“The grass looks greener on the other side,” right? The Korean celebrities who are so rich, popular, and famous nowadays have struggled. Nothing was easy for them. The struggle was real, but everything pays off when you have a huge fan base and when you become a millionaire. So, given below are the top 10 Korean celebrities who have struggled to become what they are.
1. SUGA
Min Yoongi, also known by his stage names SUGA and August D, is a South Korean rapper, song producer, and songwriter. He was born on 9 March 1993. In one of the interviews with Bighit Company, Suga shared that he suffered from depression and anxiety and had to take professional help to cure his mental illness. He was diagnosed with appendicitis and had to undergo surgery in 2013. He suffered an ear injury in 2016, and again in 2020, he had to go through surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. It was not easy, for him to dance or move his shoulder, but due to his fans’ motivation and his dedication to his work, he coped with everything and has become what he is right now: a global star.
2. Park Seo-Joon
Park Seo-Joon is a South Korean actor. He was born on 16 December 1988. In one of the interviews, he disclosed that he had experienced sleep paralysis often ever since he was in his third year of high school. He also confessed that it was challenging for him to manage his acting schedule because of his sleeping disorders. But his acting career and the way he showcased new roles helped him to showcase his different personalities and not be bound to a single room.
3. I.U.
Lee Ji-Eun, also known by her stage name I.U., is a South Korean actress, singer, songwriter, and composer. She was born on 16 May 1993. While completing elementary school, her family’s financial situation deteriorated, and she moved to stay with her grandparents. She started giving auditions when she learned about her passion for singing but often got scammed by fake companies. In one of the talk shows, I.U. mentioned that she was suffering from eating disorders, and as an idol, it was hard for her to maintain a definite posture that the company wanted.
4. RM
Kim Namjoon, known by his stage name RM, is a South Korean rapper, record producer, and songwriter. He was born on 12 September 1994. He was an underground rapper before he started his training for an idol, and because of this, he got criticized by his fellow seniors for pursuing to become an idol. After debuting, he was also criticized for his face, or his not being handsome enough to be an idol. But he coped with everything and found solace in his music and his passion, and his fans also supported him whenever someone badmouthed him.
5. Park Shin-Hye
Park Sin-Hye is a South Korean actress and singer. She was born on 18 February 1990. In one of the interviews, she disclosed that she wanted to become a police officer, but because of a robbery at her home, it became impossible for her. She also mentioned that she is happy and satisfied with her success and fan following.
6. Hyun Bin
Kim Tae-Pyung, also known as Hyun Bin, is a South Korean actor. He was born on 25 September 1982. He faced initial rejections but eventually became a beloved actor with hits like “Crash Landing on You.” It is always inspiring to know that failure is the key to success.
7. J-Hope
Jung Ho-seok, also known by his stage name J-Hope, is a South Korean rapper, dancer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on 18 February 1994. His father never supported him in being a singer or an idol, but because of his mother helping him financially and supporting him physically made him the big superstar he is now, but he cried when he saw his parents at his concert. He was also criticized for his face not being handsome enough to be an idol. He was so disheartened that he decided to leave the group and train but because of his other group members’ pleading, he agreed to give it a chance, and now everyone knows the dance master, the richest idol, J-hope.
8. Jimin
Park Jimin, also known by his stage name Jimin, is a South Korean singer and dancer. He was born on 13 October 1995. Jimin has always been targeted by threatening comments and death threats by antis because of his chubby cheeks and his overweight body. Because of that, he started a strict diet and often starved himself while practicing hard to become a worthy idol. According to his company, Bighit, he could not participate in 2017 because of neck and shoulder cramping. He also could not perform the same year on "The Graham Norton Show" because of severe muscle pain in his neck and back. But the Jimin we know today is everyone's heartthrob and will always be one. He is a great dancer and a great vocalist.
9. Son Ye-jin
Son Ye-jin is a South Korean actress. She was born on 11 January 1982. He shared her feelings of being depressed and unable to perform well because of her constant failures and criticism. She faced setbacks early in her career, but after tons of hard work, she eventually became a highly acclaimed actress with her mesmerizing performance in “Crash Landing on You.”
10. Gong Hyo-Jin
Gong Hyo-jin is a South Korean actress. She was born on 4 April 1980. She started as a supporting actress but also faced many heartbreaks because of rejection, but her talent, passion, and hard work paved her way up the ladder to a leading role. She is now famous for her extraordinary and mesmerizing acting in dramas like “It’s Okay, That’s Love.” And "Master's son."
