Yoari Breaks Out of Her Shell to Showcase Skills, Not Looks

Singer Yoari is holding a solo concert at Veloso near Hongik University on Saturday. Since her debut, the singer has struggled through various performance venues, and she hopes the upcoming show will give her a real chance to showcase her abilities.

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"I want to hold as many concerts as possible to become a better singer rather than appearing on TV", the 26-year-old said.

Yoari first entered show business in 2007 at the age of 20 but failed to grab the spotlight. She was rediscovered on a TV audition show last year and drew attention when it was revealed that she had to wear a mask to hide her lack of confidence about her looks.

Show business has been somewhat of an escape for Yoari, who dropped out of middle school due to financial problems. "I learned hairdressing skills, worked in a call center and sold clothes at Dongdaemun Market", she explained. "I sang songs, wearing a bucket on my head, whenever I felt frustrated. I was happiest when I was singing".

Her first big act was as a member of a rock band in 2007, but her agency made her wear a mask to hide her looks. "I was embarrassed, but at least I could concentrate on singing", she said.

Since then, she sang for the "Secret Garden" soundtrack and released a single but did not have much success until the audition show.

"It was a hard time. The audition show was my last chance, and it showed that I could be a singer again as I was much loved by the audience", Yoari said. "I want to be a musician who continues to grow".