发布时间: 1/8/2026
[Seoul = Newsis] Late Han Hye-kyung, known as the 'Fan Lady' (Photo = Provided by SBS 'Kkokkomu') 2026.01.08. photo@newsis.com *Reproduction and DB prohibited
Hearing the Heartbreaking Untold Story of Late 'Fan Lady' Han Hye-kyung on SBS
SBS's beloved documentary series *Kkokkomu* (officially *The Story of That Day That Chains to the Tail*) is set to shine a light on the tragic, unrecognized life of Han Hye-kyung, widely remembered by the Korean public as the "Fan Lady". Airing at 10:20 PM KST on January 8, the episode titled "The Lost Name, Han Hye-kyung" will dive deep into her journey that captured the nation's attention two decades ago. This special installment aims to give back her individual identity, beyond the catchy nickname that defined her in the public eye, and explore the struggles she faced that were never fully shared with viewers.
How the 'Fan Lady' First Captured Korea's Attention
Han Hye-kyung's story first made headlines in 2004, when it was featured on SBS's *Instant Capture: Such Things Exist in the World*. That particular episode was a massive hit, raking in an impressive 31% viewership rate — a number that speaks to how deeply her story resonated with viewers across the country. For many, she became a symbol of unfulfilled dreams and the harsh realities that can follow when ambition takes a dark turn. People were drawn to her raw, unfiltered desperation to reinvent herself, and her story sparked conversations about societal pressures on beauty and success in South Korea.
The Tragic Turn in Han Hye-kyung's Life
Sadly, Han Hye-kyung's story didn't have a happy ending; she passed away in December 2018 at the age of 57, with the cause of her death never made public. Now, nearly eight years later, *Kkokkomu* is revisiting her tale to give her back the name and identity that was often overshadowed by her "Fan Lady" nickname. Viewers will get to hear intimate, never-before-shared details about her struggles, including her repeated illegal plastic surgeries driven by her burning desire to become a charismatic singer. As her mental health declined, she began experiencing hallucinations and even resorted to injecting industrial silicone, paraffin oil, and soybean oil directly into her face — a desperate act that highlighted the depths of her desperation and the toll her unmet dreams took on her well-being.
Insights from Loved Ones and Former Host Park So-hyun
Adding a deeply personal touch to the episode, Park So-hyun, the original host of *Instant Capture: Such Things Exist in the World*, will appear to share tearful behind-the-scenes memories of Han Hye-kyung. She’ll open up about how she felt like cheering Han on as if she were her own family, watching the woman chase her lost dream and try to start over after her initial viral moment. To further humanize Han and give a more complete picture of her life, her older sister and brother-in-law will also make an appearance, sharing firsthand accounts of her relentless efforts to become a singer, the sacrifices she made along the way, and the quiet pain her family felt as they watched her struggle with her mental health and identity.