From Side Jobs to Stardom: Jin Seo-yeon’s Raw and Heartfelt Journey on Korean Reality Show

On episode 30 of the Korean reality foodumentary ‘Jeon Hyun Moo Project 2’, which aired jointly on MBN and Channel S, viewers were taken on a flavorful and heartwarming journey set in Gangneung, Gangwon State. Media personality Jeon Hyun Moo, YouTuber Kwak Tube (Kwak Joon-bin), and actress Jin Seo-yeon explored the soul of coastal Korean cuisine at a local seafood restaurant oozing with ‘Poksak’ nostalgia—the show’s signature flavor of authenticity.

The star of the episode, however, was not just the melt-in-your-mouth assorted sashimi featuring Chinese Perch, Mudskipper, Japanese Sea Bass, and flatfish like Dodari. It was Jin Seo-yeon’s deeply personal revelation of her ten-year journey as an unknown actress before her breakthrough performance in the acclaimed film “Believer (Dokjeon)”.

While feasting on fresh seafood—some of it caught by the restaurant’s owner just hours earlier—Jin opened up about surviving on part-time jobs before hitting her stride in acting. “I never once stopped working. I did everything from working at gas stations to selling rice cakes,” she shared candidly.

Surprisingly, Jin also revealed she once ran a highly successful online shopping mall, ranking third in national sales. Despite financial stability, she chose to close the business, saying, “Even if I ate 500-won bread, I knew I had to keep acting.”

Her determination eventually landed her a pivotal role in “Believer”, where she played the fierce character “Boryeong.” Jin recounted attending the audition in full character costume—wet hair and hoop earrings included. “At the time, I thought, ‘After this, I’ll leave Korea,’” she confessed, revealing the emotional weight of the moment.

Her powerful performance shocked co-hosts Jeon Hyun Moo and Kwak Tube, evoking chills. When asked how her family perceives her intense roles, Jin smiled and recounted how her husband admired her decision to accept a part involving partial nudity. “He read the script and said, ‘This is amazing. You have to do it,’” she laughed.

This unforgettable episode captured not only the flavors of Korea’s east coast but the depth of human resilience and passion. From the humble tables of Gangneung to the cinematic intensity of ‘Believer’, Jin Seo-yeon’s journey is a true portrayal of artistry, sacrifice, and revelation.

Catch the emotional feast and inspiring life stories on ‘Jeon Hyun Moo Project 2’, Fridays at 10:30 PM on MBN and Channel S.