A Korean star confessed to the lingering emotional wounds he has carried since his past legal battles.
On the episode of tvN Story‘s Table Tales aired on October 5th, comedian Ju Byeong Jin cautiously mentioned the toughest period of his life.
He revealed that despite achieving great success with his underwear business, which reportedly earned ₩160 billion KRW (about $119 million USD) annually, life was not always smooth.
He described going through a difficult period likened to dark clouds over his life and said, “It is a grave sin to ruin someone else’s life out of selfishness. Those whose lives have been destroyed have to live so many long years in darkness.”
Ju Byeong Jin was charged with sexual assault in 2000 and underwent a prolonged court battle. The Supreme Court ultimately acquitted him in 2003 by dismissing the charges. Even after being cleared, the mental trauma he endured did not easily fade. He said, “The wounds in my heart never erase. They remain until I die and keep causing pain.”
He also recalled visiting the Han River at dawn during his hardest times. Walking alone on Hannam Bridge, he encountered a man who appeared to be attempting a desperate act. Ju approached cautiously so as not to startle him, held him back, talked for a long time, and then handed him over to the police.
Meeting that man, Ju admitted, he himself was also in a deep darkness. Sharing his own experience, he advised the man to hold on to his hope. After the situation was resolved, Ju described it as “we saved each other.”
Though he has enjoyed dazzling success and achievements in business, Ju Byeong Jin realized too late that money cannot be everything in life. Previously, he confessed feeling an indescribable emptiness after earning ₩160 billion KRW (about $119 million USD) annually from the underwear business.
Ju reflected calmly on the emptiness that came after achieving his goals, the scars left by the court battles, and the story of the man he met in his darkest days. His candid confession about the unhealed wounds despite the passage of time drew significant attention.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had self-harming thoughts, do not hesitate to reach out to your local confidential support for people in distress or to call the Lifeline. The Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s # is 988, OR you can call 1-800-273-8255. Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741741 (US), 686868 (Canada), or 85258 (UK).