Comedian Lee Guk Joo, a beloved figure in Korean entertainment, recently shared a hilarious yet mortifying anecdote from her early days in the industry. Known for her witty humor and candid personality, Lee Guk Joo opened up about a truly ridiculous subway encounter she experienced shortly after her debut, revealing a side of rookie celebrity life that many fans might not expect.
A Korean star revealed a ridiculous encounter she experienced on the subway after she debuted. Recently, a video was released on the YouTube channel Hi Ssemi featuring Lee Guk Joo (also known as Lee Gook Ju.)
Early Fame and Unexpected Recognition
In the video, Lee Guk Joo shared an anecdote from her rookie days 19 years ago. She said, “Even though I was a rookie 19 years ago, I had a character, so no matter how briefly I appeared, people who watched the show could recognize me,” and added, “Back then, a 5% viewer rating for the program I was on was considered huge.”
The Subway Stare-Down
She continued, “While riding the subway, a boy standing near the opposite door kept looking at me and talking to his friend. Honestly, wouldn’t you be suspicious? So I thought, ‘If he comes over, I should be ready to give an autograph or take a photo,’” explaining the situation at the time. Lee Guk Joo said, “He kept staring for two or three stops. Then he got off at the next station, and I thought, ‘Why didn’t he ask? I’m happy to take photos or sign autographs,’” adding, “But as he was getting off and the door was almost closed, he shouted ‘Pig,’ which made everyone laugh.”
A Humiliating Revelation at 22
She added, “Everyone in that car heard him say ‘Pig.’ They all got off, and the only pig in that car was me. I was only 22 at the time.”
Reflecting on Her Rookie Physique
She also said, “What’s even funnier is that I weigh 30 kg more now than I did then. Back then, I was skinny,” and laughed, “What I didn’t understand at the time was that I thought I was skinny when I entered the broadcasting station, but many of the heavier senior colleagues said, ‘You ruined my livelihood because of you.’ So I thought to myself, ‘No, it’s not me. Aren’t they heavier?’ but I was wrong.“
Lee Guk Joo’s candid retelling of this memorable moment from her past highlights the unique and often awkward experiences celebrities face, even from their earliest days. Her ability to laugh about it now, even reflecting on how her perception of her own weight has changed, truly showcases her enduring charm and why she remains such a beloved figure in Korean entertainment.
