Actress Choi Kang-hee revealed that she stopped acting and started working part-time.
On the 6th, a video titled ‘“I was afraid after stopping activities” was posted on the YouTube channel ‘Sebasi Lecture’, the story of Choi Kang-hee, who set out to find the real me.
Choi Kang-hee said, “I quit acting. “The reason I thought about quitting acting was because the position of a celebrity was very heavy and uncomfortable,” he said. “I wasn’t happy and I was lonely. And suddenly, I thought, ‘Will I be able to protect myself if I were to face some kind of misunderstanding or injustice?’ but I wasn’t confident. So I decided to stop,” he explained.
Choi Kang-hee said, “What I was most afraid of when I quit acting was that I lived solely on acting for 25 years and did not develop myself in anything else after graduating from high school. So I decided to try working part-time. My friend runs a meat restaurant at Juan Station in Incheon. I worked part-time washing dishes there. “I also worked as a housekeeper at the homes of close fellow celebrities,” he said.
Choi Kang-hee said, “I worked part-time and earned about 1.6 million won a month. It was about utility bills, insurance premiums, and simple living expenses. “I felt relieved at that time,” he recalled.
He said, “I registered for a writing academy and an editing academy with some money. “I wanted to keep all opportunities open,” he said. “I’m very interested in trash, so I wanted to study it.” People say I look like a jellyfish. “I worked hard to find the opportunity,” he added.
He said, “When I take a group photo, don’t I get stressed out about my face? I really realized it. “Just as I am only interested in myself, others are only interested in themselves,” he said. “I thought I would be subjective and go my own way. “People say I look comfortable these days.”
Choi Kang-hee debuted in 1995 with KBS’ ‘New Generation, Adults Don’t Know.’ She appeared in the movies ‘Girl’s High School Ghost Story’ (1998), ‘Sweet, Fierce Lovers’ (2006), ‘Aeja’ (2009), and the dramas ‘Glamorous Temptation’ (2015-2016) and ‘Queen of Mystery’ (2017). Drama ‘Hello? I am taking a break from acting after ‘It’s Me!’ (2021). Last December, he opened the YouTube channel ‘I, too, Choi Kang-hee’ and is communicating with fans.
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Time.news Interview: A Conversation with Expert on Celebrity Culture and Personal Identity
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to Time.news! Today’s guest is Dr. Lisa Kim, a cultural psychologist who specializes in celebrity culture and personal identity. With us, we have Choi Kang-hee, who recently made headlines for taking a bold step away from acting to seek a more fulfilling life. Welcome, Dr. Kim and Choi Kang-hee!
Dr. Lisa Kim: Thank you for having me!
Choi Kang-hee: Thank you! I’m glad to be here.
Editor: Choi, your recent transition from acting to working part-time and exploring other interests caught a lot of attention. Can you share what led you to this decision?
Choi Kang-hee: Absolutely. After 25 years of acting, I realized that the celebrity lifestyle was heavily weighing on me. I felt a lot of loneliness and pressure, and I started to question if I’d be able to navigate any potential misunderstandings or injustices that could arise. It was a daunting recognition—I wasn’t happy, so I made the choice to stop acting and find out who I really am.
Dr. Lisa Kim: That’s quite significant. What you’re describing is a classic struggle many individuals face when they achieve a high level of success in their careers but feel unfulfilled personally. Choi, you mentioned a fear of not having developed other skills outside of acting. What did you do to address this concern?
Choi Kang-hee: After quitting, I took a part-time job washing dishes at a friend’s meat restaurant and also worked as a housekeeper for fellow celebrities. It was grounding for me. I earned a modest income, which helped me manage my daily expenses, but more importantly, it allowed me to reconnect with the essence of hard work in a different context.
Editor: That’s really refreshing. It’s not often that we hear about celebrities taking such a down-to-earth route. Dr. Kim, how do you think this experience contributes to one’s personal identity evolution, especially for someone who has been in the public eye?
Dr. Lisa Kim: Choi’s experience highlights a powerful narrative of self-discovery. Stepping away from a defined public role can be both frightening and liberating. For many, it can facilitate a necessary realignment of self-identity—away from how others perceive them and towards a more intrinsic understanding of who they wish to be. Engaging in different work can also provide a sense of normalcy and restore autonomy.
Choi Kang-hee: Exactly! I even enrolled in writing and editing academies to expand my horizons. I want to keep every opportunity open, and honestly, I find joy in learning something new, even if it’s something unconventional like studying ‘trash.’
Editor: That’s such a unique interest! You’ve openly talked about your struggles with self-image and stress in social situations. How have your views on these aspects changed since stepping back from acting?
Choi Kang-hee: I’ve realized that my worries about how I’m perceived—like stressing over group photos—are often reflections of how I view myself. I learned that others are too focused on their own lives to scrutinize my image as much as I thought. This revelation has helped me to feel more comfortable and confident in being myself.
Dr. Lisa Kim: It’s a vital lesson in self-acceptance. Many who live in the public eye struggle with these same perceptions, believing they must maintain a specific image. Choi’s decision to embrace authenticity can inspire many others, particularly in an era where social media pressures people into curated lives.
Editor: Choi, your YouTube channel “I, too, Choi Kang-hee” seems like a wonderful avenue for connecting with fans. How has that platform allowed you to express your new journey?
Choi Kang-hee: The channel has been a form of therapy and connection. I can share my experiences honestly, and in return, I’ve received immense support from fans. It feels good to know I’m not alone and that others resonate with my journey of self-discovery.
Editor: It sounds like you’re carving out a fulfilling path for yourself. Dr. Kim, what insights can we glean from Choi’s story that could apply to anyone feeling the weight of their own expectations?
Dr. Lisa Kim: Choi’s narrative teaches us that it’s okay to step away for self-care. The pressure to conform to societal roles can be overwhelming, but prioritizing personal happiness is crucial. It is beneficial for everyone to engage in self-discovery and explore interests that may have been set aside.
Editor: Thank you both for this enlightening conversation. Choi, your journey is incredibly relatable and powerful, and Dr. Kim, your insights add a valuable perspective on celebrity culture and mental health. We wish you both continued success as you navigate this evolving landscape of identity and authenticity.
Choi Kang-hee: Thank you!
Dr. Lisa Kim: Thank you for having us!