'Almost Unrecognizable' Famous Idol Male Shares Reality... "Self-Employed People Are Truly Amazing"

Former Sechs Kies Member Ko Ji-yong Works at Restaurant
"Challenging Is More Important Than Fear of Failure"
"Self-Employed People Are Amazing... I Felt It After Experiencing It"

Ko Ji-yong (44), a former member of the first-generation famous idol group Sechs Kies, shared an update about working at a restaurant.

On the 13th, the YouTube channel 'Moneymentary' uploaded a video titled "Sechs Kies' Ko Ji-yong, a famous idol. The reason he works at a restaurant." The video showed him taking on a new challenge in the food service industry. Ko Ji-yong explained, "I originally worked in real estate-related finance, but that market has become very tight. While working, I drank a lot and accumulated a lot of fatigue, so my health deteriorated," adding, "I started working with a junior who runs a health-related restaurant."

He continued, "I happened to be in an idol group, but it’s been a very long time since I quit. I think my personality didn’t really fit with group activities. I often thought that even while I was active."

Ko Ji-yong, formerly of Sechs Kies, has revealed his recent challenge in the food service industry.
[Photo by YouTube channel 'Moneymentary']

He said, "I didn’t realize it when I was just a customer, but when customers enjoy their food and leave happily, I feel good too." He added, "I knew running a small business was tough, but experiencing it firsthand made me realize how amazing small business owners really are," and shared the reality of self-employment, saying, "There are more things to take care of than I expected."

He also said, "Having experienced both success and failure, I think it’s more important to take on challenges than to be afraid of failure and hesitate to make decisions," and added, "I plan to grow the restaurant well and help with franchise business using my know-how in real estate and finance. My goal is also to manage my health well."

Netizens who heard about Ko Ji-yong’s recent update after a long time responded with comments such as, "It’s admirable to see him working diligently," "It’s nice that he’s not living in the glory of the past," and "I respect his attitude toward life."

Meanwhile, Ko Ji-yong debuted in April 1997 with Sechs Kies’ first album 'Hakwon Byeolgok.' At that time, he gained popularity for his tall height, noble appearance, and unique vocal tone, but after the group disbanded in 2000, he announced his retirement from the entertainment industry. Later, in 2013, he married a medical school professor and has a son.