Jeon So Min, born in 1986, began her career in the South Korean entertainment industry at the age of 18 and has since cultivated a versatile acting portfolio. She has never confined herself to a single type of role, seamlessly shifting between innocent, charming characters to strong, assertive ones, and even stepping into compelling antagonistic roles. Her breakthrough came in 2013 with the television drama Princess Aurora, which elevated her to nationwide fame in South Korea.

Following this success, Jeon So Min maintained a strong presence in both media and on social platforms during her six-year tenure as a permanent member of Running Man. Despite frequently generating controversy, she became one of the most recognized faces associated with the show. However, her popularity has since waned, and she no longer draws the same level of attention in the media or online forums as she once did.

On May 18, Jeon So Min appeared on the program My Little Old Boy, where she openly discussed her life after leaving the height of her fame. She revealed that after departing from Running Man in 2023, she worked as a part-time barista at a café owned by an acquaintance. Reflecting on her decision, she explained, “I had been working consistently in the entertainment industry, but suddenly all my projects stopped, which caused me to worry about my income. Even though I had savings, I didn’t know when I would have my next source of revenue. I suddenly thought it would be worthwhile to do something productive, even if it was something small, so I started working part-time at a café.”

Her new role came with strict conditions. The café owner required that she not wear a hat or a mask while on duty. Jeon So Min explained that the reason behind this rule was straightforward: if her face were obscured, customers would not recognize her, and by appearing visibly, she could naturally help promote the café while serving drinks.

During her time on Running Man, Jeon So Min often attracted criticism and was even labeled the “most disliked celebrity” on the show. The main complaints centered on her dominating screen time and overshadowing both the regular cast and guest stars. Many viewers believed that Running Man increasingly revolved around her due to her substantial airtime. This perception was reinforced by the close friendship between Jeon So Min and the show’s producer, Jung Chul Min, which led the public to speculate that her prominence on the program was supported by favoritism and overt PR efforts. On one occasion, the show dedicated three special episodes solely to celebrating her birthday, further fueling this narrative.

Moreover, Jeon So Min was often accused of monopolizing the spotlight, sometimes speaking over guests and other cast members, thereby limiting opportunities for others to showcase their talents. Her exuberant and sometimes over-the-top behavior on the show also contributed to viewer backlash, leading to the mixed public perception of her persona.

Despite the controversies, Jeon So Min’s tenure on Running Man significantly amplified her visibility, creating a period of high recognition and engagement. She was a polarizing figure, simultaneously drawing attention for her talent and eliciting criticism for perceived self-centeredness. This duality made her one of the most talked-about personalities in Korean variety television during those years.

Transitioning from such a high-profile position to part-time work at a café represented a substantial shift in her daily life. However, she embraced the change with honesty and humility, acknowledging the necessity of finding stability and productive engagement beyond the entertainment industry. Her candid reflections on adapting to a quieter public presence and performing everyday tasks, such as serving customers, resonated with many viewers, highlighting the human side of a celebrity navigating the ebb and flow of fame.

In conclusion, Jeon So Min’s journey illustrates the volatile nature of celebrity in contemporary media. From her early days in acting to her breakout role in Princess Aurora, and later to the intense scrutiny during her years on Running Man, she experienced both admiration and criticism in equal measure. Today, her openness about working in a café after the decline of her television fame provides insight into the realities of life after the spotlight fades. It underscores her resilience and adaptability, showing that even a figure once deemed the “most disliked” on a major variety program can navigate life’s transitions with pragmatism and grace. Her story serves as a compelling reminder that fame is transient, and personal growth and self-sufficiency often come from unexpected paths, not just from the accolades of the entertainment world.