1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson provides an overview of pop star Ariana Grande’s candid confession about the pressure she has faced since the age of 17 regarding her appearance. The article discusses Grande’s experiences with the relentless scrutiny of her looks and her determination to no longer accept such criticism.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 압박감 | appakgam | pressure, burden | The pressure of the noise has been a part of my life since I was 17. |
| 일부 | ilbu | part, portion | It has been a part of my life since I was 17. |
| 받아들이다 | badadeulida | to accept, to take in | Now I no longer accept it. |
| 할 일 | hal il | things to do, work | I have things I need to do. |
| 살아가다 | salangada | to live, to get by | I have a life to live. |
| 사랑하다 | sarangada | to love | I have friends to love. |
| 지원 체계 | jiwon chegye | support system | I’m fortunate to have a support system. |
| 아름답다 | areumdapda | to be beautiful | I know and believe that I am beautiful. |
| 행운 | haengwun | luck, fortune | I consider it a great fortune. |
| 세간의 평가 | seganeui pyeongga | public evaluation, criticism | She criticized the public’s evaluation of her body. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
그란데는 “소음의 압박감이 어떤 것인지 잘 안다. 그것은 17살 때부터 내 삶의 일부였다”며 고백했다.
Grande confessed that she is well aware of the burden of the relentless scrutiny, stating that it has been a part of her life since she was 17 years old.
“이제 나는 그것을 더는 받아들이지 않는다. 나에겐 할 일이 있고, 살아갈 삶이 있고, 사랑할 친구들이 있다”고 설명했다.
She explained that now she no longer accepts it, as she has things she needs to do, a life to live, and friends to love.
“내게 주어진 지원 체계가 있다는 점, 그리고 내가 아름답다는 사실을 알고 믿을 수 있다는 점이 정말 행운이라고 생각한다”고 덧붙였다.
She added that she considers herself fortunate to have a support system and to know and believe that she is beautiful.
미 연예매체 피플지에 따르면 그란데는 2023년 4월에도 틱톡에 3분짜리 독백 영상을 올려 자기 몸에 대해 세간의 평가를 비판했다.
According to the American entertainment magazine People, in April 2023, Grande also posted a 3-minute monologue video on TikTok criticizing the public’s evaluation of her body.
그란데는 이번 고백을 통해 자신의 외모에 대한 끊임없는 압박감과 비판에 대해 솔직하게 털어놓았다.
Through this confession, Grande openly shared the relentless pressure and criticism she has faced regarding her appearance.
그녀는 이제 그러한 부정적인 평가에 더 이상 구애받지 않고, 자신의 삶을 살아가며 사랑하는 사람들과 함께하는 데 집중하겠다는 의지를 보였다.
She has now expressed her determination to no longer be beholden to such negative evaluations and to focus on living her life and being with the people she loves.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- At what age did Ariana Grande start experiencing pressure about her appearance?
- What are some of the things Grande says she now has in her life that she will focus on?
- What does Grande consider herself fortunate to have?
- How did Grande recently criticize the public’s evaluation of her body?
- What is Grande’s overall message in this confession about the pressure she has faced regarding her appearance?
5. Cultural and historical notes
Ariana Grande is a highly successful pop star who has faced intense scrutiny and criticism about her appearance from a very young age. Her candid confession about this pressure reflects the broader issue of unrealistic beauty standards and the harmful impact they can have on public figures, especially young women. Grande’s determination to no longer accept such criticism and to focus on the positive aspects of her life is an empowering message.