It’s hard for many fans to believe that this is the same Kim Jisoo who once dominated Korean television screens in the 1990s. After years of controversy and what many describe as a de facto boycott in South Korea, the former actress has now begun a completely new chapter in her life: as CEO in Europe.
Born in 1972, Kim Jisoo debuted in the entertainment industry at the age of 20 and quickly became a familiar face during the golden era of Korean dramas in the 1990s. In the 2000s, he further expanded his fame across Asia with the hit drama “The Women of the Sun”consolidating her status as a leading actress. At the height of her career, she was considered one of the most recognizable faces on Korean television, even garnering critical acclaim and major acting awards.
However, along with his professional success came a series of highly publicized personal scandals. In 2000, she was caught drunk driving in the Gangnam area without a valid driving license, resulting in an accident. The incident led to administrative fines and temporary withdrawal from some entertainment businesses. A decade later, in 2010, she was again involved in a DUI case after crashing into a taxi and leaving the scene before turning herself in the next day. This time, she was fined 10 million won and faced even harsher public backlash.
The most damaging controversy occurred in 2018, when Kim Jisoo appeared drunk during a press interview to promote the film “Perfect strangers”. Arriving 40 minutes late, she reportedly spoke incoherently and made remarks perceived as disrespectful to journalists. The situation escalated to the point that his agency canceled the press conference and later issued a public apology.
While no official industry-wide ban has been imposed, Kim Jisoo has effectively disappeared from mainstream Korean entertainment. Producers reportedly distanced themselves from her and casting opportunities dried up. Once a famous award-winning actress with a rich filmography ranging from television to cinema, she gradually disappeared from the spotlight due to constant criticism from the public.
Faced with limited prospects of returning to Korea, Kim Jisoo made a courageous decision: she moved to Prague, Czech Republic. Rather than struggle in obscurity, she reinvented herself as an entrepreneur. He recently revealed that he founded his own travel company in Prague and now serves as its CEO.
Sharing his journey on social media, he wrote, “In May 2024, I packed my bags and came here alone because I fell deeply in love with the city of Prague. That trip became the starting point for me to run a travel agency. It is still small because we are in the process of renovation and relaunch, but I am gradually planning themed tours and special events.”
He added, “Being a boss who just folds his arms and watches is not my style. Except when I have to return to Korea for unavoidable work, I plan to accompany customers on tours and greet them in person as often as possible. I would be truly grateful if you would warmly support this new beginning.”
From award-winning actress to scandal-plagued celebrity, and now to entrepreneur in Europe, Kim Jisoo’s transformation marks one of the most dramatic reinventions among Korean stars in recent years. It remains uncertain whether audiences will one day welcome her back to the screen, but for now she seems determined to carve out an entirely different path away from the Korean entertainment industry.
