In the MBC special, “Rain Returns,” Rain opened up and talked about his childhood and living in poverty.
The “world star” revealed that his family was so poor that they could not afford to buy food. And as a result, Rain and his family starved for a week. And it was during this difficult time that the singer almost ate a cockroach egg that was floating in the water that he boiled a few days earlier.
The poverty was a result of his father going bankrupt. And to make matters worse, his mother was also gravely ill.
It was under these desperate conditions that Rain learned how to dance. For him, this was the only way he knew so that he would never go hungry again.
And through his hard work, the singer hit the big time 2 years after his debut and 3 years since his mother passed away.
With a story like that, Rain should sell the rights to the movie.
And for us, no more chicken breasts and vegetables.
first!
That’s really sad to hear. His mom passed away when he was young right?
hmm..
aww poor rain! so glad he’s made it to the top though
Argh… popseoul get rid of that “no more chicken breasts”!
No more “no more chicken breast” pleaaaaase!!!
its actually really sad, but he worked hard to earn his fortune…
he dun a good job now. everytime i hear him croon angry mad love for a girl (or ha jiwon), and rip his shirt to shreds, i’ll tip imaginary hat to his mother. now revived countless times for new release PR.
props to rain for all his hard work!
rainnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!
mt baby boo!!!!
i love you rain!!! you’re my #1 with a bullet!!!
ACK! I remember living in the projects and all the roaches too. Rain is such an inspiration! I wonder do they have food stamps in Korea?
how can you see a cockroach egg??? and even if you can eat it, it is so minuscule how can even satisfy you… it’s better to hunt roaches instead…
cockroach capsules (that contain at least 40 roach eggs) are just the size of a bean. but however small it is, if you’re starving, anything starts looking good.
I’m just glad Rain doesn’t have to look for food like that again.
awww!! thats soo sad….
its a really good thing he made it! wow…
rain, hwaiting!!!
cockroach?!ahhh…
rain is really something…
of course Rain worked for everything he got! Thats what makes him so great!
OMG seriously popseoul!
it’s not that funny.. the chicken breast thing..
get over it -_-
It’s very interesting how so many Korean celebrities came from very harsh times. It’s not just Rain - there are countless stories of other currently very successful stars who came from very poverty-struck environments.
I still remember how U-Know talked about how he had to go outside on a freezing winter day to walk around town and spray sand on the ice in order to get money for his family.
Anyhow, it’s a happy ending for Rain I guess, with his ultra high fame and all.
A BIG thumbs-up for Rain from me!
I can’t imagine how I’d feel if my mom passed away
I’m so happy he’s living his dream
And btw, seriously POPSEOUL, the chicken breasts thing is getting old.
It’s NOT FUNNY and it never made any sense anyway.
even though I pity him
but i think he wants to get more attention and love by telling those stories
he just wants to prove he’s talented
NO MATTER WHAT, I HATE HIS EXISTENCE
hmm hard to believe but props for him for resisting the temptation to eat it …
That is a great story. I’d watch the movie and most certainly cry.
You’re keep referring to that guy who isn’t Rain…just saying.
CHICKEN BREAST AND VEGGIES. Xd
RAIN FTW. GOOD JOB LIVIN’ THE DREAM.
Did this story hit or miss as an inspiring story that would convince us all to love rain again and buy his album? well he used his dead moms story so much that i think i can make it my own story now. HOWEVER, rain still does have some star quality left in him after he left JYP, so i hope he does make a HUGE comeback, and I will buy his album and support him even if im a sung si kyung fan because Rain is that ray of hope and an example to those kids that the “American dream” of being able to become anything in life is possible even outside of america. Hope he does well,
Well i guess his experience makes him down to earth. I dont even know his songs, but since i am here, i need to be informed about everything
if he was starving how did he find the energy to bust a move?
When I heard Rain telling that story, it was heartbreaking. Yes, many have gone hungry and lived in dire conditions, but of those, many end up just feeling sorry for themselves and do little about it.
On the other hand, you have people like Rain. All his experiences and situations made him the driven person that he is today. Even now, as I am sure he’s worth millions, he continues his dedication and unrelenting hard work. Rather than the products and packaging, I mostly admire the MAN and his passion and drive.
I can think of one other reknowned person in history of music and entertainment who came from extremely humble conditions, but who honed in on his God-given talents to become a global superstar, and all the while remained a humble human being and remains world-reknown postumously 30 years later. I don’t have to mention this Superstar’s name but many may recognize who I am referring to. Rain is not at that person’s status but he has the makings that one could draw similarities.
I love Rain…but seeing his background, has he made any big contributions to charities or other groups to help kids that are in the same situation that he once used to be in? It seems like that the word “charity” escapes a lot of Korean celebrities. I really love how he worked so hard and finally got everything, though
^that’s true…
When you’re that hungry and don’t have money to buy food, the best thing to do is to save your energy… why would you learn to dance that can use up all your energy when you don’t have money???? isn’t it better to use the time & energy to work instead?? learning to dance doesn’t bring you money, right??
sorry rain, i don’t buy your story this time.
dang thats really inspiring. he deserves what he has attained.
That’s sad, and I like him eve more because he had the drive, intelligence and strength to rise from such a harsh life. I remember So Ji Sub talking about how he had to work alone when he was very young to support his mom and sisters. Big kudos to them and all like them, I hope they are giving back now.
rain is amazing
i feel for him. T T
rain oppa i love you~
hwaiting!
I love him even more now….. more blessings to come, Rain! U deserve it!
that’s fken sad.
that is so sad, it’s great that he managed to get through all that and still become a star ^^ and he looks good with the new hair cut
SOOOOO HE WAS HELLA MONEYLESS BEFORE?
BUT NOW HE IS LIKE THE THIRS MOST PAYED PERSON IN KOREA! DAMNNNNNNNNNNNNN
so, after being gunned down by the consequences of his own EGO, he’s now going for the i-came-from-humble-beginnings technique, eh?
I feel bad for him but…he chooses to tell this story now? As long as he’s been in this business? lol It’s crazy how he’s all famous and stuff now. Damn. It must feel like a dream every day for him…
I admire this kind of artists much more than the rich-background artists who get a piano or whatever lesson since they were young. Nothing’s wrong with the rich kids though, I just like them less.
he had a tough life…i respect him and his efforts… bi we should eat some chicken breast and vegetables together…
I heard this story at least a zillion times since his debut. He should just stopped using his rags-to-riches story as a news for himself. Give us a scandal anytime!
My eyes playing tricks on me? PS.. you don’t seem to be bashing Rain anymore.. Woke up on the right side of the bed, eh? ^^;
Poor Rain. I’m glad he’s doing amazing now.
As for someone saying so.. how would it be a scandal? It’s a truly believeable story. No one would make up something like that, and definitely not Rain. Go find somewhere else to bash him.
buttercups
co-sign haha
I am tired of hearing his “old stories”.Seems he needs an
psychiatrist!
PS, please don’t bring anymore “chicken breast” thingy in every post u make about rain.. =_=; it’s kinda boring now..
condolescence for rain’s mama~…
how big are cockroaches’ eggs? that you can boil and eat it?
I think the ‘chicken breasts’ comment is a little bad taste (out of place) in this particular article!
Eww, cockroach egg… At least he actually didn’t eat it.
OMG..sounds disgusting..thank god he did not eat it…I would have puked if I ever came across one. Well good for him and popseoul wats ur issue with chicken breasts and vegetables? They are pretty delicious
Well… he has everything now… and he should continue to work hard…
NO MORE CHICKEN BREASTS!!! (AND VEGETABLES)
#28, Rain gives SO much to charities. Please do some research before you make a statement like that. He even gives of his time, like cleaning oil off of rocks in the freezing cold.
no more chicken breasts and vegetables! hahaha.
No brainer, Popseoul. He once said he drank dirty water with cockroach eggs during his dirt poor, stark raving hungry days.
rainnn…
I LOVE RAIN!!!!!….you non Rain fans really should do your homework before leaving all those stupid comments. If you don’t like him maybe you shouldn’t read his posts on here. Haters like you are very pathetic and pointless because you are obviously secretly infatuated or intimidated by the guy and all of his success.
Well rather you like him or not…he’s not going anywhere. So kiss his cash!!!
Wow, it was really hard for him when he was younger…….but now he is working hard…….and should be very proud of himself………
okay this is bizarre, I totally had this freaky nightmare a couple of nights ago about cockroaches crawling out of (chicken) eggs. what the hell
That’s a sad childhood but what really caught my attention and freaked me out what the roach egg crap. Ewwwww. xF
Lol.. how’s a Sad life story = asking for attention? Now that’s a pathetic assumption.
To Sharurotto,
Please do some research before making such statement .
Why do people have any reason to doubt his rags-to-riches story? Being aware of the prejudice against the poor in Korea, I don’t see any reason for him to lie about his impoverished childhood.
But didn’t I read somewhere that when his own label J.Tune entertainment was named the rainy ent. it was his father who started the label by changing the name of his already existing company or the like?
so the point is: It could be that he wasn’t so poor. And I doubt that his family was so poor without being at fault.
@ samlun100
geez why be such a jerk? who asked for your vulgar opinion
……asswipe
cockroaches?,,,,,why don’t you try wasp??? it’s delicious too.
sad stories make me feels sad….
i never knew rain went trough that much sadness.
What hard times he had to face and endure while a struggling artist. Isn’t that inspiration enough? I have deep admiration and respect for people like Rain. Although he has achieved fortune and fame he relentlessly pursued to be the best in his chosen career. Keep up the good work Rain. You are a model for struggling artists. And what is more admirable is how you never forget where you came from; you do not forget to always thank your mother in all your achievements in life who seem to be your source of inspiration in everything that you do. Looking forward to more projects in the future.