FTISLAND's Song Seung-hyun Embraces New Life as a Restaurant Owner in New York

Former FTISLAND member Song Seung-hyun has revealed his new chapter in life as a restaurant owner in New York City, following his retirement from the entertainment industry.

Sharing his journey on social media, Song Seung-hyun reflected on the year that has passed since he moved to New York after 15 years in the Korean entertainment scene. He described his new life, which began simultaneously with his marriage, as a series of unexpected challenges, even for tasks he thought he was prepared for.

He recounted his initial days working in his father's newly opened soondubu restaurant, starting from the very bottom as a busboy and eventually becoming a server, a role he continues to this day. Song Seung-hyun admitted that the first three months were incredibly lonely and difficult, but he looks back with gratitude for the supportive environment and the blessing of marriage that allowed him to pursue new endeavors in a foreign land.

Song Seung-hyun candidly shared that while working in the restaurant business, he also ventured into fields completely opposite to his previous career, embracing whatever came his way. He confessed that he might have been arrogant during his celebrity days, despite considering himself humble, and even questioned his decision to immigrate so easily at times. However, he pushed through by focusing on the mindset of having 'accomplished today wonderfully' rather than voicing his struggles.

He also revealed his plans to acquire a Korean hot pot restaurant using the savings accumulated during his time with FTISLAND. Song Seung-hyun expressed that this journey into the food industry was fraught with numerous difficulties and experiences, but the daily physical labor and diligent saving have made him stronger—physically, mentally, and spiritually. While he no longer experiences the same dopamine rush as performing on stage, he finds genuine joy and happiness in his current work, believing it to be a fitting career change given his love for food. He emphasized the immense support and strength he draws from his wife, enabling him to take on these challenges.

Looking ahead, Song Seung-hyun is confident in his ability to persevere and succeed, even if the restaurant doesn't immediately thrive. He aspires to become a hot pot restaurant owner who is more humble and continuously learns the meaning of humility.

Song Seung-hyun debuted as the guitarist for the band FTISLAND in 2009, actively participating in music. After leaving the group in 2019, he explored various fields including acting, but ultimately retired from the entertainment industry in 2022. He married last June and is currently pursuing new challenges in New York City.