She quit TV at her peak to marry into Hyundai family — fans say she looks the same

Noh Hyun-jung / Captured from Daily Fashion News

Noh Hyun-jung, once one of South Korea’s most recognizable TV presenters, is trending again after a rare public appearance at a charity event—prompting a wave of nostalgia from fans who say she looks "just the same as before."

A video released April 30 by Daily Fashion News shows Noh attending a fundraising bazaar hosted by Areumjigi, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving traditional Korean culture. The clip quickly spread online, drawing attention not only for her appearance but also for how little she seems to have changed since her broadcasting years.

In the video, Noh explains the purpose of the event, saying, "Areumjigi holds a bazaar once a year to raise donations that support the preservation of Korean cultural traditions." She adds, "It’s nice to gather with friends, strengthen friendships, introduce good products and contribute together to a meaningful cause."

The brief appearance was enough to ignite social media buzz, particularly among viewers who remember her as a household name in Korean entertainment during the 2000s. Comments ranged from admiration to disbelief at her unchanged image. "She’s still so beautiful," one user said, while others focused on her voice and demeanor. "Her voice hasn’t changed," another said. One widely echoed comment read, "She’s exactly the same as during ‘Sang Sang Plus,’”

Noh was a major figure in Korean broadcasting before stepping away at the height of her career. She joined the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) in 2003 and rose to fame through the popular variety show “Sang Sang Plus,” where her polished delivery and on-screen charm made her a standout.

Her sudden exit from the spotlight in 2006 drew widespread attention. Noh left KBS after marrying Chung Dae-sun, a member of the prominent Hyundai family and an executive at HN Inc.. Since then, she has largely stayed out of the public eye, focusing on family life and raising her two children.

That long absence has made even brief appearances like this one highly newsworthy — especially in South Korea, where former celebrities who marry into powerful business families often retreat from public life. Her latest outing, combining philanthropy with a rare interview, has reignited public curiosity and affection in equal measure.

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.