Lee Hyori “Think of life as a solitary journey, don’t trust anyone and just keep going”
"Ladies and gentlemen, life is yours alone. Live as your heart desires. Experience and learn from many encounters"
Singer Lee Hyori delivered a heartfelt speech to her juniors at the graduation ceremony of her alma mater, Kookmin University, and surprised everyone with an impromptu congratulatory performance.
Lee Hyori gave her speech at the “2023 Academic Degree Conferral Ceremony” held at Kookmin University Concert Hall at 10:30 AM on Feb 14th.
As a senior from the class of ’98, Lee Hyori delivered her speech. Greeting her juniors warmly, she shared, “26 years ago, I came to Kookmin University with the idea of becoming a famous person rather than an actress. Back then, I was just an ordinary student who wasn’t exceptionally good at acting or particularly attractive. Fortunately, I debuted in the entertainment industry and have been loved ever since. I feel like I don’t have the right to make a fuss about taking 8 years to graduate from university, but I’ll brag about having lived longer than you.”
Admitting it was her first time giving a speech in front of so many people, Lee Hyori said, “I searched what a speech is on the portal. It said it’s about expressing one’s concerns, claims and opinions in front of many people. But honestly, I don’t like it when someone tells me their claims, concerns or opinions. I especially dislike long speeches. I can pretend to listen at first, but if it gets too long, I don’t want to meet them anymore. I’ve always thought, why should I listen to a long speech when I’m me and you’re you?“
She continued, “I’ve met many people like that in my social life, but they didn’t leave much of an impact. Instead, those who put aside their own claims and concerns, listened to others and showed their lives without being verbose left a greater impression.”
Lee Hyori then advised, “Live your life as you wish. You are the one who should cherish yourself more than anyone else, and you should listen to the voice of your own heart more than anyone else’s claims. Let go of the desire for someone to lead you with great words or give you enlightenment, making your life easier. Don’t become prey to such people.”
Particularly, Lee Hyori emphasized, “Negative voices like ‘I’m weak, stupid or incompetent’ are not your true voices. I sometimes get swayed and frustrated by such remarks, but I’m also loudly saying, ‘You’re doing your best. You deserve to be loved.’ Beyond that, that voice is always caring for me, loving me and guiding me in the right direction. Listen carefully. You may not hear it now because it’s small, but if you listen with faith, you’ll feel that voice growing louder.”
Lee Hyori also warned, “Don’t trust just anyone. Be especially careful of those who approach you saying ‘We’re family’. Think of life as a solitary journey, and just keep going. Eventually, you’ll meet truly precious relationships fleetingly along the way. Hold hands with yourself and continue.” She concluded her speech with, “I don’t believe words have much power. Only what you have personally experienced will truly be yours. Experience, learn and grow from many collisions and hurts. Then, create your own genuine story. I’ll always look upon you with a warm heart and support you.”
After her speech, Lee Hyori sang her hit song “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” live, heating up the atmosphere at the venue. Unconcerned about pitch or technicalities, she immersed herself in her performance, completing the stage and evoking laughter from the audience.
Lee Hyori, a graduate of the Department of Performing Arts, Theatre and Film Major at Kookmin University from the class of ’98, contributed to her alma mater while pursuing her singing career and studies concurrently. Last fall, she visited Kookmin University’s festival, demonstrating her unique affection for her alma mater.
Source: Naver
