Ex-Idol Oh Jimin of BTL Provides Life Update: Father of Two Making Up to 15 Million KRW Monthly as Painter
Oh Jimin, once a member of the 2014 K-pop boy group BTL (Beyond The Limit), has shared updates on the path he’s taken after stepping away from the entertainment world. On the June 9 episode of KBS Joy’s talk show Mueos-Ideun Mul-Eobosal, he gave fans a glimpse into his life as a painting contractor and a family man.
Currently, Oh runs his own painting business and is raising two young sons with his wife. Speaking about their growing family, he said:
“I’m currently running a painting business. I met my wife during my military service, and now we have two sons. I’m here today because we’re hoping to have a third child, a daughter this time, and I’m looking for advice.” Oh Jimin
He opened up about how his career took a surprising turn after debuting as an idol. The group was working on their second music video when they suddenly disbanded. That shift led him away from the music industry and back to his original passion.
“We were working on our second music video when the group suddenly disbanded. I originally dreamed of becoming an actor and was studying in the department of theater and film before debuting as an idol, but things didn’t work out.” Oh Jimin
On a more personal note, Oh revealed how he met his wife while serving in the military and that their first child was born before they got married.
“My wife and I had a child before getting married while I was serving in the military. She’s now 26. Our eldest son is five years old, and the youngest is 15 months.” Oh Jimin
The story of their meeting is a bit of serendipity and courage combined. Oh described the encounter as happening by chance at a bar while he was on leave.
“I was out on military leave and had drinks with some friends when I ran into her by chance. I didn’t get her number at first, but we ran into each other again at another bar. That’s when I worked up the courage, gave her a bracelet, and asked her out.” Oh Jimin
When the host Seo Jang Hoon asked about his financial situation, Oh Jimin gave an honest breakdown of the ups and downs of his income from his current work.
“During the peak season, I earn between 12 to 15 million KRW (approximately $8,800 to $11,000) per month, while in the off-season, it can drop to around 2 million KRW (approximately $1,470 ).” Oh Jimin
He went on to talk about the financial hurdles the couple faced early on, including loans to get their lives and business started.
“We started our marriage with nothing and had to take out loans. My wife also opened a café with borrowed money, and we’re still repaying that loan, but things are getting better financially.” Oh Jimin
Recognizing their challenges, comedian Lee Soo Geun offered some thoughtful advice regarding their plans for a third child.
“You still have a lot ahead of you. If you have another baby now, it’ll be even harder on your wife. Maybe wait until the kids are older. There’s no guarantee the third will be a girl either.” Lee Soo Geun
Seo Jang Hoon chimed in, echoing the sentiment of patience and focusing on strengthening their foundation first.
“You and your wife are still young. There’s plenty of time, even five or ten years from now. Instead of rushing to expand your family, maybe focus on strengthening the foundation first.” Seo Jang Hoon
