In a heartfelt episode titled “Younger Actor Kim Ji-hoon Visits Kim Jung-nan’s House”, uploaded on August 6 to Kim Jung-nan’s YouTube channel, actor Kim Ji-hoon shared a candid conversation about life, career, and overcoming adversity.
Kim recalled being typecast due to his frequent appearances in weekend dramas, which made it hard for him to branch out into film or other genres. “I believed I could do well, but no one else seemed to think so. Because of that, I ended up not working for almost three years,” he said.
He also expressed his frustration with his former agency, sharing a painful moment when he was blindsided by casting news: “I was holding out hope for a particular drama. One day I woke up and saw a news article saying someone else had been cast. That’s when I completely lost it.”
Kim’s hiatus spiraled into a deeper struggle. “I ran out of all my savings, but the worst part was the hopelessness. My health took a toll — I had severe headaches that made me fear I had a brain tumor. That’s when I truly realized the deadly impact of stress.”
Despite initial efforts to use his time productively — through travel, reading, and exercise — Kim admitted the weight of rejection made it hard to stay focused. Eventually, he found unexpected relief in gaming, which became his “antidepressant.” “I didn’t plan it, but games didn’t require effort — just immersion. I played one game for a year straight. It helped me survive.”
When asked if this challenging period impacted his dating life, Kim laughed, admitting, “I still dated,” to which Kim Jung-nan jokingly replied, “So you still did everything,” adding warmly, “In hindsight, you went through a very normal journey.”
Looking back, Kim now views the experience as a painful but necessary chapter in his growth. “At the time, it was unbearable. But now, I realize it helped shape who I am — both as a person and as an actor.” Kim Jung-nan summed it up best: “Every actor needs a period like that. It’s what helps your acting evolve.”
Kim Ji-hoon’s honest reflection has resonated with fans, offering a rare glimpse into the vulnerable moments behind the scenes — and reminding aspiring actors that even in silence, growth is happening.
Sources: daum