Ji Seung-hyun’s Earnings Only 4 Million Won Despite the Success of ‘Descendants of the Sun’

On the 3rd, a video titled “‘I’m Really Sorry…’ Actor Ji Seung-hyun, Known for the Film ‘Wind,’ Shares His Journey | Shooting Hyung EP.12” was published on the YouTube channel ‘Sad Hyung Shin Dong-yeop’s Shooting Hyung.’ Ji Seung-hyun, who portrayed Kim Ji-sang, a husband entangled in infidelity, in the recently aired SBS drama ‘Good Partner,’ shared his experiences in the entertainment industry.

During the video, host Shin Dong-yeop asked Ji Seung-hyun, “At what moment, in terms of finances or otherwise, did you decide to keep pursuing acting?” The actor openly responded, “There’s a common misconception that television actors earn a fortune. Despite the massive success of ‘Descendants of the Sun,’ I only earned 4 million won that year from acting, which included a mere 2 million won. Ironically, people were asking me if I was planning to move to a more prestigious place, and at that moment, I realized the disconnect.”

He elaborated, saying, “People assume that I must be earning well, but it feels uncomfortable to dispute that. It becomes embarrassing, especially when my parents hear comments like, ‘Aren’t you upgrading your living situation yet?’ Even after acting for 18 or 19 years, I’ve only made an income comparable to regular office workers for less than five of those years.”

Ji Seung-hyun also recounted, “During the times I wasn’t earning enough, I took on many part-time jobs, including working at my cousin’s curry shop in Yeouido. One day, a peer of mine came in. At that point, I had already acted in the film ‘Wind,’ but was still getting only minor roles in dramas. I wasn’t ashamed of my part-time work, yet I felt disheartened because I wasn’t engaged in my true profession.”

He continued, “Since it was in Yeouido, I often saw other actors visiting after filming with their managers and stylists. I thought, ‘I should be working in my field right now,’ which led to feelings of self-doubt. I even tried to disguise myself with a cap and glasses to avoid recognition, though looking back, I find that laughable as it was unnecessary,” he shared with a chuckle.

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