Article: Ten Korean Celebrities Who Nearly Went Bankrupt

Celebrities appear glamorous and rich, their lives also appear to be picture-perfect. However, some celebrities have their Rags-to-Riches stories. Celebrities who had a humble beginning. These celebrities build their career from zero to the top. They had their share of hardships and troubles to overcome. It is said that hard work never betrays you. We bring you a list of Korean celebrities who nearly went bankrupt in their life. Despite those hardships, these celebrities rose to fame. Take a look at these ten Korean Celebrities.

1. IU

IU is one of the most popular soloists in the Korean Pop Industry. Lee Ji Eun lived in extreme poverty during her childhood, her family had accrued large sums of debt. Because of financial troubles, she used to live at her grandmother’s place separate from her parents. She started her career in the entertainment industry at a very young age and debuted at the age of 15.

2. Seo In Guk

Seo In Guk is popular for his roles in dramas like Doom At Your Service and Shopping King Louie. The actor had to face financial difficulties with his family. His mother used to make a living by picking off boxes from the street and recycling them. He has revealed in an interview that his mother continued her work even after his acting debut until a few years after she left the job.

3. Park Bo Gum

Park Bo Gum faced financial hardships before he became an actor. The actor had to file for bankruptcy in 2014. He was a co-guarantor for a loan his father took in 2008. He repaid the loan within six months. Park Bo Gum is the 1st actor to top the Korea Power Celebrity list by Forbes.

4. BTS Suga

BTS rapper Suga is also known by his real name Min Yoongi. Suga thanks to his active career in producing and performing music as a member of Korean Supergroup BTS and with his solo projects like That That with PSY, Eight with IU, etc. is one the richest Korean Pop Celebrities. His life initially wasn’t this easy, he had worked multiple jobs to make a living, and he even hid his shoulder injury initially from his company fearing that he’d get fired.

5. Park Shin Hye

Park Shin Hye is the most well-known actress in South Korea. She struggled with financial problems at a young age. Her original dream was to become a police officer after her mother was robbed. The actress revealed on a variety show that her family supported her career despite facing financial troubles.

6. Han So Hee

Han So Hee is becoming incredibly popular thanks to her in dramas like The World Of Married and Nevertheless. The actress struggled to make ends meet when she came to Seoul to make her acting career. The actress worked hard for long hours and even worked at a bar to make a living.

7. Rain

Rain is also known as Jung Ji Hoon. Jung Ji Hoon became popular with his role in the series Full House. Rain is now one of the richest Korean Pop Celebrities. Rain’s family struggled financially during the Korean financial crisis of 1997. His father had to move out of Korea to earn a living. His mother died early in 2000 because the family was unable to pay her medical bills.

8. Sandara Park

Sandara Park had to face financial troubles initially in her life when her father’s business went bankrupt. The family to make their ends meet moved to the Philippines where Sandara had a hard time adjusting. When Sandara succeeded as an actress there, her father used her money for his gambling addiction. The actress later debuted as a member of the historic girl group 2NE1 in Korea.

9. Cha Seung Won

Actor and Model Cha Seung Won faced financial troubles in his initial days, he even lived in a basement for many years because of financial problems. The actor became famous for his roles in dramas like New York Stories, The Greatest Love, etc. The actor used to read about fashion in shabby bookstores.

10. Lee Hyeri

Lee Hyeri is a member of the Korean Girl Group Girl’s Day. Hyeri rose to fame with her role in the television drama series Reply 1998. Hyeri grew up in a poor family, her mother used to work in a factory to make ends meet. The actress used to live with her grandmother and younger sister in the countryside.