In a heartfelt and revealing conversation, DAY6 member Young K has pulled back the curtain on the realities of life as a K-pop idol. The singer-songwriter shared his personal struggles, addressed a past controversy, and revealed the crucial role his father played in his career during a recent appearance on a popular vlog variety show.
Addressing The Past: The "Toronto" Pronunciation Controversy
During the show hosted by 'Zzanbro Shin Dong Yup', which also featured fellow DAY6 member Dowoon, Young K was asked about the hardships he has faced. He chose to address an old clip that had resurfaced online, where as a child he heavily mispronounced the word 'Toronto' and faced significant criticism for it.
Young K explained the context, revealing he had only been living in the United States for about four years at the time and was still diligently learning the language. He acknowledged his exaggerated pronunciation but noted how the edited clip distorted the situation. "I really did exaggerate my pronunciation then," he admitted. "I laughed because it was a joke, but once the clip was edited down, I came across as some arrogant kid."
Reflecting on this, member Dowoon observed a significant change in Young K's personality since the incident. "He used to be extremely careful. He didn't like meeting people much, but that changed after he became a radio DJ. I like how he is now. He seems much happier," Dowoon shared proudly.
Role Models and The Brink of Quitting
The conversation took a deeper turn as Young K discussed his inspirations and a period of profound self-doubt. He named legendary K-pop artist G-Dragon as one of his primary role models in the industry, highlighting the impact senior artists have on newer generations.
However, Young K also confessed that he nearly abandoned his dreams of becoming a singer altogether. Overwhelmed by his own feelings of inadequacy, he repeatedly expressed a desire to quit his trainee life, convinced he would not survive the competitive industry.
A Father's Decisive Advice
It was the steady, unexpected counsel from his father that ultimately became his anchor. Young K recalled telling his father, "I don't think this is for me. I want to quit." Instead of agreeing, his father offered perspective, reminding him of his prior decision to quit studying abroad.
"Every time, my dad would tell me, 'You even quit studying abroad, maybe you should decide when something else comes your way,'" Young K shared. This prompted him to promise to try harder. The following year, when Young K expressed a more specific dream of becoming a singer-songwriter, his father responded with cautious support, asking if it was possible. When Young K said it would be difficult, his father simply advised, "Okay, stay there a bit longer and try harder."
This persistent encouragement was the lifeline Young K needed. He stayed, persevered, and eventually debuted with the acclaimed band DAY6, forging a successful career as both a vocalist and a celebrated songwriter. His story offers a raw look at the pressures idols face and the profound impact of familial support in the high-stakes world of K-pop.
