Kim Beom-su, director of Jexy Waxing, a private waxing salon near Hongdae’s Sangsu Station in Seoul, has published an essay-style book titled ‘Waxinghaggaeron.’ Unlike existing technical waxing books, this publication offers a different perspective, chronicling the growth, concerns, and realistic survival story of an individual living as a male waxer in Hongdae. It is characterized by Director Kim’s candid recounting of his experiences and emotions.
Unique Perspective and Title Inspiration of ‘Waxinghaggaeron’
The newly published ‘Waxinghaggaeron’ distinguishes itself from existing technical waxing books, presenting an essay that captures the growth, concerns, and realistic survival story of a male waxer in Hongdae.
Its distinctive feature is that it goes beyond merely explaining waxing techniques, instead delving into the experiences and emotions encountered while living as a male waxer within the unique environment of Hongdae.
Director Kim Beom-su revealed that the book’s title was inspired by the movie ‘Architecture 101’ (Geonchukhakgaeron). He explained that just as ‘Architecture 101’ encapsulated someone’s youth and memories, he wanted this book to tell the story of a person living as a male waxer in Hongdae, thus leading to the title ‘Waxinghaggaeron’.
A Youth’s Reality and Narrative of Overcoming Prejudice
The book candidly details the overwhelming uncertainty and anxiety felt when first opening a waxing salon in Hongdae, as well as moments of impatience due to a lack of customers.
It also sincerely unfolds the process of gradually building trust with clients and forging his own path.
In particular, the prejudice faced simply for being a male waxer and the journey of overcoming it is said to resonate as a realistic narrative of youth.
Waxing as ‘Understanding People’
Director Kim Beom-su views waxing not merely as a procedure, but as ‘the act of understanding people’.
He candidly expresses the emotions and thoughts he experienced within his relationships with clients, delivering a profound message not only to industry professionals but also to young people in their twenties contemplating their own paths.
Empathy and Comfort for Readers
‘Waxinghaggaeron’ holds significance as a record chronicling the growth journey of a young individual making his way through his work, set against the symbolic backdrop of Hongdae.
Through its story of forging one’s place in a seemingly glamorous yet fiercely competitive reality, the book is expected to offer readers genuine empathy and comfort.
Director Kim Beom-su has accumulated diverse field experience operating Jexy Waxing near Hongdae’s Sangsu Station, and through this book, he has shared his story with the public for the first time. He expressed his hope that this book would serve as a source of courage for some and empathy for others.
Director Kim Beom-su’s ‘Waxinghaggaeron’ is expected to deeply resonate with readers through his candid experiences as a male waxer in Hongdae. Beyond just a story about a profession, this book is anticipated to be a coming-of-age essay that offers courage and comfort to young people navigating uncertain times.
