On April 29, a new episode was uploaded to actress Choi Kang Hee channel “I Am Choi Kang Hee”, documenting her experience working alongside an elderly recycler collecting cardboard and scrap materials at dawn.

In the video, Choi Kang Hee began her day at 3:30 AM, following the daily routine of the elderly worker to avoid heavy traffic.

She actively participated in the labor:

  • Removing tape from cardboard boxes
  • Flattening and stacking materials
  • Pulling a heavy cart filled with recyclables

Despite her enthusiasm, she quickly realized the physical toll. “The repeated bending and straightening really puts strain on your back,” she said, acknowledging the intensity of the work.

After hours of labor, the reality of the job became even more striking.

  • 6 kg of recyclables earned only 2,000 KRW
  • The elderly worker shared earning about 8,000 KRW that morning
  • Average daily income ranges between 3,000–5,000 KRW

The stark gap between effort and compensation left a strong impression on viewers.

Choi Kang Hee also opened up about her personal financial situation, revealing: “I really don’t have money, a house, or savings.” She explained that despite her long career in entertainment, she chose not to accumulate wealth: “I tend to reset everything to zero. I give money to people around me and my family, and since I don’t invest, it just disappears.”

The actress previously took a 3-year hiatus from the entertainment industry, during which she worked various part-time jobs to sustain herself. She shared: “Being a celebrity felt heavy and uncomfortable. I wasn’t happy and often felt lonely.”

During that time, she worked in multiple roles, including restaurant dishwashing, housekeeping services, cleaning homes for acquaintances like Kim Sook and Song Eun Yi.

After completing the day’s work, Choi Kang Hee expressed her gratitude by gifting the elderly couple a dining voucher and additional financial support. Her gesture added a heartfelt conclusion to the experience.

Choi Kang Hee’s story stands out in an industry often associated with wealth and glamour. Her transparency about finances, combined with her willingness to experience physically demanding labor, offers a rare and grounded perspective.

Rather than portraying hardship as spectacle, she highlighted dignity, empathy, and awareness earning praise from viewers for her sincerity.

Sources: Daum | 서울신문