“I’ve put my hopes of returning to entertainment behind me. I’m focused on making a fresh start.”

Jerome (31, Korean name Do Seong-min), who worked in Korea as a singer, video jockey (VJ) and actor, is building a new career as the manager of a pizza restaurant in Garden Grove.

He is the head manager of the second Mr. Pizza location, inside Freshia Market in Garden Grove. He managed the first location in LA from last year until recently, then moved when the second location opened.

Quite a few customers recognize him from Korean drama videos. Some ask, “Weren’t you an actor?” and request an autograph or a photo. “It can be embarrassing, but it helps business sometimes,” he said.

Jerome has an unusual background. Born to Korean parents, he grew up and attended school on the US Eighth Army base in Yongsan because his father served in the US military. A junior ROTC cadet in high school, he was in his second year at the University of Washington when an entertainment industry contact he met at a Seoul club helped him debut as a singer.

He debuted in 1988 with the group ‘On Off’ and later joined ‘X-Large.’ He did not become widely known as a singer, but gained recognition as a video jockey on cable music channels including M.NET. “Haha, MC Mong and People Crew were friends I worked with on broadcasts back then. They’re all famous now.”

As his name became better known, music video offers followed. His appearances include Jo Kyu-man’s ‘I’ll Give You Everything,’ Park Ji-yoon’s ‘Fantasy’ and Jo Sung-mo’s ‘Goodbye, My Love.’

He moved into television acting in 2003, debuting as a hip-hop instructor in the KBS sitcom ‘What Can I Do? I’m Great.’

In 2005, he also appeared in the MBC drama ‘The Lawyers.’

Although he enjoyed his time in entertainment, Jerome began to feel its limits. “Korean pronunciation was difficult for me. No matter how hard I tried, traces of a foreign accent remained. That made it hard to land a leading role.”

He also struggled with how he was perceived.

“Daniel Henney, who is doing well these days, is of mixed heritage. People accept it when someone who looks white speaks Korean well. But I look Korean and speak it awkwardly, which can put people off.”

Even while busy in entertainment, he took an interest in business to prepare for the future. He gradually reduced his broadcasting work, did some modeling and ran an online menswear store.

He also helped operate a street-food-style bar with an acquaintance.

Jerome became involved with Mr. Pizza through a friend from high school. “If I get the chance, I’d like to run my own location,” he said. He added, “I’m proud to introduce a Korean brand to the United States. It’s rewarding work.”