SEOUL, February 8, 2026 – Before captivating audiences with her acting roles in K-Dramas like 49 Days adn Cruel City, Nam Gyuri, a former member of the girl group SEEYA, faced meaningful financial hardship as a child, a struggle that ultimately fueled her dream of becoming a K-Pop idol.
From Single-Room Homes to Center Stage
The actress revealed a childhood marked by economic insecurity and a pivotal moment during a school event that ignited her passion for music.
- nam Gyuri grew up in a single-room home, with money being a constant source of conflict.
- A school performance where she sang and danced ignited her desire to pursue a career in music to support her family.
- She debuted in 2006 with SEEYA,achieving popularity for her vocal talent and appearance.
- Nam Gyuri has since transitioned to acting, appearing in several well-known K-Dramas.
During an appearance on the February 7, 2026 (KST) episode of the “Let’s eat” YouTube show on the kkondaehee channel, Nam Gyuri candidly discussed her family’s difficulties. “When I was in the lower grades of elementary school, my family’s situation suddenly became very tough due to my father’s business failing,” she recalled.
She described a cramped living situation and the constant stress surrounding finances. “There were three daughters and one son in our family-six of us in total. We all lived huddled together in a single-room home, and there was always just one reason we fought: money. aside from that, we were actually very happy, but money was always the problem,” Nam Gyuri shared.
The turning point came during a school event. “When I was in second or third grade, I remember thinking in my childish way, ‘What can I do to buy a house for my family?’ then one day, during a school sports festival, a teacher asked me to sing and dance. I ended up going out without much thought and danced to Two Two‘s ‘One and a Half,’ and after that, I became a popular star at school.”
What inspired Nam gyuri to pursue a career as a singer? The positive reception she received at the school sports festival sparked a realization that she could use her talent to improve her family’s financial situation.
That moment solidified her ambition. “Teachers would call on me every time there was a school trip or an event.That’s when I started thinking,’If I sing and become a singer and make money,our whole family can live happily.’ That was how I decided to pursue a career as a singer,” she explained.
Nam Gyuri ultimately achieved her goal, debuting in 2006 as a member of SEEYA. The group quickly gained recognition, with Nam Gyuri lauded for her exceptional voice and striking visuals. She later expanded her career into acting, taking on roles in popular K-Dramas such as 49 Days, Cruel City, and Kairos.
Watch the full episode here:
