Former ZE:A member Kim Taeheon has shared what life can be like when you’re not among the group’s most recognized faces
ZE:A, a 2nd gen K-pop boy group that made their debut in 2010, initially consisted of nine members. Debuting under a small company, several members took on acting roles and appearances on various shows to promote the group.
Nevertheless, the gap in fame within ZE:A grew over time, with only four members, namely Kwanghee, Im Siwan, Park Hyungsik, and Dongjun, boasting high public recognition.
Among the five less popular members is Kim Taeheon. He recently appeared on “Recent Olympic” to share about his current life. After completing his military service, Taeheon faced the harsh reality of unemployment, prompting him to work at a bar to make ends meet.
His living conditions were far from glamorous. He lived in a basement, faced skin issues due to financial constraints, and couldn’t afford hot water, often taking cold showers. He only had 1,200 to 1,300 won in his wallet. He had to break instant ramen in half for meals.
Taeheon lives alone in a modest one-room apartment in Incheon, with a monthly rent of 330,000 Won. To support himself, he found employment in the transportation and cargo handling department at Coupang, working six days a week to earn 660,000 won.
The harsh reality of Taeheon’s life even came with online criticism. On DC Inside, some netizens left comments like “I heard ZE:A’s Taeheon is working at Coupang. Isn’t he crazy?” and “Why embarrass ZE:A?”
Taeheon, understandably, felt the weight of judgment and wondered why trying to make a living should face such malicious comments. He said, “After all, is there anything shameful about working to support oneself?”
Despite the ups and downs, Taeheon’s relationship with ZE:A members remains strong. He admitted to once feeling jealousy towards the more popular members like Siwan. However, he came to appreciate the unwavering support from his bandmates, with all of them keeping in touch, sending encouraging messages, and even offering him financial assistance.
