On the March 6th broadcast of tvN STORY’s “10 Billion Won Breakfast” (Episode 3), Jung Saem-mool appeared as a guest. She shared her journey from working a part-time job to becoming a leading figure in K-beauty, as well as an unforgettable memory with Kim Tae-hee.
As a leading figure in K-beauty, Jung Saem-mool has transformed makeup trends, working with top celebrities such as Kim Tae-hee, Song Hye-kyo, Jun Ji-hyun, Lee Hyo-ri, and even Chinese star Tang Wei, achieving an annual revenue of 110 billion KRW (approximately 82 million USD). She shared that she started with a part-time job earning 47,000 KRW (approximately 35 USD) per month but managed to increase her earnings 100 times to 4.7 million KRW (approximately 3,500 USD) within just eight months.
Jung originally wanted to pursue painting but faced financial difficulties. Just when she was about to give up, she was able to fund her makeup education through a connection her mother had. She dedicated herself to collecting makeup references and honing her craft. As her reputation for skill grew, she had the opportunity to work with Lee Seung-yeon. Jung recalled how she stayed up all night preparing a scrapbook to work with Lee, which eventually led her to collaborate with numerous top stars.
Jung Saem-mool recounted a terrifying robbery incident she experienced in South Africa while accompanying Kim Tae-hee for a photoshoot. The situation was so severe that it was even covered on the 9 o’clock news.
She recalled, “Our guide invited us to dinner. Since famous people like Kim Tae-hee were coming, the entire Korean community gathered at the house. They welcomed us by putting necklaces on us and serving food. But suddenly, people started screaming. A group of robbers barged in with guns.”
The robbers took anything of value, including more than 20 million KRW (approximately 14,000 USD) worth of her belongings, as well as the photographer’s camera. “The robbers took anything valuable. They even crammed dozens of people, including children, into a small bathroom,” she said, describing the chaos. Thankfully, no one was harmed.
The traumatic event left her shaken. “Because of the trauma, I couldn’t do anything,” she admitted. However, a moment of kindness helped her heal. She recalled how a young girl she met afterward embraced her, saying, “the fear and terrible trauma disappeared.”
Despite the horrifying experience, Jung Saem-mool found comfort in human connection, realizing that warmth and kindness can sometimes be the strongest remedy for fear. As for Kim Tae-hee, she remained calm throughout the ordeal, showing remarkable composure in the face of danger.