Jun "Cried My Eyes Out After Being Caught Working Part-Time at a Convenience Store by My Manager During U-KISS Days"

Actor Jun revealed the story of how he worked night shifts at a convenience store while experiencing extreme financial hardship during his activities with the group U-KISS. In particular, he recalled his difficult days of obscurity, sharing an anecdote where his pent-up emotions burst into tears the moment he accidentally ran into his agency manager.

On the episode of the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block' aired on the 8th, Jun, who is set to enlist on the 21st, appeared and gave a sincere account of his journey of carving out a new life as an actor after being an idol.

Jun debuted in the music industry in 2014 as a new member of the group U-KISS. Recalling that time, he said he had to quickly adapt to the existing members' activities and had to learn more than 20 songs and choreographies in a short period.

"As soon as I joined, I had to perform on stage, so I practiced frantically," he said. "I remember preparing desperately every day so that I wouldn't fall short."

However, contrary to his intense preparation, reality was not easy. As domestic activities decreased sharply, he faced a long hiatus, and as personal activities naturally ceased, financial difficulties followed.

Jun candidly expressed his feelings, saying, "When I watched major award ceremonies, my peers were receiving cheers on stage. Even though we had the same profession, I thought a lot about 'Why did I end up here?' and 'What am I doing right now?'"

The financial hardship eventually led to part-time work to make a living.

"There were almost no domestic activities and no personal schedules, so there was no income at all," he revealed. "I worked a night part-time job at a convenience store near my house."

Above all, he cited the moment he accidentally ran into his agency manager as the most unforgettable moment.

Recalling the time, Jun said, "The manager hyung came to the convenience store to buy cigarettes. I really didn't want to be caught, but our eyes met. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't say anything and ended up crying my eyes out."

He added, "I heard later that after he drove me home, the manager hyung also cried alone. My heart felt complicated when I heard him say, 'He always used to say, "I will definitely succeed."'"

Even amidst the harsh reality, he did not give up on his dream.

Using the hiatus as a preparation period to become an actor, Jun began to find new possibilities by obtaining scripts and teaching himself acting. He spent more time researching and practicing on his own than taking formal classes, and he built experience by constantly visiting audition sites.

However, the process of transitioning to an actor was also not smooth.

Jun confessed, "I failed auditions more than 100 times. I even heard people say, 'Don't cause trouble for nothing, just go back to what you used to do,' simply because I was an idol-turned-actor."

Nevertheless, he chose to endure rather than despair.

"I thought I shouldn't get exhausted. I endured with the single mindset that I had to keep going," Jun said calmly. "I only thought that if I gave up, it would truly be the end."

The effort accumulated over a long time finally bore fruit.

Since then, he has expanded his presence as an actor, gaining recognition for his stable acting skills in various works. Through dramas such as 'Mask Girl', 'When Life Gives You Tangerines', 'Weak Hero Class 2', and 'Reborn Rookie', he has portrayed a wide range of characters, establishing himself as a reliable actor beyond the label of an 'idol-turned-actor.'

Jun's sincere confession of succeeding as an actor after enduring the setbacks of idol activities, financial hardship, and countless repeated audition failures has drawn deep empathy and support from viewers.