EXID’s Hyelin Stuns Netizens With Shocking Income From Second Career
EXID’s Hyelin has taken the K-Pop world by surprise, not with a new comeback, but with a flourishing second career that’s raking in serious cash! The beloved idol recently opened up about her life as a successful restaurateur, leaving netizens in awe of her entrepreneurial spirit and financial savvy.
On August 14th, the popular YouTube channel Human Story unveiled a captivating video showcasing Hyelin’s new venture. Fans got an intimate glimpse into her daily grind, watching her expertly prepare delicious tacos and diligently serve a steady stream of happy customers at her bustling restaurant.
From Idol Life to Taco Empire: Why Hyelin Made the Switch
In a candid moment, Hyelin shed light on her decision to enter the food business. She explained the inherent unpredictability of the entertainment industry, stating, “Broadcasting has seasons of activity; even if you want to work, it’s not a job where you always can. So I looked for a way to have a steady income and a stable life.” This resonates with many idols who face career uncertainties post-group activities.
The revelation of her restaurant’s earnings truly stunned viewers. Opened just this past March, the establishment pulls in an average of approximately ₩140 million KRW (around $98,800 USD) per month! Hyelin modestly added, “After all expenses, the profit is about ₩40.0 million KRW (about $28,200 USD),” acknowledging the hard work by mentioning, “It’s a bit overwhelming alone, so I operate it with help.” This incredible success story is a testament to her dedication.
Overcoming Struggles: Hyelin’s Journey to Stability
Hyelin also bravely shared the personal journey that led her to this new path. A period of deep lethargy served as a crucial turning point. She confessed, “I found myself thinking, ‘Why am I living? What do I like? What am I good at?’” and described days where she struggled to get out of bed until late afternoon.
Her message of overcoming inertia is particularly poignant. She shared her personal strategy: “If I put on my shoes and go out for even five minutes, I think, ‘Since I’m already out, why not walk for ten minutes?’” Stressing the importance of action, she emphasized, “Staying at home only makes things worse.” This advice offers hope and inspiration to anyone facing similar struggles.
Further explaining her financial motivations, Hyelin opened up about past disappointments in her career. “When I tried to promote in China, the THAAD controversy happened; when I was going to work in Japan, COVID-19 hit,” she recounted. These unfortunate circumstances meant that “Opportunities to make money all slipped away, so I didn’t really earn much.” Her transparency about these challenges highlights the often-unseen struggles of K-Pop idols.
Hyelin’s journey from K-Pop idol to successful restaurateur is more than just a surprising career change; it’s a powerful narrative of resilience, financial independence, and personal growth. Fans are undoubtedly proud to see her thriving and inspiring others to find their own stable paths.




