Choi Ji Su, the actress who appeared in the Netflix drama 'Undercover Miss Hong', has moved the hearts of viewers by openly talking about her financial struggles in her acting career.

Koreaboo reports that on May 29, Choi appeared on MBC's reality show "I Live Alone" (also known as I Love Alone), where she gave a peek into her daily life and announced that she paid off her student loan debt after nearly a decade of payments.
The actress was seen using her banking app to transfer money while doing housework. "I have fully repaid my student loans today," she later told the production crew in an interview about the transaction.
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— ʜᴇᴇᴢʀᴏʟʏ (@HEEZROLY) May 29, 2026
최지수 배우님 9년만에 학자금 대출 다 갚으셨대 ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ 나 이제 빚 없다고 말하는 지수님에게 어머니는 우리 지수 이제 꽃길만 걷자며 응원하시는데 ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ 걍 비상비상 ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ pic.twitter.com/0LGkbBT4PV
The Chosun Daily also reported that Choi said she relied on income from outside of acting to gradually pay off the debt. She revealed she worked part-time at a restaurant and also did babysitting jobs, and used that income to make regular payments over nine years.
Choi admitted she is getting more recognition as an actress, but financial security hasn't yet caught up with public awareness. She said she is often recognized by customers at her part-time jobs, a reality that highlights the economic hardships of many aspiring and mid-career performers.
The comments struck a chord with viewers, shining a light on the difference between being famous and being financially secure that can be present in the entertainment industry. Several actors still hold down side jobs to make ends meet, particularly early in their careers, even if they are appearing on television or streaming services on a regular basis.
Choi's eyes welled up when talking about being debt-free at last. The actress said she thought of her mother immediately on that occasion and said she felt a great sense of relief after dragging the financial burden for nearly 10 years.
The touching revelation was soon noticed by the public on the internet, with fans and audience praising her persistence and commitment. Several admired her dedication to repay the debt with her own hands while pursuing her acting dreams.
Choi was showered with positive comments by social media users on the hope that she would get lead roles in the entertainment industry and would be recognized for her talent. Others said her story was a reminder that many performers struggle personally and financially behind the scenes, no matter how famous they are.
Now that her student loans are out of the way, supporters are hopeful Choi can focus her full attention on growing her acting career.












