From Pokhara to Korean Dramas: Puja’s Journey of Breaking Barriers

People
Entertainment
The Buzz Nepal
August 10 , 2025

Describing her path as “fearless, unpredictable, and groundbreaking,” Puja has gone from the small lanes of Pokhara to the bright sets of South Korea – a journey marked by breaking barriers, constant learning, and proving that dreams truly have no borders.

Career-defining moment

Her career-defining moment came when she was cast in a Korean drama, a rare milestone for a Nepali talent. The opportunity didn’t arrive overnight; it followed thousands of auditions, relentless networking, and balancing life as both a student and a worker in Korea. “I never imagined that being a foreigner, especially from Nepal, would get me on a Korean drama set,” she says.

Working in Korean entertainment industry is one of the dreams of every hallyu lover, and Puja was one of them who achieved it. “The moment I was signed by a Korean entertainment company, I felt an overwhelming mix of pride and responsibility, knowing I was representing not just myself but my entire country in an industry where Nepali faces are almost unseen.”

Representing Nepal on KBS

Puja also got a chance to appear on one of Korea’s biggest broadcasting platforms, KBS alongside with Nineties leader, Suresh Moktan. “That felt surreal.”, she expressed. “We weren’t just two individuals, we were carrying the identity, culture, and colors of Nepal on a massive stage,” she recalls. The encouragement from both Korean and Nepali audiences made the experience even more special.

Puja’s time in Korea also included training as a K-pop trainee, an intense period filled with strict schedules for singing, dancing, and fitness. With her university and agency in different cities, she often attended online classes to keep up. While the high points were the skills she honed, the challenges were equally significant: cultural differences, homesickness, and the constant pressure to meet industry standards. Yet, she believes these hardships shaped her discipline and resilience.

From Mega Model Winner to Judge

Returning home, Puja experienced a full-circle moment: from winning Mega Model Season 4 to sitting on the judges’ panel. Standing on the same stage she once competed on, she now mentors young talents, encouraging them to believe they can reach beyond Nepal’s borders. “Mentoring is deeply rewarding because I see so much potential in Nepali youth,” she shares.

Staying Motivated in a Demanding Industry

Through it all, her motivation remains the same: to represent Nepal in spaces where it has rarely been seen before. On tough days, she leans on the support of her family, close friends, and fans, reminding herself why she started. “To break limits and open doors for others.”, she expressed.

If she could speak to her younger self, her advice would be simple yet powerful: “Don’t be scared of being different. The things that make you stand out will one day become your strength. Keep going and one day the world will know your name.”

And to young Nepalese aspiring to enter K-pop, modeling, or international media, she offers this: believe in your talent, but also prepare with skill, discipline, and patience. “Don’t be afraid to start small and never let the fear of rejection stop you. Remember, if a girl from Pokhara can make it to Korean dramas, so can you – with hard work, persistence, and self-belief.”