She Went From Binge-watching K-dramas to Studying in Korea on a Full Scholarship

[Ayodeji adebayo]

Her love for K-dramas opened the door to a new life in South Korea.

Everyone knows someone who has left—or is planning to leave—Nigeria. Our 1000 Ways To Japa series explores the endless reasons and unique paths young people take to chase new opportunities abroad.

Today, we meet Honour, a 20-year-old who transformed her obsession with K-pop and K-dramas into a fully funded scholarship in South Korea. From late-night binge-watching to landing the prestigious Global Korea Scholarship, her journey shows how passion, persistence, and prayer can lead to life-changing opportunities.

From Fandom to Future
Like many Nigerian teenagers, Honour discovered K-dramas in secondary school. What began as a casual interest soon grew into a full-blown love for Korean culture. She devoured series, listened to K-pop, and even tuned in to KBS World shows and news.

“It inspired me to want to study in South Korea,” she recalls. “But back then, I was scared of the language barrier, so I applied to scholarships in the UK and US instead.”

When those didn’t work out, she revisited her first love—South Korea. That decision would change her life.

Before her scholarship, Honour was studying mechanical engineering in a Nigerian university. But between long strikes and dwindling passion, she knew she wanted more.

“It felt like I was just studying to get a degree,” she admits. “During the 2020 ASUU strike, I decided to start applying for scholarships. I wanted a better life.”

She tried for UK schools with fashion design—her real passion—but the offers weren’t fully funded. Then she applied for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) and got it.

“It was fully funded—everything I prayed for.”

The Grueling Application Process
Securing the scholarship wasn’t easy. Honour spent four months gathering documents, including transcripts, recommendation letters, certificates, and essays.

“In Nigeria, getting transcripts can take forever. Some schools even charge outrageous fees. Thankfully, mine was affordable, but the whole process was still hectic.”

Back then, the application involved traveling to Abuja to submit documents and attend interviews. Today, much of it is online, making it easier for new applicants.

The Power of Storytelling in Essays
Honour’s first personal statement almost cost her the scholarship.

“I wrote something generic like, ‘I want the scholarship because…’ My sister read it and told me she wouldn’t pick me if she was the reviewer. That was tough love, but it helped.”
She rewrote it, pouring her heart into the essay. She wrote about her passion for fashion, the clothing brand she co-ran with her sisters, and her journey of self-discovery. That vulnerability set her apart.

“My advice: write so personally that you might feel uncomfortable sharing it. That’s how real it should be.”

Money, Planning, and Prayer
Although there’s no application fee, Honour emphasizes budgeting. From online courses to building a fashion portfolio, applicants should expect to spend some money.

Her other advice? Start early, follow instructions carefully, and—above all—pray.

“The process is overwhelming, but God placed helpers along the way for me.”

The scholarship required one year of intensive Korean language study before her degree. Still, learning the language has been her biggest challenge.

“If you want to apply, start learning before you leave Nigeria. Even knowing Hangul and basic phrases will help.”

Beyond language, culture shock hit in unexpected ways: the prevalence of smoking, gossip culture, and even paying for shopping bags.

“K-dramas prepared me for a lot, but some things—like how much people smoke—were a big shock.”

Social Life and Dating
Despite being introverted, Honour has found her community in Korea. She has a few close friends, belongs to a KakaoTalk group for Nigerians, and has adjusted to the local dating culture, which is very different from the dramas she grew up watching.

“In real life, there are no falling books or rich-guy-poor-girl stories. Couples get together quickly, often after three dates. And public displays of affection are everywhere.”

Looking Ahead
Honour isn’t sure yet if she’ll stay in Korea long-term. She sees opportunities in entertainment and fashion but wants to master the language first.

“I might stay for a while, but eventually, I could move to an English-speaking country. For now, it’s all about God’s plan.”

On a scale of one to ten, she rates her happiness an eight.

“I’m really happy here. I just miss my family so much and don’t have the money to visit yet.”

Key Takeaways from Honour’s Journey

• Follow your passion – Her love for K-dramas turned into an academic path.
• Start early & plan ahead – Gathering documents takes time.
• Tell your story honestly – Vulnerability in essays makes you stand out.
• Budget for hidden costs – Even free scholarships require preparation expenses.
• Pray & persevere – The process is tough, but divine help and determination go a long way.

  Honour’s story is proof that even the most unexpected passions—like binge-watching K-dramas—can become the bridge to global opportunities.

In the end, Japa doesn’t always mean following the crowd. Sometimes, it’s about following the dreams planted deep inside your heart.

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