Korean actors can have different paths when it comes to achieving their dreams. Some Korean actors had to grow up in difficult circumstances, such as poverty. Here are 9 Korean actors who grew up poor, yet still found a way to achieve their goals.
1. Seo In Guk
Seo In Guk came from a poor family, as even things like food were a struggle. Seo In Guk’s mother even picked up boxes as an occupation just so that they could obtain some money for food.
2. Park Shin Hye
When Park Shin Hye made her decision to go to Seoul to become an actress, her parents left everything behind to support her. Even though Park Shin Hye’s family was facing difficulties financially, they still wanted to be there for their daughter.
3. Han So Hee
Han So Hee struggled with poverty at the beginning of her career. When she initially moved to Seoul to pursue acting, she only had 300,000 KRW ($243 USD). She worked in a bar for over a year, and she struggled to make ends meet during this time.
4. IU
IU’s childhood was going great until her family suddenly fell into debt. This caused IU and her younger brother to go live with their grandmother. They lived in poverty conditions for quite some time, and their home was once infested with cockroaches.
5. Park Bo Gum
Park Bo Gum had quite a difficult start to his career, as he filed for bankruptcy when he was just 22 years old. His father had borrowed some money from a lender and registered Park Bo Gum as a guarantor at the time. After his debut, Park Bo Gum started to get demands to pay off the debt, which had increased dramatically due to the interest rate.
6. Rain
Rain (also known as Jung Ji Hoon) had quite the childhood, as he had to endure many hardships. Rain once starved for multiple days straight due to there being no food at his home. Also, Rain’s mother’s health got worse throughout the years, as the family wasn’t able to afford medicine for her. Rain’s mother passed away in 2000, a couple of years after his debut.
7. Song Jae Rim
Song Jae Rim has been private about his personal life throughout the years but has revealed that his family grew up in poverty. This is what caused him to be quite particular about his expenses, as he likes to keep track of the money he spends.
8. Hyeri (Girl’s Day)
Hyeri has been donating to different campaigns constantly throughout the years. One of the reasons why is due to her childhood. Hyeri’s family struggled financially growing up, as Hyeri’s mother worked as a factory worker for over a decade.
9. Cha Seung Won
Cha Seung Won had quite a tough life, even when he got married. He and his wife had to live in a basement for a couple of years due to their financial situation. Cha Seung Won also didn’t do much during his childhood due to his financial situation.
