Up-and-coming actor Heo Nam-joon revealed an unexpected chapter in his life before entering the entertainment industry. In a preview of next week’s You Quiz on the Block episode, the actor recalled working various part-time jobs to support himself during his struggling years before making his acting debut.
Among these jobs were construction jobs where he apparently impressed his supervisors enough to receive an unexpected employment offer.
During the preview, host Yoo Jae-suk told a story he heard about Heo Nam-joon’s time spent working on construction sites. “I heard the construction site manager say that you seemed like someone who could carry bricks very well and wanted to take you to other construction sites as well,” Yoo Jae-suk joked.
Laughing, Heo Nam-joon confirmed the story. “He actually asked for my phone number,” the actor revealed. “He said he wanted to call me every time they moved to another site.” The lighthearted confession drew big laughs, highlighting the actor’s strong work ethic long before he became known on television.
Heo Nam-joon also reflected on the challenges he faced before finding success as an actor. According to the preview, he worked a variety of jobs to make ends meet, including positions at: breweries, department stores, shoe stores, and construction sites. The actor described moving from job to job as he chased his dream of acting, illustrating the hardships of his lesser-known years before entering the spotlight.
Heo Nam-joon also shared a funny anecdote involving his recent co-star Lim Ji-yeon. The two currently star together in SBS drama My Royal Nemesis. Recalling his time on set, Heo Nam-joon said, “Every time the director yelled ‘cut,’ Ji-yeon noona would tell me, ‘Try to look cooler.'” He jokingly replied, “But I was already doing my best!” The playful exchange showcased the pleasant chemistry the pair developed during filming.
Heo Nam-joon recently attracted a lot of attention thanks to his role in My Royal Nemesis, where his performance alongside Lim Ji-yeon earned praise from viewers. Known for his steady acting skills and commanding screen presence, the actor has emerged as one of South Korea’s most promising rising stars.
The drama enjoyed strong ratings throughout its run, reportedly surpassing 10% viewership by its twelfth episode. The series will air with its finale on June 20.
Fans will be able to learn more about Heo Nam-joon’s journey when he appears on You Quiz on the Block on June 25. The episode is expected to delve into his pre-debut struggles, career breakthrough, and experiences working alongside some of Korea’s biggest stars.
Sources: Daum | Television reportage
