Kong HyoJin on Career Break & Rekindled Acting Passion

Acclaimed actress Kong HyoJin has candidly shared her journey through a significant career break and the rediscovery of her profound acting passion. In a video released on December 4, 2025, on the YouTube channel ‘Cheon Gaemi Lee ChunHee,’ Kong HyoJin discussed her struggles with burnout and the realization that acting is the ultimate source of her motivation, or as she puts it, her “dopamine.”

A Necessary Pause After Two Decades

Since her debut in 1999, Kong HyoJin worked relentlessly for nearly twenty years, often juggling two to three projects annually without any significant time off. Her filmography includes beloved dramas like “When The Camellia Blooms”. The actress revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to take her first extended break. “It felt like a time when I could rest without feeling guilty or pressured,” she explained. During this hiatus, she also got married and embraced a life away from the camera.

The Struggle with Burnout and Finding a New Path

While the break was initially refreshing, Kong HyoJin confessed that she later experienced a surprising lack of focus and motivation. This led her to seek counseling, where she was told she might be experiencing low dopamine levels, affecting her drive.

How Running Reignited Kong HyoJin’s Acting Passion

Searching for a solution, Kong HyoJin began running. This new physical activity sparked a powerful realization. She discovered that her true passion and primary source of fulfillment came from her work. “I realized that acting is my real dopamine,” she shared, acknowledging that the challenges and rewards of her career are what truly energize her. This period of reflection was crucial for overcoming her career break fatigue.

A Renewed Commitment to the Craft

With this newfound clarity, Kong HyoJin announced her intention to return to a busy acting schedule, leaving her hiatus behind. Her story is a testament to the importance of rest and self-reflection in overcoming burnout. Fans are eagerly anticipating her return to the screen, which includes projects like the upcoming drama “When The Stars Gossip”. The actress has reconnected with her acting passion and is ready to channel her renewed energy into future projects, proving that sometimes a break is exactly what is needed to move forward.

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