Tuesday, November 29, 2022

‘How did they do it?’ Tasha Low (刘怡伶 Liú yí líng) realised she had to leave K-pop industry after singer’s suicide

Source Website: https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/how-did-they-do-it-skarf-tasha-low-realised-she-had-leave-kpop-industry-after-singer-suicide-hear-u-out
By Drima Chakraborty, drimac@asiaone.com, Asiaone, 26 November 2022 at 06:36 pm
 

 The turning point for Tasha Low (刘怡伶 Liú yí líng) came when she saw the news of a K-pop singer who had committed suicide.
PHOTO: The turning point for Tasha Low (刘怡伶 Liú yí líng) came when she saw the news of a K-pop singer who had committed suicide.
Picture from Screengrab/meWATCH
Picture posted by Drima Chakraborty, drimac@asiaone.com, Asiaone on 26 November 2022 at 06:36 pm
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https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/how-did-they-do-it-skarf-tasha-low-realised-she-had-leave-kpop-industry-after-singer-suicide-hear-u-out


If you were riding the Hallyu wave in the early 2010s, you may remember the K-pop girl group Skarf.

While they never reached the popularity of mainstream idol groups, between 2012 and 2014, Singaporeans could feel a huge sense of pride for having two locals — Tasha Low (刘怡伶 Liú yí líng) and Ferlyn Wong (黄晶玲 Huáng jīng líng) — in K-pop.

While making your debut in Asia’s glitziest music scene might seem like a dream come true, reality was very harsh for Tasha.

Five years after she moved to Seoul as a trainee, she found herself without purpose and an agency. Her first agency ran out of funds after two years and “sold” her to another agency. Tasha then spent another three years as a trainee in the second agency, ending her contract there without another group debut.


 Five years after she moved to Seoul as a trainee, she found herself without purpose and an agency.
PHOTO: Five years after she moved to Seoul as a trainee, she found herself without purpose and an agency. Her first agency ran out of funds after two years and “sold” her to another agency. Tasha then spent another three years as a trainee in the second agency, ending her contract there without another group debut.
Picture posted by Tasha Low on Wednesday, 02 November 2022 at 07:31 pm
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https://www.facebook.com/tashaofficialfc/posts/pfbid02MKS5yo96WTX67Wh18h7r7UB5u1YZXXKhwoawhgW8uWKTj3RKHhzKgh1oJHErq5f8l


The turning point came when she saw the news of a K-pop singer who had committed suicide.

“When I read the news, my first thought was, ‘How did they do it?’” the 29-year-old recalled to host Quan Yi Fong on the latest episode of meWATCH talk show Hear U Out.

Tasha realised then she had thoughts of suicide as well and that she was “in an unhealthy state”.

She added: “I felt that if I had gone on in that way, something would really have happened to me.”


 The turning point came when she saw the news of a K-pop singer who had committed suicide.
PHOTO: The turning point came when she saw the news of a K-pop singer who had committed suicide.
Tasha realised then she had thoughts of suicide as well and that she was “in an unhealthy state”.
She added: “I felt that if I had gone on in that way, something would really have happened to me.”
Picture posted by Tasha Low on Tuesday, 26 April 2022 at 07:16 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDk3Krwci8wcQh5d4cI5d14HgrZwyWW2AV2vpG_4DkYc5lA4Q6yknWuDbe3jhgZll5ZfN-uwvhsZdsaW5JcJ1Il8zGNJdGhe0ggiofyqoxTHoEuntzAcTGu-SPzwbfzdUGoN2-57DINyteyiZtCVObQR91gwEwRcDqbE7GC4Z9uENHuPrP02XN0uO/s1800/279244021_5334398433271982_3186376083608931334_n.jpg
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https://www.facebook.com/maxicashsg/photos/a.3448861041825740/5334398463271979


While she didn’t reveal who the singer was, Kim Jong-hyun of the hugely popular boy band Shinee killed himself in December 2017.

Tasha returned to Singapore in early 2018 and vowed not to work in showbiz again. With a friend’s recommendation, she met the Korean boss of a food company and took on the position of a sales manager.

“You finally earned your first salary in your life!” Yi Fong, 48, exclaimed.

Tasha had not been paid while she was in Seoul. In her new job, she earned a steady ＄5,000 a month.


 Tasha had not been paid while she was in Seoul.
PHOTO: Tasha had not been paid while she was in Seoul. In her new job, she earned a steady ＄5,000 a month.
Picture posted by Mediacorp Channel 8 on Tuesday, 19 October 2021 at 06:00 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JBN-0l53MNGcf0wK0QU1rVr4mbwyCwMN4q3EM-heGI95dnK6LTbuiJBM5_Aze7JRwowd_tSi7a5wnRlSevEThN5veetD1rllyO-hNClOZuX31xzdooQ8u2rD9mYSVaxNDjcq9ZvwugeBeiDsjd4LvXLUSJMdGXhV3RG2AxpTqR52pPThsCb-AqgW/s896/241186510_10158963394830345_8778819739103907795_n_1.jpg
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https://www.facebook.com/ch8sg/photos/pcb.10158963412545345/10158963394905345


“But after having a full-time job, I felt that showbiz wasn’t too bad,” she laughed.

She left her sales job after eight months, and after auditioning for a Jack Neo movie, realised she much preferred the local showbiz industry.


 She left her sales job after eight months, and after auditioning for a Jack Neo movie, realised she much preferred the local showbiz industry.
PHOTO: She left her sales job after eight months, and after auditioning for a Jack Neo movie, realised she much preferred the local showbiz industry.
Picture posted by Cross Radio Entertainment on Saturday, 16 October 2021 at 07:00 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30UIJu1WiEYShLgUcpm75RHK6ShCaOu2cRzRz_QYO7VnX0SKDGxvkCdh4CRbyMylu8XDoPp1OFOdpNDM3bD5YD7gzp30Exi78LqU36eHdbRy1Knag80Ni6IdXDcvWfHsNYjaLfBlcJWbYumrTi-m6xyoZ9HNai7nAf9sqPi1NtcTL4VH7WpAOcn8d/s1027/242081115_2677182789251195_7986984140300476752_n_1.jpg
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https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2677182795917861&set=pcb.2677198669249607


“The production crews in Singapore are really nice, they treat the actors well,” she said.

Tasha appeared in Jack’s movies The Diam Diam Era in 2020 and The Diam Diam Era Two the following year.


 Tasha appeared in Jack’s movies The Diam Diam Era in 2020 and The Diam Diam Era Two the following year.
PHOTO: Tasha appeared in Jack’s movies The Diam Diam Era in 2020 and The Diam Diam Era Two the following year.
Picture posted by Cross Ratio Entertainment on Saturday, 16 October 2021 at 07:00 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mZbZlSRiLi9TIZPHlzzLHFZmIEtOzYi9O-_BqUSHN6SQ2snFFs27mfhaRv3fLaU1sLaHvC1lebJMqgkKP40v_qicR53twbXoL7Ukctt5yojcl2rQ1F5dXvcIy25G1uTgFyL29qK7vzQ5wBA-ioiKi13qfDsYyKJAaTL2PhsKth5acec31ES5P2q5/s1152/241558812_2677181339251340_7008865384697700002_n_1.jpg
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https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2677181342584673&set=pcb.2677198669249607


‘I fear their stares and their judgement’
Tasha still finds acting to be something that takes her out of her comfort zone.

“Before I film each scene, I tell myself not to worry about how others see me,” she said.

Yi Fong countered: “But acting is all about how others see you.”

Tasha finds herself being overtly conscious and said she was even worried about the Hear U Out production crew.


 Tasha hails from a family of dancers and learnt how to dance as a very young child.
PHOTO: Tasha hails from a family of dancers and learnt how to dance as a very young child. Her grandfather Sunny Low was a prominent dancer and choreographer, and her great-grandfather Low Poh San is often credited as introducing ballroom dancing to Singapore.
Picture posted by Cross Radio Entertainment on Saturday, 16 October 2021 at 07:00 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueB9wwbYCui_2Ma0e9HzOfCRsMEPbZ0tubU2Ins_udfLrLgh9_cz3Q9Ju8nH5Oi3OeZFj7sHjwdnTPvr8aSL0_ed_9EGrtnyMTzv6C5e-EcOknvb8Fz9S8pHyHTZl8RA3ZUO_qiwlfF0ok8AaLhQJgrW-MPeAghCRmUfJgbyeq_wwjk72-ueprpxA/s1152/241061955_2677180902584717_8612349382172344902_n_1.jpg
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https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2677180919251382&set=pcb.2677198669249607


She confessed: “I fear their stares and their judgement. I don’t know what they’re thinking. I wonder if they’re thinking that I’m not good enough.”

Yi Fong wondered if there may be some residual trauma from her time in South Korea.

“Since childhood, you’ve loved dancing. You took part in competitions, you trained to be in a K-pop girl group,” Yi Fong counted off on her fingers. “You needn’t be afraid of how others might rate your acting.”

Tasha hails from a family of dancers and learnt how to dance as a very young child. Her grandfather Sunny Low was a prominent dancer and choreographer, and her great-grandfather Low Poh San is often credited as introducing ballroom dancing to Singapore.


Posted by tashaalow on 11 May 2022
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdZ0Q5WPiqW/


Tasha realised the difference between acting and performing in a girl group was the spontaneity involved.

“In the past, we only performed after extensive training, so I wasn’t afraid,” she said.

Though Tasha has yet to master the art of acting, she got lessons from Golden Horse Awards best actress winner Yeo Yann Yann for her most recent drama Genie In A Cup.


 To my gong gong, the legendary Sunny Low.
PHOTO: "To my gong gong, the legendary Sunny Low. Throughout the years, you have taught, inspired and educated many generations of ballroom dancers that have benefitted from your knowledge and experience.

One of my most vivid memories of us was when we went on a date on the first day of CNY during Covid as we couldn’t do house visiting. On that day, we went to eat your favourite nasi padang, followed by dessert and grocery shopping for your chocolates and snacks. It meant a lot to me as it was the first time we caught up ever since I came back from Korea. I will definitely miss having food dates with you in the future.

Your hardwork, perseverance and passion for dance has shone throughout the years and inspired so many individuals to pursue their dreams. As your granddaughter, I have been exposed to all the glitz and glamour you brought to the family and I want to thank you for inspiring me to work on my craft and be a responsible performer, regardless of my age.

Thank you for always showering us with your love and kisses, and giving all your grandchildren the love we need. I'll miss your hugs and kisses and most importantly, I'll miss you. Rest in peace, Gong Gong 🖤"
Picture posted by tashaalow on 11 May 2022
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoamcf3plnLTkY9vuljdTZs7MMeXKKIOXqMLARAhwqSC348SQhMFstlcrYOQFRtSKQNev4OhZxe9VgExYjD7_coCMxdJ_dEvQ6SW1v4NFoADU3BpS3a2cZZ52RR6jT8n0gDrDDpqs_jPiTtvrQRmIjcZqc9JOE7d4rdJfASGnLPLxAvLvV_zLMvDOf/s1080/280361957_329409572633880_1167949317606474188_n.jpg
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CdZ0Q5WPiqW/


“During the first lesson, she told me to sing, dance and scream with abundant,” she recalled. “She wanted to let myself go to get into character.”

Compared to the “hellish” life of a K-pop trainee, Tasha felt that it was the “first time I let myself go.”

She even started liking acting more, despite her anxieties.


 Though Tasha has yet to master the art of acting, she got lessons from Golden Horse Awards best actress winner Yeo Yann Yann for her most recent drama Genie In A Cup.
PHOTO: Though Tasha has yet to master the art of acting, she got lessons from Golden Horse Awards best actress winner Yeo Yann Yann for her most recent drama Genie In A Cup.
“During the first lesson, she told me to sing, dance and scream with abundant,” she recalled. “She wanted to let myself go to get into character.”
Picture posted by Tasha Low pm Sunday, 31 October 2021 at 06:34 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS39U0CCD2NxCFOfMhSKenIj2dkGDIMNQM2A9jVSPKcK2N2Z-0YijQZUVHXUkfr5G73bDgAT9-8M-g8wGJCoDvzROnnJWoubfPrHdQNfHexWEaW8RT1pbY28FTB4QoXCNNBmKuJ_T03dPxRg8UBqbLdoiCmSlkSg9Q9E958G_71_ErwLZfcmQK2ecw/s1080/251356973_3686591291566393_4557362432108401636_n.jpg
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https://www.facebook.com/tashaofficialfc/photos/a.1424449907780554/3686591294899726


SINGAPORE HELPLINES
Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800
Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222
Silver Ribbon: 6386-1928
Shan You Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 6741-0078
Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service: www.eC2.sg
Tinkle Friend (for primary school children): 1800-2744-788


 To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.PHOTO: To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.
Picture posted by vincesiowphoto on 18 November 2020
 

 During the first lesson, she told me to sing, dance and scream with abundant,
PHOTO: “During the first lesson, she told me to sing, dance and scream with abundant,” she recalled. “She wanted to let myself go to get into character.”
Picture posted by Tasha Low on Sunday, 22 June 2014 at 02:08 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzwIAawsYHh9T_PgPYVEIDYHKjewk27tERJEkznofSvwIKC26_J13_LiR28VZUkjF5CMHaam8PvUj3HdhAGQMn7Q5VniSOWwV9D4Vi_pUVn1i3bKCSO87yO6EqwOGJEsRHkrE8U5sFJONEJIvEt84G44BkBOUz1OU1Agacsf1Vzl4-Fv_tfD4yKnE/s900/10440625_1630335330525343_4283743626908495372_n.jpg
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https://www.facebook.com/tashaofficialfc/photos/a.1425095514382660/1630335330525343
 

 Compared to the 'hellish' life of a K-pop trainee, Tasha felt that it was the 'first time I let myself go.'
PHOTO: Compared to the “hellish” life of a K-pop trainee, Tasha felt that it was the “first time I let myself go.”
She even started liking acting more, despite her anxieties.
Picture posted by Tasha Low on Sunday, 22 June 2014 at 02:08 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeHtoPLTgtwZVWG633lJFmr_J-9vYD0ag_B86SR8p4LR9G4c1b7rLkIrnLIBzLrfPQsv-Q-x7zOOb-QP_GsTpBKe2CIXw2ASVguDybpjBz0z5u4ibnRqRemPDn1N_NJdwxcsuFInUOw7OEzRmefkojVgy8luk5PO8a3Fd-aqNBnbK3STMCP95PBkt/s900/10488111_1630335313858678_8032245182826851142_n.jpg
https://scontent.fsin15-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.18169-9/10488111_1630335313858678_8032245182826851142_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=mFTAe7nxz2MAX_WGM_h&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin15-1.fna&oh=00_AfAp1Gr7MXi42pZVf-bwF7xFNzAMqCR9nFd_VmmOF9phQQ&oe=63AD1274
https://www.facebook.com/tashaofficialfc/photos/a.1425095514382660/1630335313858678

By Drima Chakraborty, drimac@asiaone.com, Asiaone, 26 November 2022 at 06:36 pm
No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
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Reference
[1] Drima Chakraborty, drimac@asiaone.com, Asiaone, ‘How did they do it?’ Tasha Low realised she had to leave K-pop industry after singer’s suicide, posted on 26 November 2022 at 06:36 pm, https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/how-did-they-do-it-skarf-tasha-low-realised-she-had-leave-kpop-industry-after-singer-suicide-hear-u-out




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