Continued from Chapter 20
Toward the end of 2021, I took part in a village survival reality show, which became an unexpected turning point in my recovery journey. The show, which required celebrities to navigate rural life by performing everyday tasks in a countryside setting, was a far cry from the fast-paced world of K-pop and city life. For me, this offered a chance to step away from the pressures of fame and focus on something simpler, something healing.
My appearance on the show initially surprised many. Given the emotional weight I had been carrying all year, fans were unsure how I would handle such a challenging environment and also the starring of Taehyung. However, for me, this show provided a much-needed escape. Surrounded by nature and the slow pace of rural life, I found a sense of peace and healing. The show's format encouraged teamwork and survival skills, but more importantly, it gave me time to reflect on my journey and begin moving forward in a new way.
There was a famous male actor, two famous female actresses, and Baekhyun on the show, together with us.
As viewers watched me navigate tasks like gathering firewood, cooking meals, and interacting with the local villagers and crew, they saw my other side. My usual polished, glamorous image was replaced by something more raw and authentic. There was no pressure to perform, no complex choreography, no need to maintain a perfect appearance. Instead, fans saw me laugh, struggle, and embrace the simplicity of life in the countryside.
For me, this experience helped me mentally reset. I found joy in the mundane tasks, and my interactions with the villagers and fellow cast members were refreshing. The show allowed me to open up in ways I hadn't been able to since the accident. It also gave me the space to grieve privately while finding moments of joy in the slower pace of life. The village survival show, though physically demanding, was mentally rejuvenating for me. Fans noticed how much more relaxed I appeared by the end of the season, and this change did not go unnoticed.
The positive fan reactions were immediate. Viewers were moved by my resilience and admired how I used the opportunity to heal in front of the camera while still staying true to myself. Many commented on how the show allowed me to reconnect with the simple joys of life and rediscover my strength, and Taehyung's care, which was instructed by her family, company, and members, didn't go unnoticed by fans. For me, it was just help, but for fans, it was not.
By the time the show wrapped up, my appearance on the survival program had done more than entertain many fandoms- it had signaled a new beginning for me. I was slowly but surely coming out of the shadow of the accident, and the fans were ready to welcome me back with open arms.
As 2022 drew to a close, OST began gearing up for what would be a major milestone: a group comeback and an online concert. With my recovery progressing and my confidence returning, I was ready to rejoin my group fully, and the timing couldn't have been better. The excitement surrounding the comeback was palpable, not just because of the new music, but also because fans were eager to see me back in the spotlight after such a challenging year.
The online concert, planned for early 2022, was especially significant. With in-person concerts still limited due to the global situation, this virtual performance was one of the few ways OST could directly engage with our international fanbase. The group had spent months preparing, and I, despite everything I had been through, was determined to give my best performance.
These virtual fan meetings were more intimate than large concerts, allowing me to personally thank fans for their unwavering support during my recovery. The fans, in turn, showered me with love and encouragement, reminding me how much I was missed and appreciated.
In interviews leading up to the comeback, I acknowledged how difficult the year had been, but also spoke about the growth I had experienced. "2021 was the hardest year of my life," I said, "but standing here now, with my members and Eerie and all other fans, I feel stronger than ever." The emotional weight of the year hadn't disappeared, but I had found a way to channel my grievance and trauma into something productive. The music, the fans, and my fellow group members became my support system, and the excitement surrounding the comeback gave me a sense of purpose.
As OST got ready and rehearsed for the online concert, my performance was a mix of determination and resilience. Although I hadn't yet fully recovered from the emotional scars of the accident, my presence on stage was a powerful message to my fans: I was still here, still fighting, and still committed to my career.
As the year came to a close, the group's comeback and online activities served as a launchpad for an exciting 2022. For me, this period was not just about reclaiming my spot in OST, but also about rebuilding my confidence and finding joy in my work again. Fans, thrilled by my return, continued to support me unconditionally, expressing excitement for what was to come in the following year.
As usual in award ceremonies, half of the awards belong to us, and we had our time in the award shows.
I studied for the SAT exam and sat for the SAT exam on December 04rd. The result came out on December 17th, and I got 1560 for the exam.
My brother, Ivan, said he will help me with applying to the university. I was grateful to him.