Rapper Yook Ji-dam shocked fans by revealing she is now working as a consulting manager at a plastic surgery clinic — and clarified she has not retired from entertainment.
She appeared on Dr. Im Sung-yoon’s YouTube channel, where she opened up about life after rap. Once known for her rise as a rapper, Yook is currently employed as a consulting manager at a plastic surgery clinic.
Explaining why she stepped back from the spotlight, Yook admitted, "After 'Money Game,' I kept working, but maybe because I got so much hate, I hit a slump. I was mentally exhausted and burned out." She added, "I spent a full year doing nothing in that state. After that, I worked the night shift at a convenience store for about a year."
She continued, "I started rapping before my sense of self had even formed, so I truly didn’t know what to do next," adding, "I looked for work I could do long-term with stable income — I even worked at a pizza place."
Yook also reflected on the intense scrutiny she faced at a young age. "On Show Me The Money 3, I was tagged the 'hip-hop push-and-pull girl' and basically became a national punchline who got mocked and dragged," she said. "I can’t say I’m fully over it, but I’m living well now," she added calmly.
Looking back on her rapper days, she shared, "I don’t necessarily want to go back, but when I think about it, I do feel like, 'That was really fun.'" Still, she made it clear she hasn’t left music behind.
"I haven’t quit rap completely. One day, I might release music again — you never know," Yook said. "I still write lyrics at home." She emphasized, "Being a rapper isn’t just a job for me — it’s my identity. My current job is consulting manager, but my identity is a rapper."
Yook Ji-dam first rose to fame on Mnet’s Show Me The Money 3, earning the nickname 'hip-hop push-and-pull girl.' She went on to appear on the Unpretty Rapstar series and 'Money Game,' but took a prolonged hiatus amid multiple controversies and heavy criticism.