Actor Seong Dong-il recalled the financially difficult times at the beginning of his career.
On the 24th, a video titled "I had a drink with Dong-il Hyung…(drunk, motivational video, where is dad)" was uploaded to the channel 'Most Wonderful Ryu Jin.'
That day, Seong Dong-il shared an episode with a junior while reflecting on his days of anonymity. He said, "My wife had quite a bit of debt when we lived together. There was a time when I wanted to eat squid sashimi. My wife and I searched every desk and corner of the house for money, and we found about ten thousand won. Back then, a plate of squid was ten thousand won, and a bottle of soju was three thousand won. That was all the money we could gather from the house. Yet, my wife said, 'Oppa, let’s go out. Let’s eat.'"
He continued, "If the APT. management fee is not paid for three months, they will cut off the electricity and water. At that time, my wife sold her watch, which she had since she was single. I later found out through friends. They said, 'Oppa, be nice to Kyung-hye.' She never talked about such things. Now she laughs when she talks about it, saying, 'Oppa, when we first met and started living together.' I didn’t even know. Later, I found out she had sold everything. That’s why I started doing entertainment shows."
Ryu Jin asked, "Was there a sense of urgency for work back then, or was it pride?" Seong Dong-il replied, "That’s right. I thought I was an actor. I thought only I was an actor. Nobody saw me as an actor. What does it matter if I’m an actor now? I’m really just twiddling my thumbs."
Ryu Jin then asked, "Did anything happen back then?" Seong Dong-il said, "Nothing happened. Everything failed. Even when I tried, it didn’t work," and added, "I borrowed money while filming for entertainment. I asked for money for gas. Because I hit rock bottom at a young age, I know that nothing happens unless I take action. So, I realize that if I don’t work like crazy, there’s no answer. There has to be a hill to lean on. I carry a back scratcher. If it itches, I have to scratch it myself. Who’s going to scratch it for me? There’s no hill. There’s nothing to lean on."
He also shared, "Even now, I don’t know what will happen, so I haven’t received sponsorship for even a single toothpick at home. I buy everything with cash. I don’t have any loans, car payments, or anything. If I don’t have it, I don’t buy it. That’s why Kwon Sang-woo says I’m the most envious when he drinks, saying, 'I don’t owe even one won.' I don’t know what will happen to me."
[Photo] Most Wonderful Ryu Jin
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