Comedian Lee Sun-min: From unemployment to 10x income after 10 years of struggle

Comedian Lee Sun-min revealed her decade-long struggle before achieving mainstream success on tvN's "You Quiz on the Block." Lee debuted as a comedian in 2016 but lost her regular spot on "People Looking for Laughter" after just one year when the show was canceled.

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I suddenly became unemployed at 30. I cried buckets after the last recording.

"I suddenly became unemployed at 30. I cried buckets after the last recording," she recalled. Despite offers from her father to study for civil service exams or from a university professor to find a job, Lee insisted on persevering.

She supported herself through various part-time jobs, including package handling, working at a street food stall DJ booth, and as a designated driver. "My peers were succeeding on YouTube, and the gap between us grew," she said, adding that she held onto the belief that "my time will come eventually."

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My peers were succeeding on YouTube, and the gap between us grew. 'My time will come eventually,' I thought.

After 10 years, Lee's fortunes changed dramatically. She now has 10 regular YouTube programs and a schedule packed until September. "My income is about 10 times what it was before 'Laughing People' was canceled," she said with a laugh. "That sounds like I make a lot of money."

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My income is about 10 times what it was before 'Laughing People' was canceled. That sounds like I make a lot of money.

Lee mentioned buying her father a used SUV for his 70th birthday and considers bringing her mentor to her home the best gift for her mother's upcoming birthday. "There's no better gift for a parent than that," she quipped.

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There's no better gift for a parent than that.