Hi Rydia, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in South Korea. I moved to the Europe in 2019 and currently reside in the Netherlands. I am starting my life over – more boldly than ever before – at age 39. My life motto is: Live a life of no regret (as long as it does not directly harm others). I love experiencing all that life has to offer without shame, an explanation and definitely without an apology. I suppose that is why I have once again lost my mind and decided to join a beauty pageant at my age!
You’ve built a multifaceted career as a singer, model, host—how do these creative outlets inspire each other, which one challenges you the most? And how do you balance between all of them?
I identify as an entertainer which includes the multifaceted areas under one umbrella. I have always been drawn to the creative world. The greatest challenge I faced was deciding to actually commit and go for it at age 39. Growing up in Korea, every agent wanted me to undergo plastic surgery or behave a certain way which I didn’t agree with. So, I naturally didn’t pursue this path seriously as I did not see a concrete future where I would fit. But now that I am in the Netherlands, I freed myself from the shackles of self-doubt and want to really show that it is never too late to start your life over.
Ice skating and roller-skating are such dynamic sports—what drew you to them, and how do they influence your stage presence and performance energy?
Figure skating has long been an absolute passion of mine. Nothing brings me so much joy of life. I learned to figure skate for a few years when I was young. My ultimate fantasy was to become a figure skater but I honestly did not have the talent. I believe skating adds to my overall performance by making me feel in alignment with my body. When I skate, it brings awareness to my body, my mind and to the present moment. I find this extremely therapeutic. It also helps me move my body more gracefully and in control during shows.
What inspired you to pursue a career in both singing and modelling?
I am new to being a performer as a singer and a musician but when it comes to modelling, I have been doing it since freshman in university. I don’t think of myself as a professional model either as I am now turning 40 and am a little short, haha. Currently my focus is more on general self-expression on all creative elements whether it be modelling and/or performing. The goal is to feel free while being authentically myself.
What does representing South Korea at Miss Europe Continental mean to you? And how are you preparing for the big final?
My participation in the pageant is a symbolic one. I aim to break the stereotype that a woman after a certain age is no longer desirable, datable, valuable. I want to give hope to both the young and the old that we don’t disappear but that we become whole as we age.
If I am being honest, I considered an emergency plastic surgery for this pageant as I will be sharing the stage with much younger beautiful ladies from around the world, haha. Instead, I decided I will do my very best to focus on health – body, hair, skin, mind. I was fortunate enough to have Seoul Guide Medical sponsor me with skin treatments in Korea in support of my mission! I am honoured to be invited to take part and want to showcase a good example of how well we can age if we take care of our health as naturally as possible.
What message do you hope to convey to the audience during Miss Europe Continental?
Every woman deserves a Cinderella moment. To feel feminine, beautiful and celebrated.
You are never too old and it is never too late.
Tell us about your future projects.
I plan to launch Spotify as a music artist and release 4 songs later this year. I aim to continue creating, collaborating, growing as a person and as a creative. I would love to build a base as an artist and host in Europe, America and Korea. This will take time but I am ready.
If you could make one wish come true, what it would be?
If I could make one wish come true, I wish for my mother to live as long as she wants with health, love and joy. I need more time to make more memories with her.
Let’s follow Rydia on her INSTAGRAM – www.instagram.com/rydia0722/
Seoul Guide Medical, Korea’s leading medical tourism provider, is now an official sponsor of Rydia—a visionary entertainer representing South Korea at Miss Europe Continental.
Follow them: www.instagram.com/seoulguidemedical/
www.seoulguidemedical.com/
