Whether on stage, in front of the camera, or around the campus, there is a student who always shines bright and radiates in her own color. This is Park Ji-hye, who has gained fame on social media as “Sungkyunkwan University’s (SKKU) Karina” due to her resemblance to the member of the idol group, Aespa. However, her vibrance extends beyond her appearance, as she continues to carve her own path with dedication and passion. In light of this, the Sungkyun Times (SKT) sat down with Park Ji-hye to dive into her story behind the spotlight.
First Step Towards a Dream
Q1. Please introduce yourself.
Hello, I am Park Ji-hye from the Department of Media and Communication. Currently, I am an announcer for the SKKU Broadcasting Studio (SUBS) and am also a member of the university dance crew, Solcaf, where I participate in school performances and competitions. I first entered the public eye after being featured in a YouTube video on the Seop2 channel following one of our dance performances in 2023. Since then, I have continued to gain media experience by being featured on various platforms, including music videos and YouTube shows.
Q2. What led you to choose Media and Communication?
I have always been interested in the role and influence of media in society. I find it fascinating how it shapes public perception and social currents through disseminating various information. By entering the Department of Media and Communication, I wanted to explore these topics in depth and approach them from an academic perspective. Particularly, I hoped to systematically learn about the different specializations within the field, including news, advertising, and digital content, while also exploring ways to utilize my strengths. Although I initially dreamed of becoming an announcer, I realized that there exists a wider range of paths that can be pursued within the media sector. This eventually encouraged me to broaden my horizons and explore various fields to find the most suitable path for me.
From Campus Life to the Spotlight
Q3. How has your experience been as an announcer for SUBS?
As an announcer within SUBS, I broadcast shows once a week, reporting on campus news and hosting audio shows. Additionally, I am also involved in producing videos that are regularly uploaded to the SUBS YouTube channel. When I first joined the organization, I found it challenging to balance a busy schedule, even going to campus on days when I had no classes. However, the great sense of accomplishment I felt while working with my fellow members and successfully producing the content we desired has continued to motivate me. Now that I am in my second year with SUBS, I have come to appreciate that I can come to school more frequently and maintain a diligent routine.
Q4. When have you felt the most fulfilled as a member of Solcaf?
One of my most rewarding moments wasperforming with Solcaf for the first time at Daedongje in May 2023. After practicing day and night for over a month, our 20-member team finally showcased the fruits of our hard work on stage, dancing in front of around 20,000 people and receiving tremendous support. Before going on stage, I always tell my teammates, “We are doing what we love, so let us enjoy it.” I carry this mindset because each performance is a fleeting moment that passes in the blink of an eye. I may have joined Solcaf simply because I love dancing, but now, it means much more to me, especially because I get to share the same passion with my members.
Q5. How did your life change after gaining viral fame for being a Karina lookalike?
After our Solcaf performance video from ESKARA 2023 was uploaded on the festival master of ceremonies’s (MC) Seop2 YouTube channel, many people began to recognize me. At first, I was honestly surprised to receive such great attention, but over time, the kind and heartfelt responses became a source of great strength. It provided me with opportunities to experience precious moments that an ordinary university student rarely gets to have. Especially considering that I became known to the public with a title that directly ties back to SKKU, I felt a strong responsibility to become a student who can represent the school with pride. Moving forward, I aim to continue showing my best self to those who have supported me, using this experience as a foundation to take on new challenges and achieve further growth.
Q6. Among the various programs you were featured in, which ones left the strongest impression on you?
It would be Very Private Art Museum, a YouTube show where I participated in an episode featuring the famous actress Han Ga-in. As part of the shoot, she gave me a great deal of comfort and advice — not only as a senior in life but also as a broadcaster and a mother. Thanks to her guidance, I was able to let go of my worries about filming on air and approach various broadcasting shoots with greater confidence. Another memorable program that I recently participated in was a video for the Seop2 YouTube channel. Lim Kyeong-seop, known as MC Seop, was the person who opened the doors for me to gain such diverse experiences in the first place. As such, when he contacted me regarding the program, I happily agreed to participate without hesitation. There were many fun moments during the filming, and moreover, the good chemistry with the cast made it even more meaningful.
Q7. As an influencer, what is your secret to managing your Instagram account?
When I create content for my Instagram feed, I prioritize having fun while doing so. I believe that when the creator genuinely enjoys filming, the result turns out more natural and vibrant. You end up more attached to it this way, too. This is why I focus on capturing moments that truly make me happy rather than simply making content that would garner the most attention. When you enjoy the process, content quality naturally follows, and I believe this emotion is eventually transmitted to the viewers.
Q8. If you had to sum up your experiences so far in one word, what would it be?
The keyword that connects all three of my experiences in SUBS, Solcaf, and media appearances is “record”. Each one of these platforms allows me to document my youth in different forms — not just as experiences, but as pieces of a story I have been creating for myself. My voice is shared through the SUBS Audio Broadcasting YouTube channel, my passion for dancing is shared on the Instagram page @solcaf_official, and my journey towards becoming a public figure is documented through various platforms on YouTube and Instagram. Each of these activities holds a special meaning for me, and I hope to keep recording my youth in many ways in the future.
Towards a Broader Stage
Q9. What are your future goals beyond broadcasting and content creation?
Currently, I am interested in studying law. Even if I do not end up attending law school, I want to expand my understanding of the legal field and take the necessary steps to equip myself with a legal mindset. I am learning all about this at a law society and am currently considering whether a career in law would be the right fit for me. I believe that university is a place where anyone can try out anything they want to; although building a strong resume for a specific career is important, taking the time to discover what you truly desire in life is even more crucial.
Q10. Is there a mindset you hold that you would like to share with Kingos?
“Do not hate yourself” is a value I always remind myself and carry with me. Although being overly optimistic can hinder growth, excessive pessimism can drain the motivation to move forward. This is why I choose to embrace both my past and present self without resentment, striving toward a future with the same mindset. No path is ever perfect, but every step shapes who we become. I hope Kingos also find the strength to accept themselves, trust their journey, and move forward with confidence.