Namkoong Min opened up about his early career struggles and the actor who replaced him after he was dropped from a role.
On the October 17th episode of SBS's 'Anytime,' actors Namkoong Min, Jeon Yeo-bin, and Lee Seol appeared as guests.
During the show, Namkoong Min, who has won three major awards, shared his experiences from his decade-long struggle as an unknown actor. He recalled, "I went to countless auditions," and added, "I applied to three public auditions and got rejected from all. I was supposed to hear back within ten days, but I never did."
The actors related to Namkoong Min's audition stories. Yoo Yeon-seok commented, "You get a 95% feeling that you didn't make it after an audition," which brought laughter. Lee Seol added, "Most auditions end in rejection," to which Yoo Yeon-seok agreed, offering comfort.
Jeon Yeo-bin shared, "Even after applying for auditions, I wouldn't hear back. I started with independent films and gradually began receiving calls."
Namkoong Min revealed, "I was cut after the script reading for a project. We bonded over meals after the reading, but I was let go." He continued, "I saw the person who replaced me on TV and realized, 'Oh, they took my spot after appearing in commercials.'" Yoo Jae-suk empathized, saying, "Only those who have experienced it can understand the pain of being unknown."
Namkoong Min confessed, "When I see actors who have survived in the industry at award shows, I think, 'You're still here too.'" Yoo Jae-suk expressed his affection for Namkoong Min, noting the camaraderie that forms among actors.
In addition to acting, Namkoong Min is also a director. He proudly shared, "I met my wife, Jin Ah-reum, while directing. She came to audition, and that's how we met."
Reported by Kim Eun-jung, TenAsia. Contact: eun@tenasia.co.kr