Kuala Lumpur: Former World No. 1 men’s doubles player Lee Yong Dae will tie the knot with his longtime girlfriend – actress Byun Soo-mi, whose stage name is Han Soo-hyun.
Lee’s father confirmed the news in a phone interview with the Korean media last Friday.
“Yes, they are expecting a baby in spring. They are going to get married after the baby is born, but has not set up the exact date yet,” said Lee’s father.
Lee’s mother, Lee Ae-ja, also revealed that they are going to have a baby girl.
Lee won the mixed doubles gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and men’s doubles bronze in the London Olympics, has been dating his girlfriend since 2012.
Lee Yong Dae announced his retirement from the Korean national team after he and his partner Yoo Yeon-Seong were defeated by Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong of Malaysia in the men’s doubles quarterfinals at Rio Olympics. Nevertheless, he ended his international career on a high note by clinching the 2016 Korea Open title.
Lee is currently playing in professional badminton leagues in India, China, with the latest for Muar BC team in Malaysia’s Purple League. He told Malaysian media that he is current taking a year off from the international competition. After that, he would continue playing competitive badminton again for another three years. He also hinted that he may continue playing until the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“I love the sport so much and I can’t go a day without playing badminton. That’s why I am playing in the badminton leagues in several different countries,” said Lee.
“I will play for the Yonex Badminton Team in the Korean League in March,” added Lee.
“I am not sure for my future plan as of right now. But if everything goes well, I will rejoin the national team and play for another three years or until the Tokyo Olympics.”
