Historical Actor’s Surprise Restaurant Parking
- DAEGU, South Korea – Kim Kwan-ki, a veteran actor who began his career as a child, recently shared his experiences working as a parking manager at a restaurant.
- Kim, who dreamed of acting his entire life, found himself assisting at the restaurant after acting opportunities became scarce.
- his wife initially questioned his career choices.Kim explained, "My wife prefers to work at home, but I don't want her to as she keeps going out."
Kim Kwan-ki: From Child Actor to Restaurant Parking Manager
DAEGU, South Korea – Kim Kwan-ki, a veteran actor who began his career as a child, recently shared his experiences working as a parking manager at a restaurant. The actor, known for roles in historical dramas such as ‘Taejo Wang Gun,’ ‘Daejo Young,’ and ‘Gwanggae-tae,’ discussed his career shift on the MBN program ‘Special World’ on April 10.

Navigating a Changing Career Landscape
Kim, who dreamed of acting his entire life, found himself assisting at the restaurant after acting opportunities became scarce. He also mentioned preparing for a cordyceps sinumulum business venture.
his wife initially questioned his career choices.Kim explained, “My wife prefers to work at home, but I don’t want her to as she keeps going out.”
Family Sacrifices and Difficult Decisions
Kim’s move to Daegu 15 years ago created a distance between him and his family. He expressed regret for not being able to care for his mother as much as he would have liked after his father’s death five years ago.
“I got married at 31, and the following year, I landed a role in a major drama,” Kim recounted. “As the shoots took me away from home for extended periods, my wife was frequently enough alone, and our children were once victims of a car theft.”
He continued, “Even if we only had barley rice to eat, I didn’t want my wife to struggle. I decided I needed to prioritize my wife and children.”

A Shift to Trot Music and Subsequent Struggles
After relocating to Daegu, Kim found himself increasingly excluded from casting opportunities. Six years ago, he attempted to revive his career by releasing a trot album and performing as a singer.
He attended singing classes and showcased his talent on stage. “I haven’t forgotten my passion,” Kim stated.
However, his attempt to regain recognition as an actor through music proved unsuccessful and financially draining, leading to depression and panic disorder.
“I felt like I was dying,” Kim confessed.”I thought it was the end. I felt like I was sinking into a swamp of failure. It just wouldn’t go away.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges,Kim Kwan-ki remains steadfast to find his place in the entertainment industry while providing for his family.
Kim Kwan-ki: The Actor who Became a Parking Manager – A Q&A
This article delves into the remarkable career journey of Kim Kwan-ki, a veteran actor who transitioned from the world of South Korean ancient dramas to managing parking at a restaurant. Through a Q&A format, we’ll explore his experiences, challenges, and his continued dedication to family and the entertainment industry.
Who is Kim Kwan-ki?
Kim Kwan-ki is a South Korean actor who began his career as a child actor. He is known for his roles in historical dramas such as ‘Taejo Wang Gun,’ ’Daejo Young,’ and ’Gwanggae-tae.’ More recently, he has been working as a parking manager at a restaurant.
What prompted Kim Kwan-ki’s career shift?
According to the article, Kim Kwan-ki’s career shift was prompted by a scarcity of acting opportunities. He discussed this transition on the MBN programme ‘Special world’ on April 10.
What was Kim Kwan-ki’s current job?
Kim Kwan-ki’s current job is a parking manager at a restaurant.

What other ventures has Kim Kwan-ki pursued outside of acting?
Besides acting and working as a parking manager, Kim Kwan-ki mentioned that he was preparing for a business venture involving cordyceps sinumulum.
Did Kim Kwan-ki’s wife support his career choices?
initially, his wife had reservations about his career choices. the article states that she prefers to work at home,but he didn’t want her to due to her desire to go out.
How did Kim Kwan-ki’s career affect his family life?
Kim’s move to Daegu 15 years ago created a distance between him and his family. He expressed regret for not being able to care for his mother as much as he would have liked after his father’s death. He also recounts how filming took long periods away from home creating difficulties for his wife.
What sacrifices did Kim Kwan-ki make for his family?
Kim made the decision to prioritize his wife and children, even if it meant struggling financially. He recounted a time when his family onyl had barley rice to eat,and he made a conscious decision to shield his wife from hardship.
Did Kim Kwan-ki attempt any other career paths?
Yes, after relocating to Daegu and facing fewer acting opportunities, Kim Kwan-ki attempted to revive his career as a trot singer. He released a trot album and performed on stage.

Was Kim Kwan-ki’s attempt at a music career accomplished?
No, his attempt to regain recognition as an actor through music was unsuccessful and proved financially draining.It also led to both depression and panic disorder.
What challenges did Kim Kwan-ki face during his music career venture?
His music career attempt did not go as planned. This led to both financial strain and mental health issues. Kim confessed to feeling like he was “dying” and “sinking into a swamp of failure.”
How does Kim Kwan-ki feel about his current situation?
Despite the challenges, kim Kwan-ki remains steadfast in his desire to find his place within the entertainment industry while providing for his family.
A Summary of Kim Kwan-ki’s career Transitions
Here is a summary of Kim Kwan-ki’s career changes based on the information provided:
| career Phase | Description | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Child Actor | Began his acting career at a young age, found success in historical dramas. | The article does not specify challenges during this time. |
| Transition to Parking Manager | Shifted to a parking job due to a lack of acting opportunities. | Financial struggles, career change and personal sacrifices. |
| Trot Singer Attempt | Attempted to revive his career through trot music. | Financial drain, and mental struggles and lack of success. |
| Current Status | Remains steadfast in pursuing his place in entertainment while prioritizing his family. | Ongoing challenges, and needing to support his family. |
Kim Kwan-ki’s story is a testament to the complexities of navigating a changing career landscape. It highlights the sacrifices made for family and the resilience required to persevere through setbacks.
