Kim Sung-eun Reflects on Childhood Hardships on 'Dongchimi'

In a recent episode of MBN's talk show Dongchimi (동치미), former child actress Kim Sung-eun opened up about the financial struggles she faced during her childhood. Known for her role as Mi-dal in the hit series 'Soonpoong Clinic' (순풍산부인과), Kim revealed that her father lost all the money she earned as a child star.

Debuting in 1998, Kim enjoyed a successful career for a few years, stating, 'I worked intensely for a short period, doing many commercials and living comfortably at home.' After the conclusion of 'Soonpoong Clinic,' she experienced significant stress and fatigue, prompting her parents to send her to New Zealand for studies, where she was able to rest and learn.

However, after three years, she had to return home abruptly due to her family's dire financial situation. 'My father must have endured a lot until the end. The family circumstances were so bad that we couldn't hold on any longer. Although the business was doing well, my father fell victim to fraud,' she shared, expressing her sorrow as she recalled arriving in Incheon to find her family had moved from a nice home to a semi-basement apartment.

Kim noted the emotional toll this took on her parents, who seemed to be struggling with feelings of loss and depression. 'I realized this was our reality. I started cleaning the house that day, throwing away unnecessary things and organizing everything while they slept. I wanted to live earnestly,' she said.

During high school, she took on various part-time jobs, even stepping in to help her mother when she worked as a housekeeper. 'I think I have a strong survival instinct. I’m not sure if it’s because I witnessed my family’s downfall, but I’ve always tried to persevere,' she reflected.

Kim eventually enrolled in college, but tragically, her father passed away the same year. 'After he passed, it became difficult to manage tuition fees, so I took a break from school and worked various jobs throughout my twenties,' she explained.

In 2018, she returned to acting, performing in plays in Daehangno and regional theaters, where she met her now-husband during a casual gathering. Kim's story is a testament to resilience and the challenges faced by many in the entertainment industry.