Renowned makeup artist Jung Saem Mool revealed she was the victim of an armed robbery during an overseas photoshoot with Kim Tae Hee.
On the March 6th episode of tvN STORY’s Billion Dollar Breakfast, Jung detailed the frightening incident that occurred during a high-profile photoshoot in South Africa. Jung, one of Korea’s premier makeup artists, has built a beauty empire with annual sales reaching 110 billion KRW (approximately 76 million USD), working with A-list celebrities including Kim Tae Hee, Song Hye Kyo, Jun Ji Hyun, Lee Hyo Ri, and Chinese star Tang Wei and establishing herself as a frontrunner in K-beauty.
During the episode, Jung shared her unexpected path to becoming a makeup artist. Though she originally aspired to be a painter, financial concerns nearly forced her to abandon her artistic dreams. A fortuitous connection through her mother’s acquaintance provided tuition funds that allowed her to study makeup instead. Her reputation for excellence opened doors to collaborations with numerous top celebrities.
The robbery, which Jung recalled with visible emotion, happened when the makeup artist accompanied Kim Tae Hee on a photoshoot to South Africa. The incident was so serious it made the 9 o’clock news.
“We were invited to dinner by our guide,” Jung recounted. “The Korean community had all gathered at this house because famous people like Kim Tae Hee were coming. They welcomed us warmly, giving us necklaces and serving food. But suddenly people started screaming. A gang of robbers had entered with guns.”
Jung’s personal losses exceeded 20 million KRW (approximately 14,000 USD), and the photographer’s cameras were also stolen. “The robbers took everything of value,” she continued. “They forced dozens of people, including children, into a small bathroom.” Fortunately, no one was physically harmed during the incident.
The traumatic experience left deep psychological scars. “I couldn’t do anything because of the trauma,” Jung admitted. However, she found unexpected healing when a local girl embraced her, after which she said “the fearful and horrible trauma disappeared.”
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