Growing up, I often struggled with loving myself.Not that I don't love myself it is somehow difficult I always felt like I wasn’t “enough”not pretty enough, not bold enough, not special enough feel outside. Social media made it worse. Everyone looked perfect, living their best life, and here I was, just trying to understand who I really was.
Then one day, I came across a K-drama by accident. It was Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo. I thought I was just watching to pass time just for watching sake, but taught me a lot about myself and that show pulled me in. Bok-joo wasn’t a “perfect” girl. She was strong, clumsy, soft, confused just like me. For the first time, I saw a character that reminded me of myself, and she was still the star of her story. I was amazed by such.
That was the beginning of my journey with Korean culture.
From there, I got into K-pop and started listening to BTS. Their songs were not just about love or parties. They sang about self-worth, mental health, and youth struggles and life realities entirely. The lyrics felt like letters to my heart. Especially songs like Epiphany and Answer: Love Myself. I started looking at myself differently and my feelings about myself keeps changing. If people from across the world could sing about loving themselves then maybe I could try too.
I also began learning about Korean traditions. The way they bow when greeting, the respect they show elders, the value they place on family and hard work all of it made me think deeply about my own roots and family and friends too. I realized that I had been ignoring my own culture, feeling like it wasn’t “cool enough.” But Korean culture showed me that being proud of your roots is powerful and great.
Now I dress the way I want, I speak up more, and I appreciate the small things about myself my skin, my laugh, even my quietness. Korean culture didn’t change who I am. It helped me see myself more clearly and love what I saw and I deeply appreciate what I learn.
I may not be Korean, but I feel a deep connection to their values, music, and message. I still have days when I struggle, and my love for Korean culture reshape me to love myself but now I have a little more confidence. A little more love for myself.
And that’s something I never thought I’d say.
