He Was Dead Broke and He Starved Just to Save Money + Today, He's Part Of Korea's No. 1 Idol Group
On March 9, 1993, a boy was born into a humble family living in Daegu, South Korea. Together with his older brother, he finished his primary education in Taejoon Elementary School and continued to attend middle school in Apgujeong High School.
The boy's name is Min Yoon-gi. It was said that Yoon-gi developed his love for music after hearing Stony Skunk's famous song, "Reggae Muffin." Then after hearing "Epik High," he finally decided to be a rapper. Because of this, he started to write lyrics at the young age of 13. Soon after, he learned how to operate MIDI, and finally, at 17, he managed to land a part-time job at a local recording studio.
He Was Dead Broke He Starved Just To Save Money + Today He's Part Of Korea's No. 1 Idol Group
Getting that job allowed him to practice music composition and arrangement. He also used the studio to polish his rapping and performing skills. As a matter of fact, he was active in the underground scene as the rapper named "Gloss." He also wrote a commemoration song for Gwangju's uprising "518-062" while he was a part of D-Town, a hip-hop crew in 2010.
However, his parents were against his dream of becoming a musician. As soon as they saw Yoon-gi's written lyrics on his notebooks, they threw it away and scolded the singer. Just like any other parents, they told their son to focus on his studies instead. To let go of his anger and frustrations, the boy focused on basketball until he became one of the school's star player.
But just because he fell in love with a sport, doesn't mean he fell out of love with music. He started to sell his works, but he got scammed several times. There were even moments when he was dead broke, and he couldn't even afford the bus tickets, so he'd either walk home or skip meals to afford the bus fare.
He Was Dead Broke He Starved Just To Save Money + Today He's Part Of Korea's No. 1 Idol Group
Until that one fateful day wherein he auditioned as a trainee for Big Hit Entertainment. With his exceptional rapping skills and talent, he won second place and entered the well-known company. Bang Si Hyuk, the company's CEO, personally approached him and said that he promises to allow the group to produce their music and choreography if he accepts the spot.
Due to this, Min Yoon-gi accepted the position, and was immediately introduced to Namjoon, or is now well-known as RM. Since then, the two have become good friends and housemates. While the two of them trained, members were gradually added to the group.
Min Yoon-gi was then given the stage name Suga. You may think that being a trainee made Suga's life more comfortable, but he still struggled, especially with finances. Although he got accepted into a big company, his parents are still against it. They never supported his passion for music, so they didn't help him while he was starting.
He Was Dead Broke He Starved Just To Save Money + Today He's Part Of Korea's No. 1 Idol Group
Suga had to take part-time jobs to live in Seoul. He was even a victim of a hit-and-run while he was delivering newspapers, but instead of telling his family, he kept it to himself. He was scared to lose his chance; to miss it. He couldn't afford to back out when he was so close to reaching his dreams. He continued to show up at training even with an arm fracture. This is also the reason why up to this day, Suga couldn't move his arms in complete motion.
Suga suffered substantial emotional problems that had affected his mental health. But even with anxiety and depression, he chose to move forward. He fought and showed up every day for his dreams. Giving up wasn't an option for him.
Finally, all his hard work paid off. In 2013, BTS was officially launched with a 7-member team, including Suga. The group didn't rise to fame overnight, just like any other idol groups, they started with little to no followers and shared a one-bedroom apartment. Two years later, the group had their first win on SBS's "The Show." BTS's "I NEED U" won 1st place. Soon after, they started raking in more wins, and were beginning to participate in international music festivals.
He Was Dead Broke He Starved Just To Save Money + Today He's Part Of Korea's No. 1 Idol Group
In 2016, they won the Melon Music Award's Album of the Year for "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever." In the same year, they also won Mnet's Artist of the Year award. By 2017, they were unstoppable. They already conquered America and the globe, being invited to different shows and music awards.
Today, Min Yoon-gi no longer has to walk home and skip meals. Min Yoon-gi, the lead rapper of BTS, and the one who writes most of BTS's lyrics are now officially recognized as a producer by the Korean Copyright Music Association. He had not only reached his dreams but had exceeded it.
Recently, the BTS member released his second mixtape under the alias Agust D. Because of his experiences, Min-yoogi or Suga's lyrics are filled with so many emotions. Suga's writings reflect his struggles and everyone who feels the same way as he did.
The next time you decide to give up, remember Suga's story. He only had two choices then, walk home and eat or starve and ride the bus. Now, he has countless options and opportunities. Let Suga's story be an inspiration to all.
