"Working Part-Time at Convenience Stores and Coupang"... What Former Tennis Player and Lawmaker Is Up To

Served as a Proportional Representative in the National Assembly as a Young Talent
Confesses, "The Title of 'Former National Assembly Member' Feels Overwhelming"

Former tennis player and 21st National Assembly member of the People Power Party proportional representation, Kim Eun-hee, shared her recent situation where she had to sustain her livelihood through part-time jobs. On the 13th, Kim posted on her Facebook, "It took a lot of courage and time to write this post," revealing her circumstances. In June 2018, Kim first came forward with a 'Me Too in the sports world' by disclosing that she had been sexually assaulted by her coach during elementary school.

At that time, the perpetrator was ultimately sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered by the Supreme Court to pay 100 million won in damages. Subsequently, the Liberty Korea Party (the predecessor of the People Power Party) recruited Kim as a young talent. Later, in January 2024, when then proportional representative Heo Eun-ah left the party to join the Reform New Party, Kim succeeded her parliamentary seat and served until May 29 of last year.

Former tennis player and 21st National Assembly member of the People Power Party through proportional representation, Kim Eun-hee, shared recent news that she had to make a living through part-time jobs. On the 13th, Kim posted on her Facebook, "It took a lot of courage and time to write this post," conveying this message. Kim Eun-hee Facebook

Sharing her recent status via SNS, Kim said, "I finished my term as a member of the National Assembly in May last year and returned to being a tennis coach from June, but I couldn't focus on coaching because I ran for the People Power Party leadership election in July." She continued, "The tennis court business became increasingly difficult and was on the verge of being unmanageable."

She added, "With the worsening financial situation, I developed insomnia due to worry and anxiety, and since I was going to stay awake anyway, I thought I might as well earn some money during that time, so I looked for early morning part-time jobs." She said, "Without personal recognition during early morning hours and weekends, I worked part-time at convenience stores and as a Coupang helper, persevering stubbornly." She also mentioned, "In such a lifestyle, I spent at least 2 to 3 days a week awake for over 30 hours, and there were days when I couldn't sleep for up to 84 hours."

Especially confessing that the title of 'former National Assembly member' felt very heavy and overwhelming, Kim said, "Thanks to the support and interest from those who have cheered me on and the trust of my family, I was able to keep going hard, and now the tennis court business has improved so much that I cannot work part-time on weekdays anymore." Finally, Kim stated, "Those who make great efforts and labor for a better future should be given greater rewards and opportunities, and the state and all citizens should extend warm hands and compassion to those in vulnerable environments." She added, "Instead of despairing because you have nothing, being grateful that you can do something makes today and tomorrow happy."

Earlier, besides Kim Eun-hee, former lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong recently surprised many by revealing that she had become a carpenter. At the end of January, Ryu posted several photos on her Instagram showing her recent status. Having started carpentry work, she said, "Wood as a material is nature itself, so I feel comfortable when there is a lot of wood in a resting space," and added, "These days, I follow the sites and observe how the combination of interior design and solid wood makes living spaces more comfortable and luxurious."