Lee Yo-won Uses Informal Speech Toward Senior Kim Young-ran

Actress Lee Yo-won used informal speech toward senior actress Kim Young-ran during a chance encounter at a luxury fashion show and Sky Park, captured in a YouTube video posted by the channel ‘Real Actresses’.

The exchange quickly divided online commentators. Kim Young-ran spotted Lee Yo-won at the event and initiated conversation by asking, “Aren’t you that person?” When Lee Yo-won identified herself, saying, “It’s Lee Yo-won. Lee Yo-won,” Kim Young-ran asked if she remembered acting together in a past drama.

Lee Yo-won initially replied, “I don’t think we did,” prompting Kim Young-ran to remind her of their work in the 2000 drama Tough Guy’s Love. Once reminded, Lee Yo-won shifted to informal speech, responding with repeated affirmations of “Right, right, right, right, right” as Kim Young-ran recalled playing Won Bin’s mother in the series and noted Lee Yo-won’s early marriage.

The same video also featured a connection to the drama Kkokji, during which the conversation turned toward Lee Yo-won’s family and her eldest daughter standing nearby. Lee Yo-won pointed to her daughter and stated, “Oldest daughter,” adding, “It’s a really sad story, teacher.”

The release of the footage triggered sharp disagreement among netizens regarding etiquette. Critics slammed the interaction, with comments stating, “It’s been 20 years since they last met; using informal speech is disrespectful,” and “That reaction toward a senior crosses the line.”

Similar negative reactions included complaints that Lee Yo-won’s speech “seemed somewhat lacking in manners,” with additional comments noting, “Lee Yo-won is certainly not the polite type,” and “Using informal speech to a senior actress.”

At the same time, defenders argued the tone simply reflected a natural and friendly reunion. Viewers said, “It looks friendly,” and “Lee Yo-won is also older now, so her reaction makes sense.”

Others supported the exchange as affectionate small talk between colleagues who had not seen each other in over two decades, questioning what formal etiquette was truly required for a chance meeting, with comments such as She went to greet her first, so what is the problem? It’s comfortable and good, and It seems like she is trying to be affectionate in her own way.

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