Life is a Masquerade: A Musician's Journey of Shedding Masks

Returning home after a tiring day, musician Lee Han-kyung sheds his societal "armor" to face himself in the mirror. He likens his reflection to a tired, unattractive man, but finds solace in the analogy of a shrimp molting its shell. This act, he explains, is not a sign of weakness but a courageous shedding of its protective layer to prepare for new growth. "Isn't life too long to live with only a familiar, old armor, a mask?" he asks.

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Isn't life too long to live with only a familiar, old armor, a mask?

Lee sees the act of confronting his own reflection as a resolute decision to embrace new "masks" or personas for life's theatrical stage. He likens this to the shrimp's vulnerability, which signifies immense potential for growth. He has recently expanded his horizons beyond music, trying his hand at acting in the film 'Wild Thing' alongside his long-time friend, actor Oh Jung-se. Lee notes that Oh, a quiet person in private, transforms into a captivating performer through his craft, bringing laughter and emotion to audiences.

Despite his current comfort performing for thousands, Lee admits to still feeling nervous before cameras or on stage due to his childhood shyness. Previously, he declined opportunities that caused stress, fearing he would later regret it. Now, he's embracing these challenges. He has taken on roles as a festival MC, a lecturer, a lyricist, a YouTube content host, and a short film actor, all while writing his column for over four years. "I want to try on various masks and make various expressions," he states, "I want to decide which mask suits me after trying it on first."

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I want to try on various masks and make various expressions. I want to decide which mask suits me after trying it on first.

He describes his first experience hosting the YouTube content 'Boktokbang' about welfare as intensely nerve-wracking, comparing the feeling to the suspense before a roller coaster's drop. He rationalized the experience by thinking of it as a bungee jump, reminding himself that he had never died from fear on a ride. This perspective shift made him more comfortable and allowed him to gain a better understanding of welfare issues. "Trying on different masks," he concludes, "is ultimately about looking into the lives of others."

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Trying on different masks is ultimately about looking into the lives of others.

Lee acknowledges that sometimes wearing the "mask of capitalism" for survival is acceptable, as it's a chosen expression for living. He believes that trying on diverse masks broadens one's world and introduces new emotions, potentially shaping one's own expressions. "We must choose carefully which mask to wear," he advises. When asked why he pursues activities outside of music, he replies, "Have you ever felt excited? I have felt excited." He believes this feeling of excitement is a success in itself, or at least, the experiences are etched like growth rings, ready to be utilized someday. He anticipates understanding himself fully when the "masquerade" of life ends, realizing that all the expressions he has worn constitute his true self. He encourages readers to become the protagonists of their own life's masquerade and to tell their reflection, "I like you," acknowledging their efforts and inherent worth.

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Have you ever felt excited? I have felt excited.