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"I think I had a good career as a player."

'Smile Candy' Lee Bo-mi has bid farewell to the Japanese stage. She played her retirement match at the Nobuta Group Masters GC Ladies of the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association (JLPGA) Tour held in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, on the 19th of last month. She received a surprising amount of warm welcome at that time. In an interview with Asia Economy on the 3rd, she recalled, "I was surprised that so many people came to my retirement match," and added, "I felt that I had done well in my career. Still, I think I am leaving on a good note, so my heart feels light."

Bo-mi Lee, who married actor Lee Wan in 2019, had her retirement match in Japan last month. She said, "I plan to rest and exercise while preparing to have a child."
[Photo by Bo-mi Lee]

Lee Bo-mi is a star who fully demonstrated the skills of Korean women's golf both domestically and in Japan. With her bright smile and outstanding skills, she gained great popularity in Japan. After becoming the leading money winner on the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour in 2010, she entered the JLPGA Tour in 2011 and accumulated a total of 21 wins. In 2015 and 2016, she won the money title and the Player of the Year award for two consecutive years. Lee Bo-mi continued her life in Japan as a recommended player for the past two years. She explained, "I felt like I was causing inconvenience to other players. I couldn't show my best to the fans," and added, "I decided that it was right to wrap things up here and retire from the JLPGA Tour."

Lee Bo-mi shed tears of emotion at the surprise retirement ceremony in Japan. Japanese media focused extensively on her retirement. Praises such as "a player with skills," "a player who cherishes fans," and "a player who helped grow the JLPGA Tour" were abundant. The Nobuta Group, which hosts the tournament, set up a 'Lee Bo-mi Special Pavilion' in front of the clubhouse during the tournament period to commemorate her retirement and new beginning. As it became impossible to see Lee Bo-mi competing in Japan, fans who had been scattered came together again. Her close friend Kim Ha-neul also made a surprise visit. Lee Bo-mi recalled, "I was so surprised because Ha-neul came without saying a word," and said, "The retirement match was an unforgettable moment."

Lee Bo-mi made headlines when she married actor Kim Tae-hee's younger brother, actor Lee Wan, in December 2019. She was moved to tears by her husband's consideration even at the retirement ceremony. Having run tirelessly for 13 years, Lee Bo-mi is planning to have children in the future. She revealed, "I used to travel by plane frequently, and golf was always on my mind, so it was not easy to plan for children," and added, "I plan to enjoy my free time and have children naturally." She smiled and said, "My husband has three siblings, and I have four sisters. I envied families with many members since I was young," and added, "I think having two children would be better than one."

Lee Bo-mi is smiling brightly during her retirement ceremony held immediately after the second round of the Nobuta Group Masters GC Ladies.
[Photo by Lee Bo-mi]

Lee Bo-mi intends to actively support her children if they are born as golfers. She said, "At first, I thought I would never let my child play golf. Now, my mind has changed," and explained, "It seems to be a good profession. There are many ways to take different paths after playing golf." Lee Bo-mi laughed and said, "There are many aunts around me who play golf well," and added, "Since my husband likes soccer, he might also raise them as athletes."

Lee Bo-mi has had a long career, thanks to thorough self-management. She did not forget to give advice to juniors who want to have a long career. "I think I only focused on physical care. I regret that I should have also taken care of my mental health," she said, adding, "I hope juniors develop the ability to control both their body and mind well. I hope they emulate (Shin) Ji-ae, who is still active and thriving."

Lee Bo-mi is spending busy days. She is visiting those who have supported her so far to express her gratitude. She is also preparing for the KLPGA Tour SK Shieldus·SK Telecom Championship, which will open on the 10th at the Old Course of La Vie Belle Country Club in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. It will be her first domestic tournament appearance in six months since the NH Investment & Securities Ladies Championship in May. Her husband Lee Wan will serve as her caddie. Lee Bo-mi earned a permanent KLPGA Tour card by achieving her 20th JLPGA Tour win at the 2017 Ito En Ladies. She expressed her expectations, saying, "Since it is an opportunity to meet fans after a long time, I always feel happy and excited." Lee Bo-mi plans to continue participating in the KLPGA Tour. She emphasized, "The KLPGA Tour is not the end. There is no need to feel regret."

Lee Bo-mi plans to engage in various activities in Korea. Since she has just wrapped up her life in Japan, she has not decided on specific activities yet. For the time being, she will appear on broadcasts with Choi Na-yeon, Kim Ha-neul, Yoon Chae-young, and others. Lee Bo-mi said, "I want to be remembered by fans as a friend-like presence. I hope we become people who care for each other." She added, "Since I was only a player on the tour, I am thinking about what kind of work I should do," and promised, "I do not want to limit myself to specific activities. I will do work that can give back the love I received from fans."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.