Lee Ki Young 29
Hair Stylist from Kunson
How long have you been a hair stylist?
Seven years.Why did you choose this profession?
I thought about what I should do with my life and considered many things. When I was young I was good at handicrafts, making things with my hands. I wanted a craft like that.Where did you go to learn?
I got certification an academy in Kunsan after studying six months. I also went to Japan where I studied at an academy. I learned to cut, to dye and other techniques that interested me; I also worked a paid job as an apprentice. Then in the U.K. I learned at the Fidel Sasson Academy and apprenticed in a London hairshop.How did you communicate with Japanese?
I speak Japanese.In Korea do hair stylists chat with customers a lot?
Always. I want to make people comfortable and want to treat the customer as a friend, not just a customer. I feel it’s necessary.In Korea are most hair stylist are men or women?
80% women but the male portion is increasing.How much is a haircut in Korea?
7,000 won (733 yen/$7), but more expensive in Seoul.How much do you make?
3,000,000 won (315,000 yen) a month.Do you have a plan to improve the income?
I will go to graduate school after I finish here at Kunsan University and study hair and beauty.Oh. So you’re a university student and you own your own shop?
Yes. I’m a full time student and I’ve been studying at university for ten years.How will that help you make more money in the future?
I want to work two jobs. One would be to run an academy, and then have my own hairshops, to expand from just one.Do you have other services besides cutting?
Massage and makeup.In Japan it’s becoming popular for men to wear makeup. What about Korea?
Not really. However, we have special skin lotion which contains some makeup like coloring.I see. What are your working hours?
Six days, 11 or 12 hours a day.When do you have time to study?
After work.What are the good points of being a hair stylist?
I very much enjoy the job because I can offer a service to people, and utilize a technique using my hands. I can go anywhere. Everybody gets a haircut. In the future I hope to go to the United States.Any bad points to being a hair stylist?
I get very tired.Was it expensive to start your own shop?
Yes. My parents helped me. I rent that shop in the building.Any other dreams?
I would like to write a book about hairstyling with photos and explanations of techniques. A book for everybody, not just hairstylists. These days such books are becoming more popular. As a principal of the academy I want to give advice to young people considering this career .Very ambitious. My last question. Very very important. What hair style do you recommend for me?
Perm. You have natural curls and a long face.the end