French TV personality Fabien, who had been quiet for a while, shared an update: he set his sights on Korea’s national Tour Guide Interpreter exam out of his love for Korean culture and history―and passed.
On March 7, Fabien posted a video titled “The Reason I Disappeared” on his YouTube channel, Fabien. “Last year was tough,” he said. “I hit pause on YouTube, broadcasting, work, even meeting people. I asked myself what I love most and what makes me happiest. The answer was Korean culture and Korean history.”
That’s why he decided to take the Tour Guide Interpreter exam, a national license that allows holders to interpret for foreign tourists, lead tours, and explain Korean culture. Fabien has already spent eight years as a docent at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History and has guided at Changdeokgung Palace. “I’m not Korean, but when someone loves Korea or shows interest in it, I feel proud for no reason,” he shared in the video. “When someone enjoys Korean food, I’m genuinely happy―like I cooked it myself.”
Preparing as a non-Korean wasn’t easy. The written exam has four subjects: Korean history, tourism resources, tourism laws and regulations, and an introduction to tourism. Fabien studied by visiting sites like the National Museum of Korea and the Seoul Museum of History, and he formed a study group with other applicants. In the process, he reportedly scored a perfect 100 in the Korean history section.
“As I studied Korea, I slowly felt better, and that time became meaningful,” he said. “I was reminded again of how beautiful Korea is and how much there is to see.” He plans to keep creating content about Korean tourism and culture and to continue giving talks and pursuing a range of related activities.
Fabien is a former French taekwondo athlete turned actor, model, and TV personality. He also served as a special commentator for SBS during the Paris 2024 Olympics. He currently holds Korean permanent residency and has consistently expressed deep affection for Korean culture through various shows and content, including JTBC’s "Non Summit."
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)