Kim Tae Heon of ZE:A Opens Up About Struggles and New Life as a Restaurant Owner

kim tae heon zea
kim tae heon zea
Credit: MBN

Kim Tae Heon, the main rapper of the K-pop group ZE:A, has made a surprising career shift, becoming a Chinese restaurant owner after an eight-year break from the entertainment industry.

On the July 11th episode of MBN’s Exclusive World, Kim Tae Heon opened up about the hardships he faced after ZE: A’s disbandment. He revealed, “After ZE:A disbanded, I couldn’t return to the stage. I couldn’t even pay my phone bills or use my credit card. I had to heat water with butane gas for showers—it was really tough.”

Currently, Kim Tae Heon has been working at a Chinese restaurant in Seoul for the past three months. Initially hired as a manager, his dedication earned him the position of owner. Known for his punctuality and thoroughness, he has earned the nickname “Mr. Clean.”

When a customer recognized him as an idol, he playfully sang ZE: A’s hit song “Aftermath.” Kim shared, “It feels great when people recognize me. I’m still an idol at heart, even if I’ve gained weight,” he added with a sheepish smile.

Kim currently lives in a one-room apartment with 330,000 KRW (approx. 260 USD) monthly rent. He keeps gifts from fans from his idol days in one corner of his room. “When we traveled abroad, airports would be packed with fans. Concerts and fan meetings filled rooms with presents,” he reminisced.

kim tae heon zea
Credit: Kim Tae Heon Instagram

As ZE: A’s main rapper, he felt overshadowed by other members. “I always thought my popularity was nothing compared to others. And I know why. I was too reserved, shy, and timid. I loved singing in front of people, but talking was hard,” he admitted.

After seven years of group activities, ZE:A disbanded, and Kim Tae Heon enlisted in the military. Upon discharge, he found everything had changed. “Nothing was left from my glory days, so I took a long break,” he confessed. He then recalled the times he had to work numerous jobs, including construction and logistics centers, just to make ends meet. “I was afraid people would talk if they saw a former ZE:A member working at a convenience store, so I did part-time work at logistics centers in secret. It changed my life significantly,” he said.

Having lost his father in a car accident during childhood and his mother to breast cancer in middle school, Kim Tae Heon now lives with his aunt, whom he calls “mom.” His only sister disappeared after her business failed eight years ago. “My sister is more important than money. I wish she’d stop playing hide-and-seek. Money can be earned again,” he said, expressing his hope to reunite with her.

Kim Tae Heon hopes to release a solo album next year. Even without an event to perform, he practices at a studio every week. “I miss the stage so much. I long for the days of dancing, singing, and rapping, so I don’t stop practicing,” he revealed.

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