On the morning of February 27, a representative from Im Joo Hwan’s agency, Base Camp Company, told OSEN, “It is true that Im Joo Hwan had experience working at a Coupang logistics center in the past.”
The clarification came after eyewitness accounts rapidly spread across online communities and social media. On February 26, a netizen claimed to have seen the actor working at a logistics center operated by Coupang. Given Im Joo Hwan’s established reputation as a leading actor in numerous films and dramas, the sighting surprised many fans.
According to OSEN’s coverage, the reports were accurate. Im Joo Hwan worked at the logistics center several times during a hiatus between projects. He is currently not employed there, as he is preparing for his next acting role.
The revelation highlights the current challenges facing the Korean entertainment industry. In recent years, the frequency of film and drama productions has decreased significantly compared to the past. The downturn in the theatrical market has led to a sharp decline in film productions, while broadcasters have reduced drama output as OTT platforms and YouTube continue to reshape viewing habits.
Im Joo Hwan’s most recent project was the play Pride, which concluded its run in Daehangno in June last year.
Meanwhile, the actor’s modest lifestyle has also resurfaced as a topic of interest. After it was revealed that he had worked at a logistics center last year, past comments about his daily routine gained renewed attention.
On the afternoon February 27, Base Camp Company confirmed once again, “It is true that Im Joo Hwan worked at a logistics center last year.” Online posts had recently re-highlighted claims that he was spotted in August 2025 at a Coupang logistics facility in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province.
At the time, Im Joo Hwan had signed with a new agency founded by actors Cha Tae Hyun and Jo In Sung and appeared on the tvN variety show Handsome Guys. During the program’s opening, when a rule about paying for meals with personal credit cards was mentioned, Im jokingly pointed to Cha Tae Hyun and said he had come without worry because “the company’s CEO is here.” When another cast member questioned the logic, he humorously replied that he could charge expenses to the company since he was technically working.
He also shared how he joined the agency. Im revealed that he had known Cha Tae Hyun and Jo In Sung for a long time and agreed to sign over the phone. “The day after news broke that they were starting a company, I got a call while practicing for a play. They said, ‘You saw the article, right? You’re with us too.’ I asked, ‘Doesn’t my opinion matter?’ and they replied, ‘Do you have somewhere else to go? Just do it.’ Then they hung up,” he recalled with laughter.
Cha Tae Hyun added that at the time, Im was focusing solely on theater. “We told him we wouldn’t take a share of his theater profits, but we also wouldn’t provide support,” he said. Im responded humorously that he commuted to rehearsals by subway and bus, drawing laughter from viewers.
Im Joo Hwan ended his contract with Blossom Entertainment in 2024 and signed an exclusive contract with Cha Tae Hyun last August. With Pride as his most recent project, he is now preparing to return with a new production.
Im Joo Hwan, born in 1982, officially entered the entertainment industry right after graduating from high school as a model under The Men, a management company for models and actors. He began transitioning into acting in 2004 through the drama Magic.
In 2009, the actor rose to widespread fame thanks to the iconic series Boys Over Flowers. Following the drama’s massive success, Im Joo Hwan was promoted to leading roles, most notably in the once buzzworthy drama Tamra, the Island.
At the height of his popularity, Im Joo Hwan was suddenly embroiled in rumors claiming he had been arrested and investigated by police on allegations of drug use. However, amid the controversy, his agency firmly clarified that the actor was completely innocent. The incident turned out to be a case of mistaken identity, as the individual arrested for drug-related charges had the same name as Im Joo Hwan.
Sources: Nate, K14
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