Han So Hee faces a never-ending issue as the "My Name" star continues to encounter allegations surrounding her educational background.
Earlier this year, the 29-year-old actress sparked doubts after mentioning her admission to a French art university.
Did Han So Hee Fake Her Admission to French Art University?
During her appearance in PD Na Young Suk's YouTube show along with Park Seo Joon to promote their K-drama "Gyeongseong Creature," she mentioned her part-time jobs and revealed that she initially had no plans to debut as an actress when she was 25.
According to her, she got into an art university in France; however, what prompted her to pursue it was because of her financial status.
"I couldn't go because I didn't have enough money in my bank account. I had to have at least 60 million won (46,000 USD) in my bank account to get a visa."
The actress added that, at the time, she didn't have enough money to fund her trip and studies.
As a result, she started working part-time jobs, which included working as a print and commercial model, to save up for college.
"Just like that, I started modeling for some clothing brands. Then, I got asked to be a model for a commercial. I got paid 20 million won (approximately 15,000 dollars) for that. I was like, 'Okay, two more commercials, then I can go to France.'"
However, Han So Hee's claim sparked doubts after a user uploaded a post on Korean online community Nate Pann, titled: "The controversy over Han So-hee's French art university admission is getting bigger."
The post contained speculations about whether the "Nevertheless" star did receive admission to a French art university after an international study consultant who specializes in art universities mentioned in a YouTube video that the amount that Han So Hee mentioned to study abroad was much lower in reality.
The incident was also tackled in JTBC's "Case Leader."
Han So Hee Reportedly Answers Speculation Regarding Educational Fraud Allegations
In a report by a local media outlet, Han So Hee responded to a netizen explaining her side regarding her plan to study abroad, particularly at an art university in France.
Stating that the "system" was not suitable for her, she gave up her dream of studying overseas and focused on building her portfolio.
She also mentioned that her dream school was the Central Saint Martins and Parsons, but due to the fee that she needed to secure, amounting to millions of won each year, she opted for Beaux-Arts de Paris.
"At the time, I needed 20 to 30 million won in my bank account, and the housing and living expenses I needed to spend were ridiculously insufficient. I started all over again when I was 20, and I had to pour all the money I earned from my part-time job into studying abroad."
The actress also added that it felt like "pouring water into a bottomless pit," saying that "the story was edited and misrepresented on the entertainment show."
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Written by Geca Flores