5 K-Drama Actors Whose Life Stories Motivated Us: Kim Woo Bin, Seo In Guk, Park So Dam and More

K-drama actors enchant viewers not only with their performances but also with their remarkable life stories. Many have overcome challenges and pursued their dreams despite obstacles, demonstrating resilience and determination along the way. Their inspiring journeys are a powerful reminder that talent and perseverance can pave the way to success, both in the entertainment industry and beyond. Here are 5 K-drama actors whose life stories motivated us.

In 2017, Kim Woo Bin had to take a break because he was diagnosed with cancer. The actor took a two-year break and returned in 2019. After its revival, he appeared on screen again for the first time in 2022. In a recent interview, Kim Woo Bin openly expressed that he was shocked and scared when he heard that he only had six months to live. He added that despite the harsh consequences, he never thought of giving up. The “Uncontrollably Fond” actor further explained that he used this as an opportunity to reflect on his life and spend more time with his family and connect with his loved ones.

Park So Dam was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer during a routine checkup in late 2021. She underwent surgery and focused on recovery while taking a career break. The Parasite actress gradually returned to acting. In an interview in 2023, the actress revealed that she had a hard time even with her latest drama “Death’s Game” and went home and cried. She revealed that there was even a time when she couldn’t get out of bed without her father’s help.

Seo In Guk’s path to fame was one of perseverance and hardship. He was initially rejected for auditions because of his weight, but he overcame his body image issues. The actor admitted that he starved himself so much that his vocal cords were damaged in order to lose weight. Despite these setbacks, he gained recognition after winning the 2009 Superstar K, which launched his career. Furthermore, he was born in such poverty that his mother made a living by selling cardboard. Seo In Guk also revealed that he gave the money he won to his parents to open a restaurant.

Han So Hee’s rise to fame wasn’t easy. Coming from a humble background, she faced financial difficulties after moving to Seoul to pursue acting and often worked part-time jobs to make ends meet. Her big break came with “The World of the Married.” But Han So Hee faced public criticism over her mother’s fraudulent financial activities. Nevertheless, she made it clear that she had nothing to do with it as their relationship had been estranged for years.

Park Bo Gum’s path to success was not without difficulties. Early in his career, his family ran into financial difficulties after his father took out loans in Bo Gum’s name, which led to a legal dispute. At the age of 20, Park Bo Gum had a lot of debt under his name. Despite this burden, Park Bo Gum dedicated himself to acting and began with smaller roles. He made his breakthrough in 1988 with Reply and Love in the Moonlight, which cemented his fame. He also showed his grief over his mother’s death when he was quite young.

READ ALSO: “You were my first love”: Gong Yoo talks about how he ended up on Coffee Prince with Chae Jung An