Korean Actors Who Grew Up In Extreme Poverty: Park Bo Gum, Hyeri, More!

Many popular actors of this generation have experienced extreme poverty prior to their stardom. They started from the bottom and now, they are already relishing in the fruit of their hard work. Here are four actors that you might not know who grew up poor. Read on to know more!

Han So Hee

Although she seems like she grew up with a golden spoon in her mouth, Han So Hee has a poor family background.

Before she became one of the most sought after actresses in the industry, she was living paycheck to paycheck that she had to take on various jobs.

She worked part-time at a bar and went to Seoul with less than 250 USD to take risks. Thankfully, she was given her breakthrough role instantaneously with "The World of the Married."

Now that she earns a hefty amount of money, she lives lavishly with branded things. She is now also able to give her grandmother everything she needs in her life.

Park Bo Gum

When he was 22 years old, Park Bo Gum had to announce bankruptcy after his father lost all their money. He even had to choose between working another job just to make ends meet.

Luckily, the actor's career was on the rise, slowly pulling him off the sack. Park Bo Gum was able to pay off the debt, including the 800 million KRW interest.

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Though he didn't grow up in extreme poverty like Han So Hee, Park Bo Gum is still one of the most inspiring actors today.

Park Shin Hye

Now one of South Korea's pride, Park Shin Hye was once a hopeless youngster with nothing to her name. Her childhood dream was to escape poverty.

Hoping to live a grandeur life, she dreamed of becoming a police officer. Because her mother was robbed of thousands of won when she was young, Park Shin Hye was eager to protect her.

When she decided to pursue her career as an actress, her parents were very supportive of her, wishing for her to be successful and help their family out.

She made her debut as a child actress in "Stairway To Heaven" which springboarded her career, and catapulted her to the top.

Girl's Day Hyeri

From her idol career to her acting venture, Girl's Day Hyeri is without a doubt one of the artists with a successful career.

But did you know that she became an idol in hopes to make her family's lives easier after her parents suffered to support them? The stars must have aligned and granted Hyeri's wish as she took on her breakthrough project "Reply 1988."

To give back to her parents, she prioritized them both financially and emotionally. Hyeri also doesn't forget to show her gratitude to fans by doing charitable works to help people in need.

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Cha Seung Won, Ju Ji Hoon, IU and more also grew up in poverty. Do you know other stars who was once poor? Tell us in the comments below!

KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.