Broadcaster Lee Young Ja has finally found love after 35 years in the industry. Her partner is actor Hwang Dong Joo, and their romance is capturing public attention as they became the final couple on the KBS dating reality show 'Old Encounter Pursuit'.
On the February 23rd broadcast of KBS Joy and KBS2’s Old Encounter Pursuit (hereafter Omanchu), Lee Young Ja (real name Lee Yu Mi) and Hwang Dong Joo confirmed their feelings for each other after a date on Namiseom Island. During the final selection, Hwang Dong Joo expressed, "Thanks to her, I felt, 'I'm so happy that I became an actor.' This is the strongest emotion I’ve had since my debut," and chose Lee Young Ja. She also chose him in return, making them the final couple.
Omanchu is a dating reality show where middle-aged celebrities, who once thought they would be fine even if stranded on a deserted island, reflect on their past relationships. Through this process, they rediscover fate they may have overlooked. The show stars Lee Young Ja, Jang Seo Hee, Kim Sook, Woo Hee Jin, Ji Sang Ryeol, Koo Bon Seung, Hwang Dong Joo, and Lee Jae Hwang, each experiencing their own romantic journey.
Hwang Dong Joo gained attention by revealing that Lee Young Ja had been his "ideal type for 30 years." His bold expressions of affection and Lee Young Ja’s quiet consideration for him moved viewers, who passionately supported their romance.
Lee Young Ja, who had never been involved in dating rumors throughout her 35-year career, created a buzz just by appearing on a dating show. Although Omanchu recorded single-digit ratings—peaking at 0.3% on KBS Joy and 2.8% on KBS2—its popularity online has been explosive.
Discussions about their relationship have spread across online communities and social media, with many celebrating Lee Young Ja’s newfound happiness. Fans especially appreciated seeing a different side of her compared to her previous appearances on MBC’s Point of Omniscient Interfere, where she was mostly known for her love of food.
Unlike her past comedic image, Lee Young Ja displayed a more vulnerable and sincere side on the dating show. Her shy moments and heartfelt confessions revealed a new charm, allowing her to reconnect with audiences in a fresh way—marking what many are calling a "return to her prime."
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