Gong Seungyeon Opens Up About Financial Struggles Before Her K-Drama Breakthrough
The Perfect Crown actress spent years navigating failed auditions, financial struggles, and uncertainty about her future in entertainment.
Gong Seungyeon is one of the most buzz-worthy Korean stars today, thanks to the massive success of Perfect Crown. But did you know? The actress recently revealed that her path to becoming one of K-drama’s breakout stars wasn’t always easy.
Gong Seungyeon Struggled to Pay Rent Before She Was Famous
During her recent guest appearance on You Quiz on the Block, Gong Seungyeon candidly spoke about a difficult period in her career when acting offers stopped coming in altogether. According to Korean media reports, the actress shared that she struggled financially at the time and was even unable to afford rent, health insurance, and pension contributions while trying to continue pursuing her acting career.
“There was a time when I couldn't get any roles,” she said on the program, reflecting on the uncertainty she experienced early in her career.
Before becoming an actress, Gong Seungyeon spent seven years training under SM Entertainment in hopes of debuting as an idol. According to reports, she trained during the same generation as artists from Girls’ Generation, EXO, SHINee, and Red Velvet. However, Gong Seungyeon admitted she eventually realized she struggled to keep up as a trainee and decided to leave the company before debuting. Afterward, she reportedly spent a period feeling directionless before eventually turning to acting.
The actress also shared that during her most difficult years, she moved back in with her parents while continuing to audition and improve her acting skills. Reports stated that she even personally wrote letters and reached out in hopes of finding opportunities in the industry.
Gong Seungyeon’s candid confession quickly resonated online. Many fans praised the actress for persevering despite years of uncertainty and setbacks, especially now that she’s finally having the breakout moment she deserves.
Today, Gong Seungyeon is experiencing a very different reality. Perfect Crown, the historical romance drama led by IU and Byeon Woo-seok, has become one of the year’s biggest K-drama hits and introduced the actress to an even wider global audience.
Longtime K-drama fans, however, know that Gong Seungyeon has been steadily building her career for years through dramas like The First Responders, Bulgasal: Immortal Souls, and Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency. She’s also known to many as the older sister of TWICE member Jeongyeon.
