YouTuber Lala Confesses Financial Struggles Despite Success

Lala (real name Lee Yoo-ra), a YouTuber with 1.84 million subscribers, recently opened up about her financial struggles.

On October 9, Lala appeared on actress Kim Nam-joo's YouTube channel, where they discussed various topics.

During the conversation, Lala mentioned her alter ego, 'Ajumma Lee Myung-hwa,' and shared, "I want to create a new character, but I can't lose weight. I'm trying to cut down on late-night snacks."

Lala, who has gained many celebrity fans with this character, was asked if she made a lot of money from it. She revealed, "Many people think it was a big hit, but the losses were much greater," citing the costs of producing merchandise for her character.

She added, "In the end, it's a loss. It feels like all the money I earned is gone, which was tough. But lately, I've been thinking, 'I never had that money to begin with.' It's hard not to feel down when I think about how hard I worked."

Lala also shared her past struggles, saying, "Many people endure jobs they dislike to get by. I started working in factories in middle school. I had to earn money doing things I didn't want to do. I realized that if I quit YouTube and went back to factory work, I'd probably earn more, but I don't want to do that."

Lala, who even appeared in a film thanks to her character's success, expressed disappointment about her earnings, saying, "The movie is set to release late next year, but as a cameo, the pay isn't much, and I haven't been paid yet since it hasn't aired."

Before entering the YouTube scene, Lala aspired to be a musical actress. She revealed that her family wasn't well-off, and she had to work multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet, which left her too exhausted to pursue her passion for theater.

Lala explained her transition to YouTube, saying, "As I approached 30, I felt uncertain about my future. While contemplating at home, I searched 'how to start an internet broadcast' and discovered AfreecaTV. I pressed the start button, and that's how it all began."

Reflecting on her journey, Lala admitted, "I used to blame my circumstances, but now I realize that opportunities came because I changed my mindset. I used to complain a lot, but now I'm grateful."

Kim Nam-joo also shared her own past struggles during the conversation. Listening to Lala's story, Kim revealed, "I used to work as a city hall clerk because my family was very poor."

Recalling her younger days, Kim said, "When I was 20, I worked at a legal office where a 31-year-old man would ask me to make coffee and do menial tasks. I realized I couldn't live as 'Miss Kim' forever, so I pursued further education and even entered the Miss Korea pageant."

Kim shared that acting wasn't her original dream, saying, "My father passed away when I was three. I later learned he was a bit-part actor in many projects. It feels like he's fulfilling his dreams through me."

As a novice YouTuber, Kim asked Lala for tips on gaining popularity. Lala advised, "These days, people appreciate comfort, warmth, empathy, and genuine communication. Sensational content has its limits."

Kim noted the changing times, saying, "In the past, mystery was appealing, but now if you're not visible, you're forgotten." Lala agreed, emphasizing the importance of frequent appearances.

Towards the end of the video, a surprise birthday party was held for Kim Nam-joo. She was moved to tears by handwritten letters from her son studying in the UK and her mother.

By Da-yeon Jeong, TenAsia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr