This blog post introduces various examples of how to incorporate cultural and artistic hobbies and special skills like film, music, and literature into your self-introduction.

Seeking Out Every Kind of Movie and Game

As a child, I was known among my friends as the ‘mysterious kid who could find any interesting movie or game.’ If I really wanted to see or play something, even if it wasn’t officially imported or even translated, I would somehow get my hands on it. That passion was truly unique. Among my collection were videos and games restricted by age limits. Some friends were interested only in their ‘rarity’ or the ‘act of owning them,’ not the content.
Sometimes, wanting to share my hobby, I’d gather friends to watch movies or play games together. But when I’d discuss the work’s strengths and weaknesses, its completeness, or offer my own interpretations, surprisingly few friends would follow my train of thought to the end. I’d sometimes hear complaints like, “Why go on and on about it? Just say it’s fun or not fun.” At first, I didn’t understand that, and it made me feel sad, like I was the only weird one.
But as time passed, it suddenly occurred to me: Maybe this is the typical reaction I’ll face from ‘general consumers’ when I become a content creator someday. There were times when I shared a piece I thought was a carefully chosen masterpiece, only for my friends to respond with “I don’t get it” or “It’s boring.” Conversely, there were also times when I unexpectedly received favorable reactions. I would analyze the commonalities and characteristics of those pieces, getting caught up in the fascinating feeling of conducting market research in advance.
Ultimately, this experience made me keenly aware of how differently people can perceive the things I love. And I learned that this very diversity is a crucial factor creators must consider when bringing their work into the world. Even now, recalling the differences in my friends’ reactions back then, I remember it as a moment of valuable learning, far beyond simply sharing a hobby.

Art and technology, two wings that carry me

I was the only one among three brothers to show a distinct talent for music. Recognizing this, my mother encouraged me to learn piano from a young age, and I honed my skills by participating in various competitions. Playing an instrument became more than just a hobby; it became an essential part of my life. Even now, whenever I have free time, I play the piano or violin to find peace of mind and relieve accumulated stress. Pursuing artistic activities as a hobby gives me great strength. While stress is often called the greatest enemy of modern people, I don’t feel it excessively because I have a hobby I can immerse myself in outside of work.
I am also confident in my computer skills. While handling administrative duties, I effectively utilized various programs to process tasks more efficiently, particularly achieving significant time savings through Excel. I continuously studied to obtain certifications, further strengthening my computer skills. Recently, I learned ‘Prezi’ to create more dynamic and easily understandable presentation materials. This proficiency in programs goes beyond merely making materials visually appealing; it enhances information delivery and contributes to improved work performance. Possessing both artistic sensibility and computer skills, I am confident that I can contribute to your company’s growth by performing tasks with both creativity and efficiency.

The Dual Pleasure of Composition and Piano

Composition and performance are both my hobby and specialty. I frequently listen to classical music and also create pieces in the New Age style. My consistent piano practice has provided the foundation for my compositional work, and I have experience creating classical pieces and releasing albums. While I may not possess the caliber to build a successful career as a professional musician, it remains a precious means of expressing my sensibilities. Composing naturally deepens my understanding of music theory and genres, particularly enriching my knowledge and information about classical music. This background extends beyond a mere hobby, serving as excellent material for connecting with people.
Working as a sales representative involves meeting individuals active in diverse fields. With differences in occupation, age, gender, and even life experiences, finding common ground isn’t always easy. However, I approach it differently. I find that using hobbies as a starting point makes initiating conversation much less difficult. I typically bring up classical music, my composing activities, or topics related to wine and spirits to naturally steer the conversation. These subjects effectively spark curiosity and capture interest. As the conversation deepens, the other person becomes interested in my hobbies, and in the process, they open up. The intimacy built this way positively impacts not only personal relationships but also professional ones, often leading to business success. It truly is a case of killing two birds with one stone, benefiting both work and relationships through hobbies.
Of course, I didn’t start my hobby activities with the intention of leveraging them for business. However, consistently engaging in something you love positively impacts your entire life. The joy and energy music gives me enriches my conversations with people and becomes a bridge connecting me to new relationships. And all these experiences make my life even more colorful and meaningful.

The joy of catching the latest movies every week

I’ve made catching the latest movies every week a regular habit. I check the week’s new releases daily and decide in advance which film to see over the weekend. Once I choose a movie, I find a theater and book my tickets. I do this not just because I enjoy cultural activities, but because it’s a vital source of energy that unwinds my tired mind after a week’s work. The anticipation of seeing the latest movie on the weekend adds to the enjoyment itself, allowing me to spend the week much more energetically. Watching movies has become an important part of my weekend routine, and the joy doubles because it’s not just time alone but also creates memories shared with someone else.
Recently, I’ve been broadening my interests beyond just the latest movies to include various cultural events like plays and exhibitions. Since my office job involves somewhat repetitive tasks, these cultural activities often provide me with new stimulation and fresh ideas. The dynamic movements of actors on stage and the passion felt from creators in exhibition spaces offer moving experiences and inspiration that are hard to find in daily life. Therefore, I plan to continue balancing work and hobbies, enjoying and learning from culture that breathes vitality into my work.
For me, cultural pursuits are not just a hobby but an essential element that enriches my life. The time spent anticipating new works each week, and the experiences with people I meet through them, make me a more positive and vibrant person. I intend to continue this enjoyable habit and build a life where both work and hobbies grow together.

Running a workplace band and busking

I’ve been active in the band club since high school. In the band, I took the stage as a vocalist and guitarist supporting the lead vocalist. I’ve always loved music deeply and enjoyed singing and playing, so the time spent in the band club brought me immense joy and fulfillment. I especially enjoyed the role of supporting the lead vocalist, as I consistently practiced singing. I started learning guitar in high school, and the process of steadily improving my skills gave me a sense of pride.
After graduating high school, I continued band activities while attending university. I maintained the team in college, continuing the connection with friends I had shared the stage with during high school. We were already a well-rehearsed team with extensive performance experience and excellent chemistry. So, during my university years, we frequently performed at cafes and various venues, building our career. As our stage experience grew, our playing and vocal skills improved, and naturally, our audience and fan base expanded. During this process, we also started managing social media to promote our activities to a wider audience.
After gaining a solid foundation of stage experience in college, we took on a new challenge: busking. Indoor stages come equipped with performance gear and sound systems, allowing for relatively stable performances. Busking was different. Taking place in open spaces, we felt the audience’s reactions immediately, had to project our voices louder, and had to prepare all necessary equipment ourselves. So, it wasn’t until we had about four years of band experience that we could seriously take on busking. We announced our performance schedule through our Facebook page, and fans who heard the news started coming to see us. Also, people who happened to see us perform on the streets of places like Hongdae or Insa-dong sometimes became new fans.
While people often think of acoustic music when they hear “busking,” we were a bit different. As a rock band performing on the streets, we initially faced complaints from passersby due to noise issues. However, after some trial and error, we adjusted our direction towards a softer rock style that the public could enjoy without feeling burdened. Thanks to this, we were able to connect with more people and continue our performances. This band and busking experience, which began during our college days, remains a major driving force behind our ongoing musical activities to this day.

The Joy of Late-Night Movies

My hobby is seeking out and enjoying late-night movies. I keep at least three nearby theaters in mind, and whenever I have free time, I head out for a late-night screening. Weekdays offer fewer crowds, allowing quiet immersion, and the cheaper ticket prices make it a truly appealing pastime. On weekends, if I have the time, I often enjoy movies until well past dawn. Watching movies this frequently is a great joy and a source of vitality in my daily life.
Watching movies allows me to share memories with the people I go with, and even when I go alone, I can create my own special memories. To record these memories, I write brief comments about the movies as reviews and collect the tickets I’ve used to create a separate ticket album. While the ticket album is my own precious record, I enjoy sharing the reviews with others. I strive to broaden my perspective on films by comparing my thoughts with others’ impressions, rather than keeping them solely to myself. The more films I know, the more my viewing eye changes, and the deeper I understand the details and intentions within the work.
That’s why I post reviews online, exchanging opinions with others who write about films. Through this interaction, I continually expand my knowledge and information about cinema. This activity goes beyond a simple hobby; it positively impacts my professional work in marketing. Since marketing involves reading the trends of the times and the public’s interests, understanding people’s tastes and psychology through the medium of film is excellent training.
For me, late-night movies are not just entertainment; they are a special time that cultivates new perspectives and expands my ability to interpret the world. The stories I encounter on the screen in the darkness fill my heart like a small gift at the end of the day, and those memories remain sparkling recollections even as time passes.

A Story from an Animation Enthusiast

I truly love animation. Since middle school, I’ve been completely immersed in comics, enjoying a wide variety without regard to country or genre—domestic works, foreign comics, and Japanese manga alike. I was particularly fond of reading comic books, and during my school days, spending time at comic book cafes was my greatest pleasure. Even after becoming a university student, when I was focused on my studies and my head would start to throb, I would naturally head to the comic book cafe and stay up all night reading comics. For me, comics and animation transcend a simple hobby; they are deeply ingrained throughout my entire growth process and serve as a special outlet for relieving stress and connecting with the world. However, I didn’t stop at just watching and enjoying them. My love for animation grew so strong that I actively participated in hands-on activities.
Starting in high school, I first challenged myself with manga character cosplay, participating in various events to freely express my passion and creativity. At the same time, living up to the name ‘mania,’ I also drew manga myself and posted it online. Sharing my work allowed me to receive diverse reactions and feedback from people. Through this process, I revised my drawings, refined my characters, and gradually completed a story. Over time, my drawing skills steadily improved, and I became more adept at creating character and story settings. While it remains a hobby for now, the sense of accomplishment and joy gained from this process is indescribable. Moving forward, I plan to steadily develop this hobby to become a more professional amateur artist and actively pursue opportunities online.
For me, animation and comics are more than just ‘favorite things’. They are a special language that flows naturally through my life, expressing who I am and connecting me to the world. I intend to keep creating more stories with this language, sharing them with more people, and continuing to write a joyful page in my life.

The power to calmly and coherently express thoughts: Writing

After a childhood deeply immersed in words and rumors, there was a time when I shifted my focus and specialty toward writing—a medium that allowed me to calmly and coherently express my thoughts. As a child, I loved being the center of attention and poured my passion into spreading stories that would spark conversation. In that process, I became engrossed in collecting and relaying rumors, big and small. However, as time passed, I observed how rumors, as they were passed along, became distorted. People selectively chose only the parts they wanted to hear, altering nuances and amplifying the stories. Reflecting on this, I found myself increasingly drawn to exploring and documenting the world through writing rather than speech.
Though speech and writing may seem similar, their essence and mode of delivery differ markedly. I devoted considerable effort to mastering and refining my writing skills to convey more coherent and rational opinions. Yet simultaneously, unlike speech which can capture human attention in real time, writing relies solely on sentence structure and composition to hold the reader’s gaze from the very first sentence—a fact that often felt burdensome. The advantages of captivating speech—elements like a lively atmosphere, an energetic tone, or eye-catching gestures—often vanished or remained difficult to fully integrate into writing, getting sealed away deep inside me.
That’s why, every time I wrote, I agonized over how to capture the vibrancy and immediacy I could achieve with speech within the vessel of writing. To move readers without flashy gestures or immediate reactions, the rhythm within sentences, the texture of vocabulary, and the way thoughts unfold had to be meticulously crafted. Gradually, I came to believe in the power of writing to resonate more deeply and last longer than spoken words. Even now, I continue to refine that power as I write.

The Path Literature Led Me On

Being highly sensitive, I developed a deep interest in literary works from a young age. As a preschooler, I was particularly captivated by poetry and often challenged myself to memorize poems. Winning several poetry recitation contests back then gradually earned me recognition for my literary talent, which in turn broadened my interest to include creative writing. Of course, recitation and creation are distinct fields, but my creative sensibility naturally developed through the process of encountering diverse works.
Upon entering elementary school, I began composing my own poems and writing short pieces. I consistently participated in student writing contests, winning multiple times and building experience and confidence. When I entered middle school, I was selected for the literary creation club and worked alongside a small group of friends. There, we shared our written works with each other, exchanged feedback, and found joy in helping each other’s writing evolve. This period left a profound impression on me, and after entering high school, I went on to establish and run my own literary club.
Observing these activities, those around me and my parents encouraged me to pursue a career in writing. They often specifically recommended the profession of copywriter. Since my parents worked in the advertising industry, they had a deep understanding of the field, and thanks to them, I was able to learn the preparatory steps for becoming a copywriter up close. During high school, I focused on college entrance exam preparation and enrolled in an Advertising and Public Relations department. Afterwards, I steadily pursued copywriting-related education to build my skills. During college, I actively participated in activities that honed my writing and creative abilities: study groups, clubs, supporter activities, and various contests. These experiences, accumulated step by step, solidified my writing skills and instilled confidence in my future path.

Playing Guitar and Singing

During college, I was active in a guitar club. One day, while volunteering at a concert, I unexpectedly became deeply captivated by the charm of music, and from that moment, I developed a longing for band activities. Although I didn’t join a band myself, I nurtured my passion for music by playing mostly electric guitar or bass guitar in a club where I could learn guitar. While guitarists and vocalists usually perform separately, I enjoyed doing both simultaneously. I sang with a soft, calm tone, but my accompaniment filled the space powerfully with the intense sound of the electric guitar. This combination held a special appeal for me. Naturally, I enjoyed playing soft rock genres and occasionally rearranged indie music into a rock style for performance.
While playing guitar and singing suited my temperament well, my skill wasn’t outstanding enough to take a main role in a band. So, to improve, I practiced diligently on my own and prepared for small performances. These weren’t big stages like school festivals; they were personal gigs on the street with just one friend. My friend mainly played percussion instruments like the djembe or drums, while I alternated between the guitar and other instruments, singing along or providing harmonies. When we started playing, passersby would stop in their tracks and listen to our music. And when the song ended, they’d give us generous applause and encouragement.
This experience meant more than just improving my playing skills. The process of selecting songs, arranging them, and practicing; the moment of connecting with the audience on stage; and the deep sense of satisfaction after the performance… Every step became a valuable lesson for me, deepening my appreciation for the joy music brings and the connection it fosters with people. Even now, those memories remain vivid in my heart, and every time I pick up my guitar, I recall the excitement of that time.