SECRET’s Jun Hyosung Opens Up About Working for Three Years Without Pay—And the Comeback That Followed

SECRET member Jun Hyosung has revealed that she worked for about three years without receiving any appearance fees, describing it as one of the most painful periods of her career. The confession came during a June 15 episode of comedian Kim Sook’s YouTube channel, where the two reunited to revisit their past work together and reflect on the realities behind entertainment production. Hyosung confirmed the account and said the experience shaped how she defines happiness outside of work—while she prepares for SECRET’s upcoming return.

A blunt revelation from Kim Sook

According to Kim Sook’s account, the change in Jun Hyosung’s demeanor during their time filming made her concerned. Kim Sook said that during early shoots on the MBC Every1 program Video Star, Hyosung seemed highly passionate, but over time her energy appeared to drain. Kim Sook then connected the shift to a financial issue: she stated that Hyosung had not been earning appearance fees “for about three years.”

In the conversation, Hyosung acknowledged Kim Sook’s claim, confirming that it was true. She described the situation as emotionally difficult, and said she did not know how to find happiness beyond her job at the time. The revelation sparked renewed attention to the often opaque financial arrangements that can surround entertainment schedules, especially for performers whose work depends on broadcast appearances and production decisions.

“I learned happiness outside of work”

Jun Hyosung said the hardship occurred during a major personal transition—when she moved from her 20s into her 30s. In that period, she said, she learned not only to endure but also to mature in ways she had not previously expected. Hyosung added that she stepped away from work to recover, describing a shift in priorities from constant activity to personal rebuilding.

Rather than framing the experience solely as a setback, Hyosung portrayed it as a turning point that changed her outlook. She said she eventually recognized that happiness cannot be measured only by being productive or staying visible, and that resilience came from understanding that life continues beyond professional demands.

Why the story matters for K-pop industry discourse

Jun Hyosung’s comments land at a time when fans and media outlets continue to scrutinize labor conditions in South Korea’s entertainment sector—covering everything from working hours to compensation structures tied to appearances and promotions. While the specific circumstances behind Hyosung’s case were not detailed in the conversation, the core allegation—working for years without appearance fees—highlights how financially consequential “behind-the-scenes” realities can be, even for established performers.

The confession also illustrates how public image and private economics can diverge in entertainment. Kim Sook’s remarks suggest that Hyosung’s emotional state was noticeable to colleagues, pointing to a broader question: how many performers may be silently affected by compensation delays or unclear pay practices, even as they appear active and professional on camera?

Hyosung’s path back: recovery and a SECRET comeback

After taking time away, Hyosung eventually returned to music. She is currently preparing for a comeback with fellow SECRET members Jung Hana and new member Yebin. The group is set to release a special mini-album, Secret Flavor, on June 18.

In the episode, Kim Sook also recalled that Hyosung was not someone who easily asked for help. Kim Sook said there was a moment when Hyosung requested something small—just a short segment of airtime for SECRET—which moved her emotionally. Hyosung’s own reaction underscores the difficulty of navigating power dynamics in entertainment, where even basic requests can feel heavy when personal circumstances are strained.

What to watch next

Jun Hyosung’s disclosure may prompt wider follow-up questions from fans, journalists, and industry observers about how appearance fees are calculated and administered in broadcast and production contexts. While Hyosung did not name specific organizations or outline contractual details in the segment summarized in coverage, the story’s scale—three years without appearance fees—makes it likely to resonate beyond the immediate fandom.

For audiences, the near-term focus is Hyosung’s comeback with SECRET Flavor. The release will serve as a practical marker of her return to the stage after a period of recovery—and could further influence how the public discusses performer welfare, compensation transparency, and the emotional cost that sometimes sits beneath K-pop’s upbeat headlines.