His new career chose him.
30 minutes ago
Former child star Lee Gun Joo, who made his debut with the legendary MBC K-Drama Under The Same Roof, is drawing renewed attention, not for a comeback role, but for a dramatic life pivot that has seemingly paid off in a big way.
Lee Gun Joo | @gunjoo1981/Instagram
Once known as one of Korea’s most beloved child actors, Lee Gun Joo has since stepped away from the entertainment spotlight and embraced an entirely different path as a practicing shaman. And according to his own account, the transition wasn’t just personal—it was transformative financially.
Lee Gun Joo as a child actor | MBC
In a recent appearance on comedian Choi Yang Rak‘s YouTube channel, the actor-turned-shaman reflected on the unexpected turn his life took. After attempting to reestablish himself as a trot singer years ago, he revealed that work opportunities suddenly disappeared.
I thought I needed to work harder, but suddenly, all my work completely stopped—it happened in an instant. It felt like [the spirits] were pushing me to the extreme, like I had no choice but to take this path of becoming a shaman. I felt that if I didn’t choose this path, I wouldn’t be able to go on anymore.
— Lee Gun Joo
Faced with no other options, he ultimately chose to undergo a spiritual initiation and fully commit to life as a shaman. Rather than struggle, however, Lee Gun Joo says his fortunes quickly reversed.
After choosing this path, though, things started going really well. I have no regrets.
— Lee Gun Joo
The former actor revealed that his services are now in high demand, with bookings filled months in advance. He has also amassed enough wealth to own two foreign luxury vehicles—something even fellow comedian Son Heon Soo couldn’t help but point out when visiting his residence!
Watch the full clip here: