From 7 failed comedy auditions to sharing the spotlight with BTS, Blackpink and Ateez, You Jae-phil has found his calling as K-pop's go-to host
Anyone who regularly attends K-pop showcases in South Korea has probably come across You Jae-phil. The energetic host is now a familiar face at events for some of the industry's biggest stars.
This year alone, he hosted Ateez's "Golden Hour: Part 4" showcase on Feb. 5 and Aespa's second studio album "Lemonade" showcase on May 28. He also hosted a fan showcase and listening party for Tomorrow X Together member Yeonjun in July.
But long before he became a sought-after K-pop host, You spent years building a career in entertainment, taking on roles as a comedian, television reporter, actor, singer and musical theater performer.
"I've always been someone who enjoys doing different things," You said during an interview with The Korea Herald in Seoul on Oct. 15.
"If I do just one thing, I get bored. When I'm singing, I want to do interviews. When I'm interviewing people, I want to act. I try to teach myself to love my job as an entertainer, someone who performs in front of people. I keep doing different things, so I never get tired of the career I value so much."
For You, that restless curiosity has been a driving force since his college years, long before he found his place in K-pop.
Seven rejections
You initially enrolled in university as a computer engineering major but soon realized that a career spent sitting at a desk would not suit his personality.
He switched to business administration for an unusual reason: He thought the major would give him more opportunities to make presentations and speak in front of people.
His instincts were reinforced during a university retreat in his freshman year, when he entered a girl group dance competition with his classmates and unexpectedly won first place.
"I think I danced to Girls' Generation's 'Gee.' Winning first place was so easy that I thought, 'Oh, maybe I really do have a talent for entertaining people,'" You recalled.
The experience encouraged him to audition for SBS' open recruitment program for comedians. He reached the final round but failed to make the cut.
It was not his first rejection. Before entering university, he had already auditioned for KBS' comedian recruitment program at his mother's suggestion.
Altogether, You failed seven comedian auditions before eventually earning a place as an SBS comedian.
Rather than becoming discouraged, he said he approached each rejection as an opportunity to identify what needed improvement before his next attempt.
His determination continued during his mandatory military service in the Air Force. While serving, he auditioned for the television singing competition "Superstar K5," performing Girl's Day's "Expectation" and advancing to the show's Superweek round.
After establishing himself as a comedian, You began looking for opportunities beyond comedy programs.
When SBS' sketch comedy show "People Looking for a Laugh" ended, he visited broadcasting stations to distribute his profile, eventually securing an audition to become a reporter for the entertainment news program "Midnight Entertainment."
He went on to work as a reporter on the SBS program from 2016 to 2022, a period that would ultimately shape the next chapter of his career.
Dancing with stars
One of You's biggest turning points came in 2017, when he was assigned to interview Twice during promotions for the group's hit single "Likey."
It was his first interview with a K-pop idol group.
"I was incredibly nervous. I'd interviewed actors before, but never idols," You recalled. "I'd danced to a lot of girl group songs, so I performed 'Likey' in front of Twice. After that, the production team suggested that I take charge of idol interviews."
The experience helped him discover how naturally he connected with K-pop artists.
"Actors have their own unique aura, but with idols, it's all about energy. That suited me really well."
The following year, You interviewed Blackpink on the streets of Hongdae, western Seoul, during the group's promotions for "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du," the lead single from its first EP, "Square Up."
The June 2018 interview came as Blackpink was beginning to expand its international presence.
Determined to make the encounter memorable, You arrived wearing a playful reference to the group's name.
"I wanted to make them laugh, even just a little, so I wore pink on top and black on the bottom," he said.
"I felt so grateful at the time. How many people in the world get to go on a street date with such huge stars in front of so many people? I prepared for it with the mindset that I was representing the fans."
You recalled being particularly struck by the expressions of disbelief on fans' faces when they unexpectedly encountered Blackpink on the street.
Watching their reactions helped him understand K-pop's ability to forge emotional connections between artists and audiences.
He also practiced a dance move popularized by Blackpink's Lisa and performed it in front of the members, who responded enthusiastically.
Of all the celebrity interviews he has conducted, however, one remains especially memorable: BTS.
You interviewed the group on the red carpet of a year-end music event in Daegu in December 2020. He had just five minutes and 30 seconds with the members, making it one of the most nerve-racking assignments of his career.
"I spent a lot of time thinking about how to ask questions naturally," he said. "I knew BTS were fun people, so I didn't want to just ask questions and finish. I wanted to create some entertaining moments and make the interview enjoyable."
During the live interview, You joked that he and BTS member Jin were the same age and therefore friends. The two shook hands.
But his nerves nearly got the better of him. At one point, his legs almost gave way, prompting the members to playfully react by bowing deeply toward him.
The unexpected exchange turned into a humorous moment that You still remembers fondly.
"It was an interview that gave me hope," he said.
Inspired by Ateez
Despite having interviewed some of K-pop's biggest names, You has a particular affection for Ateez, the group he considers his favorite.
His connection with the eight-member boy band dates back to 2018, when both were preparing to launch their careers as recording artists.
"I made my debut as a singer around the same time as Ateez on 'Music Bank,'" You said. "I released my debut song, 'Becoming Inssa,' on Sept. 28, 2018, and I became close with the Ateez members after meeting them in the waiting area."
Having watched the members work tirelessly from their early days, You said he always believed they would eventually succeed.
Their rise to international fame has also become a source of encouragement for his own career.
"I'm so happy that Ateez have become successful," he said. "You never know when or where success will come. Seeing friends of mine become global stars makes me feel that nothing in this world is impossible."
His favorite K-pop song is Ateez's 2021 track "Turbulence," which he turns to for comfort during difficult times or moments of loneliness.
While Ateez are widely recognized for their powerful choreography and intense performances, You believes the song reveals another side of the group.
"These days, a lot of people love Ateez for their performances, but I think this song shows their true charm," he said. "It gives you comfort and hope. The lyrics are so beautiful. Whenever I listen to it, I feel as though the song is embracing me."
jaaykim@heraldcorp.com