By Honorary Reporter Alaa Atef Ebada from Egypt

Photos = Yu Hojin and America's Got Talent

Magician Yu Ho-jin on July 19 was on the U.S. reality TV show "America's Got Talent," his second appearance after his first in 2016. 

Yu has steadily built a career in his craft. He was the youngest at 19 and first Asian to win the manipulation category and the Grand Prix at the 25th FISM World Championships of Magic, and the youngest to win the U.S.-based Academy of Magical Arts' Magician of the Year award.

Also appearing in the touring show "The Illusionists," he has performed all over the world including Madrid, Spain and the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and was the first Asian magician to perform on Broadway in New York. 

Yu Ho-jin in 2015 performs in the touring show "The Illusionists" in St. Paul, Minnesota. 

This email interview was conducted on July 25 and approved by the publicity and communication department of "America's Got Talent." 

"I believe there is real magic in the world. And we all born with magical power. But I believe real magic begins with imagination," Yu said. 

On how he got started in magic, he said, "When I was eight years old on the way home after school, I saw someone doing magic on the street. He was producing cards from an empty hand. That was the first magic I'd seen in my life and couldn't think of anything except magic. I thus decided to be a magician and share that feeling with the world."

Turning to his latest appearance on "America's Got Talent," he said, "I served my military duty over the last two years and during that time, I thought of what I really wanted to do. Despite doing many shows around the world, many still didn't know my name. So I decided to participate in 'America's Got Talent,' my favorite show."

Yu Ho-jin on July 19 appeared for the second time on "America's Got Talent."

On preparation, he said, "I spend 10-15 hours a day to create magic others have never tried. My first step when creating a performance is to start with something nobody has ever tried."

"In the future, I will create things not only to amaze people but also surprise the world with my magic. And I'd love the chance to utilize Korean culture in my act."

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.