Former K-pop idol turned actress Nam Jihyun has shared a painful early career memory, revealing that she was verbally insulted by a director while filming her first Korean drama, an experience she says she initially tried to brush off with forced positivity.
Jihyun, 36, rose to fame as the leader of the chart-topping girl group 4Minute, which dominated the K-pop scene in the early 2010s.
At the same time, she began transitioning into acting, landing roles in television dramas while still actively promoting with the group.
Speaking on a recent YouTube interview, Jihyun recalled being shocked when a camera director hurled an insulting remark at her on set, calling her “Ugly” and ordering her to stand in position.
Rather than react emotionally, she said she responded in a bright tone, attempting to defuse the situation.
According to her account, the director later apologized but not for the insult itself. Instead, she claimed he admitted he hadn’t realized she was already a member of a famous idol group and believed she was simply a rookie actress.
Jihyun said he explained that he had wanted to “Test her courage.” The revelation has sparked conversation among fans about the treatment of young performers in the entertainment industry, particularly idols who attempt to branch into acting.
At the time, 4Minute was one of South Korea’s most recognizable girl groups, known for hits like Hot Issue and What’s Your Name? before officially disbanding in 2016.
Since then, Jihyun has built an extensive acting resume, appearing in numerous dramas and films.
In recent years, however, she has pivoted away from the screen and into the wellness industry, now running her own Pilates and barre studio that attracts celebrity clients.
Her comments come amid broader discussions about the pressures faced by K-pop artists. Notably, her former bandmate Hyuna made headlines last year after collapsing during a performance at the Waterbomb Festival, later opening up about health struggles linked to extreme dieting.
By revisiting her own experience, Jihyun has shed light on the often unseen challenges behind the glamour of K-pop fame, reminding fans that resilience sometimes begins with enduring moments no one else sees.