In the past, Mnet’s variety show “TMI News” revealed a ranking of self-made stars, with Won Bin placing 3rd. On the show, MC Jang Do Yeon shared stories from Won Bin’s childhood, stating “Won Bin earned pocket money by catching and selling snakes when he was little“, drawing attention from viewers.
Won Bin’s strong sense of independence is said to stem from the difficulties his family faced. Jang Do Yeon explained, “Won Bin’s father worked in a coal mine to provide for his children’s education, despite the tough economic situation.” Growing up in such an environment, Won Bin developed an independent personality early on and eventually built his own success.
Won Bin’s rise to fame was not purely based on talent alone. His journey to becoming a celebrity, after moving to Seoul to pursue his dream of acting, has inspired many. He worked part-time to support himself while auditioning in his spare time. His big break came when he auditioned for a rookie actor contest held by Cheil Broadcasting and was accepted. Lacking the resources to take professional profile photos, Won Bin used a film camera his sister had at home to take his own pictures for submission, demonstrating just how determined he was to become an actor.
Designer André Kim, recognizing Won Bin’s appearance and talent, invited him to his fashion show, which helped introduce him to the public. From there, Won Bin steadily rose to become a beloved actor.
His success wasn’t just due to luck, but a result of continuous effort and perseverance. In the past, his parents tried to dissuade him when he expressed his desire to become a celebrity, saying, “Do you think becoming a celebrity is easy? Even in downtown Gangneung, there are many people better looking than you.” Despite his parents’ opposition, Won Bin remained focused on his dream.
Today, Won Bin is a top star who earns up to 800 million KRW per commercial. He and his wife, actress Lee Na Young, co-own three buildings in Gangnam, with their total property assets estimated at around 25 billion KRW.
In a past appearance on MBC’s “Radio Star”, Won Bin indirectly mentioned his real estate assets and confessed, “My father passed away early, so our family was financially struggling. Because of that, I’ve always had a dream of owning a house.” He added, “I worked hard to earn money for my family, and that’s how I reached where I am today.“
Won Bin’s story remains an exemplary case of self-made success, teaching many that relentless effort and patience are essential in achieving one’s dreams.