Actress Lee Se Young recently opened up about her remarkable journey in the entertainment industry, reflecting on the ups and downs she’s faced from childhood to adulthood. Making an appearance on tvN’s You Quiz on the Block, she candidly discussed her 28 years in the spotlight.
Lee Se Young began her career in 1996 with the drama Brothers’ River and the children’s program Popopo. During the show, she revealed an interesting backstory about her debut: “My mother often heard from neighbors that my big eyes and slender frame would appeal to TV producers. At that time, with many cases of child abductions, she thought appearing on TV might make me less vulnerable, so she enrolled me in reenactment programs.”
Reflecting on her childhood, she recalled, “I had to be independent from a young age. I pretended to be neat and well-behaved and never complained on set. Everyone was older than me back then, but I enjoyed playing with them.”
In 2003, she gained recognition for her role as the young Geum Young, the protagonist’s rival in the drama Dae Jang Geum, also known as Jewel in the Palace. She confessed, “When I went to school, the boys would tease me by singing the Jewel in the Palace theme song. My closest friend even created an anti-fan club for me.”
While chasing her acting dreams, Lee Se Young also prioritized her education. She chuckled, saying, “I grew up thinking I was the center of the universe. I expected to be the top student when I started middle school, only to realize that wasn’t the case. I also thought I’d reach 175 cm (5 feet 9 inches) tall and ace my English classes.”
Transitioning from child star to adult performer brought its own set of challenges. “When I became a college student and started living independently, I had to pay rent but struggled to find work,” she shared. “It felt like I was teetering on the edge of a cliff. Even though I was a newcomer, people viewed me as a washed-up rookie.”
Lee explained that she took on several part-time jobs during her downtime to make ends meet. Her determination shone through as she mentioned, “I clocked in at my agency’s office and handed out business cards to reporters. I added a small snack and my character’s name on the cards, thinking it would help them remember me and create a positive impression when promoting our work.”
Host Yoo Jae Suk responded, “That kind of thoughtfulness surely resonated with those who received it. You weren’t just trying to impress; you took the time to convey your feelings, which really came across. It’s truly impressive.”
Looking back on her hard work, Lee expressed gratitude for The Red Sleeve’s success, which has become a significant milestone in her career. “I’m overwhelmed by the incredible love I’ve received,” she shared. It makes me question if I deserve this much affection, but I’m committed to embracing it graciously and living rightly.”
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