Along with success and popularity comes criticism and hatred. These are especially harsh in the Korean entertainment market.
Over the years, the Korean idol and famous artist community has witnessed many heartbreaking deaths such as Shinsadong Tiger, Moonbin (Astro), Goo Hara, Sulli, Kim Jong Hyun, Lee Sun Kyun... determined to be due to suicide. Many of them went through a period of pressure, depression, and misery before ending their lives.
The most serious and dangerous reason leading to the extreme choices of these celebrities is the excessive negativity from the online community.
Even famous and almost flawless stars like Jin have to face a lot of criticism and hatred from a part of the public. Fortunately, facing those insults, Jin has a positive and effective way of dealing with them.
In an episode of Salon Drip 2, Jang Do Yeon curiously asked about the origin of the nickname "WWH" (Worldwide Handsome), and Jin confidently said that he gave it to himself.
"A lot of people like calling me that and I’m a celebrity, so…", Jin said. He continued, "I’m internationally handsome. Of course, there are a lot of people who are better-looking than me, but that doesn’t make me ugly."
His explanation made Jang Do Yeon unable to disagree. On the other hand, Jin also added, "Because of that mindset, and I think I’m handsome too so I confidently tell people that I am."
Then, Jin talked about his friendship with Chef Baek Jong Won. He exposed some of his jealous tendencies and “cooking skills,” so Jang Do Yeon asked if they needed to edit this portion. Jin claimed it was okay, revealing they insult each other for jokes.
The important point is that for Jin, he considers the attacks as “jokes” and “lies” because he is confident in his own beauty.
“When someone tells me I’m ugly, I laugh it off. I just think, “That’s nonsense’”, Jin said. Jang Do Yeon commented on this attitude: “That’s a strong shield you have. That person and look into the mirror and get sad.”
Later, Jin also revealed how he handles adverse comments or unexpected situations. He thinks his mindset is his greatest strength now. Post-discharge, Jin has been able to respond to it all with, “It’s okay because I’m a superstar.”
Jin: "When something unexpected happens, I just think, “That’s obvious, because I’m a superstar!” I started thinking that way after I was discharged from the military. Anytime I hear something, I just go, “That’s bound to happen because I’m a superstar.””
Jang Do Yeon wondered, “Is there a reason why you started thinking that way, or you just found that solution yourself?”
He continued, “I once said it out loud, and I realized it was a good resolution. So every time I heard something negative, I would habitually say, “It’s okay because I’m a superstar.” And I would end up thinking that it was nothing after all.”
Jin’s mindset is certainly surprising and admirable! We cannot please everyone, especially when entering the entertainment industry. Winning someone is good, losing someone is still fine, Winning everyone will lose yourself!
Young idols are often afraid of facing criticism, but don’t forget that even if you become a superstar, haters will always find a reason to hate you.
Instead of living in fear or being psychologically affected by random comments on social media, promote your strengths, improve your weaknesses, and do your best to the best of your ability, you will always attract people who love you and support you in the long run!
