The South Korean entertainment industry is no stranger to suddenly stepping away from their careers following scandals and controversies. But not every departure is a result of downfall. In fact, some stars have quietly exited the spotlight for deeply personal reasons like marriage, family life, or simply the desire for a quiet life away from the relentless demands of fame.
Here are five South Korean actors and actresses who quit acting for non-controversial reasons:
Seo Min Jung
Seo Min Jung, who rose to fame through the 2006 sitcom ‘Unstoppable High Kick!,’ retired from show business at the height of her fame. In 2007, she married Korean-American dentist Ahn Sang-hoon and relocated to New York City, choosing a peaceful domestic life over the glitz and pressure of the Korean entertainment industry.
Shim Eun Ha
Shim Eun Ha, hailed as one of the original “Nation’s First Love” actresses, captivated viewers with her tender and emotionally resonant roles in hits like ‘The Last Match,’ ‘Trap of Youth,’ and ‘Christmas in August.’ She suddenly retired from show business at the height of her fame in 2001, citing a desire for an ordinary life.
Lee Tae Im
Known for her roles in 'Don’t Hesitate,’ ‘You Will Love Me,’ and ‘The Lady in Dignity,’ actress Lee Tae Im made headlines in 2018 when she suddenly announced her retirement through a heartfelt social media post. “Going through difficulties with many thoughts and pain, I decided to live a normal life,” she wrote.
Bae Yong Joon
Bae Yong Joon, widely credited for igniting the Hallyu Wave across Asia and given the honorific name of "Yon-Sama" in Japan because of ‘Winter Sonata,’ hasn’t officially announced his retirement. However, he’s been absent from the screen since 2011. After a guest appearance in ‘Dream High,’ which was co-produced by his agency, KeyEast, and JYP Entertainment, he gradually shifted his focus from acting to business.
Heo Yi Jae
Dubbed as little Kim Tae-hee for her elegant visuals, Ha Yi Jae appeared in dramas like ‘Prince Hours’ and ‘Single Dad in Love.’ She suddenly quit her acting career in 2016, and it wasn’t until 2021 that she revealed the reason behind it. In a YouTube interview with Crayon Pop’s Way on her WayLand channel, Heo Yi Jae shared that she was harassed by a married male co-star, and the experience pushed her to quit the industry.
These stars prove that not all exits from the spotlight are scandal-driven. For these stars, leaving the industry was a personal choice rooted in the pursuit of peace, purpose, or healing.
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