“I Didn’t Have $500” Legendary Second-Generation Idol Confesses Her Shocking Financial Situation

Rainbow member Noeul shocked viewers by revealing she once didn’t have 500 dollars in her bank account.

The idol made an appearance on a recent episode of a YouTube show in which Noeul revealed she had become the owner of a cafe.

In the episode, Noeul confessed that she had opened a cafe because she was letting go of her career as a celebrity, stating that she was financially burdened because she couldn’t find steady work.

While I was a celebrity, I had a hard time because I couldn’t find steady work. It isn’t like I constantly had projects, and because I would fail auditions, I worked as a part-time employee. I worked at cafes, pubs, and restaurants to survive.

—  Noeul

Noeul then revealed that there were many times in which the idol only had ₩500,000 KRW (about $390 USD) in her bank account and that she even received money from a fellow celebrity who felt sorry for her.

I felt that my life was really pitiful, and I thought, what was the point of living? Then, while working at a restaurant, Seo Jang Hoon oppa visited and, after hearing my situation, gave me ₩1.00 million KRW (about $781 USD). I really want to thank him.

— Noeul

Noeul, however, did not give up and, through an opportunity, became the owner of her own cafe. The idol revealed that her group members had become a huge help in helping her successfully launch the cafe.

I met some good people and had the opportunity to open the cafe. The flagship cafe has monthly revenues of ₩100 million KRW (about $78,100 USD). It has only been one month, but the cafe generates about ₩40.0 million KRW (about $31,200 USD) in revenue.

When I opened the cafe, the members came out to help me and took a lot of pictures. Although I haven’t yet succeeded, I am thankful to have come this far and feel like I have obtained a treasure.

— Noeul

Noeul debuted with Rainbow in 2009. The group is regarded as one of the most powerful, skilled, and beloved groups in K-Pop’s second generation. The group is best known for the close friendship between members.