"Living Life, Life Goes On"... The Life Philosophy of 'NewJeans-nim' Enthralled by MZ Generation

"No work due to Corona and YouTube hacked...
Miracle happens as 'NewJeans-nim' stays healthy"

Comedian Yoon Seong-ho, who has recently captivated the MZ generation and is regarded as a leading figure of 'hip Buddhism,' confessed that he went through difficult times before gaining attention as 'Newjin Seunim.'

Comedian Yoon Sung-ho, who is actively working under the name 'NewJeans-nim,' appeared on the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block' aired on the 15th. [Image source=tvN 'You Quiz on the Block' broadcast screen capture]

On the 15th, Yoon Seong-ho said on the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block,' "Starting with the Lotus Lantern Festival last May, I began attending Buddhist events." From 2023, Yoon Seong-ho performed as the character of monk 'Iljin,' his real Dharma name, and in November of the same year, he received a new Dharma name, 'Newjin' (NEW 進), meaning moving forward day by day, at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul. Following a proposal from the Buddhist community, he performed as a DJ at the Lotus Lantern Festival. The Lotus Lantern Festival is a historic event designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Since then, Newjin Seunim has become a symbol of 'hip Buddhism' that the MZ generation enthusiastically embraces.

Yoon Seong-ho said he has been learning DJing for 10 years. Although he is now actively working both domestically and internationally, he confessed that last year, just before gaining attention as Newjin Seunim, was the most difficult period for him. He said, "Last year was the hardest time in my life. It was tough during COVID-19, and there was very little work." He added, "I pulled myself together and started a YouTube content called 'Get Up.' I did everything alone. Even though I had no income, I kept investing by finding people to film and edit." He continued, "The atmosphere was good from the start. Jo Se-ho appeared on it, and advertisements came in."

Comedian Yoon Sung-ho, who is actively working under the name 'NewJeans-nim,' appeared on the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block' aired on the 15th. [Image source: tvN 'You Quiz on the Block' broadcast screen capture]

However, he revealed that his YouTube channel was hacked after just one month. He said, "Suddenly, there was someone else's face. The channel disappeared." He recalled, "It felt like opening a store only to find an empty lot. I had prepared so much, but the mental state I had built then collapsed." Yoon Seong-ho confessed, "I didn't want to open my eyes. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't see the future. No one was contacting me, whether from broadcasting stations or elsewhere. I had to do something, but when that was taken away, I didn't want to open my eyes."

He said, "I held onto my mind and poured myself into exercise. I quit smoking and drinking last year." He added, "When I came back, I received great attention as Newjin Seunim." He sincerely said, "Because I have experienced it, I want to tell those who are truly struggling right now, 'You are going through this much hardship because you are about to succeed.'" He continued, "The saying from elders that 'everything will pass' really resonates with me." He said, "I used to wonder how I would make a living, but then I thought, 'Ah, this really passes,' and 'Suddenly, work comes up.' That's how it goes."

Meanwhile, as of the afternoon of the 16th, on the global music platform AURORA chart, the album 'Gukrakwangsaeng (極樂往生),' released last January, ranked first in the TOP50 albums of the year, surpassing numerous artists, demonstrating Newjin Seunim's significant influence.