K-Drama Star Shares The Harsh Reality Of Actors’ Wages
Actor Ji Seung Hyun recently went viral for an apology video for “cheating” on his wife, which was, in fact, a promotional video for his latest K-Drama, Good Partner. Though his fame is newfound, the actor has been active in the industry since 2009, becoming a well-known face among K-Drama fans. But in a recent variety show appearance, Ji Seung Hyun revealed that even as recently as five years ago, he was making less than a regular office worker!
Ji Seung Hyun recently appeared as a special guest on Shin Dong Yup’s YouTube show, Donor Hyeong, and candidly talked about his career trajectory. Despite landing a significant role in a successful movie like Wish, Ji recalled that he didn’t get the expected acting opportunities afterward. Things got so bad that making a living from acting seemed less possible, and he and his wife chalked up a plan to open their own Korean snack joint.
Though the couple had already worked on recipes and looked for places to start their business, Ji’s wife put it on halt when he landed a role in Descendants of the Sun. The role not only brought him recognition but also more projects, allowing him to continue pursuing acting.
But the success of Descendants of the Sun didn’t really translate into a better earning. Ji Seung Hyun remarked, “A lot of people think actors make a ton of money when we’re on TV shows,” adding that the year Descendants of the Sun was released, his total yearly earnings from acting was a mere 3,000 USD.
During this time, the actor said he realized the difference between people’s perception of the entertainment industry and reality. While most people expected him to move to a new house after the success of his K-Drama, he was not even making enough money to sustain himself throughout the year from acting.
“It has been less than five years that I’m making as much as an office job worker,” Ji Seung Hyun revealed during the conversation. Five to six years ago, when his earnings weren’t nearly enough to get by, he had to work part-time at a cousin’s restaurant.
The actor also recalled that when his child was born, he had to get financial help from his parents and in-laws. But now that his career is finally moving upward, he lets his mother-in-law use his credit card. “I’m trying my best to make up for everything,” he confessed.
Though his struggles have not dimmed his passion for acting, Ji Seung Hyun admitted that he would not encourage his children to join the industry, given its unstable nature. “If you know you’ll make it with hard work, then sure, but hard work isn’t enough,” he concluded about the industry.
You can watch the full episode of Donor Hyeong here:
Share This Post
