Debuting in a boy group doesn't guarantee smooth sailing. Lee Jun-young, formerly of U-KISS and now an active actor, recently appeared on tvN's “You Quiz on the Block” to discuss the financial hardships he faced during his idol days. He revealed that without solo work or extra income, he had to take part-time jobs near his home. He even recounted an incident where he was unexpectedly discovered by his agency manager while working a convenience store night shift, causing him to burst into tears on the spot.
No Income After Debut, Part-Time Jobs Near Home to Survive
On July 8th, Lee Jun-young appeared on tvN's “You Quiz on the Block” for the “Last Dance” special, recalling the extremely difficult financial period he went through even after debuting with U-KISS. He cautiously stated, “I had no activities in Korea. Because I had no solo work and no extra income, I took part-time jobs near my home.”
He also brought up a past incident that he wished had never happened, but did. Lee Jun-young explained that he once worked a night shift at a convenience store before practice, only for his agency manager to coincidentally come in to buy cigarettes and unexpectedly discover him working.
Caught by Manager, "Too Embarrassed" to Say a Word
Lee Jun-young recalled, “I worked a night shift at a convenience store before practice. At that time, my manager happened to come in to buy cigarettes. I was too embarrassed to say anything and just cried a lot. I never wanted to be discovered, but I was truly ashamed.” This confession deeply moved the audience.
The original report stated that when the manager realized Lee Jun-young was secretly working due to debt problems, he also shed tears. Lee Jun-young continued, “He drove me home and then cried. After that, I gritted my teeth and persevered.” He admitted that it was by silently enduring that difficult period that he gradually reached his current position.
