Mentoring for the youth and teenagers in Busan who are concerned about their career paths concluded heartwarmingly, conveying overwhelming emotion and positive energy.
The "2025 Visiting Mentorship: Busan Edition" was held on June 1 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Dongseong Church (Lead Pastor Park Jun-young) in Busanjin-gu. Actor Lee Tae-young, who is currently appearing in the KBS 2TV weekend drama "For Eagle Brothers," attended, along with Kim Seo-jung, the representative from the fashion brand 'royroyseoul,' Choi Yong-soo, the representative from Wickers Love, and Ha Tae-sun, the representative from Tove Company.
Actor Lee Tae-young shared his experience of being the worst in his entire school but eventually being admitted to Chung-Ang University, known for its theater and film program. Growing up in a challenging environment, where he lived in a container box, he conveyed a strong message that if one has set a dream, it also takes intense effort and dedication.
Kim Seo-jung, the representative of royroyseoul, studied organ and piano in college but, while most of her friends were going abroad after graduation, shared her experience of encountering a new world of fashion instead of feeling frustrated. Her passionate lecture captivated the attention of children interested in fashion and branding as she opened and developed her brand.
Ha Tae-sun, the representative of Tove Company, which operates entertainment planning and promotion, sincerely conveyed the reasons behind entering the entertainment industry, including his career at Sidus HQ and KeyEast, and the struggles he faced while building his career. Choi Yong-soo, who was once a chef at a five-star hotel in Canada and now leads the social enterprise Wickers Love, shared valuable experiences, questioning what truly constitutes "good cooking" and his decision to leave the glamorous life of a hotel chef to teach at a vocational school for out-of-school youth in Myanmar.
After the mentoring session, actor Lee Tae-young said, "When I heard a teenager say, 'If I were in your situation, would I have given up? Would I still be continuing? I started to think about that,' I shivered with the realization that just by holding my ground in any environment, I can be a source of strength for someone. If my experiences of hardship can serve as a lesson and a challenge for someone, I believe I can face any difficulties that arise in the future with a bit more joy. It was a time that made me look forward to my life as well. Through these young people who aspire to be mentors in 10 years, I gained strength and will cherish this unforgettable time."
Kim Seo-jung stated, "Watching the bright eyes of the children, it was a time that warmed my heart together with them" and added, "If they pursue their dreams with passion and sincerity without giving up until the end, I have no doubt they will someday achieve their dreams and be of great value among this generation."
The youths who attended the mentoring session shared their heartfelt reviews, saying, "I sincerely thank the mentors for visiting us from far away and giving us beneficial insights and good energy," "I wish the small group session could have been a bit longer, it felt too short and I was disappointed," "I enjoyed hearing about the life stories of the mentors. The Q&A session was extremely beneficial," and "It was a blessed and grateful time. I will work even harder to become a mentor in 10 years."
Lead Pastor Park Jun-young of Dongseong Church in Busan remarked, "This mentoring event was a precious opportunity for our youth to contemplate their career paths within their faith and to reorganize the direction of their lives." He noted, "Through the sincere stories of mentors living faithfully in various fields, I was greatly moved and challenged. I hope the youth will continue to reveal the influence of their faith as they live in the world."
The "2025 Visiting Mentorship: Busan Edition" is organized by the non-profit group "People Saving Journalist Group" to provide vision for youth deeply concerned about their career paths amidst a challenging reality and uncertain future. Organizations such as Dongseong Church, The New, That Kind of Happiness Studio, Geumdan Bakery, Dad Play Card, OUWR, and Hanulbit collaborated on the event.
[Photo] '2025 Visiting Mentorship'
[OSEN]