Singer and actor Kim Jae-joong (김재중) recently shared his past experiences with school bullying on a broadcast, revealing he was targeted by classmates for his appearance and skin tone. He recounted being dragged into secluded alleys and beaten, asking, “Why did they hit me like that?” He described that period as incredibly difficult.
Kim Jae-joong appeared as a guest on the YouTube show “Kkon Dae Hee” (꼰대희). Host Kim Dae-hee (김대희), upon seeing Kim Jae-joong’s striking looks, praised him, asking, “Were you born this handsome?” Kim Jae-joong laughed, responding that he was indeed cute as a child, but his appearance “deteriorated” during middle school before his features gradually improved again in high school.
However, discussing his adolescent changes, Kim Jae-joong revealed a heartbreaking past. “I didn’t particularly notice the secondary sexual characteristics of puberty because life was truly too hard back then,” he said, adding with a sigh, “Why did they hit me like that?”
Kim Jae-joong recalled his school days, stating that some students would specifically target classmates with “lighter skin” or those who looked different from them. “They would deliberately pick fights and then drag people into back alleys.” Kim Dae-hee speculated, “Perhaps because your skin was fair and you stood out, they found it easier to pick on you.” He then lightheartedly added that Kim Jae-joong must have some good school memories too, given his good looks. Kim Jae-joong chuckled, asking in return, “Like receiving a few chocolates?” attempting to lighten the heavy topic with a joke.
However, he subsequently revealed that he was even bullied for being liked by a girl. “There was a pretty girl in school who liked me, and because she liked me, those older kids dragged me away.”
Kim Jae-joong also explained that his current “turtle neck” posture might be related to his experiences in school. “Because I always walked with my head down as a child, just to avoid making eye contact with others.” He even deliberately took detours to and from school. “There was a direct path from my house to school, but there was also a path that required a bit of a climb, and I would take that route to avoid encountering them.”
Hearing these experiences, Kim Dae-hee couldn’t help but remark, “Your life truly has had many twists and turns, even despite your popularity.” Kim Jae-joong responded that precisely because he went through these things, he now particularly cheers on people with outstanding looks. “So I really support good-looking people. Especially those who are naturally very handsome, much more handsome than me, I truly support them, because I know there’s a lot of hardship and discomfort behind that.”
Kim Jae-joong’s confession reveals that this star, now known for his striking looks and immense popularity, endured a remarkably difficult school life.
