The glamorous world of South Korean entertainment often hides the demanding work that takes place behind the scenes.
While actors appear on screen and attend public events, their managers frequently handle long hours, travel, filming schedules and additional responsibilities that audiences rarely see.
A recent story involving actress Han So Hee has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by entertainment industry staff.
On October 26, 2026, a man claiming to have previously worked as Han So Hee’s manager shared his experience during an appearance on SBS Power FM’s radio programme Cultwo Show.
Comedians Nam Ho Yeon and Kim Seung Jin were also guests on the broadcast when the conversation turned to street casting and the realities of working in actor management.
The caller explained that he had spent approximately four to five years working in the entertainment industry.
He also revealed that Han So Hee was the last actor he managed before leaving the profession.
According to his account, the demanding schedule made it difficult to get adequate sleep, offering a glimpse into the less visible side of celebrity management.
His experience has prompted renewed discussion about the working conditions of the people responsible for supporting actors throughout their professional commitments.
Han So Hee’s Alleged Former Manager Describes Severe Sleep Deprivation
During the radio programme, the conversation initially focused on street casting, a practice through which entertainment professionals discover potential actors outside traditional auditions.
The discussion then shifted towards the demanding responsibilities of actor managers.
The caller said he had worked as both a street-casting professional and an actor manager over several years.
He claimed that his final assignment involved managing Han So Hee while she was filming the historical romance drama 100 Days My Prince.
When the hosts discussed how managers often spend long periods waiting for actors during filming, the caller described just how difficult it could be to maintain a regular sleep schedule.
“If I could sleep 7 hours a week, that would feel like a lot,” he said.
He explained that the job required him to accompany actors to filming locations and create additional video content.
These responsibilities added to the time spent supporting the actors’ schedules, leaving little opportunity for sufficient rest.
His account highlighted how the work extends beyond simply accompanying a celebrity to appointments.
Managers may need to remain available throughout production schedules while handling various tasks connected to an actor’s professional activities.
The caller’s experience also illustrated the physical demands that can accompany a career in entertainment management.
Although the profession is closely associated with the glamour of the celebrity world, the responsibilities behind the scenes can involve considerable personal sacrifices.
Why the Demands of Celebrity Management Can Become Overwhelming
The former manager also explained that the demanding working pattern eventually led him to leave the industry.
According to his account, adjusting to the schedule had been difficult, and several of his friends who worked in the same field were also considering leaving.
His comments have drawn attention to the challenges faced by entertainment staff, whose work often revolves around the unpredictable schedules of actors and production teams.
Unlike jobs with fixed working hours, actor management can require extensive waiting, travel between locations and coordination around filming commitments.
Depending on the production, these responsibilities may continue for long periods, making it difficult to maintain a consistent daily routine.
The story also serves as a reminder that the entertainment industry depends on a wide range of professionals beyond the performers audiences see on screen.
Managers, stylists, production staff and other workers contribute to the smooth running of filming and promotional activities, even when their efforts receive little public attention.
Han So Hee, meanwhile, has continued to establish herself as a prominent South Korean actress through projects including The World of the Married, Nevertheless and My Name.
Her work on 100 Days My Prince was part of her earlier acting career, before she gained wider recognition through subsequent leading roles.
The caller’s account remains a personal recollection of his experience rather than a comprehensive description of conditions across the entire industry.
Nevertheless, his comments have once again highlighted the importance of sustainable working schedules and adequate rest for entertainment professionals behind the scenes.
