[Sports Chosun Online Reporter Anjee Jeong] Jo Hye-ryeon has opened up about her feelings of inferiority towards her peers and confessed that she suffered from severe depression.
On the 8th, the MBC’s “Heartwarming Speakers” featured comedian Jo Hye-ryeon delivering an inspiring lecture.
During the broadcast, Jo Hye-ryeon recalled, “When I see tall Jang Do-yeon, I used to think ‘how nice,’ and seeing Lee Hyun, I’d wonder ‘why am I short and stout,’ which made me feel inferior.”
She reflected on her past, admitting, “When I look back at my life, I was never at ease. From a young age, I was obsessed with doing better and showing more. That led me to constantly compare myself to others. If my close friend Park Mi-seon had more broadcasts than me, I felt diminished. I was always counting how many shows Kim Sook was doing.”
The fixation on comparison took root within her heart, bringing unhappiness. Jo Hye-ryeon, who spent her life trying to prove her existence, said, “Looking back, I realize how anxious and restless I was, and how much I tormented myself.”
During the times when her body and mind grew weary from life’s trials, Jo Hye-ryeon thought, “I should stop living,” and fell into deep depression. Her relentless life of comparison since her debut left her without a moment of rest, not even knowing what it meant to be loved.
Jo Hye-ryeon mentioned, “Whenever I felt that way, I raised my consciousness level by reading books. Looking at smartphones is not good.” She added humorously, “Through reading and raising my consciousness, you are witnessing my best results. Haven’t I become much prettier?”
She continued, “In the late 20s of my ‘Kyungseok-ah’ days, I looked older than now. During ‘Golum,’ I looked like an 80-year-old. All cleaned up now, right? By walking and thinking positively these days, I’ve gained more energy,” addressing the changes brought by her positive attitude, which drew attention.
anjee85@sportschosun.com