'Finally': Jeon So-min's brother Jeon Uk-min makes acting debut at 38 after years of delivery work

Jeon Uk-min, younger brother of actor Jeon So-min, has landed his first acting role after years of working delivery jobs to get by while pursuing his dream.

Jeon shared a video on his SNS on Sunday alongside the message: "I sincerely cheer on everyone chasing their dreams. And never give up."

In the video, he announced, "Finally, an opportunity has come my way."

He opened up about the doubts he has faced. "When I tell people I'm preparing to act at 38 with no money and no career to speak of, they say things like, 'Shouldn't you stop now?' or 'You're almost 40,'" he said.

Then, a few days ago, he received a phone call — a casting offer.

"It's a small role with few lines, just a brief appearance," Jeon said. "To some it might look like a minor opportunity, but to me it's different. It's the first time my dream feels like it might actually touch reality — a truly precious chance."

He added that he hoped the role would become "the opening scene of a journey to a bigger stage someday." "I once read that direction matters more than speed," he said. "Keeping those words in mind, I run again today, cherishing what I can do."

Jeon first became known to the public when he appeared on SBS variety show "Running Man" in a family special alongside his sister. He later continued his broadcast career as a trainer on Channel A sports variety program "Cheonhajeiljangsа."

But television appearances did not translate into an acting career.

More recently, after a failed business venture, he has been sustaining himself through delivery work while keeping his acting ambitions alive. On Aug. 10, he revealed on SNS that his sister was a well-known actor, saying, "Watching from the sidelines, it felt close — but the wall of reality was far higher and thicker than I imagined."

He also pushed back against assumptions that he was financially comfortable because of his sister. "I'm 38, with no impressive resume and no savings," he said, drawing a clear line between his situation and hers.

"People around me assume I have money because my sister is a celebrity, but that money has nothing to do with me," Jeon said. "She earned it — every bit of it is hers." He confirmed he was working delivery jobs to make ends meet.

Even then, he expressed his resolve: "I believe it's never too late when you think it's too late, and I run again today."