Former 'Running Man' Star Jeon So Min Admits She Now Has a Side Job at a Cafe, Worried About Financial Problems

South Korean actress Jeon So Min recently shocked the public by sharing a surprising story about her latest life. The former member of the popular variety show "Running Man" admitted that she is now working part-time as a waitress at a cafe.

This news was revealed directly by Jeon So Min when she was a guest star on the program My Little Old Boy which aired on SBS on Monday (May 18, 2026). As is known, Jeon So Min decided to 'retire' from Running Man on October 23, 2023. 

At that time, the actress chose to step down because she wanted to take a break and focus more on her acting career. After this break, Jeon So Min actually didn't really take a break from the entertainment industry. 

Throughout 2024 to 2025, he will still actively star in a number of acting projects. Last year, his face even graced the screen in the drama Sorry Not Sorry and the big screen film Only God Knows Everything. 

However, these acting projects weren't enough to provide a sense of financial security for her. The change in work rhythm after leaving the weekly program that had made her famous made her anxious. 

"I'm used to working, right? So when that routine suddenly stopped, I felt something was off. I became worried about my finances and wanted to stay productive. That's why I worked at a cafe," Jeon So Min revealed honestly. 

Jeon So Min admitted that she got the job at the cafe thanks to the help of a colleague. Interestingly, her status as a top celebrity didn't necessarily grant her the usual special treatment. Instead, the cafe owner set a unique condition during the job interview. 

The cafe owner strictly forbade Jeon So Min from covering her face with a hat or mask while serving customers. "Because if I wear a hat and a mask, people can't recognize me. So, basically, I work to promote the cafe," said the 1986-born actress, jokingly adding details about her work. 

Jeon So Min's bold decision to defy the prestige of working part-time to maintain her productivity and financial stability immediately garnered much sympathy and praise from netizens and fans.