Actor Im Ju-hwan's sighting at a Coupang logistics center has been revealed to be true, prompting messages of support.
On the 27th, a representative of his agency, Basecamp Company, told OSEN that Im Ju-hwan has past experience working at a Coupang logistics center.
Earlier, an internet user's sighting appeared on online communities and social media claiming to have seen Im Ju-hwan working at a Coupang logistics center. The writer said they not only recognized that it was Im Ju-hwan but also received his autograph, adding to the surprise.
Im Ju-hwan debuted as a model in 2003 and is an actor marking his 23rd year since debut. As a well-known actor who has played leading male roles in numerous films and dramas, the story that he worked as a temporary worker at a Coupang logistics center rather than acting caused shock.
Recently in the entertainment industry, many actors and staff have lost their footing due to a slump in the production of films, dramas and other content. Actor Lee Jang-woo lamented the slump in the drama industry on his personal YouTube channel, saying he was sorry that "actor friends are all doing part-time jobs."
Among this, Im Ju-hwan's sighting at a Coupang logistics center seemed to add to internet users' surprise. According to representatives, Im Ju-hwan actually worked several times at a Coupang logistics center during gaps between projects in the past. Fortunately, he is not working there now as he is reportedly preparing his next project. His most recent work was the play "Pride," which closed last June in Daehangno.
It is not just Im Ju-hwan's case. The frequency of film and drama production remains markedly reduced compared with the past, showing only maintenance of the current state. With the box office slump, the number of films produced has sharply declined and it has long been said that "there are no works to screen," and dramas that flourished on OTT have instead led to a vicious cycle of projects concentrating on OTT as broadcasters' advertising revenue plunged and drama time slots were reduced.
The OTT market is also virtually monopolized by a few global OTTs centered on Netflix. Only a limited number of productions that mobilize large-scale production budgets survive, and aside from the limited cast and crew who can participate in them, it is difficult for others to make a living.
Some internet users said that when working conditions are poor, it is a natural and courageous attempt and sent support to Im Ju-hwan. While saying, "I did not know it was this bad," they also said, "If the industry you work in is struggling, it's natural," "many ordinary people have side jobs," and "it looks cooler than just waiting for projects," and voices of support and empathy have grown louder.
[Photo] OSEN DB.
[OSEN]