Former 'Assassination' actor Sim Cheol-jong now collects waste paper for survival

Actor Sim Cheol-jong, known for his roles in films such as 'Assassination' and 'No Mercy', has revealed his current life of collecting waste paper and living on simple meals of potatoes. Despite a 43-year career in acting, his modest lifestyle stands in stark contrast to his glamorous heyday, drawing the attention of viewers.

Appearing on the MBN program 'Scoop World' broadcast on the 20th, Sim shared updates on his current life and reflected on his long acting career.

During the broadcast, Sim was seen training by lifting heavy stones in a valley. After his workout, he traveled through the village collecting waste paper.

There was a deeper purpose behind his collection. Sim explained, “I am going around to collect boxes so that I can write down the mistakes I made and the parts where I sinned.” Beyond being a means of livelihood, the task serves as a way for him to reflect on and record his past.

Upon returning home, Sim's meal was equally humble; he spent his day eating steamed potatoes without any significant side dishes.

His current situation stands in sharp contrast to his professional history. Sim emphasized his longevity in the industry, noting, “I have been an actor for 43 years.”

He revealed that he appeared as one of the six detectives in the film 'No Mercy' and played a commander in director Choi Dong-hun's 'Assassination.' He has been a steady presence in the Korean film industry for decades, moving between bit parts and supporting roles.

Beyond film, Sim built a unique career in theater, noting that he once directed large-scale plays and even operated his own theater.

“I built a theater on the fourth floor of a four-story building in Hongdae,” he recalled. “At that time, I earned about 10 million won per month.” He noted that such an income was a significant achievement given the cost of living during that era.

The sight of a man who once earned substantial income as an actor and theater director now collecting waste paper to survive serves as a symbolic representation of the volatility of the entertainment industry. It highlights how even actors featured in famous works can face drastic changes in living conditions due to long periods of inactivity or shifting environments.

Rather than exaggerating his past success, Sim calmly accepts his current reality while looking back on his journey. His story illustrates the precarious nature of acting as a profession and the process of a human being reconciling with their past to rebuild their daily life.