Appearing on You Quiz on the Block on March 18, 27-year-old acting veteran Yeom Hye Ran reflected on her years as a stage actress. He recalled inviting his mother to watch one of his performances in Seoul, saying: “It was her first time in a small theater and everything must have seemed unfamiliar to her. She cried so much.”
Her mother was reportedly heartbroken seeing her daughter struggle in a cramped and difficult environment. When asked about her income at the time, Yeom Hye Ran revealed a shocking detail: “I worked in the theater continuously for a year. When someone asked me what my annual salary was, I had to think about it for a long time… It didn’t even reach 10 million KRW (about $6,700).”
He added that despite consistent work and recognition, financial hardship is deeply disheartening. The actress also spoke about the emotional problems she experienced during that time. “My mother asked me, ‘Why do you live such a hard life acting?’” he shared. There was even a moment when he seriously thought about quitting: “When my mother became seriously ill, I wondered if I should stop acting.”
Yeom Hye Ran admitted feeling guilty for not being able to support her family financially, describing herself as “selfish” compared to other children. To make ends meet, he took up various part-time jobs in addition to acting. He revealed: “I did simple jobs like organizing attendance files, made kimbap to provide at PC cafes, and worked morning shifts at a bakery.”
These experiences highlight the often invisible struggles behind successful actors, especially during their early careers. Now widely recognized for her powerful performances in hit projects, Yeom Hye Ran’s journey reflects perseverance through hardship. His story resonates with many aspiring actors, reminding us that behind every successful career often lie years of sacrifice and resilience.
Sources: Daum | Korea sports
