"Former Idol Turned Painter Earning 180,000 Won a Day: '120% Satisfied'"

Group BTL Ellen, Transitioning to Full-Time Painter

"I am much more satisfied now. It’s great because I get back as much as I put in."

A story about a man who was once a member of a domestic idol group but has now quit the entertainment industry and is working as a paint painter is gaining attention. The main character is Oh Jimin, who was active as Ellen in the idol group BTL.

Former paint painter Oh Ji-min from group BTL [Photo source=YouTube channel 'Yeolhyeonnam-a' capture]

Recently, a video titled "29-year-old who quit being an idol, learned painting skills, and earns 180,000 won per day" was uploaded on the YouTube channel 'Yeolhyeonnam-a'. The video features Oh Jimin, who was active in the idol group BTL, sharing his current status as he has been working as a paint painter for 11 months. BTL was a nine-member male idol group that was active for about two years from 2014 before disbanding.

Oh Jimin said, "Because I was active, I went to the military late. Two months before my discharge, my wife became pregnant, so I registered our marriage right after discharge." He added, "Since I didn’t have many skills, I tried working in a company for a year but thought ‘this won’t work.’ Then, someone who did the interior work for the cafe my wife runs gave me an opportunity, and that’s how I started painting."

He described painting work as "fun from the moment I started," adding, "There’s always something new to learn no matter how much I do it. There’s a lot to learn, and it’s enjoyable and makes me happy." He also said, "I’m currently working at a construction site and earning 180,000 won per day. If I become a technician, the daily wage will increase, and if I start a business, it could be almost three times higher."

Former paint painter Oh Ji-min from group BTL [Photo source=YouTube channel 'Yeolhyeonnam-a' capture]

Regarding why he quit the entertainment industry, Oh Jimin revealed, "Honestly, no matter how much effort I put in or how much I wanted to succeed as an idol, it didn’t go as I hoped. It was difficult." He continued, "There are so many talented people. To survive, it’s fierce. I felt many walls." He also shared, "I acted in two short films and one web drama. My original dream was to be an actor. I didn’t earn any money from it."

He added, "I tried to earn money by working at a cellphone store and doing sales, but it was hard to get through even a day or a month." He said, "It was tough when I started painting too. There was a lot of dust, paint splattered, and I had to carry heavy things. But as I endured, my daily wage increased, and I came to understand the value of money earned through hard work. I’m glad I can fulfill my role as the head of the household."

When asked about his job satisfaction compared to his idol activities, Oh Jimin said, "The vibe is quite different from then to now," but added, "Maybe because I’m living in the present, I’m much more satisfied now. It’s good because I get back as much as I put in."

He said, "People I know from the entertainment industry are doing things like running dance academies, being YouTubers, or DJs. They did that their whole lives." Regarding his choice to work at a construction site unlike them, he explained, "I thought about what I could do to earn a lot of money, pondered for two or three months, made up my mind, and started properly." He added, "My satisfaction is almost 120%. Having work-life balance and being able to spend time with my children is the best."

He also said, "When starting this work, many people worry, ‘What if it’s not stable? What if I quit because it’s hard and have nowhere to go?’" He continued, "Having those worries means you have determination, and I believe no job is without hardship. I hope people take on challenges with that mindset."

Meanwhile, the YouTube channel 'Yeolhyeonnam-a' informs about the realities and prospects of technical jobs at construction sites such as painting, carpentry, demolition, tiling, and plumbing, encouraging young people to challenge themselves in these fields. The channel has over 65,000 subscribers.