ILLIT's Wonhee: Her Changwon Roots and a Local Jjamppong Restaurant

ILLIT member Wonhee is drawing attention for her upcoming comeback and her personal connection to Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do. Her formative years in the city have become a topic of interest, especially as fans and local bloggers explore places she has visited, highlighting a particular Chinese restaurant.

Born Lee Won-hee in Busan in 2007, she spent her school years in Changwon, attending Yongho Elementary and Bansong Girls' Middle School, before transferring to Hanlim Arts High School for her music career. Wonhee debuted with ILLIT in March 2024 after winning first place in the audition program 'R U Next?' The "백년옛날짬뽕" (Baengnyeon Yetnal Jjamppong) restaurant in Changwon's Seongsan-gu, Yongji-ro 145, is noted for its white jjamppong, stir-fried rice with spicy sauce, and crispy tangsuyuk. The restaurant operates from 11:00 to 20:30, with a weekday break time from 15:00 to 17:00.

Local bloggers who visited Baengnyeon Yetnal Jjamppong, often inspired by Wonhee's visit, shared positive impressions. They praised the white jjamppong for its clear, savory seafood broth, noting it was not spicy and suitable for families. The stir-fried rice was described as spicy, sweet, and savory, while the tangsuyuk was highlighted for its crispy exterior and tender interior. Bloggers appreciated the efficient tablet-based waiting system and the restaurant's cozy, unpretentious atmosphere, recommending it as a local gem.