YouTuber Kim Gyeran [Newsis]
YouTuber Kim Gyeran [Newsis]

YouTuber Kim Gyeran has opened up about a painful stock investment loss he suffered after acting on tips from people around him.

In a video recently published on the YouTube channel Physical Gallery, Kim sat down with Choi Go-minsu, an investment expert with 28 years of experience in the securities industry, to discuss stock investment strategies.

Kim revealed his brokerage account during the conversation, saying a share that had climbed to 116,000 won ($85) was now sitting at 8,990 won.

"It was the first investment of my life," he said. "Everyone around me said they had bought this stock. Some of them were people I trusted. So I followed along."

He then drew laughs by saying, "If God truly exists, I'd give up 20 kilograms on my squat to be sent back in time."

In response, Choi advised Kim to first open tax-advantaged accounts such as a pension account and an ISA, then invest in major indexes like the NASDAQ 100 and S&P 500. "Your retirement 10 years from now could look completely different," Choi said.

Choi also cautioned against short-term trading. "If you trade stocks too frequently, anxiety sets in and your main work suffers," he said, urging a more measured approach.

"You should buy stocks you can hold for at least six months without selling," he said. "That changes your mindset — if you tell yourself you don't have to sell even at a loss, you feel secure. But if you think you must sell the moment you're in the red, you become impatient."

Choi went on to introduce what he called a "4-4-2 portfolio" strategy for beginners. "Put 40 percent in major index ETFs like the NASDAQ 100, S&P 500 and Kospi 200; 40 percent in about three stocks in sectors you like; and 20 percent in covered-call funds that pay monthly dividends," he advised.

Kim said he agreed with the expert's advice and pledged to invest responsibly. "Starting today, I'm going with the 4-4-2 strategy," he said.


bbo@heraldcorp.com