Hi, it is nice to meet you and thank you for being interviewed. The UOS Times is looking for someone who tries to explore a path different from their major in university. It would not be easy to do so; however, we heard you are someone who tries to follow a different path with a different dream. Before we start, please introduce yourself.
Hello, I am Song Ji-eun, majoring in sports science at the University of Seoul. Thank you for calling me for the interview.
 

Thank you. Let us get started. Apart from your major in college, what are you currently focusing on? 
I like dancing. Choreography is the area I am currently focusing on. Choreography involves making dance moves in different styles according to the music. I liked it because it helped me express myself. It gives me immense pleasure when a new dance and song fit perfectly. 

Choreographing a new dance seems to be difficult. This reporter cannot imagine that since I am terrible at dancing. What made you start dancing?
I have been copying Wonder Girls’ “So Hot” and Girls’ Generation’s “Gee” since I was in third grade in elementary school. I started creative choreography when I was in middle school, and in high school, I joined a dance club with my friends. I copied idol dance since I was young, but I did not like the typical female idol-like dance; so the hip-hop style became more of mine.

So, you have liked to dance since you were young. Why did you come to major in sports science when you consistently liked dancing?
I wanted to do a lot of things since I was young; I liked not only dancing but also athletics, singing, etc. When I was in high school, I liked studying and thought of majoring in psychology. I had to study at the same time in order to not give up on those dreams. 

It is hard to pursue two different things at the same time. I know how difficult it is because I went through a similar path playing soccer to be a professional and studying simultaneously to enter a university. Is there anything you are afraid of as you explore your dreams?
Initially, my father was completely against it. I think dad was worried because I was going to choose a difficult path. However, I have an independent personality and wanted to do what I liked; so, I just did it. Of course, it is difficult to dance, study, and make money at the same time. However, I still have time to do all of them, and I am good at those. I had a scholarship last year, and was making money through dancing. I know I will have to make a choice one day, but I want to try both before making the decision. If I get a good opportunity, I am determined to dance. 
 

How do you see yourself in the future? What is your ultimate goal?
Just thinking about this makes my heart flutter. My goal is to become a K-pop idol choreographer. I think it would be great to be recognized for my creative dance and become a K-pop choreographer, working with people from various fields.

What do you do to achieve your goals?
I practice and practice. You have to keep practicing and creating new moves to maintain your sense of dance. I also try to learn about many emotions and feelings by listening to various songs. I think it is similar to reading different texts. I do not know when and from where the opportunity will come. Therefore, I am exposing myself and trying to reflect my skills in different fields in my resume.

Have you been able to accomplish any goals so far?
As a choreographer, I think I started by doing small things and got bigger. At first, I taught dance to students of my age at a model academy as a part-time job. I later made a dance for a commercial for which I applied with my resume on the platform. It was a commercial for a candy company, and it was the first time I saw a celebrity in person. I was so nervous because it was my first commercial choreography. To look professional, I acted like I was not nervous. I remember the look of the staff members who said, “she is too young.” It was a very short advertisement, but I was so proud of the final result after all the hard work. I also choreographed a short musical; the opportunity was posted on the community called Filmmakers. Recently, I have been in charge of a full-length musical choreography at Baekseok University of Arts. This was my first time leading a group. There were about seven to eight actors, and many staff members watched me teach. Thankfully, everyone was nice to me. I was so happy and touched that I almost cried while saying goodbye after the last rehearsal. This way, I gradually took up bigger tasks and expanded my scope. 

Sounds like you are going forward step by step. What is your plan for your future? It would not be similar to ordinary university student jobseekers. It would rather be much more difficult. 
I am planning to take a leave of absence next semester and sit down to organize my thoughts. I am going to dance individually and will have the time to focus on myself. I want to learn more professionally by joining a dance crew or academy next year. I am also thinking of starting a YouTube channel to expose myself more. Moreover, I am thinking of attending various dance competitions and auditions for companies. It would not be easy, but this is my choice, and I am ready to struggle and overcome the hardships. 

The UOS Times will cheer for you. Is there any advice you would like to give to people who are afraid of taking steps toward their dreams? Not many students can do it like you. 
We are much younger than you think. Do not forget that we are still young, even if we fail. So, do not be too afraid to try and do not be wary of others. We, as university students, have made our choice once, which is our university major. However, we can change it anytime we want and do what we really like. Extreme efforts should be made. Once you make up your mind, do not look back. We have to make our own decisions and follow our hearts. All you have to think of is whether it is really good for yourself. 

Sim Jun-sung 
dnsen07@uos.ac.kr