"Not Hating Me Is Important" Advice Poured Out to Youth at SKT 'Senior Expo'

Webtoon artist Kim Botong is seen having a conversation with young people in their 20s through the video call service 'Midas'.

[Asia Economy Reporter Seolgina Jo] "Loving yourself is good, but not hating yourself is more important."

At the 'Senior Expo,' where SK Telecom connected 20-something youths with life seniors based on 5G technology to share life concerns, writer Baek Sehee revealed her know-how on boosting self-esteem.

According to SK Telecom on the 28th, the online mentoring 'Senior Expo' for 20-something youths held the previous day featured seven life seniors active in various fields, including interpreter and broadcaster Ahn Hyunmo, writer Baek Sehee of "I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki," and singer-turned-drama producer Lee Jaemoon. Each selected 10 applicants to have an honest conversation for about an hour. The discussions covered various life know-how, from concerns about career, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships to interview tips and study methods.

Especially considering the COVID-19 situation, the event was conducted through SK Telecom's ultra-high-definition group video call service 'MeetUs.' The 20-something youths and life seniors accessed 'MeetUs' via various devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and TVs, allowing them to communicate in a vivid environment as if they met in person.

Writer Baek Sehee is seen having a conversation with young people in their 20s through the video call service 'Midas'.

Writer Baek Sehee took on self-esteem counseling for 20-something youths. Connecting to 'MeetUs' from a studio themed as the writer's beautifully decorated workspace, Baek emphasized, "Loving yourself is good, but not hating yourself is important." Interpreter and broadcaster Ahn Hyunmo advised youths exhausted from self-development to become 'best-effortists' rather than perfectionists. Since it is difficult to be perfect in everything in a life full of variables, it is better to always have an attitude of doing one's best.

University student Lim Seungtaek, who participated in the 'Senior Expo,' said, "It was hard to share life concerns due to COVID-19, but it was good to communicate as if I actually met a life senior," adding, "Especially, since it was not a one-way lecture, I could open up a lot about the difficult parts, which alone gave me great comfort and encouragement."

The event was held in individual studios reflecting the personalities of the seven life seniors, providing visual enjoyment to participants. Webtoon artist 'Kim Botong' decorated the space with illustrations, and YouTuber 'Gongdori Yongdal' themed his space as a laboratory.

SK Telecom plans to upload the vivid communication scenes between 20-something youths and life seniors on its official YouTube channel in September.

Song Gwanghyun, head of SK Telecom PR2 Office, said, "We held this event to provide a communication platform based on 5G technology to support 20-something youths who continue fierce challenges," adding, "SK Telecom will continue to listen to the voices of young youths and support them."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.