By Honorary Reporter Gohar Petrosyan from Armenia
Photos = Gohar Petrosyan, Ten Yujin

Recently passing the 17 million subscriber mark, popular TikToker Ten Yujin is known for his video challenges and K-pop dance covers. Because of his popularity, many compare the Ukrainian-born social media influencer with K-pop stars.

The following interview conducted on Aug. 26 via Zoom discusses his interest in and love for K-pop.

Ten Yujin has 17 million subscribers on TikTok. (Screenshot of Ten Yujin's TikTok page)

How did your TikTok career start?
In 2020, I shot vertical videos and uploaded them on my new TikTok account with no  expectations. The videos got 200,000 views. At that moment, I realized that I could do this well and decided to be a TikToker. It wasn't so simple, but I strived to make attractive content and got 300,000 subscribers within six months.

The interview Ten Yujin is conducted on Aug. 26 via Zoom.

What was the first song that make you fall in love with K-pop?
I think it was in 2017. I'd liked K-pop before that because of the BTS song "War of Hormone" but I wasn't a K-pop dancer then. But I was offered to cover Exo's "Wolf," and this was a fresh experience to learn dance by myself. Afterwards, I came up with the idea to open a dance studio based on K-pop.

What do you like most about BTS?
Maybe that they never give up. They've worked tirelessly since 2013. They used to work on themselves even before that. Now it's 2022, and they still continue to improve. If you want to stop something, just look at these guys. Then you'll realize it's better not to stop and keep moving.

Ten Yujin said he loves BTS because of the group's constant passion.

Where in Korea would you like to visit?
I'd probably like to visit the Hongdae area because of the many dance performances there. I'd like to dance there, too. I might even make a video for TikTok near the headquarters of Hybe (BTS' management agency). I also know of other places in Korea I'd like to visit thanks to K-dramas.

You recently held a master dance class in Armenia. How did it go? 
When my dance crew flew to Armenia, I thought I had no subscribers there. A dance studio later sent me a request to hold for a master class. I initially thought we wouldn't get any people but the 30 seats were sold out in just an hour. 

If you could talk to your younger self, what would you tell him?
Probably don't listen to anyone. Everyone tries to give you advice, but the tips usually aren't fit for you and instead work better with those who give them. Just listen to yourself. I think that's when you can achieve success.

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.