Korean celebrities are on an unstoppable rise. From K-pop idols running the global entertainment scene to K-drama stars winning worldwide success, there’s no telling where their artistry will take them. But ICYDK, the journey to the top has been long and arduous for many of these personalities.
How did they triumph over life’s challenges? Here, discover how celebs like IU and Son Ye-Jin overcame difficulties and gain insights on self-improvement for your own journey.
1. Uncover And Hone Your Strengths
Begin your self-improvement journey by taking inventory of your strengths and weaknesses. Identify the areas where additional skills or training may be necessary. Then, put in the work and give it all you’ve got. Draw inspiration from K-pop idol IU, who believes in discovering and honing your unique identity.
“The standard of what is ‘good’ is too ambiguous. Since you can’t make everyone happy, you should find something that’s uniquely you. Then, discover what people like about that unique aspect of you. If people enjoy my work, it’s a job well done,” says the Korean singer and songwriter.
Crash Landing on You lead actress Son Ye-Jin is another Korean celebrity who believes in perfecting your craft. “You have to give it more than 100% to be good at something. Keep honing your skills and expand your experiences. If you keep doing it, someday, I think you will become the actor you wanted to become,” the K-drama star says.
2. Find Ways to Learn Today
For comedian and TV host Yoo Jae-suk, self-improvement involves a commitment to constant learning, especially from current situations. He tells the Korean pop culture website Soompi, “You’re supposed to study when you’re required to study, but if you worry too much about the far future, you could end up forgetting to do the work you have to do.”
Instead of worrying about tomorrow, do what you can today and stay focused on the present. Make the most of your education by studying hard if you’re still in university. If you’re in between jobs, use your time productively by taking an online course related to your field. Also, embrace challenges as learning opportunities that will help you do better next time.
Jay B, leader of the boy band group Got7, sums up the learning mindset you should possess: “Even if you fail, there’s something for you to learn. Failure can also be a good opportunity.”
3. Use Self-Management Methods
Joseon Attorney star Woo Do-hwan shared a technique for managing anger during his photo shoot with Marie Claire Korea. He sets a 10-minute alarm and uses this time to think about why he became angry in the first place. When his time is up, he’s usually more level-headed, allowing him to approach the situation calmly.
Now, how can you deal with circumstances completely outside your control? Instead of reacting impulsively, take a deep breath and practise mindfulness. If 10 minutes is too long, count silently in your head and pay attention to your breathing. Doing this will help you recentre and find a solution to your problem.
4. Don’t Let Setbacks Hold You Back
Reply series actor Seo In Guk didn’t let struggles keep him from realising his dreams. Perhaps it was even those hardships that pushed the K-drama star to success.
At first, Seo In Guk struggled to find success as a singer. According to the Korean pop culture website Koreaboo, the budding Korean celebrity got eliminated on his first round of auditions for JYP Entertainment because of his weight.
However, a staff member saw his potential and encouraged him to try out again after shedding some pounds. Unfortunately, Seo In Guk’s rapid weight loss attempts led to an eating disorder, damaged vocal cords, and another failed audition.
But despite dire circumstances, Seo In Guk was determined to succeed. Winning the singing competition program Superstar K marked a turning point, and his career soared after landing a role in the series Reply 1997.
5. Keep a Positive Outlook
Besides improving your resilience, give your outlook on life a bright refresh. K-pop rapper Hwasa motivates fans to stay optimistic when all hope seems lost. “Don’t be too hard on yourself, and even if the road ahead is rough, face it with optimism, looking straight ahead and facing it bravely,” she shares.
6. Invest in Yourself
Whether through upskilling with additional training or developing habits for your well-being, learn to invest in yourself. Korean celebrities like Kim Ha Neul emphasise the importance of building and maintaining a healthy routine. The model-turned-actress says, “I take time for myself. Step-by-step, through exercise, and going back to my maintenance routine, I can recover my confidence.”
Get back on the self-improvement saddle by renewing your gym membership. Ensure regular checkups with your doctor or dentist for overall health. You can also boost your confidence with a smile transformation. Consider ClearCorrect dental aligners for treating crooked or overcrowded teeth without the discomfort associated with braces.
Korean celebrities are human, too! Like you, they also face countless challenges before finding success. So, even if you aren’t aspiring for K-stardom, you can turn to them for valuable life advice. Next time you’re stuck in a rut, pick yourself up and find ways to better your situation. Shake off the dust, get up, and with the help of these tips, seize your dreams, K-style.
References:
Binahearts. (2022, October 17). 8 Korean celebrities who overcame difficult circumstances growing up. Soompi.
Corp, A. (n.d.-a). EXCLUSIVE: 4 Lessons on Confidence and Self-Care from Kim Ha Neul. Metro.Style.
Corp, A. (n.d.). These quotable quotes from Son Ye-Jin will inspire you today and beyond. Metro.Style.
Dhan. (2023, September 16). TWICE, BLACKPINK and Red Velvet members impressed Knets with their self-management skills: Beautiful, famous, debuted for a long time, but never had a dating rumor. KBIZoom.
Esmeel. (2018, May 23). 10 times Korean celebrities blessed us with great life advice. Soompi.
Koreaboo. (2020, March 31). 7 idols who gave genuine life advice that everyone needs to hear during dark times – Koreaboo.
Koreaboo. (2023, September 8). Here’s the insanely difficult journey Seo in Guk had to go through to reach stardom – Koreaboo.
Mykel, D. (2023, April 14). Woo DoHwan and WJSN BoNA’s tips on mental health care. Kpopmap – Kpop, Kdrama and Trend Stories Coverage.
