Trick interview-Sang 

He passed away on skid row, funeral was on 8/5/23 - a dozen of his friends from high school attended his funeral. May he finally rest in peace...

I was his wife for over 20 years I disconnected myself from him and his family since i was divorced. That was only way to save myself and my kids. I am still going through lots of sadness, anger, loving memories about him. I hope he is heaven with no pain.

“I don’t regret the missed opportunities… I regret hurting people.” - sang. The most honest and self aware.

If you haven’t watched this full video yet then You should. This man was a very intelligent man who had an addiction. Pray for those still living the struggle🙏 RIP Sang

I get this guy. I am also plagued by a feeling that there's something missing and I run after it. I also am educated, with a good job, and a family, but I don't always feel connected. I often want to be alone and I suffer from depression and anxiety. People think I'm always productive, but it's because I feel like I have to justify my existence.

I’ve never seen anyone be able to critique themselves in such a 3rd party way. He is very self aware and able to take out any bias which is extremely rare amongst people

Damn he was my professor. It’s real sad to see him down bad. Honestly he was really nice. I never knew he was going through it at the time he was teaching our labs.

“I don’t know what I’m running from but I have to run some days… I still don’t know what it is that I’m running from, and I feel like if I don’t find out soon it’s gonna kill me. That would be okay too though, at least I’ll have total silence.” I started tearing up because I’ve never related to something so much from anyone on this channel. Thank you for your insightful thoughts Sang.

I'm continually impressed by the bravery and honesty of these interviewees.

Rest in Peace Sang! Amazingly insightful, honest and self aware. So brilliant and yet so very sad.

Of all the interviews I've watched on this channel, Sang had the greatest fall from grace. Went from being a college professor with a PhD, working at IBM, and having a loving wife and two children to smoking crack, tricking, and living on Skid Row. Fascinating but unfortunate

He articulated what an addict is soo well. I’m so intrigued by his outlook. So profound.

“The little emptiness you had will grow into a vast emptiness”. He’s so honest!! And I think I could talk to him all day. So philosophical, level headed and smart. Best of luck to you Sang

As an Asian I appreciate these stories because it helps show that we don’t all fit the same stereotypical mold society puts us in.

1:40 - I try not to judge people 2:20 - Understanding of humans 3:30 - Ph.D. Holder 4:20 - Pressure. Asian Culture 5:20 - Married for 23 years 5:40 - Picking up girls 6:40 - Going through 2, 3 girls a day 7:00 - Expressing instability 7:20 - I don't believe in love 8:10 - Responsible anger 9:10 - Stress vicious circle 10:00 - A past life knowing 10:40 - Understanding of want & need 12:00 - Constraint. The need for rules 12:40 - Drug history & Ecstacy 13:40 - Running from yourself. 14:10 - Always working. The need to learn constantly keeps the mind active 15:10 - "I have to run" "After all the therapist hours, I still don't know what it is that I'm running from" 15:40 - Going through schooling while using drugs 18:00 - $800 - $1000 a night. Income 18:50 - How often do you pick up 19:40 - Acting skills that wows him. Lies a huge turn off 21:50 - "When the hustle comes to an end, the tools have to be put down" 22:00 - "I don't think she knows who she is" "Shes put on too many masks" 22:20 - The End of the Marriage. 22:30 - Pursuit of knowledge keeping him sane 23:40 - Functional addict? 24:20 - Facade of addiction. 25:00 - Try covering up, but the darkness will be there. 25:20 - Regret getting into drugs? 25:40 - I would have hurt less people 26:10 - "What seems to be... If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't true" 26:40 - The void only Christ can fill 27:20 - Drugs is never the answer

This man was PRECIOUS 🥺 I’m only 9 minutes in but I am moved by what he has said so far. May you RIP SANG🦋

One of the most interesting people he’s interviewed by far

This guy is rare in his honesty and his intelligence. I found his testimony fascinating and I relate strongly to what he has shared. His observations about how he is both appalled and fascinated by the girls' acting abilities was very insightful. He is living fully, deeply and fearlessly. I admire his thirst for knowledge in general and knowledge of self. Sang is a compelling character with much integrity. I wish him the best.

This man is so lucid. "i stayed up 9 days smoking crack, working on my PhD." What a person....

As a former high-functioning workaholic and opiate addict, I could really relate to a lot of things Sang was saying. How it was either one or the other: work/school or drugs, and I was using both to run from something. How sometimes you don't actually need the drug- you aren't physically dependent but you're mentally tied down. How some people want to use because they just need something to take themselves out of their bodies, to escape their horrible internal reality for a little, and continue to use because when they "come to" (sober up) they can't stand who they are as a person or their history or what their life is now. Loving to learn because it takes you out of reality. Sometimes you have so much trauma that being alone with your thoughts can feel like you're suffocating. You become desperate to distract yourself with anything that can get your brain to focus on something else. I feel like high functioning addiction is something more common than we think but not many people know about it. People have this concept that a drug addict is lazy, stupid, ignorant, unmotivated, low-achieving- but I feel its a myth more than half the time. At the height of my addiction, when I was taking overdose levels of oxycodone everyday, I graduated from a top university undergrad program with summa cum laude, two years early. Nobody knew a thing because I was achieving and was so careful to hide it, I held two jobs while maintaining my GPA and had job offers lined up after graduation. I kept justifying my habits were fine because I was doing so great in terms of achievements. Being high functioning was a double edged sword because its never forever. Your drug of choice will win the fight eventually and someday the scales just tip on you. After losing a friend to overdose and nearly ODing myself, I went to rehab. I have been doing okay since. Been clean for over 2 years now, but its for sure a daily battle. I hope Sang can get out of it.

I could listen to Sang talk for hours. He had a very soothing voice.

I loved his authenticity ...He dropped many nuggets of wisdom. "You have to have lines or you're just an animal" His description of life through experience was touching. His was raw and open in sharing while baring his imperfections and errors which just made him relatable and connectable. He took ACCOUNTABILITY for a lot of things that went on in his life and did not make excuses or play the victim card. He touched on culture demands and expectations. It was even more intriguing learning about his impressive education background and positions held in his previous career. We are all human no matter the education or money we possess we all have fears, demons and go through things that can alter our trajectory in life good or bad. I would be interested in a FOLLOW UP interview.

This is by far the best interview I’ve seen. He is so authentic and honest. It’s unbelievable honestly. His rawness and wisdom is a gift. Through pain and struggle we find truth.

Gripping. Especially the poignant conclusion when he describes the emptiness of drug addiction. The sadness and regret in his eyes touched me. I would love to watch a follow-up interview.

The man is unapologetically honest, and I respect it. Life is what it is

I almost skipped this because of the subject. I'm so glad I didn't. What an amazing man with an amazing story. The insight is so deep. Ty mark. I learn something from your channel every video.

Wow. What an articulate and deep thinker this man is. He is as sharp as a blade! I’m blown away by his self awareness and ability to self critique so objectively. This interview had me glued to the screen. I respect Sang and his words of wisdom. He is a man who can pass on invaluable advice to so many of us.

Im not sure why.. but this gentleman made me cry. I hope he finds what brings him back to happiness

This man’s honesty was really humbling. I’ve never struggled with drug addiction but my husband has and he’s always said the same thing: you abuse substances to cover up whatever pain you’re feeling but then you’ve ended up with a worse problem (drugs) and the problems you were trying to cover up are still there.😔

Hey Sang I do the exact same work (IT contact platform work field nation , work market, etc) and I'm also a recovering addict (crack and heroin). I can relate so much with what you shared. I was also married 20 years from 96' and then we split in 2016 over drugs. Thank you for sharing and I pray that you find your peace my brother 🙏

Please do a followup on Sang. There's so much wisdom and clarity in what he says, and I truly feel for him and hope he finds his peace someday and can truly enjoy life.

This was a deep conversation with a strong message. We are all human and we all bleed the same. Thank you for sharing your story, Sang.

Wow, this is probably the best interview of this channel…

This is a human, in all its multicolored beauty. Thank you Sang.

Did you catch what he said at the very end? His first hit he felt complete. Then as time went on, incomplete. Then utter emptiness. The devil's signature move. First he comes as an angel of light full of promises of true peace. Then he, in time, steals your soul. For that is the ultimate goal. For he knows the true value of your soul (priceless). Yet many of us do not. "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found."

Of all the interviews I’ve watched so far this one really broke my heart. I got that ache in my chest. At the same time I’m amazed at his intelligence and self awareness. Very intriguing to listen to. I hope he finds what he’s running from and finds true peace.

I have been a fan of this channel for a couple years now, watched almost every video. This was the only one I have watched twice, very profound. Thank you Sang for sharing your story. I hope you can get clean from Crack and fill up the emptiness and find true happiness. You deserve happiness and peace.

This is by far one of my favourite interviews, Mark, thank you for asking all the right questions and for giving anyone and everyone a chance to speak. Sang's words truly reached deep.

I’ve watched a bunch of your videos, there is something very special and intimate about this one. I can relate to this person better than with someone that has gone through tons of trauma, and has a extreme life. It’s lovely that we can have diverse type of interviews. I am very thankful for your hard work and passion.

One of my favourites, Sang had me hanging on every word. There’s a deep wisdom here completely free from the delusions of an overbearing ego that most of the others have. The irony of designating him a mere trick. I would love to hear more from this humble, insightful man

Sang seems like a very genuine dude who knows he’s got issues but an all around good guy. Thanks for your story!

Excellent interview. I appreciate the Asian American representation. It is so fascinating when you consider the “model minority” stereotype of Asian cultures, it is so deeply ingrained and this interview shows that pain, trauma, isolation, worthlessness, does not discriminate. He was able to do full time work and school and obtain a PHD all while using crack, which is absolutely unbelievable to me, but all while deeply struggling with an addiction, losing his family, hurting others, and losing himself. Just fascinating and heartbreaking.

This is my favorite interview, wisdom, humanity, candid, honest, it’s the honesty I think the most.. Lee you are a GEM!

It seems to me Sang is beyond wise about life and has gone through much introspection. I like what he said, "what seems to be is almost never real." There is so much truth behind this statement. I hope Sang gets the help he needs and overcome his addictions and demons.

Damn… I really enjoyed listening to him . He was so genuine 😮‍💨

This interview was so deep and calm. If that makes sense. Loved it.

he is so aware, this interview was great. i appreciate how vulnerable and open he was, it’s not often you see an asian (especially a older korean man) person speak in this way and share their real life struggles.

Wasn’t expecting much from this and it ended up being my favourite interview on the whole channel

Mark, please bring him back again this has to be on par with Johnny, Sang has a lot to say and I feel like we're just getting started please make him a regular! 🙏

How fuckin awesome is sang. Dude can really tell a story smart bloke I’d like another interview with him

Amazing guy with lots of wisdom. I hope he has a fulfilling rest of his life. I think he would make a great friend.

Damn, i can relate about mom not having had a chance to visit disneyland. My korean immigrant mother finally went to disneyland at 71 this past year. It wasnt even about having fun there. It was more about finally having "leisure" after decades of non-stop and grueling demeaning work to provide for your children in a foreign and antagonistic society.

I love listening to Sang!! He is very interesting and wise! I wanted to hear more from him.

Probably most honest interview I saw in this channel, No BS, no personal grandiose facade , no fake emotions just what is is.

He regrets hurting people most of all. What a soul. ❤

Sang wants to be seen - and know that he's been seen. Thanks to this interview: I see you, Sang. I expect many viewers here see you too. I hope you get face to face with someone that can see you. And when it happens I hope you recognize the moment and savor it so you can invite that feeling into your life. I hope you curate a community of people who will exchange that level of friendship in kind.

I absolutely love seeing asian interviewees on this channel! My family is from Korea so I am especially moved when there are asian immigrants on camera! It goes against cultural values to be open about your problems, and to be open about such taboo subjects is a bravery that a lot of non asian's usually don't quite grasp due to lack of lived experience within asian culture. Is this the first asian male interview?!?!?!? I especially love hearing from the asian male perspective. The few Korean men in my family were either dead or stayed behind in Korea before I was born and there were so few asians in my community growing up that I barely knew any asian men and definitely never had an asian male role model. The diversity in these posts are so vast that they really hit each and every one of us close to the heart in our own unique ways.

I really admire his honesty and self awareness. He's an interesting and intelligent man.

This guy has so much wisdom. I appreciate the honesty and depth of this man.

Hearing Sang talk about the facets of life that addicts feel are always missing resonated deeply with me. The insights of someone that would come off as incredibly high-functioning and accomplished but was completely derailed by a habit he couldn't let go of is scary as fuck, because it seems as though the he can see past the tunnel of addiction but his thirst for annihilation was too strong to be lulled. I really appreciate his candor and hope that he finds what the piece of him that is missing, though I know the feeling of being snared by compulsion and desire. Opiates did to me what crack did to him. It filled me with more emptiness and left a new need that could not be satiated. Love, money, experiences, they all pale in comparison to something as visceral as your drug of choice rushing through your bloodstream and taking you back to the place you crave above all things. He dropped some real game for anyone that is on a similar trajectory, it's worth heeding his words and deeping his story. Thanks for providing the platform for perspective and reflection as always Mark, these videos are filled with invaluable anecdotes.

One the best interviews, Mark. I could listen to Sang's insights and perceptions on things all day. There's no faking and over dramatising with his narrative. Just pure honesty. What I mostly like about Sang is that he is not trying to impress anyone or put blame, play victim or get sympathy, anything of that sort. Just his genuine story and his realization. Sang is very well spoken too. Hope we get an update about Sang. Or just another interview. I'm sure this man have wisdom that a lot of people can learn. What he shares about his life and addiction, in general, is undeniably profound.

This dude is deep. I like listening to him. Philosophy expert..Be ok Sang. Good dude.. Thnx Mr. Mark for interview too thnx

by far my favorite interview from your series. would love to see part two with more insights. thanks for doing this.

I really would love to see another interview with Sang. Maybe some more therapy could help him do figure out the sense of emptiness he’s feeling. Wishing he can get the help he needs. Amazing interview, I know you’ll get through this, Sang 🙏🏽

I have been following this channel for awhile, without any doubt Sang is the brightest mind - he is able to articulate his testimony so personally. I wish you well Sang, you have a good heart when you said your only regret is to not hurt so many people (presumably your family)

Loved this interview. Amazing how we can never know what people are going through; obviously highly intelligent, he exudes a calm wisdom - I could listen to him for hours.

Gosh THE BEST interview so far. I can relate quite a bit. To speak so highly of something so stigmatised and “negative” AND mean it, is enlightening. I love how he says the little emptiness u have will grow, cos it does. Love and light to u Sang. Osu!

Sang needs his own RU-vid channel! So much wisdom in him!

Probably the best video on this channel. I hope this man’s thorough understanding of his addiction leads him to better times.

This is one of the best interviews! It’s his whole vibe! Honest and very smart! Need more like this!

I don't know what I'm running from either Sang hyung. But life is good without drugs. Yes the noise sucks, but its better to feel those feelings, rather than run from them and have to deal with it later, after you quit your addictions. I'm working on mine too, one at a time. I'm almost there, so don't give up. We're right there with you

Definitely have a series with him please he’s so humble

Very interesting, articulate, well-spoken man. Much more than a Trick.

This is the first interview I have sat down to watch…..normally I just listen. I loved it so much. ♥️♥️♥️

1981 is when he came to the US, he was actually 51,52 years old according to the interview. Still, too young to die. Especially like that. Rest in Peace Sang.

I’ve watched many of your interviews & this one is one of the best! His story is intriguing.

I felt like driving to Cali after this interview just to go have some coffee with Sang. Extremely rare intelligence and honesty. Sang, you’ll figure out what’s missing and I wish you the best of luck brother.

I have never seen such a positive response from almost everyone . Sang please keep pushing . Your mind is magnificent! You need a podcasts sharing your wisdom and magic being the world, your way with words really captivates and the way you explain it is so clear and easily understood. Much love ! Best of luck

I also completed a PhD in SoCal. Honestly his story is more common than you think; there are SO many drugs trafficked through SoCal it is insane. Most or all the millennial professors are using and likely partying with their students in some cases. Usually no one talks about all the drug use in Asian Americans, thank god for this channel. Definitely subscribing.

The wisdom in many of these interviews, particularly this one is breath taking, would love to meet this guy and just talk to him for hours.

I wasn't expecting this. One of my favorite interviews.

One of the best description of addiction I have heard in a long time. His honesty is heart warming and bitter sweet.

Listening to you was like a therapy session for me. Thank you so much for sharing.

Wow. What a deep thinking fellow. I haven’t encountered a person like this in a very long time. Sang talked about many different things in this one interview that was thought provoking for me. Would love to see him more on this channel

WOW. What an interesting story! This man is obviously incredibly intelligent and aware. He is so honest and upfront. This was one of the best interviews I have seen in a while on this channel. Very genuine and a great perspective.

Mark, I came here to tell you I LOVE this background draping. It's by far my favorite! Color is amazing, it looks steamed and draped nicely. Thanks for the hard work!

Wow. That was an incredible interview. Thank you Mark & Sang.

Raw, real, intelligent, insightful. I will be listening to this one twice. Thank you Sang.

I really wish I could be friends with this guy the wisdom he was dropping in the calm manner too. I feel alot of peace listening to him

One of my favorite interviews. Love the perspective he has on life and ideas.

This is the best interview I’ve seen on here so far. So much to take away.

“You can’t fight culture.” As a fellow Asian I’ve been haunted by constant feelings of whether I’m a disappointment to the family or if I will be in the future. I’ve sometimes wished that I hadn’t been born into the culture/family that I’m in.

What an honest interesting interview .Sang sure is a special insightful human who speaks his truth, no bullshit no blame..

Really enlightening, sometimes I chuckled and other times felt sad, especially when he talked about the people he had hurt. I hope he finds inner peace and love.

The last 5 minutes of this interview was absolutely amazing. It should be played in every school in this country if not the world. The raw truth and the deep feelings in he's words really spoke to me. And I got kind of emotional from it too. And I ever took drugs before. I also enjoyed that he took his time to think about the questions and what it meant to him before answering. A Follow up would be great.

Authentic, raw, and brutally honest. What a rare admission. Addiction comes in all shapes and sizes. He’s spent a lifetime searching for something he’ll never find, until he puts the pipe down. He knows it too. And he will never change. A working addict is not as rare as people think. Great perspective for an interview.

We need a part 2. I was glued to his every word.

This was a great interview. I actually went back and listened to it a second time. I was expecting his answers to be canned answers I’ve listened to so many times but his answers were on a totally different level. Very deep and thought provoking for me. I hope there is a follow up interview in the future. Good luck Sang!

Incredible Interview! I would like to see more of him. He’s such a interesting and self aware person. Not what I was expecting based off the title. I wonder if he’s searching more then running. Looking for inner peace and total freedom Wishing him all the best in this life and find that true happiness

Probably one of my most favorite interview thus far. This is a very wise man.