Sandara Park barely spoke for 10 years after relocating to Manila

Long before Sandara Park became a member of one of K-Pop's most influential groups, 2NE1, she was just a timid child struggling to adjust to a new country. The South Korean singer recently opened up about barely speaking for nearly a decade after immigrating to the Philippines at 10.

In a recent episode of the YouTube series “Yoon Do Hyun’s Etc.” on July 24, the "Pambansang Krung Krung" looked back on her childhood and the challenges she faced while growing up in the Philippines.

The 41-year-old said she moved to the country in fourth grade and spent her most formative years here. Adjusting to a completely new environment was especially difficult, as she was already a “shy and reserved child” who struggled to communicate in a language she did not know.

“I hardly spoke for about 10 years,” Sandara recalled, explaining that she could not speak English nor Filipino at the time.

According to AllKpop, her language difficulties also made her stand out among classmates, who teased her because of her struggles communicating. One of her teachers even tried using sign language because she thought Sandara couldn’t speak.

Despite those challenges, music became a source of comfort and motivation. Sandara shared that she began dreaming of becoming a singer during the era of first-generation K-pop idols. A fan of groups like Fin.K.L., she would rent recordings of Korean music shows from Korean video stores and watch them repeatedly, holding on to her dream of performing someday.

Sandara eventually entered the entertainment industry through the first season of the Philippine talent show “Star Circle Quest” in 2004, where she finished as the second placer. She later became an actress and recording artist, including a successful onscreen partnership with fellow contestant Hero Angeles in films “Bcoz of U” and “Can This Be Love?”

Before returning to South Korea to train as an idol, she appeared in movies including “D Lucky Ones” and “Super NoyPi.” In 2009, she debuted as a member of 2NE1 alongside CL, Minzy, and Park Bom. 

The group eventually became one of the biggest K-pop acts, with hits such as “Fire,” “I Am the Best,” and "I Don't Care." The group disbanded in 2016 and later reunited for a performance in 2022.

Following 2NE1’s separation, Sandara continued her entertainment career through various Korean projects, including dramas such as “Cheese in the Trap,” “Missing Korea,” “The Producers,” and “One More Happy Ending.” She recently launched her own record label, Aradnas,  or Sandara spelled backwards. The label released her single album “Reprism.” 

Despite being away from Philippine showbiz for nearly two decades, Sandara remains a beloved figure in the country, where fans continue to celebrate her journey and accomplishments.