Renowned K-Drama Star Reveals Nine-Year Debt Struggle, Sheds Light on Financial Challenges Faced by Artists
Choi Ji Su opens up about her 9-year battle to pay off student loans with part-time jobs.
The Undercover Miss Hong actress appeared on MBC’s I Love Alone on May 29 (KST), revealing the personal struggle behind the fame. Viewers saw her managing household chores while sending money through her banking app.
She shared she just finished paying off all her student debt that day, funded entirely by part-time work as a restaurant server and babysitter.
Choi admitted getting recognized while working part-time but said it took nearly a decade for her to clear loans using only those earnings. Her story highlights that fame doesn’t always mean financial ease in the industry.
She got emotional talking about the relief paying off the loans brought and thought of her mother’s support.
“최지수 배우님 9년만에 학자금 대출 다 갚으셨대 ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ 나 이제 빚 없다고 말하는 지수님에게 어머니는 우리 지수 이제 꽃길만 걷자며 응원하시는데 ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ 걍 비상비상 ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ”
— @HEEZROLY
Netizens showed overwhelming support:
“분명 더 튼튼하고 넓은 세상에서 빛이 날 것 같다”
— @Dawn__one
“다음드라마도다다음드라마도다잘되고주연도하고했으면좋겠어상도받구”
— @sudamnsudamn
“내 딸도 아닌데 너무 마음이ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ”
— @9dog9dogapple
Choi’s story sheds light on the harsh realities young actors face behind the scenes, working multiple jobs to survive. Her emotional moment on I Love Alone struck a chord with many who admire her resilience.
The full episode and clips have gained traction on social media, inspiring fans to rally behind her promising career ahead.