Actor Kim Moo-yeol Recalls Earning 200,000 Won Annually During Obscure Period, Mother's Sacrifices

Actor Kim Moo-yeol reflected on his difficult early career during a recent appearance on the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block.' Known for his role as Na Hwa-jin in the Netflix drama 'High School Return of a Gangster,' Kim returned to the show after two years.

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There were many deficiencies and difficulties, but I think I was just happy that I could continue acting.

He revealed that during his time as an unknown actor, he lived in a hillside shack and worked various part-time jobs. His annual income from musical theater was a mere 200,000 won. Despite the hardships, Kim stated, "There were many deficiencies and difficulties, but I think I was just happy that I could continue acting." He explained that he persevered because he loved acting, even as many of his peers gave up due to the uncertain future.

Kim's mother, a novelist who had been published in literary magazines, worked at restaurants and pubs to support his aspirations. "I lived selfishly, doing what I wanted to do," Kim said, recounting how his mother once borrowed 5,000 won for bus fare from a neighbor. He added that becoming a father himself helped him understand his mother's sacrifices, realizing the immense love that makes a parent willing to give everything for their child's dreams.

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I lived selfishly, doing what I wanted to do.

His wife, Yoon Seung-a, who witnessed his struggles, also shared an anecdote about Kim's emotional reaction to the global success of 'High School Return of a Gangster,' noting that he shed tears upon hearing the news. The show 'You Quiz on the Block' features MC Yoo Jae-suk interviewing guests about their life journeys.

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I think I was just happy that I could continue acting.