Singer and actor Lee Jun-young appeared on Lee Young-ji’s YouTube show “Nothing Prepared” in an episode titled “Lee Jun-young, Five Days Before Enlistment, Nothing Prepared, Romantic Success.” The episode was filmed shortly before his enlistment and marked what he described as “his last drinking broadcast as a civilian.”
During the conversation, Lee Jun-young spoke candidly about his upbringing and why building a successful career had once been his biggest priority.
Lee Jun-young revealed that he did not date much in the past because he was focused on achieving financial stability. He recalled seeing his parents struggle financially when he was younger and said the experience remained deeply etched in his memory. As a result, he made a promise to himself to pay off his family’s debt and succeed as an artist.
Rather than prioritizing relationships or other aspects of his personal life, he spent years concentrating on work. According to Lee Jun-young, he worked continuously for approximately five to six years, saving the money he earned along the way. His efforts eventually allowed him to pay off his family’s debt and buy a house for his parents, an accomplishment that became one of the most meaningful milestones of his life.
Lee Jun-young also looked back on the more difficult period of his career when he was promoting as a member of U-KISS. He recalled having to work part-time jobs in Korea during that period and described the financial and emotional difficulties he experienced at the time. One particularly emotional memory involved unexpectedly running into a manager he had been close to in the past. Lee Jun-young said the encounter moved him to tears, highlighting how difficult that period had been. Despite those struggles, he continued working toward his goal of becoming a successful artist.
When asked about his hobbies, Lee Jun-young revealed that Pokémon cards are one of the few things he willingly spends money on. The revelation created a connection with Lee Young-ji, who also joined in the conversation about the hobby.
Lee Jun-young also said that he has recently found himself spending more time simply staring into space. He described the feeling as though time had stopped, reflecting his mindset ahead of his military service.
The singer-actor also talked about the people he met most recently before enlisting, naming Park Ji-hoon, Moon Sang-hoon and director Han Jun-hee. Among them, Lee Jun-young described comedian and actor Moon Sang-hoon as someone who feels like an “asylum” or a place of refuge for him. The two reportedly enjoy drinking together and having competitions to see who can hold back their laughter the longest.
Lee Jun-young added that he tends to spend time with people who are not overly concerned with trends or social media, mentioning the dance crew Bank Two Brothers as an example. He said that in an era filled with constant dopamine stimulation, he appreciates people who do not feel the need to chase every meme or trend, and that he has learned a sense of freedom from them.
Lee Jun-young’s appearance came just five days before his enlistment, making the conversation particularly meaningful. He reportedly entered basic military training in July and is currently serving as an active-duty soldier. Before wrapping up the broadcast, Lee Jun-young left a message for his future self after completing his military service, expressing hope that he would be doing well.
His story about overcoming financial difficulties, supporting his parents and continuing to pursue his career resonated as one of the most personal moments of the episode. From his difficult years during his U-KISS days to eventually paying off his family’s debt and buying a home for his parents, Lee Jun-young’s story offers a glimpse into the personal sacrifices behind his career as a singer and actor.
Sources: Insight