A Journey Through Adversity
Broadcaster Kim Young-hee recently opened up about her personal struggles during a difficult period in her life. This revelation came during the second episode of KBS 2TV’s Malja Show special on “Youth and Young Adults,” which aired on the 25th. Kim began sharing her experiences after hearing a young person express feelings of being stuck in life.
Kim had previously taken a break from her broadcasting activities in December 2018 due to a debt controversy involving her father. The situation became public when an individual, referred to as Mr. A, revealed that Kim’s father had borrowed 66 million Korean won in 1996 and failed to repay it. Later, it was disclosed that Mr. A had won a lawsuit against Kim’s father in 2005 for the return of a loan, receiving 7.25 million Korean won. Although Kim was not aware of the debt at the time, as she had not been in contact with her father, she still promised to repay Mr. A.
Walking Through a Dung Field
In the broadcast, Kim described that challenging period as “starting to walk through a dung field.” She explained, “Since I was the head of the household, I couldn’t stop. I thought, ‘Don’t look up, just keep moving forward,’ but every step I took was into a dung field. The more I tried to wipe it off or shake it away, the more it stuck to me.”
During this time, Kim even considered extreme measures. She shared, “After years of walking through dung fields, I concluded, ‘I should just stop living.’ At that young man’s age, I was researching how to end my life.” She added, “I thought I had lost everything I had achieved.”
However, Kim found strength in moments of clarity. She recalled climbing up to the railing of a 16th-floor apartment and returning due to the cold, realizing, “I saw that I was someone who wanted to live more than anyone, making all sorts of excuses not to jump.” She continued, “I thought, ‘Just live for now. Let the world hold onto me.'”
Finding Growth in Adversity
After regaining her resolve, Kim reflected on her journey. She said, “Even if I stayed in place, the ground became fertile.” She added, “At the time, I felt it was dung, but isn’t dung natural fertilizer? If I had just stood on that dung, I would have sunk, but I kept walking—whether in place or elsewhere. That’s how I grew into the character ‘Malja Halme’ today.”
Kim also addressed the young person who shared his struggles, offering words of encouragement. She said, “I hope you keep walking.” She added, “Even if things don’t seem to change, they might be transforming from deep within the ground. Keep walking, and your life will improve, even slightly, so don’t mistreat yourself as if you’re foolish.”
Advice for Moving Forward
In addition to her message of perseverance, Kim offered practical advice. She said, “If something isn’t working, do whatever you want and just take a day off. When you’re fully recharged, you can sprint. You must cherish and love yourself.”
Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and self-compassion. By sharing her experiences, Kim hopes to inspire others to keep moving forward, no matter how difficult the path may seem. Her journey through adversity has not only shaped her personally but has also allowed her to become a source of strength and guidance for others.
