Inspirational K-pop Idols

K-pop has been a growing interest of the public’s as of lately. It isn’t exactly easy to stay away from the genre as it is filled with catchy songs, attractive artists, and fun dance moves. But behind all the catchy songs and the glitz and glamour, I find a whole different beauty underneath the songs and instead, I find it within the artists themselves. I made a top three compilation of my k-pop idols I find to have extremely inspirational stories:

Park Kahi

Ex-leader of After School and past back up dancer for entertainments such as YG, SM, JYP, etc., Kahi is known as one of the best dancers in the k-pop industry. She is multi-talented and also showcased her other talents such as singing, drumming, rapping, guitar strumming, piano playing, acting, etc. Kahi is also considered one of the most intelligent and charismatic female idol. What makes her so inspirational is her back story. In many variety shows she has appeared in, Kahi discussed her hardships in entering the entertainment industries. At age sixteen, she discovered her passion for dancing, but her father disapproved of her career choice. She ran away from home and had to work many part time jobs to support herself. Her dancing had been all self-taught, and when she auditioned, she had been accepted in many entertainments. It took her approximately six years until she could debut in After School, an all-girl group Kahi had formed herself and even hand-picked several of the members. Going against her own parent’s wishes and abandoning the comfort of her home in hopes to pursue her dream in life is so inspirational and what keeps me loving her as an idol.

2) Jung Yunho

Yunho made his debut with DongBangShinKi in the year 2003. At the age of thirteen (when he was recruited by SM), he was recognized for his strong dance moves and charisma. Yunho has had many accidents and illnesses in the past and has received surgeries thirty to forty times. There are scars that run down his face and neck. He had to have surgery for his vocal chords, thus affecting his vocals as well. Despite all these injuries, Yunho is still a strong vocalist and dancer. The most inspirational story I heard of Yunho that made me instantly fall in love with him during the poisoning incident. An anti-fan offered him a drink tainted with super glue and he had to be hospitalized. The next day, the anti-fan turned herself in, but despite suffering the traumatic accident and given the chance to prosecute, Yunho decided against it because the culprit reminded him of his younger sister who was the same age as her. Yunho’s immense kindness and forgiveness is something unforgettable and inspirational.

3) Tablo

Tablo is a solo artist and leader of hip-hop group, Epik High. He is known for being a genius, a great composer, writer, lyricist, and rapper. What makes him stand out so much? Is it his beautifully composed music? Personality? Everything, especially his reason for creating music. His father discouraged Tablo from becoming a music artist, but due to the death of his best friend who’s dream was to be a musician, Tablo made a promise to pursue his friend’s dream as well as his, which is why we are blessed with his masterpieces today. In mid-2010, Tablo was questioned for the authenticity of his degree in Stanford. Despite the huge controversy and backlash, Tablo managed to make a comeback and rise from his depressive state. Tablo’s strength and intelligence is what makes him such an inspirational individual.