Choi Yeo-jin Reflects on Early Career Struggles and Path to Acting Success

Actress Choi Yeo-jin has opened up about the challenges she faced early in her career and her unwavering drive for success.

In a YouTube video uploaded on the channel 'Yeo-jin's Place' on the 21st, Choi shared her experiences balancing academics and her entertainment career during her twenties. Having entered university later than most, she recalled working even harder to earn respect amongst her younger peers, despite her existing fame.

"I didn't want to be labeled as someone who attended university just for a degree after becoming a celebrity," Choi explained, "I felt I needed to set a good example given my age."

She recounted having to complete extra assignments to make up for missed attendance and doing coursework on drama sets, often overnight. Choi also confessed to experiencing an existential crisis after returning from studying abroad, questioning her path and purpose.

She revealed that early struggles with her appearance as a model, where she was often cut from shows due to being perceived as too young-looking and short, fueled her intense dieting and determination to become an actress. Choi ultimately decided to abruptly quit modeling, which was booming at the time, to pursue acting. This decision led to her debut in the drama 'I'm Sorry, I Love You' within six months.

"I believe I can enjoy my current leisure because I worked so hard when I was young," Choi stated, emphasizing her belief that "one must strive for success in their twenties. It's not too late to play later; playing then is even more rewarding."

Choi Yeo-jin made her acting debut in the 2006 drama 'I'm Sorry, I Love You' and has since starred in numerous productions like 'High Kick!' and 'The Parent'. She tied the knot with businessman Kim Jae-wook in July 2023. The actress is also known for her rigorous self-discipline and healthy lifestyle.