Goshiwon is a small, budget-friendly boarding space in South Korea. Typically, it only contains a table and a mattress, with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities.
Usually, these rooms are rented by students focusing on studying for college entrance exams. However, several Korean artists faced financial hardships at the beginning of their careers and had to live in goshiwons for extended periods. Who are these artists? Let’s find out!
1. Yoon Jisung, former member of Wanna One
Jisung, former Wanna One (instagram.com/_yoonj1sung_)In the 2022 show DNA Mate, it was revealed that Jisung and his sister, Yoon Seul Gi, frequently moved due to financial struggles. They resided in goshiwons and often could only afford ramen. Despite their difficulties, they chose not to burden their parents, who could have helped them.
Jisung mentioned on Weekly Idol in 2019 that he had been living in goshiwons since he was 16, becoming accustomed to cheaper frozen meals. However, he sometimes missed his mother’s cooking and learned cooking from her.
2. Sunggyu of Infinite
Sunggyu Infinite (twitter.com/KSK_official)In 2020’s RadioStar, Sunggyu admitted to initially living in a small boarding room. He survived on rice and eggs provided by the goshiwon manager. Despite the challenges, he now feels his life has improved significantly.
Sunggyu believes he shouldn’t complain about past difficulties, considering his 10-year career and the success of Infinite’s world tours and concerts. Nevertheless, he remains ambitious.
3. Andy of Shinhwa
Andy SHINHWA (instagram.com/andyofficial___)On Win Win in 2012, Andy shared his struggles when he had to leave promotional activities for Shinhwa’s fourth album due to his seriously ill mother in the US. He returned to Korea but couldn’t afford the group’s dorm, opting for a rented boarding room instead.
Financial constraints prevented Andy from visiting expensive salons or taking taxis, fearing recognition.
4. J. Seph of KARD
J.Seph KARD (instagram.com/j.seph_)In Daebak Show 2023, J.Seph expressed confusion about auditioning, having come from the countryside without contacts in the industry. He settled in a goshiwon upon arriving in Seoul to pursue his dream of becoming an idol trainee.
J.Seph succeeded in his efforts, initially hiding his aspirations from his parents until after passing the audition.
5. Lee Joon Gi
Lee Joon Gi (instagram.com/actor_jg)In a 2012 TV appearance, Lee Joon Gi revealed the significance of “jangjorim,” a Korean soy sauce meat dish, to him. At 20, he moved to Seoul without his parents’ approval and lived in a rented boarding room.
Facing financial difficulties, Lee resorted to stealing jangjorim from the shared fridge, feeling remorseful and apologizing afterward.
For these Korean artists, goshiwons were their only viable housing option due to financial constraints. Fortunately, their perseverance led them to successful careers in the entertainment industry.
