Before becoming famous actors, these Korean stars had a difficult childhood.

IU

IU's upbringing was going swimmingly until her family went into debt. As a result, IU and her younger brother moved in with their grandma.

They lived in poverty for a long period, as their home was formerly infested with cockroaches.

Rain

Rain, a Korean film and music industry icon, had an extraordinarily difficult childhood. Rain grew up in an environment in which he couldn't eat or wear warm.

His mother has diabetes, but the family cannot afford care; at times, the entire family is forced to live on the streets.

Rain's mother died not long after his debut, without receiving a single day's blessing from her son. Rain was tormented for the rest of his life since he couldn't save his mother.

Rain, according to the owner of JYP, is the poorest artist he has ever encountered.

Han So Hee

Han So Hee is one of the most well-known new generation actors. Han So Hee was one of the Korean stars that grew up in poverty before becoming a star and attaining the lifestyle she presently enjoys.

She used to work in a pub in her early career, but she subsequently tried to pursue acting because of her grandma, whom she considers her mother.

And her biological mother is like a "burden" because she frequently uses her name to borrow money, increasing the amount of debt that Han So Hee has to endure.

Recently, the law intervened, and Han So Hee was deemed not liable for the debts incurred by her mother in her name.

Cha Seung Won

Cha Seung Won, the hot drama "Our Blues"' male lead, had to go through the same poverty as his character.

Although he did not go into detail, Cha Seung Won once stated that his family was forced to live in a damp basement for three years.

Cha Seung Won fell in love with the catwalk by accident after working at a run-down bookstore for a long period.

Cha Seung Won's average annual salary has reached ten million dollars, and the 45-year-old celebrity also models for 13 different fashion companies.

Park Bo Gum

Park Bo Gum's career got off to a rocky start when he declared bankruptcy at the age of 22.

His father had borrowed money from a lender and had Park Bo Gum listed as a guarantor at the time.

Following his debut, Park Bo Gum began to receive demands to repay the debt, which had risen considerably due to the interest rate.

Source[1]

Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]