Appearing on idol survival shows doesn’t always guarantee stardom, and for many trainees, time spent on similar programs Produce 101 ends peacefully. However, Yoon Jae‑chan and Shin Soo‑hyun proved that lack of spotlight does not mean lack of potential. After being eliminated prematurely with little public recognition, both chose a new acting path and successfully rewrote their careers.
Yoon Jae‑chan was eliminated at rank 55 during Produce 101 Season 2 in 2017, leaving the show without much attention. Years later, he caught viewers’ attention by playing the younger version of Ji Sung’s character in the MBC drama. The judge returnsaired earlier this year. In a November 2024 interview, Yoon revealed that he had previously auditioned for the role of Ju Ji‑hoon’s younger counterpart in the tvN series Love your enemyonly to be rejected. Although he didn’t get that role, the audition left a strong impression on the director, leading to him being chosen to play the younger version of Im Chul‑soo’s character.
His steady rise continued with a role on SBS The winning goaland his dedication paid off when he received the award for Best Teamwork at the 2025 SBS Drama Awards. For Yoon, who has balanced singing with supporting roles in theater over the years, it was a moment that confirmed his tenacity.
Yoon also appeared on MBC Doubtstarring veteran actor Han Suk‑kyu. Yoon shared an unforgettable anecdote: he coincidentally met Han Suk‑kyu at a local barbecue restaurant, where the senior actor told him, “It looks like another big player will be coming out of our neighborhood.” Yoon later said that those words became a powerful source of motivation.
Its momentum continues this year. Following The judge returnsYoon confirmed his appearances on SBS Sold out today and the movie A place to killwith Kim Hye‑yoon marking her first film role since debut. While expanding his acting career, Yoon has also expressed his intention to continue his musical pursuits, aiming to constantly grow in both fields.
Notably, nearly two years after failing to audition for Ju Ji‑hoon’s younger counterpart, Yoon landed the role of Ji Sung’s younger self, a clear example of how he turned rejection into opportunity. Instead of giving up, he rebuilt his path role after role, leading to a series of high-profile projects.
Shin Soo‑hyun shares a similar journey. Before becoming an actress, she appeared on JTBC Mixnine in 2017 and Produce 48 in 2018, but was eliminated both times in the first round. With little screen time or impact, many viewers barely remember his participation.
In 2019, Shin made a fresh start by debuting as an actress in KBS2 9.9 billion woman. His recognition grew significantly after the release of TVING Study group in January last year. He is currently appearing in KBS2’s weekend drama Our golden days and Netflix Casheroconstantly showcasing her range and solid acting skills.
Shin has also secured a role in the highly anticipated Disney+ original series Portraits of illusionstarring Suzy and Kim Seon‑ho, one of the most talked about upcoming projects of the year.
While countless trainees go through idol audition programs only to fade from public memory, Yoon Jae‑chan and Shin Soo‑hyun stand out for discovering new possibilities beyond the stage. Their journey from overlooked survivalist contestants to ever-rising actors highlights that success in the entertainment industry doesn’t follow just one path, and that quiet perseverance can sometimes lead to the most significant breakthroughs.
Sources: Daum
