On March 13, Lee Sun Bin appeared as a guest on the program “Kang Ho Dong’s bookstore” variety show released on Play Coupangwhere he shared stories from his internship years.
She recalled that when she first moved to Seoul, she joined an idol entertainment company with the dream of becoming a successful artist. “I really wanted to become a handsome idol,” he said. “At that time there were seniors like 2NE1 and Girls’ Generation, and I wanted to become like them.”
Lee Sun Bin explained that life was extremely difficult then. “I basically lived in the rehearsal room. I also stayed in a sauna for about a year and a half,” he said. He added that he used his mother’s long winter coat as a blanket while she slept in the rehearsal room, pushing the couches together to create a makeshift bed.
He went on to explain how difficult it was to return home while living as an intern in Seoul. “It was difficult to go back and forth from home. I didn’t even have the 5,400 won it cost me to get to Cheonan.” he said. “I couldn’t afford to spend that money every day, so I decided I would just live in the rehearsal room.”
Lee Sun Bin also shared a memory from that time that still sticks with her. Seeing how difficult her situation was, the head of her agency began giving her 10,000 won every day.
“At the time, I remember the CEO felt sorry for me and gave me 10,000 won a day,” he said. “Other interns lived even further away, such as Cheongju or Incheon, but I couldn’t even go to Cheonan due to the transportation cost of 5,400 won.”
She explained that the money was specifically intended for her to bathe. “There was a sauna in Sinsa-dong right across from the rehearsal room,” he said. “He told me not to walk around looking like a beggar and gave me money so I could go and wash myself.”
His heartfelt story about the hardships he faced before achieving success resonated with many viewers, offering a glimpse into the difficult journey behind his career.
Sources: Daum
