While actors often appear to lead glamorous lives, many say the reality behind the spotlight is far less stable. Several well-known Korean stars have recently spoken candidly about the financial uncertainty that comes with long gaps between projects, revealing that they have taken part-time jobs or relied on their savings simply to get by. Their stories have resonated with fans, offering a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of life in the entertainment industry.
Min Do Hee Searches for a Part-Time Job
On the July 26 episode of SBS’s My Little Old Boy, actress Min Do Hee shared that she is currently looking for part-time work after finishing a recent musical production.
Min Do Hee rose to fame in 2013 for her breakout role as Jo Yoon Jin in the hit tvN drama Reply 1994, where her authentic Jeolla dialect and memorable performance earned widespread praise. Although she has continued acting in various projects, she revealed that she is now experiencing an unexpected lull in her career.
The program showed her browsing online job listings from her apartment while searching for café positions. “There aren’t many part-time jobs these days. Why are they all weekend shifts? Isn’t there anything on weekdays?” she remarked.
She even called one café directly, explaining that she had approximately one year and three months of café experience. However, the working conditions did not match her availability, and the application did not move forward. After hanging up, she sighed and admitted: “It’s not easy.”
Later, she contacted the owner of a café where she had previously worked. The owner recalled hiring her despite her limited experience and praised her for learning quickly and adapting well to the job, offering words of encouragement during the conversation.
Lee Sun Jung Says Her Savings Are Nearly Gone
Actress Lee Sun Jung also recently spoke honestly about the realities of being out of work. Through her YouTube channel, “Lee Sun Jung’s Seonjeonghagi,” she revealed that she has been helping at her mother’s noodle restaurant.
Lee Sun Jung first gained attention in 1995 as the original “Mambo Girl” during singer Kim Boo Yong’s performances before becoming widely known through the popular sitcom Three Guys and Three Girls.
In her video, she could be seen cooking noodles, washing dishes, and handling everyday restaurant duties. Explaining why she helps at the family business, she said: “If I’m not working, then I’m unemployed. Rather than staying home, I’d rather help my mother.” She added that when acting jobs aren’t available, she spends her weekdays exercising or assisting at the restaurant.
Perhaps her most candid admission concerned her finances. “I’ve been living off the money I saved before, but it’s almost gone now. Not working makes me feel empty.” Her honesty about both the emotional and financial toll of unemployment drew sympathy from many viewers.
Jeon So Min Worked at a Café After Leaving Running Man
Actress Jeon So Min previously revealed that she also worked part-time during a break in her acting career. Appearing on My Little Old Boy in May, she reflected on the period after leaving SBS’s Running Man in 2023.
Jeon So Min explained that although she had savings, she felt anxious about her future income after suddenly losing a steady schedule. “It wasn’t just about money. After constantly working, everything suddenly stopped. I wanted to do something productive and get out of the house.” She eventually took a job at a café during her hiatus, saying she simply wanted to stay active while waiting for her next opportunity.
Lim Ju Hwan Was Reportedly Spotted Working at a Warehouse
Actor Lim Ju Hwan also attracted attention after reports surfaced claiming he had worked part-time at a Coupang logistics warehouse during one of his career breaks.
Although the reports became a hot topic online, many fans praised him for taking honest work rather than remaining idle while waiting for new acting opportunities.
The experiences shared by these actors have highlighted an often-overlooked reality of the entertainment industry. Even performers with recognizable faces and successful television careers are not guaranteed a steady income between projects. Long periods without casting opportunities can force actors to seek ordinary jobs, rely on personal savings, or lean on family support.
Rather than diminishing public respect for them, many fans have praised these celebrities for their humility and willingness to work hard outside the spotlight. Their stories serve as a reminder that behind the glamour of television and film lies a profession built on uncertainty—where perseverance, adaptability, and resilience are often just as important as talent.
Sources: Daum | 엑스포츠뉴스
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