They say, “Never meet your heroes.” But here’s what happened when I actually met and interviewed mine.
When the Philippine publication house, Apop, announced that the author and illustrator Soo-hyun Kim would be visiting the Philippines to attend the Manila International Book Fair last September, a lot of people signed up for the meet-and-greet. I was one of them.
I Decided to Live as Me was instrumental in altering my current perspective in life. In addition, the accompanying planner was the tool that to this day, kept me on track with my dreams. One of these goals was actually meeting and interviewing one of my heroes - Soo-hyun Kim herself.
I Decided to Live As Me was read by over two million readers worldwide and is a bestseller in Korea for 300 weeks in a row.
Publication material provided by Apop
I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk to the South Korean author because I wanted to see if she lived up to the content of her books. With the help of translator, interpreter, and University of the Philippines Professor Kyung-min Bae, Soo-hyun Kim herself told me how she continues to live comfortably for herself to this day:
How does it feel as a Korean writer and illustrator that your work is appreciated by the international audience?
How does it feel that people could relate to your work?
When the book I Decided to Live as Me was published, I never imagined that this would be a bestseller for international readers. I am very thankful and I’m very happy that my book reached audiences outside of Korea. Whenever I receive reviews or I hear feedback from my audience, I feel connected with my readers.
What made you decide to say yes to having your work translated into different languages?
Translating the book into another language is a great chance to connect to a wider demographic. My publisher and my publishing house suggested the idea. I really appreciated their help in spreading the message of my book outside of Korea.
If you weren’t a writer, what do you think would be your profession now?
When I was a child, my dream was to be a cartoonist. In my twenties, I kept wondering and writing about what I wanted to be. I had a very vague idea but I really wanted to be someone very creative. I was curious about human beings, and what other people are thinking about.
I studied design in college. I think if I wasn’t a writer, maybe I would be running a private design agency. However, I always had a passion for writing. So I am very sure, that even if I was in a different career, I would always go back to this path and become a writer.
What is your motivation to keep on writing about self-help?
Just like meeting you here today, I always appreciate my readers. On my phone, I have an album filled with screenshots of my readers’ reviews. Every time I see the reviews from my audience, I really feel motivated to be a better version of myself. And I feel energized to improve and keep writing for them.
Was there ever a time that you wanted to quit writing? If yes, what made you decide to stay as a writer?
So far, I haven’t experienced wanting to quit writing. But I sometimes have writer’s block. Every time I cannot write, I just admit it that I am not prepared and I that I need more resources to motivate myself. I also accepted the fact that I am not a fast-paced writer, unlike the others. I realized that my writing style is slow and I need time to observe other people and research. Then, I try to focus, and work towards gaining more strength and get back to writing.
What is your advice to people who wants to inspire others through writing, or to the ones who want/ or is currently a writer?
I have two answers.
If someone is already writing, or someone is already a writer, when your love becomes your profession, you lose your interest because you tend to forget the reason why you used to love it. Always go back to the first moment you fell in love with writing and remind yourself of the reason why you pursued it.
For someone who wants to be an essayist or if they want to be a writer in the future, my advice is you should have a sound mind, first. You should be healthy and happy because your personal and positive life experiences can affect the way you write. Having strength and being positive are ways to help your reader and eventually, other people.
The first-ever English translations of I Decided to Live as Me and Being Comfortable without Effort were made by Apop, a publishing imprint based in the Philippines.
Photos by Erica Luna
As Soo-hyun Kim signed my books and my planner, I found myself inspired to take on my own battles as a newly independent creative. She reminded me that sometimes, we don’t need to actually be saved by someone else. All that we need to do is to get to know ourselves so we can find the people who can fully accept us. And there is no greater superpower than creating a well-lived, happy, and authentic life.
For more information on the English translation of Soo-hyun Kim’s books, I Decided to Live as Me and Being Comfortable without Effort and the I Decided To Live As Me planner, check out https://apopbooks.com/.
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