The former Miss Korea contestant shares her inspiring story on KBS's new show
Category: Arts & Culture
Kim Ji-yeon (김지연), a former Miss Korea and actress, is set to reveal her inspiring comeback story after overcoming a substantial debt crisis on the upcoming episode of KBS 1TV’s ‘Living Together with Hwang Shin-hye’ (황신혜의 같이 삽시다), airing on May 22 at 7:40 PM. The show focuses on the lives of single mothers in the entertainment industry, highlighting their struggles and triumphs as they navigate parenting alone.
In this episode, Kim will meet with fellow single mothers against the picturesque backdrop of blooming cherry blossoms, sharing her personal experiences and insights.
Kim, who is also the high school classmate of Lee Eun-hee (이은희), the sister of acclaimed actor Lee Byung-hun (이병헌), credits her friend for encouraging her to participate in the Miss Korea pageant. Following her divorce, Kim achieved remarkable financial independence, generating approximately 700 billion won ($530 million) in annual sales in the home shopping industry. Yet, her life took a drastic turn when she took on about 1 billion won ($760,000) in debt after lending her name to her ex-boyfriend’s business, which led to a financial crisis.
To make ends meet during this challenging period, Kim resorted to working in delivery and courier services. Remarkably, she maintained a positive outlook even in the face of adversity, which impressed Hwang Shin-hye (황신혜), who remarked, "She’s not an ordinary woman," praising Kim's resilience.
In her quest for a fresh start, Kim Ji-yeon has now transitioned into a career as an insurance agent. This change was catalyzed by a traffic accident she experienced during her delivery job, which underscored the importance of insurance in her life. During the show, Kim will engage in an impromptu one-on-one insurance consultation with Hwang Shin-hye, where it will be revealed that Hwang has multiple life insurance policies, raising eyebrows among the audience.
As the episode progresses, viewers will witness the emotional farewell of fellow cast members Jang Yoon-jung (장윤정) and Jung Ga-eun (정가은), who are concluding their time on ‘Living Together with Hwang Shin-hye’. The trio reflects on their shared experiences as they stroll around Shin-hye Town, reminiscing about the bonds they formed during their time together. Jung Ga-eun expresses gratitude for having supportive figures in her life during tough moments, stating, "I’m thankful to have had sisters to lean on during difficult times," which resonates deeply with the audience.
Jang Yoon-jung also shares her emotional takeaway from the experience, saying, "This has been a time where I could live as my true self," adding a poignant note to their final moments together.
As the show prepares to air, it promises to deliver a heartfelt depiction of the realities faced by single mothers, highlighting their resilience and the supportive community they build among themselves. The episode showcases Kim Ji-yeon’s inspiring comeback and reflects the broader narrative of single mothers striving for independence and fulfillment in their lives.
Fans can tune in to watch Kim Ji-yeon’s story and the touching farewell of Jang Yoon-jung and Jung Ga-eun on May 22 at 7:40 PM on KBS 1TV. This episode is expected to resonate with many, offering a message of hope and empowerment for those facing similar struggles.