Meet Beenish Aslam, an accomplished MPhil scholar, and writer at Wonderful World English. Beenish has a wealth of experience in education, and we sought out her expertise to provide fresh insights into this dynamic world.
Whether you are a regular person or a globally known celebrity, knowing English opens doors to opportunities around the world.
English has grown from its origins as a Germanic dialect spoken by a small group of people in medieval England to become the world’s most widely spoken and influential language.
English is now used by over 1.5 billion people as their native or second language, making it a real worldwide phenomenon.
So, if you want to access a large number of people, knowing how to speak English is a must!
Due to this, Seungmin, singer of the famous South Korean boy band Stray Kids, learned English – to connect with fans around the world!
Seungmin honed his English skills through a blend of real-world and online experiences. In 4th grade, he spent three months in Los Angeles learning English. He practiced regularly and took an online course, which provided him with the necessary classes and materials to enhance his English skills.
Many K-pop idols strive to learn English in order to communicate with international fans and potentially expand their careers into the global market.
Developing a deeper connection with over 1.5 billion people increases the chances of becoming the heartthrob of millions!
Let’s go into more detail about how Seungmin learned English!
Check out the video below to see a compilation of Seungmin speaking English:
How Did Seungmin Learn English?
If you are reading this, you likely already know who Seungmin is, and he won’t need an introduction.
But for anyone who isn’t sure, we will give you a quick rundown of who he is.
Seungmin was born on September 22, 2000, in Seoul.
His grandfather introduced him to baseball, immediately attracting his attention and interest.
He dreamed of becoming a baseball player and worked hard for it, but he had to stop because of an injury.
He used to like music and singing since his childhood, and when he was in elementary school, he took part in a nursery rhyme contest.
Luckily, he won the prize and joined the choir.
In middle school, he realized that music made him happy and content.
So, he started singing and practicing music to fulfill his heart’s desire.
From there, Seungmin went on to keep singing and ended up becoming an icon within the K-pop genre.
You might be wondering how he learned English despite getting an education in Seoul.
When Seungmin was in fourth grade, he learned English in Los Angeles for three months.
This is considered to be one of the main reasons Seungmin speaks English very well.
Korea does put an emphasis on English learning, but it does not have the highest level of English proficiency in Asia.
To discover the most English-speaking countries in Asia, check out the link below!
Related Article: What Asian Countries Speak English? – Full Guide
Seungmin speaks English and has decent pronunciation but is not as fluent as his bandmate Chan.
Still, he boasts good English and has been studying a lot to polish his speaking skills.
The main factors playing a crucial role in making Seungmin speak English in interviews, concerts, and gatherings are:
1. Exposure
The exposure to English has helped Seungmin develop a strong command of the language, which he can now use effectively in his songs.
In fact, k-pop songs have become more popular in the West than in Korea!
So, if you are looking for the motivation to learn English, start listening to music, and one day, you might end up becoming a musician yourself!
For a list of some of the greatest English songs to sing, check out the link below!
Related Article: Best English Songs to Sing – Complete Guide
2. Formal Education
Seungmin learned English in Los Angeles for three months in fourth grade.
Many K-pop idols have received formal education in order to learn English.
They enrolled themselves in English language classes or international schools that use English as the primary language of instruction.
In the case of Seungmin, he learned the Basic English words and their pronunciation in LA.
3. Interactions With Fans
Seungmin decided to learn English in order to communicate and connect with his fans all over the world.
English is the most commonly spoken language in the world, and it is a brilliant tool for those who want to express themselves in another language.
Many celebrities find that learning English helps them connect with a wider global audience.
Another great example of a K-pop star learning English is none other than Jaehyun!
For some insights into the NCT member’s English learning journey, check out the link below!
Related: How Did Jaehyun Learn English? – Answered
4. Self-Improvement
Seungmin has worked hard to improve and develop.
Whether in his performing career or his English, he has applied himself and taken the necessary steps to advance.
Anyone wanting to improve their language skills must always strive to learn and improve.
This is why the star has managed to develop his English-speaking skills over time, and this was made easier with the pool of content available online.
5. Immersion
Cultural immersion has also played a major role in improving Seungmin’s English speaking skills.
Immersion in English-speaking environments, such as when traveling for international promotions or living abroad, has significantly improved his language skills.
Being surrounded by English speakers also forces him to use it frequently, further improving his speaking and comprehension.
Another K-pop star who can speak English is Jackson Wang.
Find out how he learned English in the link below!
Related Article: How Did Jackson Wang Learn English? – Answered
Tips to Improve English
No matter what your native language is, you can learn and master English if you increase your exposure and urge to learn.
Use practical strategies to improve your English speaking and writing skills at a gradual pace.
You can use Seungmin’s strategies to polish your English speaking skills, such as:
1. Media Consumption
You can improve your listening and comprehension skills by watching English-language films and TV shows and listening to English music.
Many K-pop idols are introduced to English via subtitles on international broadcasts of their content.
So, follow the subtitles to improve your English vocabulary.
Podcasts are another excellent tool for improving English language skills.
Check out the guide below for a list of the BEST podcasts to learn English!
Related Article: Best Podcasts to Learn the English Language in 2024 (Top 10)
2. Self-Study
Many K-pop idols are driven and pursue self-study.
You can also use language learning apps, textbooks, online courses, and other resources to improve your English skills.
There is a wealth of resources online these days, so there is something for everyone who wants to master the English language.
3. Read English Material
Start with simple books, newspapers, or magazines in the English language.
Gradually work your way up to more complex materials in your areas of interest.
Remember, reading is an essential component of knowledge building.
Reading big words in English is a difficult aspect for many learners.
Fortunately, there are some great strategies that can help people read larger words more easily.
Check out the guide below for more!
Related Article: How to Read Big Words in English – The Guide
4. Immerse Yourself in English Culture
Just like Seungmin, you can travel to an English-speaking country if possible.
You can also change your phone, computer, and social media settings to English.
Moving to a native English-speaking country may be an unrealistic option for many.
Fortunately, there are some countries that speak English where the cost of living isn’t incredibly high!
Check out the guide below to find out more!
Related Article: Cheapest English-Speaking Countries to Live in (Top 6)
5. One-on-One Lessons
Many K-pop groups have received formal language training to boost their language skills.
You can also consider hiring a private tutor for one-on-one instruction.
Tutors can provide personalized lessons and help you focus on specific areas of improvement.
6. Online Communities
You can participate in English-language forums, social media groups, or language-learning communities to ask questions and connect with others learning English.
For instance, you could even join the community of Stray Kids fans to polish your vocabulary and pronunciation while speaking with others who love K-pop!
7. Be Consistent
You must set aside dedicated time each day for English learning.
Consistency is key to making progress in language acquisition.
Even thirty minutes of dedicated study time will be sure to take your English to the next level.
8. Don’t Fear Failure
Famous celebrities, such as Seungmin, who are not native English speakers, don’t fear speaking English in front of thousands of people.
They learn through their mistakes and face their fears.
You must not refrain from speaking English in front of others.
Seek feedback from native speakers or teachers to correct your errors and improve.
Following these tips inspired by Seungmin, you will be sure to improve your English language skills too!
Conclusion
In this guide, we have explored how Seungmin learned English and key takeaways from his case.
It is truly inspiring to see Seungmin speaking good English in interviews and concerts despite being a non-native English speaker.
If you are a learner and want to sound like a native English speaker, start following Seungmin’s strategies today.
Increase your exposure.
Reach out to native English speakers through online platforms, including social media, language exchange programs, and online language communities.
Face your fears and start speaking English in front of people.
Take constructive feedback, work on your weaker areas, and don’t forget to be consistent!
We hope you have found value in this article, and please take the time to follow us on social media. It really helps us grow!
Have a wonderful day!
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