South Korean actress Myung Se-bin has candidly shared details about the severe financial difficulties she experienced during a career break, revealing that she was forced to sell personal belongings and take on part-time work to survive. The actress admitted she once thought her acting career might be permanently over during this challenging period.
Myung's revelations came in a preview clip released Monday on the YouTube channel for the popular variety show "You Quiz on the Block," where she is set to appear on the December 26 episode. The actress, who currently stars in JTBC's hit drama "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim," spoke openly about her struggles while laughing about the praise she has received for her realistic portrayal of a long-married wife.
"I have to act like someone who has been married for a long time, but I don't have much experience in that area," Myung explained in the video. Her comment references her brief marriage in 2008, which ended in divorce just five months later after she publicly announced the separation.
The actress described the desperate financial situation she faced during her time away from acting. "I didn't have enough to pay my credit card bill, so I wondered what I could sell," she recalled. "I sold my bags and many other things. I was that desperate." The financial strain became so severe that Myung seriously considered leaving the entertainment industry entirely.
"I thought it might become difficult to continue acting, so I learned floral design," she revealed, explaining how she tried to develop alternative career skills. The situation became even more challenging when she attempted to find temporary work. "I once took a part-time job opportunity, but someone told me to work quietly in a corner," she said, highlighting the additional difficulties she faced due to her celebrity status.
In "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim," Myung plays Park Ha-jin, the devoted wife of Kim Nak-su, a character portrayed by veteran actor Ryu Seung-ryong. Her character is a dedicated homemaker who has spent years supporting her husband throughout his corporate career. As the drama progresses, Park Ha-jin decides to enter the workforce when her husband's promotion prospects become uncertain. Myung's nuanced and authentic portrayal of this character has particularly resonated with married women viewers, who have praised her realistic depiction of the challenges faced by long-term wives and mothers.
Myung Se-bin began her entertainment career in 1996, making her debut in the music video for Shin Seung-hun's popular song "Love in My Own Way." Following this initial exposure, she successfully transitioned into television dramas and built a diverse acting portfolio. Throughout her career, she has appeared in a wide range of notable productions, including the dramas "Pure," "Paper Crane," and "Into the Sun," establishing herself as a versatile performer capable of handling various roles and genres.
