Jin Seo-yeon recalls decade-long struggle before breakout role in ‘Believer’
Actor Jin Seo-yeon / Courtesy of Andmarq
Actor Jin Seo-yeon has opened up about her decade-long struggle as an unknown before rising to fame through the hit crime film "Believer" (2018), revealing that she even sold rice cakes to make ends meet during that period.
In an upcoming episode of "Jun Hyun-moo's Plan Season 2," airing May 23 on MBN and Channel S, Jin joins Jun Hyun-moo and YouTuber KwakTube for a food-themed trip to Gangwon Province, where she shares candid stories from her early career.
“It’s been 17 years since my debut,” Jin says. “But I spent 10 of those years in obscurity before 'Believer.'” She goes on to explain how she never took a break from part-time jobs during that time, working at gas stations and even selling rice cakes on the street.
Jin also revealed a surprising detour in her journey: “I once ran an online shopping mall that ranked third nationwide. At one point, I was making tens of millions of won in daily sales,” she said.
Despite the financial success, she couldn't let go of her dream of acting. “Even if I could only afford a 500-won pastry, I knew I had to keep acting,” she said, recalling her decision to shut down the business and return to the screen.
Jin reflected on the audition that changed her life. “For the 'Believer' audition, I went in character, with wet hair and hoop earrings,” she said. That bold choice helped her land the role of Bo-ryeong, the fierce female lead in the film.
“While shooting 'Believer,' I thought, ‘I’ll finish this and leave the country.’ That’s how intensely I approached the role,” she said, leaving Jun and Kwak stunned by her dedication.
Actor Jin Seo-yeon in Believer / Courtesy of the film’s distributor
When asked how her family reacted to her taking on such a tough character, Jin shared a lighthearted anecdote: “The original script included full nudity. But after my husband read it, he said, ‘This is amazing,’ and encouraged me to take the role.”
Jin’s candid story and inspiring journey will be featured in full on "Jun Hyun-moo's Plan Season 2," airing Friday night.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.