San E recalls struggling past: "I didn't even have 5,000 won"

Rapper San E has opened up about the emotional toll of his early career, recalling a time when his bank account balance fell below 5,000 won. Contrasting his current success, he shared a glimpse into a period when he felt that no amount of effort could improve his circumstances.

On the 24th, San E wrote on his SNS, "It was a cold winter in 2013, and no matter how hard I tried, nothing went right. While running along the Han River at dawn, I looked at my bank balance and just burst into tears." The photo he shared showed his balance at the time was 4,866 won.

He reflected more deeply on his mindset during that period. "I was walking and crying, thinking, 'Who would like someone like this? Even I would have left,'" he stated. "At that moment, for the first time in my life, I realized what the expression 'the wind is bone-chilling' actually meant."

He added, "I remember looking at the lights of expensive, high-rise apartments and making a vow to myself that I would definitely buy one within 10 years." He calmly recounted how he transformed the frustration of economic hardship and an uncertain future into a driving ambition.

San E also confessed that he has been going through a difficult time physically and mentally over the past few months. "For the past few months, my body and mind have been hurting, and I have been spending days where I cannot even take calls and am even afraid to reach out," he said. "I am sorry for causing concern, and I am doing my best to find courage and get better." He added, "I hope all the hurting people in the world become healthy."

San E's confession invites reflection not only on his current struggles but also on the ups and downs of his long musical career. He first gained significant recognition after being scouted by JYP Entertainment in 2008. After immigrating to the United States and majoring in graphic design at the University of Georgia, he sent a demo tape to JYP USA and was selected, drawing attention as the first solo rapper presented by JYP at the time.

After his official debut in 2010 with the mini-album 'Everybody Ready?', he moved to Brand New Music and expanded his musical scope within the hip-hop genre. He released tracks such as 'A Story of Someone I Know', 'Farewell Table', and 'Me You', and gained widespread fame through the hit 'Honey of a Midsummer Night' performed with Raina.

However, even after becoming a prominent artist, life has not always been smooth. The 4,866 won balance revealed by San E is more than just a number; it symbolically represents the period of anxiety and frustration he had to endure before achieving success.

Looking back at his past self, San E did not hide his current hardships. Having endured his most difficult times before, his determination to pull himself together once again has garnered significant support from fans.