Ji Ye-eun admits she felt like a 'genius' before being humbled by talented classmates

Actress Ji Ye-eun candidly shared her journey from the overwhelming confidence she felt upon entering the Korea National University of Arts to the frustration and eventual growth she experienced among her exceptionally talented peers.

While she is now a beloved actress known for her unique acting style and variety show wit, there were moments of instability during her pursuit of her dreams. In particular, she garnered empathy from the public by revealing how she struggled with low self-esteem while constantly comparing herself to others at a school that gathers top artistic talent.

On the 5th, during the web variety show "Anyway, I Came to Chat" aired on the YouTube channel 'OkiKi,' Ji appeared to reflect on her 20s and her current life under the theme of 'Adult Dating in Your 30s.'

Recalling her college days, Ji drew laughter when she said, "I think I had more fun in my 20s. Since it was an arts school, we played like total rascals. We even used to go out together to drink makgeolli during class."

However, she noted that things have changed now that she is in her 30s. Explaining her transformation, she said, "As I get older, I pay more attention to what others think and care more about my reputation. I feel like I live more with restraint than before."

In particular, Ji confessed to the overflowing confidence she possessed when she first entered the Korea National University of Arts.

She stated, "In my early 20s, because I got into the university I wanted, I thought, 'As expected, I'm a genius. I got into a school that only geniuses go to.'"

But school life was different from her expectations. In an environment filled with classmates possessing extraordinary talent, she came to realize her own shortcomings.

Ji revealed the pressure she felt at the time, saying, "There were so many people who were good at acting and so many people who were beautiful. I realized that people who are truly incredible are the ones acting."

She specifically noted that watching her classmates' success was not easy. "When my classmates were cast in dramas and appeared on TV, I couldn't even turn on the TV because my parents were watching. I was still working part-time jobs, and I often thought, 'When will it finally be my turn?'" she said.

Standing at the same starting line toward their dreams, the reality that some were quickly appearing before the public while she had to keep waiting became a major source of distress.

However, Ji said that through that time, she learned how to rebuild herself. She shared the process of gradually proving her value as an actress, saying, "I think I regained my self-esteem while working."

Ji's confession shows that even in an arts education setting often called a 'school for geniuses,' what ultimately matters is not just talent, but the process of growing at one's own pace. Her story, which honestly laid bare the anxiety and worries hidden behind glamorous results, offered comfort to many people facing similar struggles.

Singer Kim Chung-ha, who also appeared in the broadcast, empathized with Ji's story and shared her own experiences, continuing the sincere conversation.