Shadiya moved to Seoul three years ago and dreams of a career as a model and actress. A Turmush correspondent spoke with the young talented woman.
Previously, Shadiya amazed her friends with Kyrgyz outfits, but now she has also attracted the attention of the Korean audience.
“Seoul Fashion Week takes place twice a year. Before, I only watched the shows as an audience member, but this time I had the opportunity to perform. On the fourth day of the event, I decided to present a national outfit. I didn’t have a traditional Kyrgyz dress, so I chose my grandfather's chepken (chapan) and tied my grandmother's scarf. These were the only national items that I had left,” she said.
Last year, when her younger brother was returning from Kyrgyzstan, Shadiya asked him to bring national clothing. She showed these outfits to her Korean friends and gifted them, while the clothes left from her grandparents now serve as a symbol of luck for her. Photographers and journalists present at Fashion Week showed interest in her look and interviewed her, highly appreciating its uniqueness and harmony,” the girl added.
Shadiya began studying the Korean language back in school and has always dreamed of visiting this country.
“I have been living in Seoul for three years now. I started learning Korean in the eighth grade, and the goal of my move here is to fulfill my dream. At first, I worked various jobs, and now I run a blog about life in Korea and shoot commercials,” she shared.
Dreaming of a career as an actress, Shadiya also wants to make a film dedicated to the beauty and uniqueness of her homeland to present it to the whole world.
She proudly speaks of the rich traditions of the Kyrgyz people that are passed down from generation to generation. “From early childhood, the traditions and customs that I heard from my parents became part of my essence. Unfortunately, my grandparents are no longer with us, but their wisdom, upbringing, and hard work will always remain in my memory. My grandfather, Esen Isayev, made a significant contribution to the development of our village, Ak-Suu, and later worked as the chairman of the elders' court. I am proud of my grandfather,” Shadiya emphasized.
Shadiya is the eldest of four children in her family.
