Choi Kang-hee Reveals Reasons for Leaving Showbiz After Three-Year Hiatus

In a recent episode of Channel A's 4인용 식탁 (Four-Person Table), actress Choi Kang-hee opened up about her unexpected three-year break from the entertainment industry.

During the broadcast on November 25, 2024, Choi shared her experiences working part-time at a barbecue restaurant, where she also did the dishes. She mentioned that the restaurant owner was a friend, which made her feel comfortable as she was not given any special treatment.

Reflecting on her four months in the kitchen, Choi stated, "In the first month or two, I didn't feel stressed. I was able to heal while working with good people, free from the pressures of acting." She described this time as a period of self-reflection, where she focused solely on herself after stepping away from acting.

When asked about her decision to pause her acting career, Choi explained, "If I were to make excuses, it was a time when my acting wasn't going well, and I was stuck in a rut. I found it difficult to connect with people, and I was afraid of being misunderstood. I started to imagine worst-case scenarios, like what would happen if something went wrong?"

Choi admitted that thoughts about financial instability as an entertainer also contributed to her decision. "I thought about how I would survive if I lost work or ran out of money. I wanted to stop acting rather than just take a break because I felt unhappy with this line of work," she confessed. Her co-star, Sung Hoon, expressed surprise when she announced her decision to step back from acting.

Choi revealed that her return to the industry was inspired by a conversation with veteran actress Kim Hye-ja, who told her, "Choi Kang-hee has not been doing well. How can you only think of yourself? It must have been a joy for your mother to see you act." This perspective shift encouraged her to reconsider her place in the industry.

Yang Chi-seung chimed in, noting that Choi's appearance on a reality show showcased a different side of her personality, which resonated well with audiences. Choi acknowledged that she was aware of other ways to earn a living, stating, "I know I can make money doing other things. If my body breaks down, I won't act just for the sake of money. I'm no longer anxious and feel at peace. Honestly, I think it would be fun to do a sitcom together."

As the conversation shifted to a humorous topic about a gym crisis involving Yang Chi-seung, comedian Heo Kyung-hwan lightened the mood by suggesting they first address Yang's situation, bringing laughter to the group.