Full Support for Seol In-ah
Kim Soo-hyun, the “effective owner” of Gold Medalist Entertainment, went to great lengths to back Seol In-ah.
Particularly, on November 16, he organized a trip for about 40 company staff members to Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, to cheer her on during her participation in a triathlon, which was featured in the finale of tvN’s variety show “Iron Girls”.
While other cast members like Jin Seo-yeon, Uee, and Park Ju-hyun had family and friends cheering for them, Seol In-ah was uniquely supported by her entire agency. Staff traveled for eight hours round trip, armed with banners, and their presence brought Seol to tears of joy, as she even bowed deeply on the asphalt in gratitude.
Explaining the scale of support that Seol In-ah received, one industry insider praised the actress’ humble and down-to-earth personality.
“In an era where even office dinners are a delicate topic, being able to mobilize all employees on a Sunday speaks volumes about her character,” they commented.
However, another entertainment producer offered a more pragmatic take, saying, “While it’s heartwarming, this is business logic at play. Seol In-ah reportedly generates about 2.5 billion KRW (approx 1.8 million USD) in annual revenue for the agency. It’s natural for the company to invest in her as a token of appreciation.”
Meanwhile, Seol In-ah joined Gold Medalist in April 2022 after leaving a mid-sized agency that nurtured her early career. Since then, her popularity has soared, especially following the global success of the SBS K-drama “Business Proposal” (2022). She now boasts over 10 million Instagram followers and commands significant commercial value.
Stark Contrast to Kim Sae-ron
The stark contrast between the agency’s treatment of Seol In-ah and former member Kim Sae-ron has also drawn attention. Kim Sae-ron, who left the agency after her DUI scandal caused reputational damage, now works on low-budget films. One film producer remarked, “It’s understandable why Kim Soo-hyun would favor a disciplined and hardworking actor like Seol In-ah over someone whose behavior harmed the company’s image.”
The producer added, “For businessmen, the ideal talent isn’t an unpredictable genius but someone reliable and manageable.”
Seol In-ah’s triathlon participation further cemented her image as a dedicated and disciplined individual. She completed the race in 3 hours, 14 minutes, and 30 seconds, earning a medal for her perseverance.
This disparity in treatment highlights the delicate balance of talent, character, and marketability in the competitive entertainment industry.
Source: Daum