Actor Dong Hyun Bae opened up about the difficult reality of pursuing acting for nearly two decades, revealing that he has attended more than 500 auditions while supporting himself through various part-time jobs.
On September 16, Dong Hyun Bae shared his story through his YouTube channel, reflecting on why he started acting and what kept him going despite years without a major breakthrough.
Dong Hyun Bae is also known as the older brother of BIGBANG’s Taeyang, a connection he admitted has sometimes overshadowed his own acting career.
He said, “So far, the thing I’m probably most famous for is being ‘Taeyang’s brother.’”
Growing up, however, Dong Hyun Bae said his family initially did not expect both siblings to enter the entertainment industry. With his younger brother already training to become a singer, there was reportedly a feeling at home that only one child should pursue the arts.
His own direction changed after watching the musical Footloose.
Dong Hyun Bae recalled, “I thought, ‘This is it.’ It had singing, dancing, acting, and an audience. I couldn’t forget the cheers from the crowd.”
From that point, he became determined to pursue acting. However, building a stable career proved difficult.
Dong Hyun Bae explained that actors without steady projects often rely on other jobs to cover their living expenses. He said he has worked numerous part-time jobs over the years and continues to do so when necessary.
“I’ve done a lot of part-time jobs,” he said. “Even now, I work at a gelato shop owned by someone I’m close with. I’ve taught acting at academies, given private lessons, and even tried working at Coupang.”
He added that this experience is common among working actors who do not have regular roles.
“Actors are all pretty similar. We just live while working part-time jobs. Strangely, whenever things become especially difficult, another acting job seems to come along.”
His persistence has also meant facing rejection repeatedly.
Dong Hyun Bae revealed that he has participated in more than 500 auditions and continues to distribute his acting profile every few months in search of new opportunities. Among the productions he previously auditioned for were films such as Inside Men and The Outlaws.
Despite the long process, he said he has no plans to give up.
“Acting is all I have,” Dong Hyun Bae shared. “I believe that someday I’ll have a chance to prove myself.”
He added that landing the right project can depend on timing and opportunity, so his focus remains on being prepared when that chance arrives.
Although Dong Hyun Bae acknowledged that many people still recognize him first through his relationship with Taeyang, he hopes to continue expanding his own identity as an actor. He also expressed interest in trying different genres, including romance and villain roles.
After more than 500 auditions, years of part-time work, and constant comparisons with his famous younger brother, Dong Hyun Bae said his goal remains simple: to keep acting and eventually prove himself through the right role.
