Who is the man with a smiling mouth, twinkling eyes, a high statue? He is Lee Sung-ggi, a popular singer who debuted in 2004. Lee entered Dongguk University in 2005. The Post met with him last February at the entrance ceremony. Although it was cold, he stayed at his seat until the ceremony was over. During the ceremony, students crowded in front of him, asked for his autograph and took pictures. Later, I asked him, "Are you disappointed by not being treated like a normal student?" Then he gave an answer with a bright smile, "No, I never Think that way. I'm happy with just I being here."
  The Interview was held at the Post office. When he stepped in the office, he showed a special interest about how the school magazine was planned and produced there. So I asked if he dreams of being a reporter. He shook his head no. "A reporter is a hard job. After graduation, I wanna sing on my stage." "Then, why did you enter the College of Social Science? Do you have any special reason?" The reason why he chooses the College was complex. When he pondered his future course, Lee Sun-hee advised him to study about a larger field than just show-business. Mrs. Lee is a highly respected old stage singer and the head of a company managing Lee Sung-ggi. And he was worried that his knowledge was limited only to one sphere, that which he learned at the high school level. "Social Science contains various subjects like Sociology, Politics and Economics, which I want to learn."
  "But my priority is my work. If I am faced with a situation when I have to choose between work and study, I would choose work without hesitation." He formulated his thoughts about his job, "Success in show-business is not because of luck. People in show-business are successful only through their efforts. I mean, I feel pride in my job for that reason. And I'm glad that other people treat me warmly."
  He has many dreams to achieve in college. "The scholarship? Well... I also dream of receiving a scholarship during my college life. But my dream is not just for a financial benefit. I want to distinguish myself both study and work," said the bright-eyed Lee. He dreams of making a lot of friends in college. Getting a driver's license is one of his dreams, too.
  "You seem to be burdened with a heavy schedule. I wonder if you feel weary about your life. Have you ever thought of quitting everything?" I asked him. "No, I enjoy going to school. When I am fatigued, I get energy at school. Going to school means playing to me."
  At the end of the interview, he added, "I would ask one thing of Donggukians. Please don't treat me as a special person. I'm just a normal student. I want to make new friends. I hope you consider me as a close friend."
  After the interview, Mr. Lee went on stage for the freshmen. Watching him on stage, I realized that he is a real professional. Only a few minuets ago, he was just a humdrum boy chatting about being a campus celebrity. But on the stage he was a bright star. In my head, he'll remain a special boy with a gentle smile.

Kim Hyun-ah  kimyang@dongguk.edu

<저작권자 © 동국포스트, 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지>