Torrential rain seems to be an inescapable part of reality of this summer. Wherever I travel, the rain seems to be everywhere. This is not only happening in Korea; it’s happening all over the world. It’s a simple reminder that we are living in a world that is interconnected. But weather is not the only thing connecting our world, culture connects us as well. Like the summer’s torrential rain, talent competition TV programs seem to be everywhere around the world: ‘American Idol’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent,’ just to name a few. And in Korea, shows like ‘Super Star K,’ ‘Korea’s Got Talent,’ ‘Star Audition,’ and ‘Miracle Audition’ are drawing huge followings. These programs span the globe, growing bigger each day.

Before I start, I have to admit that I don’t watch TV that much. Occasionally, I watch some sports programs or documentary programs uncovering the mysteries of lost civilizations or signs of alien invasions on Earth. However, with so much rain this summer, I dutifully followed some of the finest talent competition programs: ‘Korea’s Got Talent’ and ‘Miracle Audition.’

Watching these shows, I’ve gained a whole new perspective on modern TV viewing. Televisions are transforming our living rooms into Greek Amphitheatres. Although we are not Greeks sitting together in a round auditorium, we watch as intense human dramas unfold before our eyes right in our living rooms. The human drama of the contestants’ survival is played out day after day, week after week. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat are reverberated through the TV sets.

As I watched the drama unfold, I developed a strong urge to see these programs in person. So, I actually went and got accepted to attend the July 30 semifinal round of ‘Korea’s Got Talent.’ Eight shining contestants emerged on the stage: a young dancing couple, a law student who sings while performing what appears to be a combination of Taekwondo and balancing acts, an aspiring opera singer, magicians pulling paper out of a locked box with just a few spoken words, a beat-boxer and drummer, B-Boys, a seven-year-old wonder with flying back-flips, and an artist/pianist/dancer who can really dance in the rain. Where do all these people come from? I wondered.  

After pouring their hearts out, the contestants wait for the moment of truth in which anybody can suddenly become somebody. Once, a mobile phone salesman, Paul Potts, rose to international stardom. A ventilation-fan repairman, Heo-Gak, became an overnight star in Korea. A mix of emotions fly high as the fate of each contestant is revealed to the nation. Answered prayers, thrills of victory, and the pain of loss can take place within a matter of a few moments. This is human drama befitting Darwin’s ‘survival of the fittest.’ Ultimately, in the end, we all stand and applaud. We applaud all of the contestants for showing us what they’ve got and doing what they do, what they love to do every day. We share their dreams, joy, and pain, and we become one with them. Winning and losing is secondary, as we know the contestants gave their everything.

These programs, in some ways, represent a microcosm of reality. In fact, the reality is not much different from what we see on screen. Like these shows, reality presents us with various stages. We work hard to get to these stages, and in some stages the spotlight is on us, while on other stages the spotlight is on others. Going through these stages, we mature and our lives become richer, filled with joyous triumphs as well as the agony of loss. Whether we like it or not, we are all participants in the program of reality equipped with our unique talents.

What is the formula for success and everlasting happiness? Is it winning? Is that the end? I think not. As all the contestants leave the stage with their heads held high, knowing that they gave their best, it is their personal triumph, satisfaction and pride that are far more rewarding than merely winning the contest. It is the sheer pride of having come so far. It is a pure satisfaction that comes from doing what they love to do as they worked hard to overcome incredible odds. No one can take away these much treasured prizes. It is the process of working towards one’s destiny that is far more important than the destiny itself. Winning or losing, in some cases, is inconsequential. As contestants get eliminated, we do not think less of them. We don’t consider them failures. We applaud them for having the courage to follow their dreams and giving their best for the viewers. 

So, why not have the courage to follow your dreams and give your best in whatever you are passionate about? Let your heart guide you and develop your talent. Like so many contestants of unique talents, the nature of your talent is not necessarily that important. Making the best out of your talent is what matters most. The stage is ready and waiting. Can you give your best in what you are passionate about? The stage of reality is anxiously waiting for you to take your turn and give it your best shot. So, be ready, be proud of your talent and go out and show the world! We know you have great talents. We will all be there for you, standing beside you, and applauding you every step of the way as you shine a light on the program of reality. Because we know ‘U Got Talent!’

Professor Yoo, Yang-Seok(Dept. of General Education)

yyoo@kookmin.ac.kr