South Korean actress Kim Tae Hee was the victim of an armed robbery while on location for a photoshoot in South Africa, resulting in a significant loss of over 20 million KRW (approximately 14,000 USD), according to makeup artist Jung Saem-mool.
In a recent episode of tvN STORY's "10 Billion Won Breakfast," aired March 6, Jung shared the harrowing details of the incident that occurred during their trip.
The makeup artist, who is renowned in the K-beauty industry, recalled how they were invited to dinner by a local guide as part of their visit.
"Our guide invited us to dinner. Since famous people like Kim Tae-hee were coming, the entire Korean community gathered at the house. They welcomed us by putting necklaces on us and serving food. But suddenly, people started screaming. A group of robbers barged in with guns," Jung explained, as quoted by KBiZoom.
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The robbers reportedly took anything of value, including Jung's belongings and a photographer's camera.
"They even crammed dozens of people, including children, into a small bathroom," she said, describing the chaos that ensued during the frightening ordeal. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The traumatic experience left Jung shaken. "Because of the trauma, I couldn't do anything," she admitted. However, a moment of kindness helped her recover.
"A young girl I met afterward embraced me, saying, 'the fear and terrible trauma disappeared.'"
Then came the climax of this fateful affair, extreme enough to make the headlines and even featured on South Africa's 9 o'clock news.
Jung Saem-mool, who is known for working with many top actors, also became successful with the beauty brand as he is estimated to generate an annual revenue of 110 billion KRW (around 82 million USD).
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