[Zoom In] 'Between 樂 and 業' Noh Hong-chul, Choi Si-won, Song Min-ho, Time to Find Myself

Actors in the Era of Multiple Jobs
Challenging Painting, Photography, Business, and Scuba Diving
Focusing on 'Self' After the Pandemic
"Realizing Myself Through Various Activities"

Ha Jung-woo, Noh Hong-chul, Choi Si-won, Song Min-ho / Photo by Yonhap News, Netflix, UNICEF Korea Committee, YG Entertainment

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] The era of dedicating oneself to a single pursuit at the risk of life is over. In the past, people focused on clinging desperately to one field, feeling a sense of accomplishment and gaining recognition for their achievements, but that is no longer the case. The so-called 'N-job era,' where people have multiple careers throughout their lives, has arrived.

Actors are no exception. As the once bustling production sites slowed down due to the pandemic, actors unanimously say they have spent more time alone. Over the past two years, the content market has shrunk, and filming schedules have been postponed one after another. With more time to reflect on themselves, quite a few actors are turning their attention to various fields. Unlike the past when having a 'second job' was aimed at helping their acting, there is now a consensus that this is a natural change arising from spending more time focusing on the 'self.'

From Microphone to 'Brush'

Recently, more stars have been transforming into painters. Actor Kim Chang-wan, Ha Jung-woo, Ha Ji-won, singer Song Min-ho, and webtoon artist Kian84 (Kim Hee-min) have held solo exhibitions and earned the title of 'painter.'

Ha Jung-woo held his 15th solo exhibition last October in Busan and is currently holding a two-person exhibition with artist Woo Guk-won, whose works have recently gained attention with soaring auction prices, until the 18th.

Kim Chang-wan held his first exhibition by presenting five works at the five-artist group exhibition 'Art Topping' held in January at Gallery Now in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Ha Ji-won, who has been painting as a hobby for five years, exhibited three pieces titled 'Super Cow' last April at the Cheongdam showroom in Apgujeong-dong, Seoul.

Song Min-ho, a member of the group WINNER, debuted as a painter by exhibiting two acrylic paintings and one oil painting, a total of three works, at the 'SEEA 2019' exhibition held at Gallery 808 in Seongnam Arts Center in 2019. His paintings have also attracted attention by being displayed at a famous gallery in the UK.

Actor Park Ki-woong, who majored in fine arts at university, expanded his career as an artist by holding two solo exhibitions last year and has been recognized for his talent by winning awards four times at art exhibitions.

Kian84 will debut as an artist by holding his first solo exhibition (subtitle: Full所有) at Superior Gallery in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, from the 25th to April 5th.

Photo by Ha Jae-sook Instagram

Hobbies Becoming Another Career

No Hong-chul opened 'Hongcheol Chaekppang,' a combined bookstore, cafe, and bakery, by remodeling his home in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, in 2020. Known for his love of bread and chocolate, the bread he introduced based on his interests gained popularity, and he will open a second branch in Jangyu-dong, Gimhae, Gyeongnam, at the end of this month.

Kwon Sang-woo opened a car wash facility in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, in May 2019, consisting of five washing spaces and a drying area. He also established and operates the agency Su Company, which is located in the same building. He said, "Many people from the film industry come to the car wash, and I like that people gather in a space I created. It’s nice to have a large space where parking is possible, and even if it doesn’t generate huge profits, it’s good to enjoy time with people."

Choi Si-won has shown exceptional talent in startup investments and is thriving as an entrepreneur. He has invested as an investor in vehicle brokerage platforms, K-beauty startups, F&B (food and beverage), and fintech startup Paywatch. Having participated in UNICEF’s fundraising campaigns and child rights advocacy since 2010, he joined the 'UNICEF Honors Club,' a group of donors contributing over 100 million won, in November last year.

Brian (Joo Min-kyu), a member of the male duo Fly to the Sky, is active as a flower arrangement instructor and CrossFit trainer. Actress Ha Jae-sook obtained a skin scuba instructor license and worked as an instructor, and also acquired a ship license.

Photo by Brian Instagram

An actor who requested anonymity said, "While acting, I developed a thirst for various creative activities. I overcame the limitations I felt in front of the camera as an actor by painting. A hobby I started because I liked it became another activity that explains me. It’s a part of me that I don’t want to lose."

He continued, "Through new activities, I sometimes feel like I am meeting another me, my true self, not just the actor so-and-so. In the past, doing other work was interpreted as changing careers, but now the public seems to see it as a kind of 'secondary character.' More actors are enjoying various activities such as business and photography as both pleasure and profession."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.