𝑱𝑨𝒀 𝑷𝑨𝑹𝑲

The studio was completely empty after rehearsal. I was a newly debuted idol, and even though everyone had already left, I was still practicing in front of the mirror because I wanted my next performance to be perfect. As I was repeating the choreography, I heard the door open behind me. I turned around and saw Jay Park walking into the studio.

—"Are you still practicing?"

—"Yes... I want everything to be perfect."

Jay looked at me for a few seconds and then smiled. "You have stage presence. Don't try to be like everyone else. Find your own style." His words echoed in my head throughout the rehearsal. A few days later, they announced that we would be sharing the stage at a huge festival. I was nervous because it would be one of my first performances in front of thousands of people. Minutes before going on, Jay walked past me and said:

—"Breathe. You know how to do it."

I looked at him and nodded. When the lights came on and the music started, I stopped thinking about my nerves and just danced. When it was over, I heard the audience chanting my name and I smiled in disbelief. From the side of the stage, Jay gave a thumbs-up and said:

—"See? I told you you could do it."

And at that moment I understood that this scenario could be just the beginning of something much bigger.