Well-Known K-Drama Actor Opens Up About the “Low-Tier” Label That Led to His Hiatus

Jae Hee is facing controversy over how his career took a hit after starring in a serial drama.

The actor, known for his lead role in the 2005 hit K-Drama Sassy Girl Chun Hyang, recently spoke out on YouTube about the industry’s harsh double standard against actors who do daily dramas.

He revealed that although his serial drama had strong ratings, his acting offers changed overnight – film and miniseries roles suddenly dried up.

“Films and miniseries both suddenly stopped coming in. Even though the ratings were good, that still happened. And then when I would go to discuss appearing in a film, they would say, ‘You did a serial drama, didn’t you?’”
— Jae Hee

The stigma is clear: once you appear in a serial drama, you’re seen as “lower status” in the business.

“They judge actors who appear in serial dramas as having dropped in status, like we’re low-tier talent. I don’t know where that idea came from. I think many people who have appeared in serial dramas will relate.”
— Jae Hee

Despite wanting to act, Jae Hee accepted another serial drama role. But this only deepened the cycle of being typecast with no variety in offers.

“I wanted to act so badly, but there was no space for me to act. So I did another serial drama, but then only serial drama offers kept coming in, and the vicious cycle continued.”
— Jae Hee

Eventually, the actor took a break from acting altogether. The break wasn’t easy — he worked in restaurant kitchens and did night shifts at convenience stores just to get by.

“Because my face is known and because of my age, I couldn’t get hired… I ended up working in many kitchens. I did live broadcasts while working at the restaurants, and I also worked night shifts part-time at convenience stores.”
— Jae Hee

Jae Hee debuted in 1997 through the MBC series Mountain. His last drama before the hiatus was MBC’s A Good Supper in 2021. His recent remarks highlight a harsh reality for actors caught in the serial drama stigma, even when ratings are good.

Watch Jae Hee’s candid interview here:

Follow Jae Hee’s Instagram for updates: @the_jaehee