Jeon So Min has previously discussed the traumatic experiences she endured in the industry, recounted of how a director inflicted daily emotional and physical abuse in her earlier years as an actress.

Jeon, a veteran actress and a favourite on variety shows, recently gave an interview where she opened up about her struggle, shocking a lot of fans used to her high-energy on-screen persona.

Although Jeon made her debut in a one-act drama in 2004 as a high school senior, her way to success was paved with years of hardship and abuse.

One director would smack Jeon's head every time she got a scene wrong on set, she recalls.

"That led me to hitting my own head before I make a mistake. If I think I am going to make a mistake, then I hit my own head," she said.

Yet this kind of conduct merely provoked the wrath of the director to address the actress even tougher by the hands.

Jeon also discussed the working conditions she endured, such as having to lug all her equipment herself, and making breakfast for the director.

Nonetheless she complied quietly enough, wanting to hold onto her job.

With the relentless spirit that has characterized her career, Jeon endured for nearly 10 years until finally breaking through in 2013 in MBC's daily drama "Princess Aurora," which put her on the map.

Since then, it has had a number of hits like "Something About 1%" and "Cleaning Up."

Apart from acting, Jeon has also been a crowd favorite on variety shows, including SBS's "Running Man," which she participated in this past January, where her playful energy and sense of humor charmed audiences.