Hong Sang-soo's disciple Jin-kyung Paik, an escape to study abroad dreaming of blockbusters

YouTuber 'Honorary Brit' Jin-kyung Paik revealed that she was once a student of director Hong Sang-soo. Appearing on the YouTube channel 'Chimchak Man' recently, she shared her life studying abroad, from her time in the Department of Film at Konkuk University through her time in the United States and the United Kingdom to the present.

During the broadcast, Jin-kyung Paik explained the struggles of her student days and the reasons why she had no choice but to head overseas. She stated that she did not leave simply for travel or as a hobby, but chose studying abroad as an escape from the gap between her major and her true aptitude.

Studying film under Professor Hong Sang-soo did not suit her aptitude

Jin-kyung Paik's college years were filled with unexpected connections. She mentioned that she studied in the Department of Film at Konkuk University, where her advisor at the time was director Hong Sang-soo. However, this illustrious background did not lead to personal enjoyment. Jin-kyung Paik confessed that while she "originally loved music and the arts," the actual process of filmmaking was extremely difficult.

She also specifically mentioned that the atmosphere of the department differed from her own goals. Recalling the situation, Jin-kyung Paik said, "The professor was Professor Hong Sang-soo, and all the seniors made films just like Professor Hong Sang-soo." She preferred large-scale films over the independent film style of working. The gap between her major and personal taste was evident in her words: "I wanted to make blockbusters. I wasn't into the independent film scene." Ultimately, struggling between the hardships of film production and a style that didn't suit her, she decided to leave Korea.

Leaving for America to dream of Hollywood: a 3-month plan turned into 4 years

The decisive reason for her decision to leave Korea was 'escape.' Jin-kyung Paik chose to go to the United States as her desire to leave Korea merged with a longing to experience the larger world of Hollywood. She shared her feelings at the time, saying, "I thought I had to go to Hollywood to open my eyes. That's why I went on an 'escape' study abroad."

Life in the United States did not go according to plan. Although she originally planned to stay for only about three months, she found local life so satisfying that she ended up staying in the U.S. for three to four years. Her life in the United States served as a stepping stone for her subsequent journey to the United Kingdom.

Settling in the UK started with a working holiday, not because of her husband

The process of settling in the UK was also different from public expectations. While many thought the reason she stayed in the UK was because of her husband, Jin-kyung Paik denied this. She clearly stated that the reason she first went to the UK was not to accompany her husband, but for a 'working holiday.'

Jin-kyung Paik expressed her motivations for deciding to go to the UK honestly. Emphasizing that "it wasn't because of my husband," she said it was a mix of wanting to leave Korea and a desire to meet people in a new environment. She lightened the mood with her blunt way of speaking, saying, "Don't you sometimes just want to escape? I wanted to go and meet men, too; I went because I'm a man-lover." Her life in the UK, which began as a working holiday, allowed her to grow into a creator known as the 'Honorary Brit.'

Pregnancy news and a new beginning: joining Media Lab Seesaw

Jin-kyung Paik also recently shared some personal happy news. This past June, she announced her pregnancy via Instagram after three years of struggling with infertility. She is currently awaiting childbirth and has revealed specific plans for her future activities.

Starting this August, Jin-kyung Paik will join Media Lab Seesaw to continue her full-scale activities. Regarding her reason for attending Konkuk University, she said, "I just went because of my scores. My dad told me to go to a named university no matter what," and recalled her time studying in the U.S., saying, "I originally intended to stay for only three months, but it was so good that I settled down. I stayed for about three or four years."