From the Classroom to the Stage: Lee Ellyia Reveals Her Whirlwind ‘Triple Life’ and Surprising Past
From the lecture hall to the recording studio and the film set, actress Lee Ellyia is proving that she can handle it all. In a recent appearance on the April 4, 2026, episode of MBC’s Omniscient Interfering View, the multifaceted star gave fans a glimpse into her chaotic yet rewarding daily routine, revealing the sheer determination behind her diverse career paths.
Currently operating as a “one-woman agency,” Lee has taken full control of her professional life. Without a management company, she handles everything from scheduling to casting calls—often receiving offers via SNS messages. The actress revealed that she even personally negotiated her appearance fee for Omniscient Interfering View, noting that she was “satisfied” with the outcome.
But her professional hustle doesn’t stop at acting. Lee is currently balancing three distinct roles: actor, singer, and graduate student. A dedicated academic, she is in her second year at Korea University’s Graduate School of Psychological Convergence Science. Her commitment to the field is evident; she reportedly passed her Level 1 Psychological Counselor certification exam with a perfect score. To pave her way into the psychology program, Lee even utilized an academic credit bank system to secure the necessary credits, following her time as the top entering student in the acting department at the Seoul Institute of the Arts.
Her musical ambitions have recently taken center stage with a challenge on Miss Trot 4. The journey hasn’t been without its hurdles; Lee shared her struggles with pharyngonasal inflammation during the competition, admitting she lived in fear of developing vocal nodules. Despite the anxiety, she pushed through, treating every practice session with the intensity of a live performance. Her journey was supported by her vocal coach, Young-ji, who appeared on the show as her temporary manager.
Lee also dropped a bombshell about her early years, revealing that she was scouted by both SM and Massive Hit during high school. This early interest in her talent even led to a direct meeting with Big Hit founder Bang Si-hyuk.
Much of this musical pivot was encouraged by her close friend, actor Jang Keun-suk. Jang, who has been a vocal supporter of her Miss Trot 4 run, joked that he recommended her for the show because of her immense energy and “talent,” recalling instances where she would dance on tables during company dinners. The two shared a playful chemistry throughout the episode, with Jang even teasing Lee about her dating life and jokingly suggesting she consider a marriage information agency to solve her romantic woes.
In a more personal turn, the 39-year-aged Jang Keun-suk opened up about his own aspirations for the future. He expressed a sincere desire for marriage and children, stating that he hopes to become a father who can actively play and run with his children.
The episode highlights a refreshing side of Hallyu stars—balancing the high-pressure demands of the entertainment industry with a genuine pursuit of education and personal growth. For Lee Ellyia, the grind of 3 a.m. Salon visits and late-night study sessions is simply part of the journey toward a multifaceted life.
