The Eternal “Sex Symbol”: Marilyn Monroe’s Final Interview Revealed—First Time She Felt It Was Popular in Korea

The Greatest Icons of the 20th Century: Marilyn Monroe’s Final Interview, Revealed in Her Own Voice

An eternal icon who dominated 20th-century Hollywood, “Marilyn Monroe”, is set to have her complete final interview—what she left behind at the end of her life—appear before the public for the first time in about 60 years.

The Eternal “Sex Symbol,” Speaking the Truth Behind It All

The U.S. entertainment outlet Variety officially reported that a book compiling the full text of the 1962 interview editor Richard Meryman of Life conducted with “Marilyn Monroe” will be published: “Marilyn: The Last Photo, The Last Interview.” Ahead of its official release on the 12th, the content released in advance includes candid reflections on her fame, her image as a “sex symbol,” and her “Korean慰問 performance”.

The Massive Cheers She First Truly Felt in “Korea”

In particular, the part that keeps domestic readers riveted is the fact that “Marilyn Monroe” pointed to “Korea” as the place where she first experienced her explosive popularity firsthand. Recalling the time in 1954 when she visited Korea right after the Korean War to perform a “USO show,” she confessed as follows.

• “Until I went to ‘Korea,’ I didn’t properly realize the enormous impact I had on the public.”

• “I can’t forget that astonishing moment when a crowd of 75,000 people gathered in the snow field cheered and chanted my name for 10 minutes the instant I appeared.”

The Label of “Sex Symbol” and the Dilemma of “Caviar”

Even regarding the phrase “sex symbol,” which followed her throughout her life, she didn’t lose her signature confidence. “Marilyn Monroe” declared, “If someone has to become an icon, it’s far better to be a ‘sex symbol.’” She added, “Real sexual allure shines only when it’s thoroughly natural and freely chosen.”

Her insight is also striking, as she compared the public’s intense interest and fame to ‘caviar,’ a top-quality ingredient. She said, “Tasting ‘caviar’ is a fun thing, but if you had to eat it every day, wouldn’t that be a huge burden?” She then spoke openly about the weight of people’s attention—and the deep troubles it brought her.

The Wounds Hidden Behind the Glamour—and the Meaning of Her 100th Anniversary

In addition to the historic anecdote of her standing on the stage to celebrate the birthday of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, she also revealed a tender family love—her wish not to pass on the wounds of her difficult childhood to her children.

The interview was first reported as an article in August 1962; tragically, just two days after the story was published, ‘Marilyn Monroe’ ended her life at the young age of 36. Scheduled for release next month to mark her 100th birthday, this newly planned book is expected to shine a fresh light on the many diverse, human sides hidden behind the glittering star.