Teach You A Lesson Star Kim Mu-Yeol Once Earned Around S$160 A Year As A Rookie Actor

The star of Teach You a Lesson Kim Mu-yeol may now be experiencing new levels of popularity he hasn't quite experienced before in his career. After all, the cast of Netflix's latest Korean hit are now household names as the show has become a fan favourite worldwide. 

Based on a webtoon, the school action drama follows the newly formed Educational Rights Protection Bureau as they take on delinquent students and a crumbling school system using some very unconventional methods.

Lead actor Kim Mu-yeol, previously known for his work in musical theatre and action films, is now making appearances on variety talk shows too, including an upcoming ep of You Quiz on the Block.

A teaser that was released shows the 44-year-old actor opening up about the struggles he faced in the early days of his career.

Despite having over two decades of experience in showbiz and taking up many roles, Mu-yeol shared that he struggled to gain real recognition for his work.

Reflecting on his toughest rookie days, he recalled a low point when he earned just 200,000 Korean won (S$168) in a year. At the time, he couldn’t afford decent housing, living in older, poorer parts of town while struggling to make ends meet.

He also expressed gratitude for his wife, actress Yoon Seungah, 42, who has stood by him throughout their 11 years of marriage. He shared that they hugged and cried when they found out Teach You a Lesson had topped Netflix’s global charts.

He was later also shown to have become emotional on air after receiving a touching message from her.

Tearful moments aside, the actor also joked that since gaining wider public attention, his neighbour of nearly a decade only recently took notice of him, telling him he was handsome for the first time.

Looking back, Kim Mu-yeol reflected on how he never gave up during his toughest years, taking on every opportunity in hopes of one day being noticed.

And today, his hard work and resilience have clearly paid off, with him becoming one of Korean showbiz’s hottest names, with his Instagram following surge past 1.4 mil, futher proof of just how popular he’s become now.