Several celebrities, including former WJSN member Dayoung, actress Kang Ye Won, and singer-actor Lee Jun Young, have opened up about difficult family circumstances involving debt and financial hardship. Rather than turning away from these challenges, they have spoken about confronting them with determination and a strong sense of responsibility.
Their stories have resonated with the public not simply because of the financial difficulties they experienced, but because of the perseverance and personal responsibility they demonstrated while building their own careers.
Dayoung Opens Up About Her Family’s Debt
Former WJSN member Dayoung revealed that her family struggled with tens of billions of won in debt left behind by her biological father. After her parents divorced, she lived with her mother and helped with the family’s restaurant from a young age.
At 13, Dayoung moved alone from Jeju Island to Seoul and endured life in a goshiwon while pursuing her dream of becoming an entertainer. She later debuted with WJSN in 2016.
Beyond group activities, Dayoung continued pursuing her own music. She traveled to Los Angeles at her own expense to work on a solo project, eventually earning her first No. 1 trophy with her solo song “Body.”
Kang Ye Won Faced Unexpected Debt After Her Father’s Death
Actress Kang Ye Won shared on SBS’s My Little Old Boy that she discovered approximately 1.1 billion won in debt following her father’s death.
Although she was reportedly informed that the debt was corporate debt and that she had no legal obligation to repay it, Kang Ye Won still chose to help her father’s former employees. She personally provided part of their nine months of unpaid wages.
She also faced the possibility of having to give up the family home where they had lived for around 30 years. Despite the hardship, she remained determined to continue working and move forward.
Lee Jun Young Worked to Repay His Parents’ Debt
Singer and actor Lee Jun Young has also spoken about growing up while watching his parents struggle financially. During his early U-KISS years, he reportedly worked part-time jobs while pursuing his entertainment career.
As an aspiring actor, he faced prejudice as an idol-turned-actor and endured more than 100 failed auditions. Even after suffering a knee injury, he continued studying scripts and working to improve his acting.
His persistence eventually paid off. Lee Jun Young was able to repay his parents’ debt and later gave them a home and a car.
The stories of Dayoung, Kang Ye Won, and Lee Jun Young show how each celebrity faced difficult family circumstances in their own way. Their perseverance and willingness to confront hardship have earned them continued support and encouragement from the public.
Sources: Daum | MHN스포츠