Star Managers Speak Out: Crushing Demands of Entertainment

It’s no exaggeration to say that famous stars and their supporting staff lose sleep due to demanding schedules beyond imagination. Actress Han So Hee’s former manager attracted attention for opening up about the hectic schedule.

On May 17, comedians Nam Ho Yeon and Kim Seung Jin appeared as guests on the SBS Power FM’s Cultwo Show. During the show segment, Han So Hee’s former manager drew attention by appearing as an audience member.

During the segment, it was introduced that actors Koo Bon Seung, Jung Woo Sung, and Lee Jung Jae were street cast in Apgujeung-dong and made their debut in entertainment. An audience member who worked as a talent manager for 4-5 years shared his story of working as a manager for Han So Hee. “I quit (being a manager) after tvN’s 100 Days My Prince,” he shared, sparking curiosity from the audience.

Host Kim Tae Gyun asked, “Isn’t being an actor’s manager hard? Don’t actors have long waiting times?” Guessing the hardships of a manager, the audience member shocked everyone by saying, “At the time, I slept a lot if I slept 7 hours a week.” He added, “I had to monitor filming in real-time and film behind the scenes.”

Kim Tae Gyun comforted him by saying, “You quit because it was hard,” the audience member confessed, “Yes, it was hard—the lifestyle pattern was really bad.” He openly admitted that many potential clients from street casting whom he tried to help debut dropped out due to the demanding schedules.

Improving the welfare of staff members and celebrities is becoming increasingly urgent. Recently, Hyuna’s manager, who has worked with her for 12 years, appeared on MBC’s Omniscient Interfering View and confessed that he often skipped meals due to his heavy schedule for fear of falling asleep while driving.

Han So Hee debuted as an actress in the drama Reunited Worlds in 2017 after working as a shopping mall model. Before her acting debut, she gained recognition by appearing in the music video for the title song “Tell Me What To Do” from SHINee’s 5th regular repackage album, released on November 15, 2016. She left through Incheon International Airport on the night of May 16 to attend the Cannes Film Festival in France.