THIS K-pop idol used to be deep in debt but she revealed that she's now able to generate about 90 million KRW ($70K) income a month. How was she able to turn her life around?
Former TINT Jamie Recalls Being Deep in Debt, Hardships as K-pop Idol
Jamie (Choi Yoon Jin), a former member of the K-pop girl group TINT narrated how she was able to accumulate her current wealth after being buried in debt due to her father's passing and her family's illnesses.
On August 1, Yoon Jin appeared on YouTube, "근황올림픽" (Recent Olympics) which visited past active idols and update them on their current status after retirement.
ALSO READ: TINT Surprise Appearance On 'Inspiring Generation' One Day Before Their Comeback
In the video then, Yoon Jin started to share the background of her life, saying:
"I work two jobs day and night because I'm the head of a girl's family. My dad died three years ago and I was also sick for a long time, so my mother took care of me for about two years. But my mother then had cancer and recently underwent surgery. She's unable to work now so I'm paying for my mom's living expenses, too."
She added:
"My older brother was okay when he was born, but because of an accident, his body doesn't function well. It can be considered as a mental retardation level 1. I grew up like the eldest daughter even though I was the second child. I was really poor that I needed real money. I know poverty is scary. The gas and electricity were cut off, so I lit a candle. It was hard even when my dad was there.
I often play at home with my friends because my dad's debt was tied up with my mom, but my debtor aunt would come to my house."
Later on, Yoon Jin decided to become a trainee under GH Entertainment, and in 2013, she debuted as the vocalist and visual of a girl group called TINT. At the time, she earned attention for her beauty and body, but the team eventually disbanded in 2015 after not making remarkable results.
Recalling her idol days, Jamie continued:
"I lived wearing a 5,000 won ($4) sleeveless shirt and shorts sold in Hongdae. Even then, I sent 1 million won ($770) at home by working a part-time job. It was the best I could do. I went to a convenience store and bought a cheaper gimbap and sent the money I saved."
She added:
"My family thinks that if I debuted, I will earn money, and their daughter will become like Suzy, but the reality is not."
Choi Yoon Jin Now Works as Cafe, Izakaya Owner Earning About 90M Won Per Month
After disbanding, Yoon Jin decided to risk her savings and open a café in Yeouido at the age of 24. Fortunately, it went well and she's been operating for years now and her monthly sales amounted to 12 to 13 million KRW (9,250~10,015 USD).
On top of her Yeouido café, Yoon Jin also opened an Izakaya (an informal Japanese bar that serves drinks and snacks).
"The izakaya came out last month with about 75 million won (58k USD), so the margin is about 35%."
Thankfully, Yoon Jin paid all of their debts last month and she's been saving most of her income for the unknown future.
In addition to this, regardless of her financial difficulties growing up, Yoon Jin still highlighted her high respect for her parents, and expressed regrets after her father's passing.
"I wanted to study, but I couldn't tell my mom because I was sorry. I know the taste of poverty. My dad ran a big business, but later he sent me to Seoul and opened a fish shop. My dad was a really cool guy. Then I got to work at a fish shop, but it's okay with me.
I just can't still believe that my dad didn't even see me open the café. I'm such a cheapskate, but I think I would have bought my dad's car first if I made money. It's heartbreaking that he passed away after all the hard work.
READ MORE: Lovelier Than Ever: Group Tint Joins the Girl Group Battle
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