Veteran comedian Lee Kuk Ju has candidly opened up about her significant decision to relocate to Japan, revealing a deeply personal journey driven by a challenging period of professional scarcity and emotional fatigue in South Korea. Her honest reflections shed light on the pressures faced by entertainers in the fast-paced Korean industry.
Lee Kuk Ju’s Honest Reasons for Moving to Japan
The revelations came to light during a recent appearance on fellow comedian Park Se Mi’s popular YouTube channel, ‘Ssul Hororok (ft. Lee Kuk Ju)’, uploaded on July 16. Park Se Mi, known for her engaging interviews, didn’t shy away from asking Lee Kuk Ju, who has been residing in Japan since last year, if her move was an attempt to ‘escape’ from her home country.
Lee Kuk Ju, with her characteristic frankness, explained her motivations. “With my personality, I could never go somewhere just to rest,” she stated, emphasizing her ingrained work ethic. “Things were really hard in Korea. I wasn’t getting any work, and I couldn’t just sit around doing nothing. So I started thinking about what I could do.” This powerful statement highlights the immense pressure performers face when work opportunities dwindle.
She elaborated on her need for purpose, even during what might appear to be a break. “I wanted to travel. I used to visit Japan once a month, but I even felt guilty about going on vacation. So I thought, ‘If I’m going to go, I should at least do something.’ That’s why I started creating content. I began filming from my very first day there, even documenting the moving process.” This entrepreneurial spirit, turning a personal experience into valuable content, resonated deeply.
The Relentless Drive: “I Can’t Just Sit Still”
Park Se Mi, understanding the sentiment, shared her own similar experience, explaining that she too films vlogs on her days off. The reason? Staying home while others are working leaves her feeling depressed – a sentiment many driven individuals can relate to.
Lee Kuk Ju’s dedication to her craft remains unwavering, even after her return to South Korea just three days prior to the interview. She revealed her schedule was already packed with filming commitments. “Even during these three days, if I don’t have scheduled shoots, I’ll be filming my own content,” she shared. “I’m staying in Korea a little longer this time, but I can’t just sit still. Even when my producer tells me we’ve filmed enough, I can’t stop. That’s just how I am.” This relentless drive showcases her passion and commitment to her audience.
From Tokyo Studio to New Opportunities
Her initial move to a modest 9-pyeong (approximately 30-square-meter) studio apartment in Tokyo in April of last year was not just a change of scenery but a strategic pivot. Lee Kuk Ju had previously expressed similar sentiments about her decision. “In broadcasting, there are times when work slows down and you have to take a break, but I’m not the type to just sit around doing nothing,” she reiterated. “I thought, ‘If I’m going to spend time there, I should at least do some work.’ That first video did surprisingly well, and it eventually led to more work, including opportunities back in Korea.” Her story serves as an inspiring example of resilience and adaptability in the entertainment industry.
