Advice to juniors: "Go where your heart leads"
Performed hit song 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' at the graduation ceremony
Singer Lee Hyori is performing a congratulatory stage at the 2023 Spring Semester Graduation Ceremony held at Kookmin University in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 14th. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Singer Lee Hyori advised graduates of Kookmin University on the 14th during the degree conferment ceremony, saying, "Do as your heart leads." It was a congratulatory speech true to Lee Hyori, who had previously expressed that she did not want to give a speech. Lee Hyori, who majored in Theater and Film in the Department of Performing Arts at Kookmin University, class of '98, attended the 2023 academic year spring degree conferment ceremony held at her alma mater's concert hall that morning and delivered a congratulatory address to the graduates.
Starting her speech, Lee Hyori said, "You probably won't listen to what I say anyway," and added, "We are known for not listening to even the words of our beloved parents, close friends, or even the wise words left by great adults, so why would you listen to someone who is a bit famous coming here and talking? Just do as your heart leads." She continued, "No one but yourselves cherishes you more and guides you on the right path," and advised, "Throw away the very thought of hoping that someone who seems better than me will give you wise words to enlighten you so that your life becomes a little easier."
She went on, "Beyond the (negative voices), the real me is shouting at the top of my lungs, 'You are doing well. You deserve to be loved,' and I am beginning to feel that little by little," adding, "You may be too small to hear it now, but if you keep believing and listening, you will feel your own voice growing louder. Hold hands with that friend inside you who acknowledges and loves you, and keep moving forward as you are," encouraging the graduates.
Singer Lee Hyori is delivering a congratulatory speech at the 2023 Spring Semester Graduation Ceremony held at Kookmin University in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 14th. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Lee Hyori especially urged, "Do not be shaken by the miscellaneous voices that pretend to care but try to use you, and if possible, trust no one," and advised, "Do not lean on or seek comfort from anyone; just think of life as 'dokgodai' (a Japanese term meaning to go and act alone)." It was advice to create your own true story by clashing, getting hurt, and learning through the process of moving forward.
After finishing her speech, Lee Hyori said, "I will sing a song," took off her gown, and began singing her hit song "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." She stepped down from the podium and put on a passionate performance, turning the solemn graduation ceremony into a festival-like event. Wearing her graduation cap and gown, she moved between the stage and the audience, boosting the atmosphere, and the graduates and visitors at the scene responded enthusiastically.
Lee Hyori debuted in 1998 as a member of the girl group 'Fin.K.L' and transitioned to a solo career in 2003, releasing hit songs such as "10 Minutes" and "U Go Girl." She has also been active in various entertainment programs including KBS's "Happy Together - Tray Karaoke," SBS's "Family Outing," and JTBC's "Hyori's Homestay." Currently, she hosts KBS's "Lee Hyori's Red Carpet."
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