Beyond the Spotlight | Volume: 1

25

Play:    " Dreamers by Jungkook"
                     Slowed version

Five years later, I find myself standing on the pinnacle of a career I once only dreamed of. It’s surreal, thinking back to that first runway, the first flash of the camera, and the first taste of luxury. Back then, I was just a boy from Korea with a passion for fashion, desperate to escape the confines of a life that no longer fit me. Now, I’ve walked the runways of Paris, Milan, New York, Jeddah, Istanbul, Rome, and so many other fashion capitals. I’ve become a part of the elite, a name that resonates in the world of high fashion. But it wasn’t always glamorous.

I remember those early days, the adrenaline of walking in Paris Fashion Week for the first time, and the pressure to prove myself. It was intoxicating and terrifying all at once. The hours were long, the demands endless, and the expectations impossibly high. I pushed my body to its limits, often feeling like I was on the verge of breaking. I still recall the late nights, sitting in my penthouse, exhausted to the core, wondering if I was truly cut out for this world.

There were moments I doubted myself, moments when the voices of criticism seemed louder than the applause. I’ve been injured more times than I can count, my body bruised and battered from the relentless pursuit of perfection. There were times when I could barely move, yet I had to smile and keep going, because the show must always go on.

But it wasn’t just physical. The mental toll was just as heavy, if not more. The pressure to stay relevant, to keep climbing higher, to never let anyone see you falter—it was overwhelming. There were days when I couldn’t see the point, when the glitz and glamour felt like a hollow facade. I spiraled into depression, feeling like a fraud, a puppet on a string controlled by the industry’s demands.

Yet, it was in those darkest moments that I found my strength. It’s easy to shine when everything is going well, but it’s in the shadows where true resilience is forged. I learned to embrace my flaws, to understand that every setback was just a setup for a greater comeback. I learned that self-care wasn’t a luxury, but a necessity. I found solace in the simple things—a walk in the park, a quiet evening with friends, a book that took me far away from the madness of my world.

I also learned to be kind to myself. Perfection is an illusion, a lie we tell ourselves to justify the impossible standards we set. I’ve learned to celebrate my victories, no matter how small, and to forgive myself for the times I’ve stumbled. The path to success is rarely a straight line; it’s full of twists and turns, and it’s those very twists that make the journey worthwhile.

Looking back, I see the boy who left everything behind to chase a dream, who faced ridicule and doubt but refused to let them dictate his fate. I see the man I’ve become—stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about the accolades or the wealth; it’s about the person you become in the process.

And now, as I stand on yet another runway, with cameras flashing and the world watching, I feel a sense of peace. The glamour is still there, but it no longer defines me. It’s just a part of the story, not the whole. The real success lies in knowing that I’ve stayed true to myself, that I’ve survived and thrived in an industry that can be as cruel as it is beautiful. Within these five years, I've achieved alot. Almost overachieved. My achievements include:

°Walked the runways of major fashion capitals: Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Jeddah Fashion Week, Istanbul Fashion Week, and Rome Fashion Week.

°Became a recognized icon in the global fashion industry, known for his distinct androgynous style.

°Featured on the covers of top fashion magazines such as Vogue, GQ, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle.