Um...Wow. That is amazing that your love of k-dramas was able to push you in a different direction that what you had originally planned. That's so awesome.

You know how Viki made that short original drama called Dramaworld about an international fan who got sucked into a K-drama? Well, I think they should make another one about your story. (I especially want to see the part where you're cracking up your South Korean visitors with your mix of satoori and banmal-- I'm laughing just thinking about it!)

I did my best to complete a task out of my comfort zone, every single day. You mean once a month isn't enough? Dang! 😄Thanks for being such an inspiration and best wishes for your new career!

Hello hello, I saw my name in the title and was confused because I didn't submit anything (it's official: my dramabeans identity has taken over RL identity).

Yay! Congratulations.
Love this post. Really enjoyed Jealousy Incarnate too.
Just recently almost lost my post to downsizing, but I spoke up (which I never do) at the right time. It was just to express how I felt and later that day they reinstated my position.

"I watch a few pilots and choose my favorite. Then, I put that one aside and decide on tasks I need to accomplish before I can allow myself to watch each new episode."

Oh, gosh, if I did that I would be SO productive. Either that or I would never get to watch anything (probably more likely). When I grow up, I want to be like you!

I love a story where perseverance pays off. Congratulations on your new direction!

OH @djiboutianbeanie, this is so inspirational! I have both tears in my eyes and a smile a mile wide from your story. You went forth and captured the best of kdrama for your life, and it came right back and rewarded you! Gosh, it really is like a kdrama itself, I agree with @risa that your story deserves to be made by Viki. Of course, in the on-screen version you also have Beanie friends and you get a couple of cute oppas 😍

"To recapitulate, K-dramas taught me to start wishing for eventful days and stop avoiding life’s daily pains and struggles." This really hit home. Together with K-pop to be honest, K-dramas have given me the same lesson. And I think the quality of my life has improved greatly as a result. ^^

@djiboutianbeanie Hehee the banmal-satoori speech whilst talking to executives is hilarious. I love how you've become even better at your work and striving harder through watching kdramas. It's like a passion driving you forward.

This is so inspirational. I love how you've turned your love for k drama to make a better and productive version of your self.
I'm so happy for your progress and Korea visit.
May success always kiss your feet.

Congratulations on being published! I really enjoy reading your text. Great you even turned your hobby into an asset for your work!
I wish I could do the same, but boy, my job doesn't have anything to do with Korea.
Now, recently one colleague actually went to Korea and she told me it is not so expensive there as I thought. Like, even food and transportation is cheaper than some parts of Europe. And the air ticket is also not that expensive.
My thought: I will save money in order to go for a couple of weeks...
Who knows? Maybe I will find a job as an English teacher and be able to remain there for half a year??? Maybe more???? 🙃😀🤓😎

One thing that struck me early-on in K-drama's was the 'prolonged separation' trope, usually around episode 15. Not that the lovers got cruelly separated for a few years, but that the individual wanted to continue to grow, they still had things they wanted to achieve. That their life extended beyond the rom-com 'boy-gets-girl' endgame.
K-dramas (most dramas) often involved the male having already achieved his place in life and now wanting a personal life. For the female its often the opposite, the demands of her personal life are keeping her from achieving her place in life and that's what she's struggling for.

Wow! Now, did you learn to speak fluently while watching dramas exclusively, or did you also teach yourself? That’s amazing you carried on a conversation and was able to translate for native Koreans! Your diligence and discipline is commendable. Congratulations on everything and best wishes for your continued success!

BRAVO!!! just BRAVO!!!
now THAT's a really AWESOME story and I looove that it's all happening to a REAL person, and not just some kdrama character! I applaud your discipline, @djiboutianbeanie and shall work at applying the same discipline to my own life!

amazing!

ah, and about your wonderful Paolo Coelho quote: “And, when you want something, the entire universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” --> it is from years of wanting to be a yoga teacher that the stars aligned this year and, out of the blue, I was blessed with a HUGE bonus at work and some random family aid - all this within 2 weeks from applying to the yoga teacher training program! The Good Lord is good indeed and I actually am well on my way to follow my passion (as a side job).

Wow that's actually great that kdramas inspired you to do better. As far as takin you to korea.
For me it has been the opposite as I feel kdramas have been plunging me into a hole where I am extremely distracted from my reality and deep down in escapism.
Also I think kdramas set standards that are difficult to achieve but seeing you it seems it isn't entirely impossible.

Thanks for your essay, @djiboutianbeanie! Reading of your real-life Kdrama exploits made my day. ;-)

Love that ending! :)