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In an industry where every aspiring actor’s journey is a story of struggle, perseverance, and sometimes sheer luck, the tale of Lee El’s rise to fame stands out for its raw honesty and relatability. On April 19, 2024, a YouTube channel dedicated to the world of Korean entertainment, ‘Channel 15 Nights’, shared a video that would capture the hearts of many. Titled ‘Actors Who Wanted to Act: A Battle of Hardships’, the video featured actors Lee El, Shin HaeSun, and Byun Yo-han sharing their personal stories of struggle in the pursuit of their dreams with renowned producer Na Young-seok.
Lee El, in a candid revelation, shared the initial hardships she faced after deciding to drop out of school to pursue acting. Growing up in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do, with her parents, she recalled the days when going for auditions meant scrimping and saving every penny. “The first thing I say when asked about my struggles is how I lived in Yangpyeong with my parents during my debut years. I had no income and was too embarrassed to ask my parents for money,” Lee El reminisced. She vividly remembered a day when, after purchasing a train ticket, she was left with just 400 won in her pocket. “It was a cold winter morning, and I hadn’t eaten breakfast. I was so hungry, but all I could afford was a cup of yulmu tea from a vending machine, which I had to make last the entire day,” she shared.
Lee El’s decision to become an actor was not born out of a lifelong dream or ambition. “I was a child with no dreams or aspirations. I didn’t know what to do with my life until high school, which I found incredibly difficult due to my shyness. It got to the point where I would cry myself to sleep almost every night,” she revealed. Her breaking point came in her sophomore year when she briefly ran away from home. “It’s funny when kids run away, isn’t it? I picked up the phone to confront my mom, but as soon as I heard her voice, I just broke down crying,” she recounted. What followed was a pivotal moment in her life – dropping out of school and completing her high school education through a qualification exam. It was her father’s stern advice that ultimately set her on her unexpected path: “It’s your life, you’re responsible for it.” This daunting yet empowering statement led her to consider acting. “I asked my mom if I could attend an acting academy, and to my surprise, she agreed, thinking it was the least she could do to help me find my way,” Lee El explained.
Lee El’s journey from a high school dropout to a celebrated actor is a testament to the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of following one’s passion, regardless of the obstacles. Her story resonates with many who dream of a career in the limelight but face seemingly insurmountable challenges. As Lee El continues to captivate audiences with her performances, her journey serves as an inspiring reminder of where determination and a leap of faith can lead.
Stay tuned for more updates on Lee El’s journey and other inspiring stories from the world of Korean entertainment.
