ILLIT member Wonhee made a buzz-worthy splash on her first-ever terrestrial talk variety, winning viewers with her fresh charm and unfiltered honesty.
The January 14 episode of MBC's Radio Star, themed around "Nation's OOO," featured actors Park Geun-hyung and Song Ok-sook, magician Choi Hyun-woo, and Wonhee as guests. It marked Wonhee's first network talk show appearance since debut, and her nerves and excitement were palpable from the start. "It's my first time here, I even dreamed about it. My heart won't stop racing," she confessed, adding, "I still can't believe I'm sitting on such a prestigious program."
Born in 2007, Wonhee joked, "I heard Radio Star also started in 2007. We're the same age," drawing laughs with the surprising connection. She added, "I used to imagine the MCs ganging up on me," before admitting, "Now that I'm here, it's a little scary," showing the endearing nerves of a rookie.
Addressing the "Nation's Little Sister" label around her, Wonhee set the record straight. "Honestly, I don't think of myself as the Nation's Little Sister at all," she said. "I'm part of the nation too, and I still feel like a trainee at heart." She continued, "Nation's ant, Nation's weed, Nation's sprout — I'm fine with any of those," adding, "Since this nickname was given on a prestigious show like Radio Star, I have no objections," sending the studio into laughter.
The talk naturally turned to singing. Looking back on her viral cover of IU's 'Good Day' at the '2025 MBC Gayo Daejejeon: The Talent', she confessed, "I barely nailed the three high notes during the final rehearsal the day before. I even cried while practicing." She added, "IU sunbae-nim personally gave me a shout-out, saying, 'I saw your stage. You did so well,' and I was so touched," unable to hide her excitement.
Now officially 20, Wonhee also shared life updates after becoming an adult. "I had my first drink with my parents," she said, carefully savoring the milestone. From catching a late-night horror movie to lifting her online payment limit and buying alcohol at a convenience store with her ID in hand, every moment felt new and thrilling. When asked about being carded at the counter, she quipped, "I tried to act nonchalant like a grown-up, but inside I was over the moon," making the MCs burst into laughter.
She also showed off her variety chops with a 'Crayon Shin-chan' voice impression and a whole-lemon eating gag, then fired up the set with an ILLIT medley dance. "Honestly, I want to become the Nation's tough girl," she confessed, revealing ambitions that go beyond her cute image and raising anticipation for what's next.
Despite it being her first talk variety, Wonhee's natural reactions and frank delivery made a strong impression. All eyes are on how she'll grow beyond the "Nation's Little Sister" tag and carve out a color of her own.