Having lived in LA for over 30 years since immigrating to the U.S., my tastes have changed.

In my youth, I enjoyed budae jjigae with soju, but now I have become a man in my 50s choosing smoked salmon and avocados with wine from Trader Joe's.

When I first immigrated, my 20s were spent adjusting to life here, and in my 30s, I was busy raising kids with my wife. Then in my 40s, my business started to stabilize, and I began to have a bit of leisure time.

And now, at 54 years old. Technically, I am 53, but by age standards, I am right in the middle of midlife in the U.S.

When someone asks, "How's life treating you these days?" I smile and respond, "Not bad. But sometimes... I wonder if I'm really living well."

In fact, this feeling is what is labeled as a midlife crisis.

Psychologists typically view this period as occurring between the ages of 40 and 60.

For men, it lasts about 3 to 10 years, and for women, about 2 to 5 years. It's quite long. In terms of a long drama, it's like going to season 5.

A midlife crisis is a shaking of identity.

What have I done so far? What should I do moving forward?

The question, 'It was fine until now, but will it be fine going forward?' lingers in my mind.

During this time, regrets tend to increase.

Why did I give up that job or business back then? Why did I drift apart from that friend? Am I really living doing what I love?

And another thing, my body is changing.

In the past, even when I was tired, a good night's sleep would restore my energy, but now recovery is slow, and sometimes I need to lie down all weekend just to feel okay.

With every wrinkle that appears, and every time my shoulders ache, I can't help but sigh.

Interestingly, men and women experience midlife crises differently.

Men are usually shaken by 'performance.' Feelings of being pushed out at work, frustration when younger colleagues surpass their achievements, or anxiety about layoffs or business failures.

Women are shaken by 'roles.' What has been the meaning of my life as a mother, wife, and career woman?

It's like the emptiness that comes when a child grows up and becomes independent.

There is a symbolic scene of a midlife crisis often mentioned in American culture. A man in his 50s suddenly buys a sports car or starts following youthful trends.

It's a famous midlife crisis cliché in movies, but I understand why it exists. It's an unconscious longing to grasp youth again.

Some call it love, while others call it a waste of money, but underneath it all, there is the same cry.

"I'm not done yet."

I have friends like that around me. Suddenly getting into fitness, joining cycling clubs, and after becoming single again, obsessing over updating their Instagram at over 50.

A midlife crisis is a time for reevaluating life. It doesn't mean I've lived wrong.

Rather, it's a struggle to look back at myself who has endured until now and say, "Let's live the rest of my life better."

So I want to call this period an 'opportunity.'

Yes, that's right. Hair loss is an opportunity, wrinkles are an opportunity, and even a decline in physical strength... Okay, it sounds a bit forced, but still, it's an opportunity.

During times like this, it's important to take good care of your body. Exercise, eat small meals, get enough sleep, and occasionally travel.

Is a midlife crisis coming?

Honestly... as you live... I think it does come.

But there's no need to wander or crumble under too much worry. We have already overcome many challenges, and there is still much to do.

And these days, aren't we living in an era where we can expect to live to 100?

The age range for midlife is also increasing, so the midlife crisis may be ongoing...

Ultimately, there is no age in life without problems until we die.