Moon Ga-young Reflects on Her Early Start in Acting: “I Was Street-Cast in Germany, but Felt Sad Without a Big Break”
Actress Moon Ga-young has captivated audiences with her elegant presence and versatile performances in recent years, but her journey to stardom spans two decades, and it started far from Korea.
On the April 9 episode of tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block,” Moon joined hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho for the “Desperate Battle” special, where she opened up about her origins as a child actress, her early struggles, and how she’s grown through it all.
A Surprising Start in Germany
When asked about her debut, Moon shared a story few may know. “I was born in Germany and moved to Korea when I was 10. I started acting right after arriving,” she explained. Her acting debut came at a young age, but her very first encounter with the camera was even earlier. “At about five or six, I was cast on the street in Germany to model for a children’s clothing ad,” she said. “There weren’t many Asians there at the time, and I remember enjoying it a lot. My mom told me I once said I liked the sound of the camera shutter.”
From that early moment, a lifelong love for performing was born.
No Breaks, But No Big Break Either
Yoo Jae-suk was surprised to learn that Moon had never taken a break in her 20-year career. “So it’s your 20th debut anniversary this year?” he asked, amazed. Moon nodded, confirming she had kept working consistently since childhood.
But the path was not without difficulty. Moon admitted to feeling overlooked as a child actress, despite being active during what many consider the golden age of child actors in Korea, a period that also launched the careers of stars like Park Eun-bin, Lee Se-young, and Yeo Jin-goo.
“Most dramas at the time started off with child actors for the first few episodes. It was extremely competitive,” she said. “Even in that landscape, moving up was really tough. I didn’t have a major breakout role that left a big impression, and that made me feel sad when I was younger.”
A Touching Reunion and Memories from Set
Moon also recalled a recent moment that reminded her how far she’s come. “While filming ‘My Dearest Nemesis’, I worked with veteran actress Ban Hyo-jung. We had acted together 19 years ago in ‘Hometown Over the Hill’,” she said.
Ban remembered her vividly, not just as a child actor, but as a young student diligently studying on set with her mother always by her side. “She even recalled how I used to study in the car between shoots and travel back and forth depending on exams. It was really touching,” Moon shared.
Honest Reflections on a Long Road
When asked if she ever felt anxious over her progress in the industry, Moon responded with quiet honesty, “Yes, absolutely. Especially in my younger years, when I didn’t feel like I was making the kind of impact others were. I kept going, but sometimes wondered if it was enough.”
Now known for acclaimed roles in “True Beauty” and “My Dearest Nemesis,” Moon Ga-young is finally receiving the recognition she worked so long for.
Moon Ga-young’s journey reminds us that success doesn’t always come quickly, even for those who start early. Her consistency, passion, and quiet determination have brought her full circle, from a street-cast model in Germany to a leading actress in Korea. As she celebrates 20 years in the industry, her story stands as a touching testament to growth, resilience, and the beauty of blooming in your own time.