Hollywood Stars Embrace Dual Careers: From Publishing to Fruit Distribution

The trend of celebrities taking on 'second jobs' is on the rise, with many stars stepping into the role of CEO. Notable examples include actor Park Jung-min, who runs a publishing company, and Nam Bo-ra, who leads an online fruit distribution business. These stars are showing as much passion and professionalism in their secondary careers as they do in their acting roles.

Actor Park Jung-min is currently taking a break from acting to focus on his two-person publishing company, 'Muje'. With a history of running a bookstore near Seoul's Sangsu Station and having published an essay collection, Park has a deep love for books and reading.

One of the reasons Park founded his independent publishing house was his father, who is visually impaired and loves books. On tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block', Park shared, "I felt a sense of pity for myself because my father is blind," and added, "I felt ashamed and disliked myself." He decided to do something for his father, leading to the creation of an audiobook series, starting with Kim Geum-hee's new novel 'First Summer, Wanju'.

Kim Ah-young, the only employee at Muje, shared, "When I collaborated with the CEO at my previous job, I realized that the publishing company wasn't about appearing intellectual." This highlights Park's genuine passion.

Park Jung-min also participated in the 2025 Seoul International Book Fair at Coex, making a significant impact as a publisher. His dedication to books and consideration for the visually impaired have resonated with the public. Muje's official account announced, "There are currently over 100 people waiting at the Muje booth, making it difficult to purchase."

Nam Bo-ra is involved in the online fruit distribution business. On KBS's 'New Release, Pyeonstorang', she revealed, "My childhood dream was to be a CEO," and added, "I always dreamed of running a business, and I felt I would regret it if I didn't pursue it now." She also expressed a desire to help others, inspired by those who helped her family during her childhood.

Nam chose the fruit business due to her childhood experiences. "I grew up in a produce market and have always been meticulous about fruit," she said. In the early days of her business, she often slept only four hours a day. As a content creator, she also runs a YouTube channel where she shares her experiences, including delivering peaches herself.

Lee Je-hoon is both an actor and the CEO of the talent management company, Company On, which he founded three years ago. The company represents actors including Lee Je-hoon, Lee Dong-hwi, and Kim Eun-bi. In a recent interview with TenAsia, Lee shared, "Running a management company while acting makes me feel like my work is my identity. It's a choice I've made, and I'm contemplating how to move forward in a better direction."

Lee also discussed his vision as a company leader, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where artists can dream. "It's important not to settle and to show better versions of ourselves," he said. He hopes the company will be a place where employees can project their dreams and futures without anxiety.

The common thread among these stars is their genuine commitment to their dual careers. Whether participating in book fairs or personally delivering products, they demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility as CEOs. Their dedication to their secondary careers is as impressive as their acting, showcasing their determination to realize their dreams.

By Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr