Lee Young-ae Reflects on 'CF Queen' Era and Credit Card Crisis Responsibility

Actress Lee Young-ae has opened up about the weight of responsibility she felt as an advertising model during the credit card crisis, a period that shook South Korea in the early 2000s.

Appearing on MBC's 'Questions with Sohn Suk-hee' on the 17th, Lee, who debuted as an advertising model and became known as the 'Queen of CFs' after appearing in approximately 240 commercials over 17 years, discussed her experiences.

When host Sohn Suk-hee brought up theater director Kim Sang-soo's past remark that "Lee Young-ae must well know that the image advertised and promised is not the truth," and asked if that would be hurtful to advertisers, Lee calmly agreed. She elaborated, "I believe advertising models are also actors, performing according to the concept and content of each advertisement."

She further stated her belief that while the world shown in advertisements cannot be 100% believed, the exaggeration should not go too far, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a certain boundary. This candid response highlighted her thoughtful approach to her profession.

Lee confessed that her advertising work sometimes became a burden. "There were times I didn't want to see my face on TV, so I reduced my advertisements," she shared, mentioning that there were side effects from her advertising career. She then drew attention by referencing the credit card crisis that swept through the early 2000s.

During that time, indiscriminate card issuance led to millions becoming credit defaulters, with some facing dire consequences. As a model for a credit card company back then, Lee expressed, "The credit defaulter issue was a very serious social problem. Many people committed suicide, and as a model, I also felt a sense of responsibility." She recalled the experience as "incredibly shocking and heartbreaking," admitting that she subsequently stopped appearing in some advertisements, stating, "I'll quit."

Previously, she had also stressed, "Seeing so many people suffer made me contemplate the social role of a model. Afterward, during commercial shoots, I actively convey my opinions to the advertisers." In fact, Lee passed on her credit card model position to Jun Ji-hyun in 2003.

Lee Young-ae made her debut as an advertising model in 1990 and has since actively pursued acting in both dramas and films. Her elegant and intelligent image has endeared her to the public, leading her to endorse numerous commercials. Recently, she showcased her versatile acting range once again in the drama 'Inspector Koo,' earning acclaim for her performance.