Uee revealed on the tvN STORY variety program What Do You Plan To Do? that her father, a baseball coach, reacted strongly against her dating players in the sport. During the broadcast on May 20, Uee shared that her father effectively “blacklisted” her after she attempted to date a baseball player, reflecting a strict boundary between her family’s professional ties to the game and her personal life.
Family Ties to Professional Baseball
The conversation began when host Lee Young-ja questioned Uee about her family background, noting that because her father is a baseball coach, she might have had natural connections to athletes. Uee confirmed the professional link but clarified that this connection did not translate into romantic success or parental approval.
According to Uee, her father’s position within the baseball community created a dynamic where dating within the industry was discouraged. She described a specific instance where her father reacted to her interest in a baseball player by blocking her communication, a move she characterized as being “blacklisted” by her own parent.
Dating History and ‘Zero Confessions’
Uee used the appearance on What Do You Plan To Do? to candidly discuss her romantic track record, specifically regarding the athletes she encountered. She noted a stark contrast between her public image and her private experiences, stating that she had experienced “zero confessions” and “one rejection” in certain contexts of her dating life.
This admission serves as a departure from the typical celebrity narrative, as Uee highlighted the difficulty of navigating relationships when professional expectations and family pressures intersect. The “zero confessions” remark refers to her experience in specific romantic pursuits where she did not receive the reciprocal interest she expected.
The Intersection of Sports and Celebrity in Korea
The dynamic described by Uee is not uncommon in the South Korean sports and entertainment landscape, where “cross-industry” couples often face intense public and familial scrutiny. In Korea, the KBO (Korea Baseball Organization) maintains a massive cultural footprint, and the professional circles of coaches and players are tightly knit.
For a coach, having a daughter date within the league can create perceived conflicts of interest or social complications within the clubhouse and coaching staff. Uee’s experience underscores the rigid social hierarchies and professional boundaries often maintained by veteran sports figures in the region.
Uee’s Transition from K-Pop to Acting
While the discussion focused on her personal life, the appearance also highlighted Uee’s current standing as a versatile entertainer. Having risen to fame as a member of the girl group After School, she has since transitioned into a successful acting career, appearing in numerous K-dramas and films.
Her willingness to share these personal anecdotes on a variety show reflects a broader trend of celebrities engaging in more transparent, “human-centric” storytelling to connect with audiences beyond their polished stage personas.
Uee continues to balance her acting projects with variety show appearances, maintaining her visibility in the Korean media landscape while openly discussing the complexities of her family’s relationship with the sporting world.
Worth a look
