Aerobics instructor Yeom Jeong-in, affectionately known as ‘Halmae’, showcased her unwavering passion for aerobics in a recent interview with iMBC Entertainment.
Yeom Jeong-in gained national fame in 2008 after appearing on ‘Infinite Challenge’, where her charismatic teaching style and bold makeup earned her the nickname “Halmae.” Beyond that special episode, she continued to appear on multiple shows and YouTube web variety programs, delighting audiences with her unique charm.
Recently, she performed at the 20th-anniversary event ‘Infinite Challenge Run with Coupang Play’, delivering a lively aerobics performance that captivated the crowd.
During the interview at her aerobics studio in Seoul’s Seongbuk-gu, Yeom Jeong-in spoke enthusiastically with her signature energy. She remarked, “I still live off ‘Infinite Challenge.’ Its influence is enormous people mostly remember me from that show.”
Interestingly, Yeom Jeong-in revealed she had considered quitting aerobics before her TV appearance. “When I started filming, I was over 50. Teaching everyday people wasn’t the problem, I had just lost interest. Aerobics had become routine. It wasn’t my livelihood; it was just exercise. But once it became my job, the passion faded.”
Before her ‘Infinite Challenge’ fame, Yeom Jeong-in had been more interested in water skiing, horseback riding, and paragliding. However, filming the show reignited her love for aerobics. “I design all my choreography myself. If I’m not enjoying it or moved by it, I can’t teach,” she said.
Now in her seventies, Yeom Jeong-in continues to greet each day with energy. “Even now, waking up early and coming to the studio makes my heart race. If my heart isn’t racing, I can’t do anything. I feel like I’m on a time machine to 10 years in the future Yeom Jeong-in at 83 looking back at me now, still youthful. That thought gives me energy.”
She even joked about her ultimate goal: “My wish is to die doing aerobics. There’s no ‘until when.’ Until I die. I’ve heard of people water skiing at 100 years old abroad. I’m ready whenever my time comes, without regrets.”
Yeom Jeong-in also delivered a message to younger generations, urging them to prioritize what’s essential in life. “There’s a difference between essential and optional. Focus on what you truly need and act now. Don’t wait for the easy or fun stuff. Persistence beats talent. Even someone like me, who started as unskilled, can turn weaknesses into strengths with dedication.”
Finally, when asked about the meaning of ‘Infinite Challenge’, she reflected, “‘Infinite Challenge’ isn’t just a show it’s a reminder not to live like a frog in a well. Don’t underestimate yourself. Keep challenging yourself.”
Yeom Jeong-in continues to inspire as a living symbol of energy, passion, and resilience, proving age is no barrier to living life fully.
Sources: Daum