said that she would most likely take all of the attention if she was put in between the other girls, who all have the same level of prettiness."
Meanwhile, in June 2020, Yeon Hee got married to a non-celebrity. Four years later, she announced her pregnancy through a handwritten letter.
Her agency, Saram Entertainment, confirmed the news.
"A precious new life has been added to Lee Yeon Hee's family. We ask for your warm congratulations to both Lee Yeon Hee and the new family member who will be born this September."
In other news, Girls' Generation, which debuted in August, commemorated their 17th debut anniversary by gathering as a complete group during Tiffany's birthday.
Unfortunately, Sunny wasn't able to join them as she was in the U.S., but Seohyun attested SONEs (fandom) that they are eight by photoshopping the member into their group picture.
READ MORE: Girls' Generation Reunites To Celebrate 17th Debut Anniversary — But Where Is Sunny?
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
