Star-Studded 1st Birthday: How Lee Ji-hoon and Ayane’s Daughter Ruhee Stole the Show

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Musical actor Lee Ji-hoon and his Japanese wife, Ayane, drew attention last year when they hosted an extravagant first birthday celebration for their daughter, Ruhee.

Footage from the event showed heavy-hitters such as Lim Chang-jung, Kim Tae-woo and Yoon Min-soo in attendance, turning the celebration into an awards-show–level spectacle. Stylist Kim Woo-ri wrote on her social media that “the doljanchi (a traditional Korean first-birthday celebration) lasted two hours,” calling it “a wedding-like first birthday.”

The family held the party at a five-star hotel, with Lee in a tuxedo and Ayane in a black dress. The affair had a more formal, refined tone than a typical doljanchi.

Particularly notable was the choice of celebratory song: a performance of the drinking tune “Soju Hanjan,” an unusual pick for a child’s milestone. While some criticized it as inappropriate for a child’s celebration, most defended the family, saying, “If they like it, that’s fine.”

Lee and Ayane conceived via in vitro fertilization and welcomed daughter Ruhee in July of last year. The couple has drawn attention since their wedding—reports noted that 19 extended family members attended, among other talking points.

Ahead of the celebration, Ayane faced criticism online over plans to wear an elaborate gown; after the backlash, she reportedly abandoned the look.

The party concluded on a high note. Ruhee impressed guests with rapid walking—some joked she “seemed like she was circling 100 times”—leading many to quip that she may already have inherited her parents’ star quality.

Lee has maintained an active career in both Korea and Japan but has recently shifted focus toward family life. His international marriage to Ayane remains stable and continues to attract public interest.