On the November 20 episode of tvN's You Quiz on the Block, actress Seo Hyun Jin shared her remarkable journey from a K-pop idol to a successful actress, revealing the challenges and perseverance behind her transformation.

Seo, a former member of the SM Entertainment girl group M.I.L.K, debuted alongside artists like Sugar and Black Beat. However, the group disbanded after only a year, leaving her uncertain about her future. Reflecting on her early career, she revealed, "We only performed on broadcast four times. I was scouted on the streets of Ewha, but I didn’t fully understand what I was getting into."

A trained dancer from her time at a traditional Korean arts high school, Seo faced a heartbreaking realization after M.I.L.K’s disbandment. "I attended a performance by my peers and thought, ‘I can’t dance anymore.’ It felt like I was swept away by waves into something completely new," she said.

With time left on her SM contract, Seo turned to acting. She joined an acting academy, using her disciplined approach to dance to hone her craft. "For four years, I practiced tirelessly, even serving as a practice partner for other debuting actors," she shared. These efforts eventually led to her first minor role in the drama Hwang Jin Yi, but success remained elusive for years.

Seo candidly spoke about her long hiatus, explaining, "From my debut in 2001 until Another Miss Oh in 2016, I had almost no work for 15 years. I took part-time jobs and dealt with self-doubt, feeling too late to change paths. Questions like, ‘What are you doing these days?’ were the hardest to hear."

Despite the prolonged struggles, Seo found her breakthrough with Another Miss Oh, earning widespread acclaim for her portrayal of a relatable, heartfelt character. Reflecting on the moment, she said, "I finally succeeded, but I couldn’t enjoy it. I worried it could all disappear again. A line from the drama, ‘I still care deeply and wish the best for myself,’ resonates with me even more now than back then."

Seo expressed gratitude for her parents’ patience during her difficult years and described her eventual decision to live independently as a turning point. Now, having navigated through years of uncertainty, she has cemented her place as a respected actress.