Jin Ki Joo is gaining attention once again for her unusual and inspiring career journey.
The actress is currently receiving praise for her role as Im Han Rim in Netflix’s “Teach You a Lesson,” where she plays an investigator at the Teachers’ Rights Protection Bureau. As the series continues to draw interest, fans are also looking back at her past before becoming an actress.
Before her acting debut, Jin Ki Joo worked at Samsung SDS, became a broadcast reporter, joined a supermodel contest, and later pursued acting.
Recently, an old email she sent to her colleagues when she left Samsung SDS resurfaced online. In the message, she wrote, “I think it was a great blessing that I was able to meet many good people at my first workplace.” She also explained that leaving was not easy because it was a good company, but she had a dream she believed she would regret not trying “10 or 20 years later.”
One line from the email especially gained attention. Jin Ki Joo wrote, “They say getting used to something brings a frightening kind of resignation. So before it became too late, I drew my sword.” Many people related to her honest words about leaving a stable job to follow a dream.
Jin Ki Joo previously shared more about her journey on tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block.” After graduating from Chung Ang University with a degree in computer science, she joined Samsung SDS. However, she could not let go of her dream of acting.
She revealed that her mother encouraged her, saying, “If there is something you want to do, try it.” Jin Ki Joo admitted that she wanted to become an actress but was afraid to tell people because she worried they might laugh at her.
After leaving Samsung SDS, she followed her father’s path and worked as a reporter at Gangwon Minbang. However, the work was very difficult. She recalled, “When I was a trainee reporter, the only personal time I had was when I washed my hair,” adding that it was so hard she felt sick from exhaustion.
Later, Jin Ki Joo entered a supermodel contest after her sister suggested it. She eventually passed the audition for the 2015 drama “Twenty Again,” finally starting her acting career.
Even after debuting, she faced many failed auditions because of her age. However, she said she gained courage when the director of “Twenty Again” told her, “You have talent, so why are you being so cautious?”
Jin Ki Joo also shared her thoughts on changing careers, saying, “I think changing jobs is only possible when you can let go of something.” She added that even without knowing whether things will get better, it is important to ask yourself if the dream is still worth chasing.
Now, Jin Ki Joo is being praised in Korea and overseas for her strong action scenes and stable acting in “Teach You a Lesson,” making her long journey to acting even more meaningful.
