In Korea, we’re born aged one,
so we are always a year older than people from other places.
So being 16 in Korea is called being 17.
K-pop dances like “choreo”
are becoming more and more popular in Seoul
because people have access to them on YouTube.
A lot of people who see good choreography will want to learn it
and then create their own.
The subway in Seoul is very extensive,
reaching all corners of all districts.
I think that’s the best part of being young,
having the freedom to travel through the entire city.
Being 16 in Korea is different from other countries
because there are a lot of pressures, like academic pressure.
There's also pressure on looks.
Plastic surgery is a big thing in Korea.
Being 16, I think it’s an important age to live to the fullest.
My favorite thing about basketball is that it’s very stress relieving.
Even after a day full of exams,
if I play basketball, all the stress goes away.
I have tried ballet and modern dance,
but what’s unique to Korean traditional dance are its curves
and the beauty of continuous self-control.
Korean traditional dance is still a living part of our culture.
It portrays the natural beauty of spontaneity
and tranquil, graceful movements.
High School Rapper is a hip-hop TV show
where Korean teenagers compete against each other.
I participated because I figured it would be the fastest way
for me to get my name out there.
What’s special about Korean photo booths
is the many different props they offer.
You can choose a fun concept and take photos in costumes.
I use style to express my ordinary self in a unique way.
Goth punk is a mix of dark-colored gothic fashion
and rebellious punk fashion.
I love being of dual heritage
because I was raised with two completely different cultures.
My mom is Korean, and my dad is American.
When I moved to Korea, when I was in about fifth grade,
I was really shocked by the very different societal norms.
I think it really helped me understand my own heritage
and where I came from.
I didn’t really plan on making beauty tutorials
but after I saw a clip by a friend
who covered his entire face in foundation,
I wanted to try and film one, too.
My friends at school were skeptical at first
because it’s rather unusual for men in Korea to put on make-up.
But now that skincare has become more common,
they’ve become more open to the idea.
What’s great about skateboarding in Korea
is that the local scene is smaller compared to other countries.
So when I went to the spots when I first started out,
I was able to see all the cool skaters I’d seen in videos.
I’d say most Koreans are quite careful about respecting elders.
I don’t agree with addressing every grown-up with honorifics
just because I’m younger.
I’d like to see that change in the future.
Korean brands are very hyped these days.
A lot of them are gaining recognition overseas
through collaborations with other countries as well.
I have a lot of respect for the local street fashion scene.
Up until a few years ago, the Korean fashion scene was driven by trends.
But whether it’s because of Instagram or other media influences,
I feel like people are developing their own style now.
I think there is still a standardized sense of beauty in Korea.
For example, many of my friends have gotten double eyelid surgery.
However, when I see on social media
how strongly diversity in terms of beauty is being promoted,
I would love to see more diverse and interesting faces,
and I want to encourage students
to be more self-confident about their natural looks.