Actor Unemployed for Three Years Fears Facing Starvation
Lee Hoon is speaking out about his worsening career struggles and fears he might be “starving to death.”
The veteran actor revealed on KBS’s Unpredictable Fortunetellers that all his projects from the past three years have collapsed. A 2024 K-Drama he was filming got scrapped. Another project set for 2025 in the U.S. was delayed indefinitely. Even his 2026 project got pushed back due to budget cuts.
Lee Hoon said he’s at a critical point and could leave acting, but part of him still hangs on because opportunities pop up — just never come through. He admitted things are rough.
Show host Seo Jang Hoon called him diligent but stubborn and suggested Lee Hoon drop some pride and aggressively audition, even outside his usual roles.
“At this rate, I feel like I’m going to starve to death. I’m really desperate. I’m willing to audition for roles, too. I’ve even won acting awards. Please call me anytime. This is really hard.”
— Lee Hoon
Lee Hoon debuted in 1994 in Seoul’s Moon and earned fame playing masculine roles. Now he’s fighting just to keep working, not for stardom.
Lee Hoon in “Seoul’s Moon” | KBS
