Actor Lee Hun, who endured a difficult time while repaying 3.2 billion won in debt, once again opened up about realistic worries. He dreamed of a comeback while enduring life in a semi-basement, but confessed that this time projects were canceled one after another and he has been experiencing a three-year gap in his career.
Lee Hun recently appeared on the KBS Joy variety show Ask Us Anything Fortune Teller and candidly revealed the frustrating reality he faces as an actor. Now in his 30th year since debut and 53 this year, he said, "I was filming a drama in 2024 that fell through, and a project scheduled to film in the United States in 2025 was postponed indefinitely due to various issues. This year's planned project also stopped because of production funding problems."
He went on to say, "I'm conflicted about whether to continue as an actor or find another path." He also explained the unique realities of being an actor. He said, "It's not that there's absolutely no work; offers do come in. But they don't proceed," and added, "If you commit to a movie or drama, you can't do other work. You have to keep waiting while preparing, and ultimately your ability to earn an income is blocked."
He meant that a situation that seems like it might happen but then doesn't is tougher than having no work at all. He lamented, "I can't quit, but I also can't continue. It feels like cruel hope," eliciting sympathy.
He also revealed recent efforts to break into Hollywood. Lee Hun said, "In 2022, I was fortunate to audition in Hollywood and appeared in a project," and explained, "It was a story about representatives of killers from various countries gathering to assassinate the protagonist, and I played the Korean representative killer." He lost as much as 10 kilograms for the role. He said, "They wanted a sharper look, so I lost weight," which surprised listeners.
But even after the hard-won appearance, the outcome was the same when another opportunity came. Lee Hun said, "The director who saw that footage said I had a new charm and offered a drama, but it fell through due to production funding issues." In another project, he bulked up by eating only chicken breast to play a thug, but that project was also postponed indefinitely. He repeatedly lost and gained weight and shaped his body, but the chance to stand in front of the camera never came.
Earlier, Lee Hun confessed that he took on 3.2 billion won in debt due to a failed business and that seven family members lived in a semi-basement during hard times. At the time he said, "I thought only I was suffering. I belatedly realized how much my family suffered," which moved many people. Fortunately, he said he has repaid most of the tens of billions in debt and can see the end of the tunnel, but this time he again confessed to hardship in daily life.
Seo Jang-hoon also said, "Everyone remembers Lee Hun, who was always the lead," and observed, "He looks well-to-do and doesn't seem to have struggles. From the production team's perspective, it doesn't look like he has no work." Lee Hun vigorously denied this, saying, "No. I'm about to starve to death. Absolutely not." He added, "I'm desperate. I can audition. I even won that acting award. Call me anytime. I'm struggling," conveying his earnest feelings.
In response, Seo Jang-hoon advised, "You must absolutely continue as an actor. You have the career you've built up," and said, "You need to move more aggressively to get roles." Lee Soo-keun also offered encouragement, saying, "I think things will explode from now on," and Lee Hun vowed, "I'll let go of everything and go find roles in person. I'll audition and push myself," adding, "I'll live more diligently," as he steadied himself. Once a youthful star, Lee Hun's challenge to rise again is drawing continued support.
[Photo] Screenshot from the 'Ask Us Anything Fortune Teller' broadcast
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