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⏩ Click Here for Korean

NamJun Kim
Hello Sang Choo! Please introduce yourself.
SangChoo Song
Hello, my name is Sang Choo Song, a hair stylist living in Milan.
NK
Why did you choose Milan?
SC
I finished my military service in 2012 and went to study in the UK. After living there for about 4 years, I came here by chance due to visa issues. And I found a job in Milan, where I live to this day.
NK
You mentioned that you are a hair stylist. What kind of work do you do more specifically?
SC
I work as a hair stylist for models while traveling mainly for fashion shows, brand campaigns, and advertisements.
NK
What is your daily routine like?
SC
It varies from day to day. On workdays, if I get a call in the morning, I get up at 5/6 o'clock, go to the location, shoot 12 hours a day, leave work around 8-9 o'clock, eat, and go to bed. Other than that, guests from Milan usually come to my house and have their hair cut.
NK
Do you have any other hobbies on your days off?
SC
On my days off, I don't do anything... (laughs ed.). I like to just get ready for the next shoot at home or go out with my family for a cup of coffee or a walk.
NK
What is the most interesting and proud part of your current job?
SC
Actually, the job I'm doing is a job that doesn't stand out. Not only me, but also fashion stylists and makeup artists are professionals who mainly work on the backstage. However, I think that showing my work to the world is not something I can be proud of.
NK
When is the happiest time in your work?
SC
Usually, it's fun just to be in the show. There are a lot of models, and it’s fun because co-workers and diverse people work in one place. Before the show starts, the models are ready on the line, and when the music comes out loud, I'm working until then. I think that's the most exciting time.
NK
So, what is the most difficult thing?
SC
I think it is physically very difficult. There are a lot of people to deal with at the same time: the client or everyone who works in the fashion field has to work together. And I have to move more than 10 hours.
NK
When it comes to styling for men and women, which of the two suits you the most?
SC
Usually, women have more hair to do. Well... if there is a difference, men's hair can only be made with a feel, but women's hair is more labor intensive.
NK
As an Asian, how about working as a freelancer in Italy?
SC
I have no special thoughts. But sometimes I ask myself, “How long can I live here?”
NK
Are you not satisfied with life in Milan?
SC
No. Life in Milan so far has been very satisfying. I think Milan's lifestyle and environment are good. I love being able to get around a lot on vacation.
NK
When you started working as a hair stylist, “Am I right here?” Did you have a lot of worries?
SC
I think I thought about it a lot when I had to apply for a permesso di soggiorno (Italian residence permit) (laughs ed.). Sometimes in life, things don't go well, in fact, everyone experiences it. I have a lot too, so when that happens, I just think, “This too will pass soon” and pass by. And since I lived like that, no big things happened.
NK
What advice would you give to young Koreans like you who want to come to Europe and do this kind of job?
SC
I don't know what kind of advice I can give, but just go to the place you want to work without fear and try it out, and you may think you have a lot to lose, but I think it's good to try.
NK
Do you have any plans to return to Korea someday?
SC
Not yet.. I'll try to think about it when I'm about 40 years old.
NK
How do you compare Korea and Italy?
SC
Of course, Italy is a landscape. Especially on vacation, and the work environment is good. When you are sick, you can say that you are resting, and when you are tired, you can say that it is difficult.
NK
If you hadn't become a hair stylist, what job would you have chosen?
SC
I must have been a club DJ (laughs ed.).
NK
Yes. Thank you so much for taking the time. I will support you in the future to do better work and become a famous hairstylist!.
SC
Oh Yes, thank you very much. I also support Keener.

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