From Soccer Captain’s Wallet to K-Drama Star: The Photo That Altered Korea’s Leading Actress’s Destiny
Han Ji Min just dropped the story behind her K-Drama-like debut — and it all started with a middle school crush.
On Jung Jae Hyung’s Fairy Jaehyung YouTube channel, Han revealed her debut was sparked by a rumor about the soccer team captain liking her. Right after her school became co-ed, whispers started, and her homeroom teacher even took a picture of them during a picnic.
That photo ended up changing everything. The captain kept it in his wallet, which was seen by their coach. The coach’s sister worked at an entertainment agency — which led to Han meeting with them. With strong backing from her homeroom teacher, she took her first modeling photos and launched her career.
Interestingly, Han’s outgoing older sister was supposed to be first, but the photographer’s eyes landed on Han Ji Min. Han said her eyes looked different from every angle, and she felt natural in front of the camera. That comfort sealed her path.
Han Ji Min’s looks have been a showstopper from middle school to now in her 40s.
“I felt surprised at how comfortable I was expressing myself in front of the camera.”
Han Ji Min’s career kickstarted by a soccer captain’s crush and one photo — a true K-Drama origin story.