Resilient Miss Korea Rebuilds Life After Losing Everything

In November 2025, former Miss Korea Kim Ji-yeon, who was crowned in 1997, opened up about the unexpected struggles she faced after her rise to fame. According to the report, Kim Ji-yeon currently works as an insurance planner after going through a difficult period of financial hardship and health challenges.

Kim explained that she had to take on delivery jobs out of desperation when her income dried up and she had no savings. This physically demanding work eventually led her to become a full-time delivery worker, but injuries like knee pain pushed her to switch to the insurance field, which allows more longevity.

The report also revealed that the reason Kim temporarily stopped appearing on TV was because she had to cover tens of billions of won in debts incurred by a former boyfriend whose business failed. This financial burden took a significant toll on her emotional well-being.

Kim Ji-yeon also recalled the stress she endured from drastically fluctuating weight and poor health, reaching a peak of 75 kg. The pressure to maintain a glamorous image made her situation worse, and she described feeling like she almost gave up. However, she is now focused on dieting not for others but for her own health and resilience.

Determined to regain her health and inner strength, Kim Ji-yeon vows to do her best to reclaim a vibrant and beautiful life on her own terms. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the unexpected struggles even the most glamorous celebrities can face behind the scenes and the courage needed to rebuild.