Kim Muyeol Opens Up About His Struggling Years Before the Success of 'Teach You a Lesson'
The actor revealed the hardships he faced early in his career, including a year in which he earned just 200,000 KRW.
Kim Muyeol Reflects on His Difficult Early Years
Actor Kim Muyeol is currently enjoying one of the biggest moments of his career thanks to the global success of Netflix's hit drama Teach You a Lesson. However, his path to stardom was far from easy.
A preview released following the June 24 broadcast of tvN's You Quiz on the Block revealed that Kim Muyeol will appear as a guest on next week's episode, where he candidly discusses the struggles he experienced before achieving mainstream recognition.
During the preview, the actor shared that there was a period in his rookie years when he earned only 200,000 KRW (approximately $145 USD) over the course of an entire year, highlighting just how difficult life was before his breakthrough.
From Years of Hardship to Global Recognition
Kim Muyeol's story has gained renewed attention as Teach You a Lesson continues to dominate Netflix charts around the world.
The drama quickly became a global sensation after its release, reaching No. 1 on Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English TV ranking for multiple consecutive weeks and establishing itself as one of the platform's biggest Korean hits of the year.
While many viewers have recently discovered Kim Muyeol through the series, the actor spent years building his career away from the spotlight before finally receiving widespread recognition.
Wife Yoon Seung Ah Makes a Heartwarming Appearance
One of the most touching moments from the preview came when actress Yoon Seung Ah, Kim Muyeol's wife, made a surprise appearance.
Showing her support for her husband, she warmly commented:
"We've spent such a long time together."
The heartfelt remark drew attention from viewers and highlighted the couple's enduring relationship.
Kim Muyeol and Yoon Seung Ah publicly confirmed their relationship in 2012 before getting married in 2015. In June 2023, the couple welcomed their first son, eight years after tying the knot.
"My Neighbors Finally Think I Look Cool"
Reflecting on how much his life has changed since his struggling days, Kim Muyeol shared a humorous story.
When asked how it feels to finally receive widespread recognition, he joked:
"For the first time in 10 years, my neighbors told me that I look cool."
The lighthearted comment drew laughter from the show's hosts and offered a glimpse into how dramatically his public image has changed in recent years.
The John Cena Comparison
Kim Muyeol also addressed a topic that surprised many fans: a past shoutout from professional wrestler and Hollywood star John Cena.
When asked why Cena had taken notice of him, Kim Muyeol jokingly replied:
"Because we look alike."
Host Yoo Jae Suk immediately agreed, responding:
"You do look alike."
The exchange quickly became one of the standout moments from the preview.
About 'Teach You a Lesson'
Currently one of Netflix's most talked-about Korean dramas, Teach You a Lesson follows the Education Rights Protection Bureau, an organization tasked with protecting teachers and restoring order within South Korea's education system.
The series stars Kim Muyeol and centers on the bureau's efforts to confront issues involving students, teachers, and parents while fighting for victims within the school system.
With the drama continuing to attract viewers worldwide and Kim Muyeol's inspiring story drawing attention, the actor's long journey from financial hardship to international recognition has become an inspiring example of perseverance and determination.