In a heartfelt episode of SBS’s “But Really” that aired on May 18, Billlie member Tsuki shared a deeply personal story about the challenges she faced as a young trainee arriving in Korea. The Japanese-born idol revealed that at just 13 years old, she made the difficult decision to cut off contact with her mother for six months to fully immerse herself in learning Korean.
Appearing alongside Oh My Girl’s Mimi and actress Kim Ji-yu, Tsuki explained the tough reality that greeted her upon arrival. “If I couldn’t speak Korean, nothing worked,” she recalled. “I couldn’t have conversations, I didn’t understand lessons, and I didn’t even know when to eat.” With zero Korean proficiency beyond basic greetings, the young trainee knew she had to make a drastic change to survive in the competitive K-pop industry.
According to Tsuki, she told her mother, “I really need to study Korean to make it here. Please wait until I contact you.” Her parents, who speak no Korean, respected her wishes despite the emotional toll. Fellow panelist Lee Soo-ji praised Tsuki’s dedication, noting how the idol not only became fluent but now comfortably uses regional dialects as well.
Photo | SBS YouTube| Daum
The story left veteran MC Tak Jae-hoon visibly moved and somewhat skeptical at first, highlighting the immense pressure young idols face when moving countries for their dreams. Tsuki added a touching detail, saying she sometimes dreams of her mother speaking Korean a sign of how deeply the experience shaped her.
Now in her early twenties, Tsuki has emerged as one of the freshest faces in Korean variety shows. Following appearances on “Extreme 84” and “I Live Alone,” her candid and charming personality continues to win over audiences. Her journey stands as a powerful example of the personal sacrifices many international K-pop stars make behind the polished performances fans see on stage.
This raw glimpse into Tsuki’s early days reminds us that behind every idol’s bright smile often lies years of quiet determination and family support given from a distance.
