Ryu Tae-young: The Rising Star of 'Stage Fighter' and His Journey in Dance

Spotlight on Rising Stars: Catching the Brightest in the Entertainment Industry

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"If making money was my priority, I wouldn't have started dancing. It's hard to earn a substantial income from lessons or performances. That's why I want to pursue modeling alongside dance. Both aren't primarily for money, but it's a realistic consideration."

Recently, I met Ryu Tae-young, a contemporary dancer featured on Mnet's 'Stage Fighter' (Stepa), at a café in Yongsan, Seoul. 'Stage Fighter' is a program where male dancers from various genres like Korean dance, contemporary dance, and ballet compete for ranks. It has played a significant role in introducing the world of K-dance to the public.

Among the 64 dancers on the show, Ryu Tae-young stood out with his impressive height of 184cm, fair skin, and exceptional skills. He reached the 'First' rank, leaving a strong impression on viewers.

Ryu Tae-young shared, "I maintain a weight of 65kg to present beautiful dance lines on stage." He explained, "I don't fast or follow a special diet. I manage my meals by setting a daily intake and adjusting the proportions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."

Ryu Tae-young is a student in the dance department at Sejong University, class of 2021. Regarding career paths for dance majors, he said, "There are hardly any dance companies that offer regular salaries. Most work as freelancers." He added, "Many go into education, but that's not the path for me. Occasional lectures are fine, but influencing others feels burdensome."

'Stage Fighter' shocked audiences when 24 contestants were eliminated in the seventh episode. Ryu Tae-young recalled, "I was surprised when the elimination schedule was suddenly announced during the K-content mission."

"I knew it was a survival show, but not knowing exactly when eliminations would happen kept me tense. Hearing the sudden announcement was a harsh experience I don't want to go through again."

Ryu Tae-young cited the public mission as the most challenging part of filming 'Stage Fighter.' He said, "It felt like I was pouring everything into it for ten days straight. It was physically exhausting, but I never thought of giving up." He added, "The harder it was, the more rewarding it felt. It's a precious memory I'll never forget."

He continued, "The survival nature of the show meant creating a competitive atmosphere, which was initially hurtful and confusing. However, as episodes progressed, I became more accustomed and comfortable. Dancers began focusing more on showcasing art."

His long hair on the show became a captivating feature for viewers. Ryu Tae-young revealed, "I started growing it because looking young was a complex for me." He confessed, "I wanted to cut it during the show but couldn't."

"The show's writer persuaded me not to cut it. Initially, it was uncomfortable for dancing, but over time, I could try various styles, and it became a unique trait. I'm satisfied now, and I'm glad many people like it. I'm grateful to the writer (laughs)."

Ryu Tae-young started preparing for college entrance exams relatively late. He said, "I joined a dance club casually. At the time, street dance had a negative perception. While considering other paths, I was inspired by BTS's Jimin. I couldn't give up dancing. I began preparing seriously for dance entrance exams in September of my sophomore year."

"In the past, I was stressed when results didn't match my efforts. But after 'Stage Fighter,' I've found meaning in dancing happily. I plan to focus more on the process than the outcome."

Regarding his participation in 'Stage Fighter,' Ryu Tae-young said, "I wanted to learn something and make my presence known in the dance scene." Initially, personal growth and recognition were his main goals, but through the experience, he also found value in popularizing dance.

"I hope people can enjoy dance casually. Like reading a book or watching shorts, dance can be approached without pressure. By letting go of the notion that it's difficult, you can find enjoyment and discover hidden meanings within dance. This will deepen your appreciation for its charm."

Reporter Lee So-jung, Ten Asia forusojung@tenasia.co.kr