The golden years of actor Lee Jong Suk started at the part-time stall of his now friend, comedian Kim Ki Wook.

What would start as a regular employer-employee dynamic soon becomes a deep bond that reverberates through time.

According to Field Movie, in the early days of Lee's career, he worked at Kim's pojangmacha, "Hoi Jja Pocha," in the busy Apgujeong district.

Lee was rather good-looking and attracted hordes of customers, which directly correlated to the stall buckle's popularity.

Lee, who worked in the restaurant for about three to four months while also modelling, became somewhat of a local sensation, according to Kim.

"He was the reason the business worked. We had customers waiting in line for hours," Kim reflected with pride. But it was not a lasting success.

Lee ended up quitting his part-time job to go on auditions for the hit drama "Secret Garden."

His exit had immediate consequences; the stall experienced a dramatic dip in customers and eventually shuttered. Despite this disappointment, Kim said he was proud to have hired Lee at one point during his professional career.

"It was a bittersweet feeling," he said. "I was sad to lose him, but I knew he was meant for bigger things."

Lee's devotion to the role was finally recognized when "Secret Garden" aired, making him an instant success and one of the biggest stars in the South Korean show business. It has made him widely popular and positively received since then.

Many years later, Kim made a cameo in Lee's drama "Doctor Stranger," where the two crossed paths again.

The reunion was an emotional one; Kim found the meeting with Lee after so much nerve-wracking.

But Lee soon made it personal by greeting Kim effusively and recalling their earlier days together.

Their story showcases the unusual and odd ways of relationships in the entertainment industry.

"I think it's more than just a boss and an employee," Kim said. "We have an extraordinary bond that has affected our lives deeply."