Former Jewelry member Ha Juyeon finds stability in office life

Former Jewelry member Ha Juyeon revealed her transition to life as an office worker in a video released on Noh Sa-yeon's YouTube channel on the 22nd. Seeking a predictable monthly salary over the uncertain income of an entertainer, she previously faced repeated rejections after submitting hundreds of job applications.

Ha Juyeon, a former member of the group Jewelry, has revealed her current life living as an ordinary office worker after leaving the glamorous entertainment industry behind. Choosing a stable daily routine with a monthly salary over the irregular income of an entertainer, she expressed satisfaction with her current life, stating, "I like living as a non-celebrity." The story of a star who once commanded public attention on stage applying to the job market and submitting hundreds of applications highlights the significant changes in her life.

The daily life of Ha Juyeon, who is currently working as an office worker, was featured in a video on singer Noh Sa-yeon's YouTube channel released on the 22nd. In the video titled "Jewelry's Ha Juyeon's lunch break, waiting only for payday," Noh Sa-yeon enjoyed a picnic with Ha Juyeon and shared stories about her life after leaving the entertainment industry and her new professional life.

The uncertainty of being an entertainer played a major role in Ha Juyeon's decision to choose a stable job. Reflecting on her hiatuses from activity, she confessed, "In this line of work, if you aren't doing anything, you are unemployed. You only go when someone calls you. How long can you wait for that?" Within the structure of the entertainment industry, where income is only earned when there are offers for works or broadcast appearances, she decided it was better to establish a foundation for her livelihood rather than vaguely waiting for the next opportunity.

Following her activities with Jewelry, Ha Juyeon supported herself by working part-time at a cafe in Hannam-dong. For someone who had been active as a celebrity, engaging in typical social life in Korea was an unfamiliar experience. She recalled feeling a bit embarrassed at first. Even a singer who stood on stage before the public had to learn social life from the beginning, just like anyone else, in a new environment.

The job-seeking process was also not smooth. Ha Juyeon revealed that she submitted applications to hundreds of places through job search websites but was repeatedly rejected. "Even when I was younger than I am now, I wasn't hired. I wondered if it was because of my age," she said, expressing the helplessness she felt at the time. Her career built in the entertainment industry did not necessarily work in her favor during the recruitment processes of general companies, and she had to build a new career step-by-step while supplementing her lack of experience.

After going through that difficult process and adapting to life as an office worker, Ha Juyeon evaluated her current life positively. When Noh Sa-yeon asked how it feels to live while waiting for payday, she replied, "It's good." She further explained, "In the entertainment industry, if there is no work, no one gives you money. As an office worker, the salary keeps coming in. That is why I got a job." She also cited the fact that she can receive a regular salary as long as the company does not go bankrupt as a reason for choosing office life.

In particular, Ha Juyeon emphasized, "After living as a celebrity, I like living as a non-celebrity." This is interpreted as her being satisfied with her current life, which offers a predictable income and routine, rather than clinging to her glamorous past. Her choice to pursue a new profession instead of continuing activities in the entertainment industry shows a realistic shift toward valuing a stable life over fame.

The video also revealed stories about Ha Juyeon's family. She introduced her mother as a graduate of Seoul Arts High School who majored in Korean dance, and revealed that her father is the actor Ha Jae-young. When Noh Sa-yeon expressed delight, saying, "That man was really cool," regarding Ha Jae-young, Ha Juyeon drew laughter by responding, "He is still the same now."

Ha Juyeon joined as a third-generation member of Jewelry in 2008 and carried out her activities as a singer until she left the team when her exclusive contract ended in 2014. From stepping down from the stage to working part-time, preparing for employment, and finally settling in as an office worker, her life has passed through times that are difficult to explain solely through her entertainment activities. Her current status, choosing to manage her life through her own strength every month rather than the label of a star, showed the realistic concerns and new beginnings hidden behind her glamorous history.

Read the original (Korean)