Hip-Hop star Zion.T opens up about self-hatred and finding self-love through music

Time of India

a day ago

In a world where social media perfection reigns supreme, it's refreshing when celebrities drop their guard and get real about their struggles. Korean hip-hop artist Zion.T recently did just that during a YouTube lecture on the 'Sebashi Lecture' channel, where he opened up about his journey through self-hatred and how it unexpectedly became the foundation of his artistic identity.
The confession was raw and unfiltered - something that would resonate deeply with anyone who's ever felt like they weren't enough. "I didn't like anything about myself - not my music, not my face, nothing. I was so dissatisfied and felt so sorry for myself that I couldn't bear it," Zion.T shared with startling honesty. It's the kind of vulnerability that makes you pause your scrolling and actually listen.
Sebashi (세바시), short for "15 Minutes to Change the World" (세상을 바꾸는 시간 15분), is South Korea's largest lecture platform that has become a cultural phenomenon.
Think of it as Korea's answer to TED Talks, but with a uniquely Korean twist that focuses on personal stories and social transformation.
Sebashi's format is deliberately intimate and conversational. Each speaker gets exactly 15 minutes to share their story, creating a sense of urgency that forces speakers to get to the heart of their message quickly. The topics range from social values and psychology to trends, self-development, and personal transformation - exactly the kind of platform where an artist like Zion.T could share his vulnerable journey with authenticity.
When Insecurity Becomes Art
What's fascinating about Zion.T's story is how his attempts to hide himself actually became his signature style. Remember those awkward teenage years when you'd do anything to blend into the background? Well, imagine doing that on stage in front of thousands of people. That's exactly what Zion.T did, and it worked in the most unexpected way.
He revealed how he would steal his father's sunglasses - his dad worked as a driver - just to hide his eyes during performances because he couldn't stand the thought of people seeing him.
"I didn't want to show my eyes, I hated myself so much on stage. When that flashy hip-hop music played, I stood completely still," he admitted.
The irony? That's when audiences finally started paying attention. His stillness in a genre known for dynamic movement, his hidden eyes behind dark glasses - it all became part of his mystique. It's like when you're trying so hard to be invisible that you end up standing out even more.
The Unexpected Path to Self-Discovery
Here's where Zion.T's story gets really interesting - and relatable for anyone who's ever been their own worst critic. He talked about how he would layer his vocals dozens of times because he thought his voice sounded "thin and worthless". Every artist has those moments of doubt, but Zion.T took it to another level, literally building walls of sound to hide what he perceived as inadequacy.
But here's the plot twist that makes this story so compelling: "The funny thing is, while I was hiding myself, I was simultaneously filling myself up. The things I created from self-hatred strangely became the ingredients that made me love myself," he reflected. It's like accidentally discovering your superpower while trying to hide your perceived weakness.
This transformation didn't happen overnight. Zion.T explained that it was only after developing self-compassion that he began to notice others around him.
"No matter how successful and comfortable someone appears, they're all the same," he observed. It's a universal truth that transcends cultural boundaries - we're all fighting battles that others can't see.
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
What makes Zion.T's confession particularly powerful is his acknowledgment that the struggle isn't over. "I'm still like this, but I wanted to win against myself at least once, so I gathered the courage to come here today," he shared during the lecture.
There's something beautifully honest about admitting that self-acceptance is an ongoing process, not a destination you reach and then you're done.
His message for the future is equally touching and hopeful. Instead of hiding behind past inadequacies and complexes, he wants people to hide behind their aspirations - "who we want to become, who I want to be, the life I want to live". It's a perspective shift that could change everything for someone struggling with similar feelings.
The lecture concluded with a humble request that felt more like a conversation with a friend than a celebrity speaking to fans: "What I want to hide about my future is that I want to make music for a long time. I'll work really hard, so please help me sustain it a little longer".