Actress Lee Jung-eun Reflects on Her Struggles with a $20 Annual Income

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Actress Lee Jung-eun recently opened up about her challenging past, living on an annual income of just $20.

On the October 31st episode of the MBN and Channel S variety show 'Jeon Hyun-moo Plan 3', Lee Jung-eun and Jung Ryeo-won joined Jeon Hyun-moo and Kwak Tube (Kwak Jun-bin) on a 'food trip' to Boryeong.

During the show, Lee Jung-eun, who is now in her 34th year as an actress, revealed, "During my theater days, I earned only 20,000 won a year." She shared that she took on various jobs to make ends meet, including working in restaurants, and reflected on how these experiences significantly contributed to her realistic acting and performance quality.

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When asked if she feels a sense of rivalry with fellow actress Yum Hye-ran, Lee candidly responded, "There might be a sense of rivalry? (Yum Hye-ran) is a trending actress now. Actors need to face reality. When the same role comes up, I think, 'I want to do it too.' But if I can't envision myself in a role and think another actor would do better, I don't take it."

Lee Jung-eun debuted in 1991 with the play 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. She initially worked in theater and musicals before gaining recognition through her impressive performances in dramas like 'Oh My Ghost', 'Mr. Sunshine', 'Fight for My Way', and the film 'Parasite'.

Reporter Na-yeon Cho, Ten Asia nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr