One of the resolutions that is probably included in everyone's New Year's and new semester resolutions is likely 'dieting.' Dieting is a task that anyone, regardless of gender or age, has either attempted or is attempting. While there are countless methods and secrets to dieting, there is a 'Diet Girl' who helps create a healthy body and mind through 'exercise,' rather than relying on pills, supplements, or starvation diets. Moreover, she brings laughter along with various content such as school life experiences, dancing or V-log. Let's get to know the epitome of a healthy lifestyle, Lee Jung-soo, with CAH!
#Starting the interview
1.Hello, please introduce yourself for the students of Chung-Ang University.
Hello, I'm Lee Jungsoo, a student of Urban Design and Studies, class of 2019, at Chung-Ang University.
2. Do you have any memorable episodes of enjoying your time at Chung-Ang University while you were a student?
During my first semester as a freshman, I had a fondness for drinking, despite the restrictions in the dormitory. There were curfews in place. Around 2 to 3 am,, I often found myself contemplating whether to sneak back in or not. Eventually, I ended up spending the night on one of the green chairs in the lobby of room 310. It's a memory that has left a lasting impression on me
#"Diet Girl" with the modifier "healthy."
3. How did the name 'Diet Girl' come about?
It seems like it was about 1 year and a half ago. When I was with my close friend whose way of speaking always amused me, there was a trend of phrases like 'cool girl,' 'sexy girl,' and '00 girl.' We were considering about channel names, and since I planned to upload content related to dieting, so I just decided to go with 'Diet Girl' It was a lighthearted decision.
4. You're studying urban systems engineering at the College of Engineering, and I'm curious to know what inspired you to start YouTube and Shortform on a somewhat unrelated topic of dieting.
At the time, it was exam season. I had completed all my major courses and was preparing for exams because I had some school of electrial and electronics Engineering courses to catch up on. I really didn't feel like studying. However, that was exactly when Short Forms were becoming popular. So, while browsing through Short Forms, I realized that I wanted to have some fun during the exam period, but I also knew I'd feel guilty if I just goofed off. Therefore, instead of simply having fun, I decided to try making a 1-person, 2-character content related to this dilemma. One of the things I often watched back then was 'Beautyfool (사내뷰공업),' which was a content that elicited empathy. Watching that, I thought it would be fun to create similar content related to a gym and workout, something relatable. So, in conclusion, it seems that my reluctance to study during exam season led me to start creating Shortforms.
5. I wonder how did you get started with exercise, as you've given your subscribers a lot of tips on how to make exercise not a fad, stick with it, and how to make delicious diet meals.
I started exercising because initially, because I had some psychologically challenging. I just had a feeling that exercising would make me feel better somehow, almost like destiny. So, I decided to get a personal trainer, and it turned out to be really enjoyable. Consequently, I've been doing it consistently and feeling good about it ever since.
6. You recently traveled to Germany as an exchange student, can you share any experiences or changes you've gained as a result of being an exchange student?
In one's twenties, there's often a turning point that many people talk about, a moment of change or a turning point. For me, I think it was a period of solitude where I underwent some significant transformations. These changes have been ongoing and have made me think more seriously about life. Being away from familiar surroundings, friends, and family, and traveling allowed me to contemplate many things. I started questioning why I came to university, why I do YouTube from afar, what I truly enjoy, and how I should spend my time so that I won't have regrets later in life. These experiences prompted me to delve deeper into introspective thoughts.
7. What is the purpose or mindset of "dieting" in your opinion?
It seems like one of the main purposes of dieting is to boost self-esteem. I've experienced a significant increase in self-esteem from little things like seeing my body shaping up or noticing changes in the mirror. Now, I view self-esteem as a primary goal. Despite this mindset, I strive to maintain a steady and healthy approach without becoming obsessive. Nowadays, when people diet, there's a shift towards external appearances, not true health of the body, sometimes resorting to unhealthy methods like extreme fasting. I try to avoid such approaches and focus on shaping my body while enjoying exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
8. You always have a positive attitude in various situations, from your YouTube vlogs to missing your flight as an exchange student, what is the source of your positive mindset?
When I find myself in those situations, I do get annoyed, but I also find them funny. For instance, if I miss a flight, I'll think, "What am I going to do now?" while also finding it somewhat ridiculous. I realize that these moments will become memories later on, so I adopt a mindset of finding humor in them, thinking, "Well, eventually it'll be a story to tell." I think this attitude stems from my physical endurance as well. If I were genuinely struggling and in a really tough situation, I might not find it funny, but because I've built up my stamina through exercise, I've been able to approach such situations with a mindset of enjoying them.
9. Consistency seems to be really important when it comes to working out. Do you have any tricks up your sleeve that allow you to stick with it, even when it's hard?
The motivation to consistently challenge myself comes from setting slightly lower goals. So, when I really don't feel like doing something, I might skip it, and if that happens repeatedly, it does feel like a real failure. However, if I take a break for like 2-3 days and then manage to go to the gym even once, I consider that as being consistent. Therefore, rather than setting ambitious goals and thinking I must go to the gym and do a proper workout, I just go with the mindset of going, maybe doing a 10-minute run, and come back. But once I'm there, I usually end up feeling good. That's how I've been setting slightly lower goals and doing exercising steadily.
10. As a current student, you must be overwhelmed by school alone, yet we’re curious about the motivation that drives you to consistently challenge yourself in pursuing your passions even in busy circumstances.
Pursuing what I love is, in a way, the most passionate aspect of my life. I live by the mindset of "Let’s do everything I want to do before I die." This mindset itself motivates me to engage in activities that I love.
11. As a YouTuber promoting healthy weight loss while spreading happiness, what is the most rewarding moment for you?
It's most rewarding when people comment or, occasionally, when someone greets me in person and mentions starting their fitness journey after watching my videos. It's incredibly fulfilling to think that I might have helped them, considering my own struggles and the transformative power of fitness in my life.
12. Aside from fitness, you upload various content like skits and reviews of international gyms. Do you have any specific criteria for shooting and planning your content?
The criteria aren't particularly strict; I tend to just focus aspects on my life, so my YouTube concept tends to evolve. Initially, I focused on fitness, incorporating 1-person gym skits, later transitioning to vlogs. During my exchange student period in Germany, I shared content about the daily life of an exchange student and various gyms in different countries. Upon returning to school, I created content related to returning to academic life. Perhaps, as I prepare for employment, I'll create content related to job hunting. However, given that my channel is named ‘Diet Girl', and considering my passion for fitness and lifelong commitment to staying fit, I'm making efforts to incorporate diet-related content.
13. As a 'university student YouTuber,' what are the pros and cons, or any unspoken challenges you've faced?
The advantage is that I achieved something I really wanted, gaining confidence and financial stability. For the downside and challenge, there's always the pressure to act with professionalism and manners. Even though I don't consider myself a bad person, While I don't consider myself a bad person, there are moments when I feel stressed, sensitive, or is in a bad mood. During such times, my expression becomes completely neutral or even less expressive. When someone greets me in those situation, I have to reflect on my behaviors and wonder if something I did might lead to controversy. I’m not in any means perfect, so having that burden to be seen ‘perfect’ can be challenging.
14. What are your plans after graduation? Will you continue as a YouTuber or focus on your current major for employment or career preparation?
I’m currently open to many options, so I don’t really have a specific plan as of now. However, ultimately, my goal is to secure a job and continue with YouTube simultaneously. Currently, I'm preparing for both avenues – using YouTube for job opportunities and utilizing my original major.
#Ending the Interview
15. How has Chung-Ang University influenced you in becoming the person you are today?
I think Chung-Ang University has really shaped me into who I am today. The people I met from friends to professors and challenges, assignments, and team projects that I have to do even though didn’t want to, all taught me how to handle responsibility, build relationships, and navigate life. I've always been close with university life, so it feels like CAU is the place where I truly grew up.
16. What does the perfect holiday look like for you?
It has to be a sunny day, and the weather has to be nice; it's not perfect if it's gloomy. I currently live alone, so the perfect day would be, waking up leisurely in my parent’s home, walking the dog, eating my mom's homemade meal, taking a nap, reading a book (because it makes me feel less guilty), watching some Netflix, having another meal made by my mom, and taking a nap again and so on. This would be the perfect holiday.
17. Is there something you wish to achieve as a person, '이정수,' rather than as the content creator 'Diet Girl'?
If I get a job, working independently in my career separate from YouTube, I want to become a recognized career woman who excels in my field.
18. Lastly, could you share a few words for Chung-Ang University students striving for their dreams?
Don't worry too much about the future; enjoy the present and live diligently.
Throughout this interview, CAH had the opportunity to meet Lee Jungsoo(Diet Girl), who actively maintains a balance between the life of a university student and the life of a content creator. She is actively using her platform as an opportunity to spread healthy lifestyle and positivity to her followers. Her positive attitude towards life and her lovable persona will surely leave smiles on everyone who watches her content. Inspired by her message of health and positivity, CAH wishes that all of our readers of CAH have a healthier and happier 2024.