K-Stars' Intense Foreign Language Self-Study

BTS member V has become a hot topic after posting on social media about his determination to focus on studying English. He shared a photo with the caption, "This time, I'm really going to focus without making excuses." The sight of stars taking time to study foreign languages amidst their busy schedules provides healthy inspiration to the public.

Singer Kim Jong Kook began studying English around the age of thirty. He revealed on an entertainment program that his desire to protect his family was the motivation for his studies, recalling humiliating and dangerous experiences he had due to his lack of English during a trip with his mother. Instead of private lessons or academies, Kim Jong Kook chose one pattern English textbook, covering the answers and memorizing entire sentences. He stuck to his own method of repeated study until the book was worn out. He shared his know-how, saying, "Conversations that don't involve me are hard to memorize, so I first organize my daily life in Korean and then find the appropriate expressions to study."

Comedian Kim Young Chul is famous for self-studying English, but he has recently improved his Japanese skills as well. He announced on social media that he passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N3, revealing a score of 96. Although this score barely passed the cut-off for the 180-point test, it garnered significant attention as an achievement made amidst his busy schedule. Immediately after passing, Kim Young Chul set his next goal, stating, "​I'm considering challenging myself for N2." He has built his language skills solely through self-study in Korea, without studying abroad or attending language immersion programs.

Singer Sung Si Kyung began studying Japanese after an experience during his activities in Japan where he couldn't read restaurant menus. Recalling a situation where he had to point to dishes ordered by the next table to place his own order, he passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 1 with the desire to order delicious food properly. Later, he started studying Chinese after facing difficulties with Hanja during a trip to Taiwan. He jokingly remarked, "As a singer, I have a reputation to maintain, so I tell people I'm studying to understand lyrics."

Actress Kim Hee Ae considers English a 'tool for happiness.' On the YouTube channel 'Salon de Drip 2,' she revealed her study routine, stating, "It's not about studying, it's about becoming happy." Every morning at 6 AM, she listens to EBS English radio for an hour while riding her stationary bike. Kim Hee Ae is dedicating herself to her studies with the desire to reclaim the 'ordinary and diligent human life' she missed while living as an actress since childhood. She said, "Studying late in life makes my life feel full. That's what keeps me going."