Lee Joon has opened up about the financial difficulties he faced early in his career, recalling how he left Korea National University of Arts shortly after enrolling and quickly began working in entertainment.
During the October 9 episode of MBN and Channel S variety show *Jun Hyun Moo Plan 4*, Lee Joon was asked about his university days.
He explained, *“I entered Korea National University of Arts, but I left not long after. Then I immediately filmed a movie,”* referring to *Ninja Assassin*.
While Lee Joon did not directly say that financial hardship was the sole reason he left university, he revealed that his family was struggling financially at the time and that much of the money he earned went toward those needs.
When asked whether he had earned well during his busiest years, Lee Joon responded, *“At that time, my family was having some financial difficulties. The money I earned basically all went out. If I earned a certain amount, it would leave exactly as we had discussed.”*
Lee Joon also recalled how intensely he worked after entering the entertainment industry. During his years as an idol, he simultaneously handled group promotions, dramas, movies, variety shows, and MC duties.
He said the schedule became physically overwhelming, recalling, *“Back when I was an idol, I was really working to the point where I would nearly faint. I would collapse and be taken to the hospital.”*
At one point, he was filming the drama *Gap Dong*, where he played a dark and psychologically intense character, while also appearing brightly on music programs as an MC and continuing other entertainment schedules.
He added that after filming *We Got Married*, he would still have to attend dance practice, saying, *“By then, I couldn’t even walk properly on my own.”*
Lee Joon’s comments offered a glimpse into the financial pressure and demanding workload he faced during the early stages of his career, from leaving university shortly after enrollment to taking on multiple entertainment jobs while helping support his family.
