Appearing on You Quiz on the Block on March 18, the 27-year acting veteran – Yeom Hye Ran reflected on her years as a theater actress. She recalled inviting her mother to watch one of her performances in Seoul, saying: “It was her first time at a small theater, and everything must have felt unfamiliar. She cried so much.”
Her mother was reportedly heartbroken seeing her daughter struggle in a cramped and difficult environment. When asked about her income at the time, Yeom Hye Ran revealed a shocking detail: “I worked in theater nonstop for a year. When someone asked about my annual salary, I had to think for a long time… It didn’t even reach 10 million KRW (approx. 6,700 USD).”
She added that despite constant work and recognition, the financial hardship was deeply discouraging. The actress also opened up about emotional struggles during that period. “My mom asked me, ‘Why are you living such a hard life doing acting?’” she shared. There was even a moment when she seriously considered quitting: “When my mother became seriously ill, I wondered if I should stop acting.”
Yeom Hye Ran admitted feeling guilty for not being able to support her family financially, describing herself as “selfish” compared to other children. To make ends meet, she took on various part-time jobs alongside acting. She revealed: “I did simple labor like organizing attendance files, made kimbap to supply to PC cafés, and worked morning shifts at a bakery.”
These experiences highlight the often unseen struggles behind successful actors, especially during their early careers. Now widely recognized for her powerful performances in hit projects, Yeom Hye Ran’s journey reflects perseverance through hardship. Her story resonates with many aspiring actors, offering a reminder that behind every successful career often lies years of sacrifice and resilience.
Sources: Daum | 스포츠한국
You must be logged in to post a comment.