Actress Choi Ji-soo Opens Up About Juggling Acting and Part-Time Jobs to Pay Off Student Loans

Actress Choi Ji-soo recently appeared on tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' on the 18th, where she candidly shared her experiences of working various part-time jobs to pay off a 50 million won student loan. Known for her role in the drama 'Undercover Miss Hong,' Choi revealed that she is still working part-time at a restaurant in Jamsil.

On the episode aired on the 18th, Choi Ji-soo, who made a significant impression in 'Undercover Miss Hong,' was featured on the popular variety show 'You Quiz on the Block' (hereafter 'You Quiz').

Why Did Choi Ji-soo Cry During a Video Call with Park Shin-hye?

Choi Ji-soo shared that she had a video call with Park Shin-hye after the conclusion of 'Undercover Miss Hong.' Reflecting on the successful drama, she said, "I felt like I was flying in the sky." She continued, "The day after the final episode, I received a video call from (Park) Shin-hye. I hadn't let go of my character Nora yet, and seeing Geum-bo's face made me cry a lot. I cried until the call ended. Shin-hye kept smiling while I kept crying."

Though she may seem like a newcomer, Choi Ji-soo is actually an 11-year veteran in the acting industry. She introduced herself, saying, "I debuted as a minor role actor in high school 11 years ago and have been working hard ever since."

How Did She Manage a 50 Million Won Student Loan?

Born during the IMF crisis in 1997, Choi Ji-soo played the role of a chaebol's daughter in dramas but has been a 'pro part-timer' since she was 20. She shared, "I've done mascot jobs, worked in logistics centers, inserted photo cards into albums for singers, and worked in restaurants. I've also worn character costumes at kids' cafes to take care of children."

The reason behind her hard work was to pay off her university tuition. Choi Ji-soo explained, "One semester's tuition was about 4.5 million won. After attending school for 6-7 years, my student loan accumulated to about 50 million won by the time I graduated." She added, "From the age of 28, I started receiving messages to repay the loan. It felt like I became a debtor, and I thought I needed to pay it off quickly."

Continuing Part-Time Work: How Long Will It Last?

Balancing school, acting, and working part-time six days a week was challenging. Choi Ji-soo said, "I worked part-time even right before appearing in 'Undercover Miss Hong.' I did a photo card job, sorting cards in a factory to ensure no duplicates. That day, I worked with photos of GD with mint-colored hair. It was an idol I knew. After 8 hours, my eyes hurt from the mint color. When I do factory work, I sleep on the subway home. Even with my eyes closed, the mint color lingered," she laughed.

Choi Ji-soo started working in factories to pay off her student loans. She became emotional, saying, "My parents felt bad for not being able to pay for my tuition."

Despite gaining recognition after 'Undercover Miss Hong,' she continues to work part-time. Choi Ji-soo said, "I still work at a large restaurant in Jamsil. I worked yesterday and will work tomorrow. These days, mothers recognize me." She added, "I wash dishes, make coffee, pour beer, and fry chicken. The owner tells me, 'Is it okay for an actress to do this? I'm sorry.' They encourage me not to come back and to succeed as an actress," expressing her gratitude.

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

Related Topics: Choi Ji-soo, You Quiz, Undercover Miss Hong, Student Loans, Part-Time Jobs