KBS Joy variety program ‘Ask Anything’

Actor Lee Hoon, a former ‘teen star’, opened up about deep financial hardship caused by three straight years of projects falling through and about considering retirement from acting.

On episode 361 of the KBS Joy variety program ‘Ask Anything’, aired on the 20th, 53-year-old actor Lee Hoon, marking the 30th year since his debut, appeared and confided to hosts Seo Jang-hoon and Lee Soo-geun about the realistic concerns he faces as a middle-aged actor.

On the broadcast, Lee said, “The drama I was filming in 2024 was scrapped, and the drama that had been scheduled to shoot in the United States in 2025 was postponed indefinitely due to various issues. The project slated for this year was also postponed indefinitely because of production budget problems,” conveying that he has been in a three-year hiatus and is effectively unable to work.

KBS Joy variety program ‘Ask Anything’ 3

He appealed in frustration, saying, “If acting truly does not work out, I could boldly give it up. The problem is, offers do come in,” and, “When I decide to appear, I pour all my time into preparing for the role, and if the project collapses, I cannot engage in any income-generating activity during that period.” In reality, in 2022 he was selected through a Hollywood audition for a Korean lead killer role and lost 10kg, and later, for a thug role in a drama he was cast in, he bulked up while eating only chicken breast; however, those projects also all ended up being postponed indefinitely.

Lee added, “You might call this a complaint of someone well-off, but that is a real misunderstanding. It is just agonizing false hope that neither lets me quit nor continue working.”

After hearing his story, Seo Jang-hoon offered sharp advice, pinpointing Lee Hoon's tendencies. Seo said, “I have known Lee Hoon since I was young. He is a steady, upright person. The issue is that his pride is extremely strong and he is very stubborn,” and added, “In fact, many people remember only the Lee Hoon from when he was very popular and always the lead. He looks affluent, so he does not seem to be struggling. From the production side as well, he does not appear to be out of work.”

At this, Lee Hoon vigorously waved his hands and countered, “No. I am about to starve to death. Absolutely not.” He continued, “I am desperate. I can audition. I have also won an acting award. Please call me anytime. It is hard,” laying bare his earnest feelings.

Seo Jang-hoon suggested a realistic alternative: “Personally, you must keep acting no matter what. The career you have built up is too valuable,” and, “Now you also need to know how to put some things down in line with your age. You need an attitude of setting aside pride and trying to seize opportunities first. Once that becomes known, even more offers will come in.”

Lee Soo-geun also said he “fully understands,” deeply empathizing while easing the atmosphere with his trademark wit. He joked, “How about changing your name from ‘Lee Hoon’ to ‘I-hon’ (‘divorce’)?” and then added, “I do not usually say things like this, but whether it is this July or next July, I am not certain, yet something big is coming,” bringing Lee Hoon both laughter and comfort with a positive hunch.