Lee Da Hae has finally spoke up about leaving East of Eden suddenly in the midst of the project. "I watched the MBC Drama Awards on tv last year by myself. Seeing my colleagues pick up award after award, I cried." Lee Da Hae had announced her shocking decision to leave East of Eden, days before the 2008 MBC Drama Awards and did not attend the ceremony. She finally left the production in January 2009. "I felt really miserable at that time but I am feeling better now. I don't regret my decision but I have thought it over many times. I hope to show everyone in future that Lee Da Hae is not an actress who makes hasty decisions." There were lots of speculation about Lee Da Hae's sudden departure with many pinpointing it to a clash between her and other cast members or production staff. But ultimately, most of the viewers felt that Lee Da Hae was an actress who didn't keep to the promise of remaining with the production from start till end. She has thus receive lots of criticism over her decision. Lee Da Hae expressed, "I was very upset with myself because I didn't keep to the agreement, that's a fact. One day, I just felt really guilty about my acting all of a sudden in front of the camera. Compared to my usual weight, I had lost about 3 - 4 kg and didn't really have any appetite during meals. I felt really uncomfortable during that period and was on medication daily. Park Geun Hyung, Yoo Dong Geun and other sunbaenims were really worried and understood my situation. Han Ji Hye also helped me a lot and I am very thankful to have her as a friend." She ended with a smile by saying, "I have already walked away from the lowest point of my life and I feel apologetic to all the viewers and fans who have expected much more from me. As an actress, this has been a good lesson for me."