Singer Lee Hyori recently addressed her juniors at Kookmin University’s graduation ceremony. An alumna of the university’s School of Performing Arts, she found fame with the first-generation K-pop girl group, Fin.K.L, in 1998. She went solo in 2003, dropping bangers like “10 Minutes” and “U-Go-Girl.”
During the ceremony, attended by around 400 people, the singer and TV host reflected on her undergraduate days. “Twenty-six years ago, I arrived with dreams of becoming a famous figure,” she told her audience. “Back then, I lacked exceptional talent in acting, singing, or even physical attractiveness. Not much has changed, but here I am, still going strong.”
She offered graduates advice drawn from her personal experiences. “People sometimes don’t listen to their close friends, parents, or even the words of wise people. So why would you need to listen to someone lecturing you just because they’re famous? Just go and follow your heart. The person that’s going to cherish you and properly guide you down the right path is no one other than you.”
@halcyonmagazine 가수 이효리가 국민대에 방문하여 졸업생들에게 전한 연설문 중 제일 인상깊은 장면. “여러분을 누구보다 아끼고 올바른 길로 인도하는 건 그 누구도 아닌 여러분 자신”입니다.❤️ ⠀ <English> The most impressive scene from singer Lee Hyori’s speech delivered to the graduates of Kookmin University: “The one who cherishes and guides you more than anyone else is none other than yourself.”❤️ ⠀ <中文> 最令人印象深刻的一幕来自歌手李孝利在国民大学毕业生面前的演讲：“比任何人都更珍惜你们并指引你们走向正确道路的人，除了你们自己，没有其他人。”❤️ ⠀ 📸: 국민대학교 ⠀ #leehyori #leehyolee #leehyoriedits #fyp #kookminuniversity #이효리 #이효리연설 #이효리명언 #국민대학교 #동기부여 #동기부여명언 #李孝利 #李孝利語錄
Lee Hyori gave the perfect commencement address
She also advised students to believe in themselves. “Sometimes, I get affected by negative, self-sabotaging voices in my head, telling me I’m weak, stupid, or someone that can’t improve. But there are also voices guiding me to the right path, telling me that I’m doing my best and I deserve love. Try to listen to those voices. You might not be able to hear them right away, but you will if you believe in yourself.”
Finally, Lee Hyori reminded them that experience is the best teacher. “Words mean nothing. Only things you experience and go through in life will become yours. Go out into the world, get hurt, and learn in the process. I’ll always be giving you my warmest support.” She ended with a performance of her hit “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” drawing applause from the crowd.
Having her speak that day probably meant a lot to the graduates. After all, she went from studying at Kookmin University to a successful career in music. Her speech was enriched by the wisdom of one who walked in their shoes and emerged triumphant. It showed them that anything is possible if they believe in themselves. She inspired, motivated, and prepared the graduates for the next chapter of their lives. It was the perfect commencement address. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: Lee Hyori’s speech was by turns funny, inspiring, and moving. Source: X/@netizenbuzz.