Due to injuries and other reasons, several male celebrities had to quit their athletic dream and pursue stardom
In the recent entertainment scene, it’s common to find celebrities with athletic backgrounds. However, some celebrities with athletic backgrounds had to reluctantly abandon their dreams due to injuries.
Let’s take a look at some of these athletes-turned-entertainers who, despite changing career paths, managed to find success in the entertainment industry. Some also turned to the entertainment industry due to challenging family circumstances, uncertainties in less popular sports, or a desire to explore new paths.
1. Choi Hyun-wook (Baseball Player)
Choi Hyun-wook, who is recently seen in the tvN drama “Twinkling Watermelon”, was a former baseball player. Known for his outstanding skills and looks since high school, he played as a catcher for his high school’s baseball team.
The actor played baseball for ten years, winning the championship and stealing bases at the 47th Presidential Junior High School Baseball Tournament during his junior high school years.
Unfortunately, he experienced a right elbow injury in the third year of middle school, underwent surgery during his first year of high school, but eventually had to give up his baseball career due to lingering physical limitations.
In the end, after developing an interest in movies, he debuted as an actor in the 2019 web drama “Real:Time:Love Part 1”.
2. Nam Joo-hyuk (Basketball Player)
Nam Joo-hyuk, who is currently serving in the military, was a basketball player during his middle school years. Standing at 184 cm in his third year of middle school, he joined the basketball team, leveraging his height advantage.
However, he had to get two major surgeries due to injuries, which led to a slump in his basketball career.
Despite giving up his childhood dream of becoming a basketball player, Nam Joo-hyuk worked as a part-time basketball coach, utilizing his experience from his basketball team days. He later entered the modeling industry, gaining recognition for his tall stature, and eventually pursued a career in acting.
3. RIIZE’s Anton (Swimmer)
RIIZE’s Anton, well-known as the son of famous singer Yoon Sang, began swimming at the age of five. With wide shoulders and a robust physique, he achieved excellent results, winning first place in a New Jersey junior championship at the age of 11–12.
Due to the prolonged closure of swimming pools during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anton shifted his focus to music, expressing a desire to return to Korea and pursue a career in music.
After his proposal was accepted by his parents (after an initial opposition), he joined SM Entertainment and successfully debuted as part of the group RIIZE .
4. Ahn Bo-hyun (Boxer)
Ahn Bo-hyun, with a physique that could rival an active athlete, was an accomplished boxer during his school years. Starting boxing at middle school after receiving an offer from the boxing team, he continued his career until his third year of high school.
With impressive achievements, including winning a gold medal at the nationwide competition, Ahn Bo-hyun was recognized as a talented boxer.
Despite his success, he had to abandon boxing due to the sport’s lack of popularity in Korea and his parents’ opposition due to frequent injuries. Subsequently, he pursued modeling and acting, becoming a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
5. WEi’s Yohan (Taekwondo Athlete)
Kim Yo-han (also known by his stage name, Yohan), was born into a family with a strong connection to taekwondo and started practicing the martial art at the age of three. Active as a taekwondo athlete from the first year of middle school, he spent 20 years of his life solely focused on taekwondo.
His notable achievements include winning the national youth championship twice and earning a sports scholarship to study physical education at Sangmyung University as a 4-year student.
Recognized as an elite athlete, Kim Yo-han also served as a candidate for the national taekwondo team.
Despite his passion for taekwondo, he began contemplating a career change due to his outstanding appearance from an early age and expressed interest in the entertainment industry. In the end, after persuasion from his agency, Kim Yo-han made his debut as a celebrity and sometimes showcased his impeccable taekwondo skills in various entertainment programs.
Source: Insight
