Jeon So-min Opens Up About Hidden Struggles on Huh Young Man’s Food Travel

In the May 11 broadcast of TV Chosun’s Huh Young Man’s Food Travel, actress and entertainer Jeon So-min gave viewers a rare glimpse into her personal world, opening up about her career, unfulfilled dreams, and the emotional toll of living in the spotlight. Now marking her 22nd year in the entertainment industry, Jeon—famous for her roles in dramas and her seven-year run on Running Man—balanced her trademark humor with heartfelt candor, offering fans a deeper perspective on her public life.

During a warm and candid conversation, Jeon revealed that her initial dream was not to be an actress, but a singer. She had once hoped to live quietly as a “faceless artist,” avoiding the burdens of fame while pursuing music. However, she laughingly admitted that her limited vocal abilities quickly dashed that dream. When prompted, she even demonstrated her singing voice on air, delivering a few humorous lines that left the host and crew laughing—a moment that highlighted both her comedic timing and willingness to poke fun at herself.

But beneath the light-hearted banter was a more serious undertone. Reflecting on her years as a variety star, Jeon opened up about the mental and emotional weight she carried during her time on Running Man. Though she brought joy to millions through her cheerful persona, she admitted that she often struggled privately. The barrage of hateful comments, she said, became so intense that she considered walking away from it all. Her confession brought a moment of silence to the set, as she revealed the pressure to keep smiling even when she felt like falling apart. Host Huh Young-man responded with deep empathy, commending her courage and strength for enduring such challenges while continuing to entertain.

Despite the heaviness of her confession, Jeon’s natural charm and quirky humor were ever-present. As the two explored the city of Yeoju—where Jeon has quietly lived for the past eight years—she once again had the crew in fits of laughter. In one memorable scene, she hilariously mistook pork jowl (hangjeongsal) for pork anus, a candid blunder that reminded viewers of the unfiltered, lovable personality that’s earned her a loyal fanbase. It was this blend of vulnerability and humor that made her appearance so impactful.

Jeon So-min’s revelation resonated far beyond the episode. Her story served as a reminder that entertainers, no matter how cheerful they seem, often grapple with unseen burdens. The smile she wears so confidently on screen, it turns out, has sometimes masked deep emotional pain. Yet, it’s precisely her ability to remain open, honest, and authentic that continues to endear her to fans.

Following the episode and its video recap by K-Buzz, fans flooded social media with messages of support and gratitude. Many expressed newfound admiration for Jeon’s transparency, praising her resilience and calling attention to the need for greater empathy toward public figures. Her appearance on Huh Young Man’s Food Travel wasn’t just an entertaining food tour—it was a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to be both vulnerable and visible in an industry that often demands perfection.