Second-Generation Idol Shares The Reality Of Life After Being A “Less Popular” Member Of the Group

An online community board gained attention for a video posted a few months ago regarding second-generation idol group ZE:A’s main rapper, Taeheon. In the video, he gave an update about life after being an idol.

ZE:A’s Taeheon | 근황올림픽/YouTube

The host stated that all news about Taeheon suddenly seemed to stop after ZE:A activities.

ZE:A’s Taeheon | 근황올림픽/YouTube

That’s right. After being discharged from the military, I was struggling financially. I started working part-time as a manager at a bar and ended up gaining a 100 kg.

— ZE:A’s Taeheon

ZE:A’s Taeheon | 근황올림픽/YouTube

Host: What kind of hardships did you go through?

Taeheon: I’m currently living in a one-room in Incheon. Both my parents passed away early. My dad passed when I was eight and my mom passed when I was about to go into high school. I’ve lived in  semi-basement rooms, and two years ago I worked in construction and my heating got cut off because times were hard. Currently, I work at the Coupang distribution center.

He remembers seeing on an online commnity board, someone wrote a comment that said, “Hey I saw that Taeheon works part-time at a distribution center. Isn’t he crazy?”

ZE:A’s Taeheon | 근황올림픽/YouTube

When I saw that, I thought to myself, ‘I need to do something in order to live too! Why does working here make me a crazy person. Am I supposed to be doing nothing?’

— ZE:A’s Taeheon

ZE:A’s Taeheon | 근황올림픽/YouTube

I guess the person was trying to say, ‘Why are you tainting the image of ZE:A?’ I thought to myself, am I supposed to be doing nothing? what is so embarrassing about this?

— ZE:A’s Taeheon

In regards to earnings, he revealed that because each member worked individually, the gap was really big. Because each member worked hard and put in the effort, Taeheon respects their drive and wishes only the best for them.

ZE:A’s Taeheon | 근황올림픽/YouTube

Thankfully, Siwan, Dongjun, Kwanghee, even thought they are at that status, they always remain humble and always contact me first.

— ZE:A’s Taeheon

Netizens that saw this left messages of support for Taeheon!

Netizen comments | theqoo

• “The gap in ZE:A was pretty big.”
• “Glad he quickly saw the reality and is working hard to live his life.”
• “It’s great to see that the members still get along with one another.”
• “It’s nice to see him working hard.”
• “Fighting!”
• “Wishing you a healthy life. Everything will be fine.”
• “You are enduring well and working hard for your life.”
• “You are working hard, fighting!”

Watch the full episode below to see what else he’s been up to!