While numerous K-drama stars initially entered the entertainment world through modelling or K-pop, many also had unexpected and everyday jobs before their acting careers took off. From sales positions to corporate roles, these early experiences later contributed to their acting success.
Let’s take a look at some of the ordinary and intriguing jobs K-drama actresses had before their debut.
Kim Tae Ri — Supermarket Salesperson
Kim Tae Ri worked multiple part-time jobs to support herself before becoming a popular face in the K-drama world. She took shifts at convenience stores and fast-food chains and did random jobs like selling soy milk at a supermarket. Interestingly, she was even scouted by a café owner to work at his shop as well.
Go Min Si — Wedding Planner
Go Min Si has now emerged as one of the most remarkable actresses, but before her debut, she pursued an interesting career as a wedding planner. After studying cosmetology, she saw the wedding industry as a promising and realistic profession. She later revealed that although acting had always been her childhood dream, she initially opted for wedding planning as a more practical path.
Pyo Ye Jin — Flight Attendant
Before becoming a familiar face with her roles in hit dramas like ‘Fight for My Way’ and ‘Taxi Driver,’ Pyo Ye Jin was named the youngest flight attendant, working at one of Korea’s biggest airlines, Korean Air. She landed the job at just 19 years old while attending university. This career background no doubt shaped her professionalism as an actress later on.
Kim Nam Joo — Civil Servant
Veteran actress Kim Nam Joo, loved for her performances in ‘Misty’ and ‘Queen of Housewives,’ began her professional journey with a highly reputable career. After finishing high school, she worked as a rank 9 civil servant at a registry office in Gyeonggi Province. Soon after, she competed in the Miss Korea pageant, which opened the doors to her acting career.
Lee Yoo Young — Hair Salon Staff
At the 2015 Blue Dragon Film Awards, Lee Yoo Young shared that she once worked at a hair salon after graduating high school instead of immediately pursuing higher education. Eventually, she enrolled in the acting major at Korea National University of Arts, paving the way for her award-winning career.
Lee Si Young — Sauna Mart Owner
Lee Si Young has built a name for herself not only as a celebrated actress but also as a boxer. Before stepping into the spotlight, she ran a mart in the women’s section of a sauna after facing numerous audition rejections. Her perseverance and resilience eventually paid off when she established herself as one of Korea’s most versatile entertainers.
Han Ye Seul — Reporter
Han Ye Seul, who later earned the nickname ‘Korea’s Representative Actress,’ initially worked as a reporter. She gained attention for her visuals during a 2001 supermodel competition and went on to work as a reporter at SBS’s ‘Night of TV Entertainment’ under her real name, Kim Ye Seul. Soon after, she transitioned into acting and never looked back.
Jin Ki Joo — Conglomerate Worker & Journalist
Before winning hearts with dramas like ‘Come and Hug Me’ and ‘The Secret Life of My Secretary,’ Jin Ki Joo had an impressive career path. Following her university graduation, she worked at a major conglomerate and then switched to journalism. However, feeling lacking a sense of duty as a journalist, she entered a supermodel contest, which launched her acting journey.
From selling soy milk to working as a flight attendant, these pre-debut jobs highlight the determination, versatility, and resilience of K-drama actresses. Which one surprises you the most? Comment below!
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