#trans:interview

[ddochijs]

[แปล/สัมภาษณ์] อีจงซอก | ELLE KOREA, MARCH 2021

Eng Trans by; jongkkot

Thai Trans by; โดชิ

Q: ไม่ได้เจอกันนานเลย รู้สึกยังไงบ้างที่ได้เป็นอิสระหลังจากปลดประจำการ

จงซอก: มันก็ทั้งดีแล้วก็น่าเบื่อนะ สองปีที่ผ่านมา ก็แค่ต้องประคองตัวให้อยู่รอดไปได้ แต่ตอนนี้ต้องหาและต้องทำงานด้วยตัวเองแล้ว ผมไม่รู้ว่าจะเป็นการเปรียบเทียบที่เหมาะมั้ย แต่ผมรู้สึกเหมือนว่า มันก็เป็นเรื่องดีที่จากเคยมีงานประจำ ก็กลายมาเป็นฟรีแลนซ์ * ผมอยากโชว์การแสดงดีๆ เพื่อให้สมกับที่แฟนๆ ที่รอผมอยู่ได้คาดหวังไว้ วันนี้ก็เหมือนกัน ผมรู้สึกประหม่านิดหน่อยที่ต้องเริ่มต้นใหม่อีกครั้ง

*(ตอนแรกทำงานในกรมฯ ก็เป็นงานประจำ แต่พอออกมาแล้ว กลับมาเป็นนักแสดง ก็เหมือนเป็นฟรีแลนซ์)

Q: แต่มีความรู้สึกว่าคุณก็ดูมีความมั่นใจมากกว่าที่พูด(ว่าประหม่า)นะ

จงซอก: โอ้ ก็ถ้ามันประสบความสำเร็จน่ะ��ะ มันยากที่จะเชื่อนะ แต่ว่า ปกติแล้วผมจะค่อนข้างเครียดเวลาอยู่ในกองถ่าย โดยเฉพาะเวลาที่ต้องถ่ายทำในที่แคบๆ ก็จะรู้สึกกดดัน ตอนที่ต้องถ่ายคลิปวีดีโอสัมภาษณ์ แล้วสายตาของทุกคนมองมาที่ผม ปากผมจะเริ่มแห้ง แต่ถึงแบบนั้น ผมก็มีความสุขที่ได้กลับมาที่กองถ่ายนะ มันทำให้รู้สึกว่าผมยังมีชีวิตอยู่ เพราะมันเป็นความกดดันที่ผมไม่ได้รู้สึกมาสองปีแล้ว ทำยังไงถึงจะทำงานได้อย่างสนุก? อยู่ๆ ผมก็เพิ่งนึกได้ว่ามันเป็นอะไรที่ทำให้ผมรู้สึกว่ามีพลังแหละ

Q: ยินดีต้อนรับกลับสู่งานหลัก ในสองปีที่ผ่านมา คุณได้มีการเปลี่ยนแปลงอะไรใหญ่ๆ บ้างไหม?

จงซอก: อย่างแรก ผมว่าวิธีการมองโลกของผมมันกว้างขึ้นเยอะเลย ผมเรียนรู้เรื่องเกี่ยวกับระบบสวัสดิการสังคมเยอะมาก ในระหว่างที่ทำงานบริการสังคม ผมรู้สึกเหมือนได้รับรางวัลตอบแทนนะ ผมคิดว่าผมได้รับประสบการณ์ที่มีค่า ที่จำเป็นต่อการใช้ชีวิต มันเป็นช่วงเวลาที่ดีที่ผมจำเป็นต้องได้รับก่อนที่จะเข้าอายุ 30 ด้วยใจจริงเลย ต่อจากนี้ ผมคิดว่าผมจะต้องเป็นผู้ใหญ่มากขึ้นกว่านี้อีกนิดนึง

Q: จริงๆ ก็รู้สึกได้ถึงออร่าความเป็นผู้ใหญ่อยู่นะ

จงซอก: ในช่วงเวลาพักระหว่างถ่าย ผมดูมอนิเตอร์แล้วก็รู้สึกว่าดูแก่ขึ้นจริงๆ อืม ผมยอมรับนะ

Q: คุณดูเด็กกว่าฉันอีก คิดว่าร่างกายของคุณก็มีความเปลี่ยนแปลงเหมือนกันใช่ไหม?

จงซอก: ผมกำลังลดน้ำหนัก เพราะว่าช่วงนี้จะต้องถ่ายทำภาพยนตร์ ผมลดการทำ weight training แล้วปกติก็จะเล่นกีฬา พวกพีลาทิส กอล์ฟ หรือฟันดาบมากกว่า ผมเรียนฟันดาบมาประมาณปีนึงแล้ว เป็นการออกกำลังกายที่ได้ทั้งตัวเลย ได้ขยับตัวเยอะมาก แล้วก็สนุกด้วยเพราะได้แข่งกับคนอื่น

Q: สิ่งดีๆ มักจะเริ่มที่จุดเริ่มต้นที่ดี ใบไม้ผลิกำลังจะมาแล้ว มีอะไรที่คุณอยากจะทำเป็นอย่างแรกในฤดูใบไม้ผลินี้ไหม?

จงซอก: อย่างแรกเลย ผมอยากจะให้การถ่ายทำภาพยนตร์ The Witch 2 จบไปได้ด้วยดี ผมอยากจะตัดสินใจเรื่องงานต่อไปที่มันเหมาะสมกับผมให้เร็วที่สุด อันไหนดีที่ผมควรจะเลือกทำ? ผมกังวลมากเลยว่าจะสามารถแสดงด้านที่ดีๆ กว่านี้ให้ทุกคนเห็นได้ไหม แต่ก็ไม่ใช่ว่าจะต้องรีบเลือกทันทีเลย ผมก็ทำการบ้าน(ตัดสินใจเลือกงาน)ไปในทุกๆ วันนั่นแหละ

Q: ก่อนจะเริ่มต้นใหม่ มีคำสัญญาอะไรที่ให้ไว้กับตัวเองไหม?

จงซอก: ความเด็ดเดี่ยวที่จะหาอะไรที่ "อีจงซอกชอบ" ก่อนเลย เพื่อจะได้ทำอะไรที่ผมสามารถทำได้ดี ความมุ่งมั่นที่จะทำให้ดี ที่สำคัญที่สุดเลยก็คือ เพื่อไม่ให้ตัวเองละอายใจ (ที่ทำได้ไม่ดี)

Q: ทำไมคุณถึงเลือกจะปรากฏตัวในภาพยนตร์ The Witch 2?

จงซอก: เป็นคำขอจาก ผู้กำกับ พัคจองฮุน ที่เคยทำงานด้วยกันตอนภาพยนตร์ V.I.P ครับ ในเรื่องนี้ คาแรคเตอร์ที่ผมเล่นเป็นตัวละครที่ค่อนข้างมีความสามมิติ อธิบายเป็นคำพูดยากอยู่ ผมอยากจะแสดงให้ทุกคนเห็นถึงด้านที่แตกต่าง ผมก็เลยไว้ผมยาวด้วย พูดเยอะไม่ได้ครับ เดี๋ยวจะสปอย แต่คิดว่าคนอื่นก็น่าจะสามารถคาดหวังกับมันได้ เพราะนี่ก็เป็นครั้งแรกเหมือนกันที่ผมปรากฏตัวในลุคนี้

Q: คุณมีความกังวลมากมายเลยเกี่ยวกับงานต่อไปที่จะทำ อะไรเป็นจุดโฟกัสสำหรับการเลือกงาน?

จงซอก: ไม่ได้มีกำหนดตายตัวนะว่าต้องเป็นประเภทไหนหรือบทแบบไหนถึงจะอยากเล่น นักแสดงไม่ใช่ผู้สร้างสรรค์ แต่คือศิลปินตัวจริง ผมดูบท แล้วก็คิดถึงการทำอะไรที่ยังไม่เคยมีประสบการณ์หรือได้ทำมาก่อน และอะไรที่แฟนๆ ชอบหรืออยากจะเห็นผมทำ ไม่เหมือนเมื่อก่อน ผมคิดว่าผมน่าจะเล่นละครย้อนยุคได้นะ มันมีความหมายมากเลยที่โอกาสมันกลับมาอีกครั้งในตอนนี้ที่ผมอายุ 33

Q: พอลองมาคิดดูแล้ว คุณก็ไม่ได้เล่นละครย้อนยุคเลย นับตั้งแต่เรื่อง The Face Reader

จงซอก: ผมถ่ายทำเรื่อง The Face Reader ตอนอายุ 24 ปี ตอนนั้นผมใช้ชีวิตอยู่บนความรู้สึกผิด แน่นอนว่ามันเป็นบทเล็กๆ แต่ผมคิดว่าผมสร้างความลำบากให้กับนักแสดงรุ่นพี่ที่ผมได้ร่วมงานด้วย ผมไม่พอใจกับผลงานของตัวเองเลย ก็เลยถอยห่างออกมาจากละครย้อนยุคไปสักพัก แต่ตอนนี้รู้สึกว่าอยากจะลองมันอีกครั้ง

Q: คุณไม่คิดว่าแฟนๆ จะรอคุณในละครแนว Melodrama บ้างเหรอ?

จงซอก: ก็เหมือนเรื่อง Romantic Is a Bonus Book ที่ผมถ่ายทำก่อนเข้ากรมฯ ผมก็ชอบนะ แต่ก็อยากเปิดรับโอกาสสำหรับหนังรักในประเภทที่หลากหลาย (ไม่ใช่แค่ melodrama อย่างเดียว) เหมือนช่วงนี้ ผมชอบดูหนังใน Netflix แล้วก็เพิ่งได้ดู Sweet Home ประทับใจมากๆ ผมคิดตลอดเลยว่าการเตรียมงานหรือเตรียมตัวเพื่อทำอะไรสักอย่างโดยเฉพาะมันไม่ค่อยเวิร์ค ถ้าผมรอในระหว่างที่กำลังเตรียมตัวทำอะไรสักอย่าง(แบบไม่เฉพาะเจาะจง) ก็จะรู้สึกว่างานมันเข้ามาหาผมเหมือนเป็นโชคชะตา

Q: นี่ก็ 11 ปีแล้วตั้งแต่ที่คุณเดบิวต์ ในฐานะนักแสดง คุณมีความกังวลหรือมีทิศท��งไหนที่จะทำต่อไปในอนาคตไหม?

จงซอก: ชื่อเล่นของผมคือ "อีจงโซ*" เพราะผมทำงานเหมือนวัว ผม��ม่สามารถหยุดพักได้ ผมคิดว่าผมจะต้องทำงานให้ได้เยอะที่สุดตอนที่ยังเด็กอยู่ เพื่อที่จะได้เป็นนักแสดงให้ได้นานที่สุด เพื่อที่จะได้ดึงเอาสิ่งที่แฝงอยู่ในตัวออกมา มันรบกวนผมมากเหมือนกันนะ ก็ไม่ใช่ว่าหนัง Superhuman มีขึ้นมาเพราะว่าความสามารถของตัวละครในเรื่องมีลิมิตเหรอ? ตอนนี้พอมองย้อนกลับไปถึงความเครียดที่มีในตอนนั้น ผมก็คิดนนะว่าผมจะต้องไปไกลขนาดไหน แต่ก็ไม่ได้เสียใจนะ พอมาคิดๆ ดู ผมว่าตอนนี้ก็ยังพอมีเวลา (ก็คือตอนนั้นไม่เห็นต้องรีบขนาดนั้นก็ได้ เพราะพอผ่านมาจนถึงตอนนี้ ก็ยังมีเวลาอีกเยอะเลย)

*โซ (소) ภาษาเกาหลี แปลว่าวัวฮะ เปรียบเทียบคนทำงานหนักเหมือนวัว

Q: ใจดีกับตัวเอง

จงซอก: พอมองย้อนกลับไป ผมคิดว่าผมใช้ชีวิตในวัย 20 ด้วยความกังวลที่มากเกินไป ตอนนั้นผมเชื่อว่าผมจะเป็นผู้ใหญ่เมื่ออายุเลย 30 ไป ยังไงก็ตาม เปรียบเทียบกันแล้ว มันแต่กต่างกันนิดหน่อยระหว่าง นักเรียนม.ปลาย อีจงซอกที่อายุ 17 กับตัวผมในตอนนี้ ผมก็ยังเล่นไร้สาระกับเพื่อน แล้วก็คิดว่า "อ่า ผมทำแบบนี้ไม่ได้อีกแล้ว" ผมคิดว่า ปีเตอร์แพนถูกฝังอยู่ในตัวผม อาจจะเป็นช่วงเวลาที่ผมชอบถามแม่หรือคุณตาว่า "การมีชีวิตคืออะไร?" แทบจะทุกครั้งที่ผมเจอพวกเขา

Q: แล้วคำตอบที่ได้รับคืออะไร?

จงซอก: แม่ผมรำคานอะ เพราะว่าผมถามตลอดเลย ปกติก็จะตอบว่า "อืม ฉันก็แค่มีชีวิต(ไปแบบนั้น)เหมือนกัน"

Q: ก็เป็นคำตอบที่ถูกนะ

จงซอก: เพราะแบบนั้น ผมก็เลยพยายามใช้ชีวิตไปตามธรรมชาติเหมือนสายน้ำ ผมพยายามขยายมุมมองในแนวกว่างของผม มากกว่าที่จะเพ่งมองในแนวตั้ง เวลาที่ผมพูดหรือทำอะไรสักอย่าง ผมทำมันอีกครั้งในหัว ผมระวังตัวมากขึ้น คุณจะรู้สึกกลัวเมื่ออายุมากขึ้น ก็เลย...

Q: ตอนที่ตอบคำถามในยูทูปของ ELLE เรื่องการปรึกษาปัญหาหัวใจ ฉันประทับใจมากเลยที่เห็นคุณตอบคำถามที่ผู้ชมส่งเข้ามาอย่างกระตือรือล้นและระมัดระวัง

จงซอก: ผมทำงานมามากกว่า 10 ปี แต่คิดว่านี่เป็นครั้งแรกเลยที่ผมได้มาปรึกษาปัญหาหัวใจ ว่ากันตามตรง มันยากนิดหน่อย ผมคิดเยอะมากเลยว่าจะตอบยังไง แต่ผมให้คำตอบที่จริงใจกับคนที่ส่งคำถามเข้ามา หวังว่าคำตอบจะสามารถช่วยได้จริงๆ

Q: ถ้าคำพูดมีความรู้สึก อีจงซอกเหมือนจะเป็นคนที่มีมุมจริงจังแล้วก็��ม่ค่อยเล่นตลกนะ

จงซอก: แต่ผมก็รู้สึกว่าผมสามารถเป็นคนที่ตลกมากๆ ได้นะ เหมือน hot keyword หรือ trending search อะไรแบบนั้น

Q: ทิศทางไหนที่คุณอยากจะไปต่อจากนี้?

จงซอก: ไม่นานมานี้ ผมได้ของขวัญเป็นหนังสือชื่อ 마음챙김의 시 (บทกลอนจากหัวใจที่ห่วงใย) เขียนโดย รยูจีฮวา (류시화) หลายประโยคในนั้นดีมากจนผมเขียนบางอันลงในโทรศัพท์ ในบรรดาประโยคพวกนั้น มีอันนึงที่ผมชอบ "I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible" เป็นประโยคจาก Dawna Markova ซึ่งเป็นอะไรที่ผมอยากจะบอกตัวเอง อีจงซอกที่เป็นนักแสดงก็สำคัญเหมือนกัน แต่สำหรับอีจงซอกที่เป็นคนๆ หนึ่ง ผมก็หวังว่าเขาจะได้ใช้ชีวิตแบบสบายๆ แล้วก็มีความสุข ทั้งหมดทั้งมวล ผมก็อยากจะโฟกัสกับปัจจุบัน ถ้าได้ใช้ชีวิตแบบนั้น ผมก็จะเป็นผมที่ดีกว่าเมื่อวาน

[ktaebwi]

Dispatch ‘Dicon’ Magazine - BTS Issue (Full Translation)

KRN - ENG © ktaebwi Do not use for commercial purpose. Credit properly when reposting & re-translating.

Download PDF: MF

“People around me are very proud of me. They tell me “BTS indeed”, “You’re BTS” a lot. All of these are thanks to ARMYs.” (V)

“I want to be someone’s pillar of support*, I want to be your eternal singer. So I can’t lose you guys. If you go further away, I’ll pull you closer. I don’t know how to do it or if it works or not, but I’ll strive to not let go of you. Again, thank you and I love you.” (Jungkook)

(*literally “big person”, “great man”)

“When I look at ARMYs supporting me from backstage, when I look at us performing on stage, when you’re happy listening to me singing, I feel the biggest happiness.” (Jimin)

“Let’s not get weary and go together for a long time. Because we won’t even after 10 or 20 years.” (Suga)

“I’ll prove it again and again. Trust and follow me.” (Suga)

“If our music can be even a little source of help in your life, your dream, then our existence is worth it. In the future, there’ll surely be pain and trials, but I know well that there are many people who believe in us and like us. So we won’t be hurt when it pains us, we won’t be sad when it upsets us, we won’t fear when it scares us. This is how BTS will be.” (RM)

“Bloom like a rose, flutter like a cherry blossom, fall like a morning glory.” (J-hope)

“Only you need to know how hard you work.” (Jin)

“I’m your fans too. A fan who silently supports the loneliness, the battles and the life you’re going through. I send you my letters written with music and notes from behind the stage and at my studio. Hope you’ll read that sound that is me missing you.” (RM)

BTS, road to the sea

“Someone says my spoon is dirty” <MIC Drop>

They weren’t dirt spoons at first. Dirt, scattered by prejudice, covered them.

(*In the spoon class theory, dirt spoon is considered the lowest class in the society)

The rapper title is a luxury to you guys <We Are Bulletproof Pt.2> You have no power, I know you must have done something shady <Two! Three!> Small company’s idols with nothing special was my second name <Sea>

Suga said, “I didn’t want to get hurt, because it means losing to prejudice. I didn’t want to be upset.” The dirt spoons’ voices were heard. Mockery started. They didn’t throw it away, they buried it deep. They then met ignorance. They didn’t spit it out, they engulfed it. Ridicule poured down. They stood up against it with blood, sweat and tears. They are BTS.

LA November 2017, AMAs. The Chainsmokers introduced the 16th performance. The second-to-last performance, right before the ending.

“We are going to announce next performer. They are international superstar. Here’s BTS, which is having huge fan over here.”

Mnet M COUNTDOWN, June 13th 2013. BTS appeared. Their debut single was ‘No More Dream’, but they could no longer dream. Reality was reality. The company’s head, Bang Shihyuk, was met with doubts. “Isn’t he a ballad composer?” The name BTS was ridiculed. “They’re going to become cannon fodders.” The company, Bighit, was taken pity on. “They will never make it with a company this small.” And their genre, hip hop, was the subject of mockery. “Idols doing hip hop? What kind of nonsense is that?” In fact, it was bitterness from the start. “I thought the sea was here but it turned out to be a desert”. The first desert they faced was the trainee days. Dicon’s first question, too, is about their trainee days.

(Dicon) Seven members came together. No, seven dreams came together.

RM: I wanted to tell people my stories, with my voice, in front of many people. This was the start of my dream.

SUGA: Billboard, AMA... None of them was on my wishlist. It was too far away. It was a goal impossible to achieve. At that time, everything I ever dreamed of was for many people to listen to my music.

JUNGKOOK: Nothing was certain. Those days were so vague. I didn’t even know how to dream. The future? I only looked forward and ran.

V: Just becoming a trainee made me so happy already. Learning was fun. I could even dance every day. I spent my days working hard. At that time, the present was more important to me than an unseen future.

JIN: My dream was to hold a concert. I wanted to become one with our fans through our songs.

JIMIN: Meeting senior singers felt amazing to me. I wanted to become like them. They were so awesome.

J-HOPE: My goals were always clear. To stand on stage, to become the best, but first, it was to survive. Trainee days were a continuous survival game. If one comes in, another drops out. I had to endure in between. But...

But the ideal was the sky and reality was the ground. It wasn’t easy, like what their song said.

I thought the sea was here but it turned out to be a desert Small company’s idols with nothing special was my second name Countless of times edited out from broadcasts Being someone’s fill-in was our dream Some people said our company was small so we wouldn’t make it <Sea>

J-HOPE: It wasn’t easy having to part ways with my fellow trainee friends. They were like my family. That reality pained me so much.

RM: There were times I felt unsure about my future. Like my life is not +, nor it is 0, it’s just −... The thought that ‘oh, we’re still preparing only’ tired me out.

JIMIN: When I saw a wall showing up in front of my eyes, it felt like no matter how much I do I still couldn’t work it out? The wall of reality was higher than I thought. But still, I had no thought of giving up.

JIN: I started learning the choreography properly in preparation for the debut. I felt distressed because it didn’t turn out the way I wanted. I kept getting scolded too.

JUNGKOOK: At that time we went through an enormous amount of practice, to the point that it was hard to handle it. But after we debuted, I felt like, like I’m a frog in the well*? I blamed myself that I was lacking too much.

V: For me, dancing was fun. No matter how hard practicing was , it’s something I like so I could endure. If anything, it was having to live away from my parents that was hard for me. I’ve been living away from them for a long time so I miss them.

SUGA: The cheapest meal they have near the company costed 6,000 won ($5.59). A 300,000 won allowance was nowhere near enough to live for a month. I took up a delivery part-time job alongside MIDI lessons. I had a car accident then. My shoulders were badly injured. I thought of giving up but... The members stopped me from leaving. The company also waited for me.

Suga also express his agony at the time through rapping.

The root of my creations has tasted the world’s sweetness and bitterness Those days trying to sleep on the bathroom floor now become memories Grabbing my shoulders crushed in a car accident during a delivery part-time job and debuted In front of whom are you all pretending you have had it hard <The Last>

They had each other. They are each other’s strength. Thus, You Never Walk Alone. Seven members walked together, encouraging each other.

RM: I remember I once said ‘Shouldn’t we at least perform at Olympic Gymnastics Stadium once before we die?”.

JIN: Namjoon’s always like that. He holds each of us and shouts out fighting. It motivates us a lot. I like laughing together with our members. It’s the reason why I could endure.

J-HOPE: The seven of us were chosen. Since then, we only looked forward and ran. We trusted and relied on each other. We shed blood and sweat together. We decided to try no matter what result comes and motivated each other.

JIMIN: The members told me. ‘I really hope you would go together with us.’ That’s the power of the words. I was able to work even harder. I already had a goal in my mind that is to go together until the end, so I didn’t give up.

V: It was hard, of course. It was inevitable. But I wasn’t the only one who had it hard. None of us didn’t have it hard. That’s why I gained strength even more. We gained strength from looking at each other.

SUGA: That’s true. The members were the reason I could make it through those days. They are the best stimulant. When the members practiced, I composed songs. It was also when I wrote the beats for ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘Agust D’ (mixtape).

JUNGKOOK: It was the day of the showcase. After coming down from stage, i felt emotional. I wasn’t the only one who felt so. We hugged each other and cried. I remember that day.

These wings sprouted from pain but they head towards the light Even if it’s hard and painful, if I can fly, I will Will you hold my hands so that I will no longer be afraid Because if you and I are together, we can smile <A Supplementary Story: You Never Walk Alone>

June 12th 2013, they stood on stage for the first time as BTS. It was the birth of BTS. On the stage they desired so much, they rapped and ranced. They could endure even the wounds.

When I rap and dance on the stage that I desired so much, I feel that I’m still alive It was worth enduring the tiring and exhausting commute Because my people are watching me It was worth enduring even when my body hurts Because the cheers are surging in <Born Singer>

RM: I couldn’t think of anything. My thoughts were full of ‘I have to do well’, ‘I have to pull this off’, ‘I have to end this’, things that we planned. Our first stage ended like that. From the name, hairstyle, even the sunglasses, everything was a standing joke. Hurt? Maybe it’s because I tried to forget it, I don’t really remember it well now.

SUGA: When the response rushed in ‘Where did those kids come from?’, I was totally excited. I wasn’t really hurt by criticism. I heard a lot of it from before debut so...

J-HOPE: I only have good memories of the debut stage too. I got to stand on the stand I wished for so much. I still can’t forget that thrill. The cheers of people who didn’t know us still show up vividly in my mind. The problem was the next day. I guess I was too excited. I made a lot of mistakes during ‘Music Bank’ rehearsal. I remember being scolded a lot...

JIMIN: I didn’t have time to think about people’s stares and reactions. I thought if I work a little bit harder, I would get a little bit better. I practiced while monitoring.

JIN: I continued to observe even during other senior singers’ stages. And one more thing is, I envied of the support from (their) fans.

V: I don’t remember much the hurt I got back then. I already forgot everything. More than anything else, I was fascinated by the fact that I appeared on TV. I remember calling my grandmother and parents to ask if they had seen the music program.

JUNGKOOK: There was a lot of hate comments. But I have to admit, because I was lacking a lot then. If anything, I clenched my teeth and practiced even more days and nights. I would come to the practice room whenever I can.

What could be their next goal? They said it was “to survive”. In reality, they had to survive.

JIN: There was a lot of groups debuting around the same time as us. We couldn’t ease ourselves yet just because we made it to the stage. There were many times we didn’t get to perform the whole song too. Every time it happened, we felt really upset. We practiced even more desperately. We thought as long as we have the talent, we wouldn’t be pushed out.

SUGA: Competition at music programs was really fierce. We wanted to keep making music, so we wanted to stand on stage.

J-HOPE: I think it’s the same for every trainee. We were really desperate. Everyday, we thought that we had to survive on this stage.

RM: We had to show ourselves in a short time. We had to draw people’s attention. We were also well aware of the fact that there’s no next time. We had no choice but to prove ourselves.

JIMIN: It felt like tapping at the ground to go up? I couldn’t see anything in front me of. It wasn’t something possible with passion only. But still, the only thing I could do was to push myself endlessly. Like ‘this is no big deal’...

V: I met and part ways with many friends in my trainee days. I had to survive from there.

JUNGKOOK: I don’t know what kind of confidence I had. ‘I will become something’, ‘We will become something.’ I was certain.

If you can’t fly, run Today we will survive If you can’t run, walk Today we will survive If you can’t walk, crawl Even if you crawl, gear up <Not Today>

Their practice room stank of sweat. Their performances were excellent. Their rap was resonant. That’s how they stood out.

JIN: We were different from the start. It’s not our strategy to stand out, we only wanted to do music. More than anything,I trusted our members and followed our company. I wasn’t afraid.

SUGA: Yes, we weren’t afraid, but people were afraid of us.

RM: I have been rapping ever since and I love music, so I believed I could deliver it better than anyone else. Looking back now, there are many times I did not but...

J-HOPE: We didn’t compare ourselves to other groups. We did our own things. It can be shocking (to other people), but I hoped that shock left as strong ‘impression’ to them.

JIMIN:  We wanted to talk about the concerns teenagers had, because they were also ours. Hip hop was the best kind of music to showcase our thoughts.

V: I believed our strength is that we’re different from others.

JUNGKOOK: At that time, my top goal was the team. I couldn’t cause trouble to them. My ultimate task was to do good at my role.

Damn hip hop pride, idol rapper? Cut that bullshit They say my nature’s still that idol shit anyway and ignore me Give their principles to the dog and mock my name You all who only know to cloud the issue and ignore How you kill me? <BTS Cypher Pt.1>

BTS fought, with themselves. Like what V has said. “It’s important that we do well. I was certain that that way, we would be recognized.” In the end, the boys were right. Prejudice went away. Of course, it. was. no. coincidence. There was a reason.

RM: It didn’t change right away. It changed little by little. I think it’s from after ‘I NEED U’.

JIN: ‘MIC Drop’. A stage that many people said to be cool.

SUGA: ‘DNA’ stage at AMAs. It changed misunderstanding to understanding.

J-HOPE: There’s a song called ‘Born Singer’. It shows ourselves and our thoughts.

JIMIN: I recommend ‘Save ME’.

V: ‘MIC Drop’.

JUNGKOOK: ‘I NEED U’, ‘Dope’.

'Dicon' picked Jungkook's solo song 'Begin'. The background of this song itself is sincerity. Producer Bang Shihyuk asked them if they had any stress. Jungkook said, "I don't. I went (to Seoul) not knowing anything when I was only 15. It's what I really wanted to do so..." And he continued. "My only stress is that the hyungs I'm living with have to go through a hard time. I don't know about everything else. It pains me the most seeing them stressed. I hope they won't have to go through a hard time." He cried. Bang Shihyuk PD cried. J-hope cried. RM cried. Jin cried. Suga cried. V, Jimin too cried. And Jungkook sobbed.

That's how 'Begin' was born. Only, it wasn't just the beginning of Jungkook. Below are answers from the older members.

RM: I can never forget how Jungkook cried and said 'My stress is that the hyungs are stressed'. Jungkook doesn't usually express his emotions so it hit me even more.

JIN: It reminds me of how Jungkook cried in front of Bang Shihyuk PD. I felt sorry but also proud of him, and he also looked cute.

SUGA: We were stressed of course. Exhausted even. So every time I listen to 'Begin', I feel odd. But if I watch Jungkook's solo performance, I only have one though that he's cool.

J-HOPE: I'm proud of Jungkook. He tells his own story through his dance and song. It's a song that shows Jungkook's energy greatly.

V: I still remember what Jungkook said while crying. That story is reflected fully in the song.

JIMIN: We gain strength even more thanks to Jungkook. It's the 'Begin' of all of us.

When I was fifteen, I had nothing The world was too big and I was too small Now I can't even imagine How I used to have no scent and empty I pray Love you my brother Thanks to my brothers, I had feelings and became me <Begin>

The dark night passed and the morning shone bright. What could be their motivation? One certain thing is, it's time to raise thumbs up.

RM: Faith. I always try to show that my faith wasn't wrong. Maybe that's why I always attempt something, because I want to prove (my faith).

SUGA: Pride. Our fans like our music and wait for our stage. I wanted to give them pride.

JIMIN: I had a goal that I want to achieve. By my side, there are the members and the fans that are always together with me.

JIN: The reason we could endure through it is thanks to our fans. They gave us love so I couldn't disappoint them.

J-HOPE: That's correct. Our fans are our biggest motivation. When I look at fans who love our music, I feel that I'm still alive. Thanks to them, we could become who we are now.

V: Thus, 'ARMY'.

JUNGKOOK: I wanted to bring them good performances and music.

In the end, every story concludes with ARMY*. It's always like that. Every conversation with them ends with ARMY. Of course, the ending of 'Dicon' should be ARMY too, shouldn't it? "If we are together, even the desert becomes the sea" was especially heartfelt.

(*literally "gi seung jeon ARMY". "gi seung jeon gyeol" (起承轉結) is a kind of writing structure, with 起 representing "the introduction", 承 "the development", 轉 "the twist", 結 "the conclusion". "Gi seung jeon ARMY" is a word play based on "gi seung jeon gyeol", meaning it ends with ARMY.)

RM: 'Can the desert become the sea?' is my endless self-doubt and self-examination that I have been holding since predebut. It was the biggest answer to that question. I couldn't help tearing up knowing their love for me.

JIN: I wonder when they prepared it to move us this deeply. I was so thankful. My tears couldn't stop.

SUGA: Lately, I'm more easily moved to tears. Perhaps it's a sense of security, or fear, or happiness, or sorrow. These complex emotions just flood in.

J-HOPE: The fans' events never fail to give me chills. I know their devotion and sincerity, so when that energy's conveyed (through the events), the synergy explodes. They moved me greatly. I'm always thankful to them and love them.

JIMIN: If I could express how I felt then in words... I would be able to write a few books. That moment made me realize 'that's right, our fans are always by our side'. I'm so happy that I keep tearing up.

V: When I read the messages the fans send, I think of the hardships I went through. Sometimes it also makes me sad, the thought that we're finally seeing the light.

JUNGKOOK: I could feel everything on that stage. ARMY's breath, voices, ARMY's cheers, tears. I'm moved greatly every time I see the fans. I made a great decision becoming BTS...

So, letters to ARMY?

RM: I'm learning about the meaning of 'us'. It's like there's no longer 'us', just the many moments of 'you' and 'me'. I want to learn about the true meaning of 'us', where we are truly together, with ARMYs. I hope each and every one of our members can mean 'us' in that sense to ARMYs. We may be living somewhere in the world, doing different things. But we are breathing together through music and performances. I want to comfort them through all the loneliness and solitude that humans can't help but embrace, and live in this world together. That's what I want to do.

JIN: Thanks to ARMY, my time at where they said to be the desert felt like I was at the sea. Thank you for making me happy. I love you.

SUGA: It feels like I’m flying so high. I see so much and so far away. I thought I would only feel happy above the clouds, but sometimes when I look down, I feel scared. I take courage from the fact that we’re flying together. I’m afraid of falling, but I’m not afraid of landing. Thank you for being with us. I’m forever grateful and love you.

J-HOPE: Thank you for always supporting and loving us. I’m happy to become your hope.

JIMIN: ARMYs. I believe you know how I feel when I look at you. I can take a step forward thanks to having you beside. I’ll work hard to show you more and give you bigger love. I love you.

V: I hope you won’t get hurt and your every day will be filled with happiness only. I really love you.

JUNGKOOK: I’ll always be here. ARMY can come to see us whenever you miss us. And you can leave whenever you have to leave, or whenever you want to. But please remember this one thing only. I’ll always be here.

Thank you, for letting me be me For letting me fly For giving me wings For folding up the me that's once wrinkled For breaking the me that once felt suffocated For waking the me that once lived in only dreams When I think of you, my sky clears up So I throw away all my sorrow Thank you, for becoming 'us' <Save ME>

To 'Dispatch', it's not the end until it wraps up. The same for 'Dicon'. This page hasn't end yet. There's no room for doubt when it comes to BTS. Like The Chainsmokers said, they're ISu. International Superstars. Should you be jealous of their success? No, failure brings experience. These spells by BTS are their encouragement dedicated to all challengers in the world.

RM: Sometimes we have to erase many things so we can fill them up again. I always chant 'do it' to myself. 'Believe in myself and just do it'. Not 'do well', but 'just do it'. It'll turn out well after.

J-HOPE: Believe in yourself and move forward. It's the first step to success.

JIN: I always chant 'I am the best' to myself. I believe in myself and support myself by thinking 'It's okay, I can do well'. You'll do well like magic.

SUGA: The world has never let us dream, nor has it ever taught us how to dream. They say it's your fault, but it's not. Don't blame yourself. It's okay to lean back when you're tired. If someone's tired, become their pillar of support. This is the reason why I started making music. I hope our music can become your little source of strength.

JIMIN: If you have a goal you really need to achieve, don't look back. Don't hesitate, give it a go first. If you have a path you want to follow, follow it. That way you won't regret.

V: You may fail, you may fall, you may despair. It's natural. Just don't give up no matter how much you fail, fall, despair. If the thought of wanting to give up crosses your mind, I hope you'd overcome it and stand up again. Even if you can't trust yourself, do it for the people that put their faith on you.

JUNGKOOK: Don't regret things in the past. First, look at the reality and think about what you can do. Arrange what you need to do in order and resolve one by one. At some point, you'll get what you wish for. We'll support you too. Don't feel tired.

Everybody say NO! There's no later Don't be trapped in someone else's dream We roll (we roll) We roll (we roll) We roll Everybody say NO! It's now or never You haven't tried anything yet <N.O>

Tomorrow, keep walking We are too young to stop Tomorrow, open the door Too many things in front of our eyes to close it Follow your dreams like breaker Even if it breaks down, oh better Follow your dreams like breaker Even if it falls apart, oh Don't turn back, never <Tomorrow>

“We stood up again. Before we knew it, we were already running. Awaiting us on that road was the dream of seven boys.”

“When ‘Begin’ was made, Jungkook told us in tears. ‘When I was a kid, I wanted to sing and dance. Seeing hyungs go through a hard time is the hardest for me.’ Hearing him say that, we all cried.” (2016)

“We weren’t tired because there were seven of us. No one stopped. Then came the debut day. Criticism flooded in before the cheers ended. It felt like dreams, passion, hard work were all powerless.”

Episode #1 “Being able to hold a concert itself is happiness.”

Who could ever guess what spectacular events were awaiting. Just one year ago, it was simple. Rap Monster shared, “Finally, we get to hold a concert at Gocheok dome. We will show you the best performance we can bring.” BTS was excited, and so was Jimin. Excited at the mere thought of standing on stage. “Being able to hold a concert itself is happiness. I’m practice to show you better performances.” Jungkook showed expectation. “I’m even more excited about this concert. We’re more relaxed compared to past tours. I think we’ll get to interact with fans through this stage. Suga was focused. “There’s a lot to pay attention to in the concert. We have to match to the smallest details. My goal is to wrap up without making any mistake.” No one could expect what grand events were waiting for them one year ago, even a year ago. They were just doing their best to complete the current tasks. And three months later, they flew to Las Vegas, where Billboard award ceremony was held.

Episode #2 "ARMY sent us here."

Billboard Music Awards. 'Top Social Artist' nominee. Their rival is pop star Justin Bieber. "They're going up against Bieber? Anyone can see Bieber would win for sure!" After all, Bieber took home trophies for this category the last 6 years.

Finally, Billboard award ceremony. "They're going up against Bieber? What about Bieber's fans?" Numerous fans surrounding the Magenta Carpet. They were shouting BTS' name. Blasted there was the song 'Fire' It was foretelling that they would win.

BTS was well aware, that the Billboard red carpet is the flower path fans laid for them. RM said, "I only think of fans of course. ARMYs made this 'Top Social Artist' award (possible) for us." Jin added in, "Yes, that's right. ARMY sent us here. We'll work harder. We'll continue to do our best in the future. Thank you." "I don't even know what surprise awaits anymore now. We made it here thanks to the support from ARMY. I wonder what is waiting for us ahead..." Yes. Like Jimin said, Billboard was the start for these international superstars.

Episode #3 “Actually, we are really nervous.”

May 21st 2017, V had a stomach ache. Finally, it was the day of BBMas. They were the first idol group to be nominated for ‘Top Social Artist’ category. At MGM Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, V was nowhere to be seen. He showed up a little bit later. “Sorry, I had a stomach ache so I was late.” V’s image was (somewhat) chic and cool, so it was unfamiliar seeing him shy. But it was heartwarming. We asked if he was nervous. The members all said in chorus. “Actually, we are really nervous. We just pretend to be relaxed. We’re so nervous.” 2017 Billboard Music Awards red carpet, Jungkook was clutching his handkerchief tightly.

“(After debut) What we faced was indifference, cold shoulder, ridicule. Dreams couldn’t exist in the night of the desert. The road ended. We sat down, but we didn’t give up.”

Episode #4 "Hello."

If you ask about BTS' DNA (habits), we will unhesitatingly pick 'greetings'. Formula of greetings, commandment of greetings, providence of greetings, evidence of greetings...

First, 'formula' of greetings. J-hope asks "Have you eaten yet?". A totally untrendy (?) greeting. That's why it's even more affectionate. He takes care of even the youngest staff's meals.

'Commandment' of greetings. Take a look at V. On the last shooting day for DNA jacket photo, V left early due to another schedule. He asked the manager to greet for him through Kakaotalk. "I had to leave without getting to greet you. Thank you for your hard work." (From V)

Jimin knows the 'providence' of greetings. "Our fans really like the photos (Dispatch) took." So Dispatch worked harder to take better photos. Doesn't matter if it was a white lie or not.

RM showed his concern instead of greeting. "The waiting time's getting longer. You must be feeling bored right?" Jin showed up with his game console. "Can I sit here and play games for a bit?" He added. "Shall I explain this game to you?"

Suga composes music at night. His days and nights are reversed. Sometimes, he would off and suddenly wakes up. "There was a heavy traffic jam right?" He wasn't sleep talking. It's the evidence of greetings. Jungkook adds, "It must be tough for you having to come all the way here."

“We must cross the desert to reach the sea. We walk again to find another desert. We move forward, together.”

Episode #5 “LOVE YOURSELF 承 Her”

What BTS has to surpass, is BTS. So did they outdo themselves? September 2017, a month of continuous tough schedule. More than a week of time was spent to shoot the jacket photo and music video. They put their heart into every shot. On the last day, they attempted to film an one-take shot. It would show a continuous opening starting from V to J-hope, RM. Just one misstep, one second of losing focus and it would be an NG. The movements needed to go smoothly. Again, it was the last day of shooting. They couldn’t help but feel tired. But BTS laughed, thanks to the oldest and youngest member. The older, Jin, and the younger, Jungkook, chatted and teased each other, even showing slapstick gags. Laughters rang through the tiring day. ‘LOVE YOURSELF 承 Her’. BTS made it. They set records.

Episode #6 "We had the photo of our life at LA airport."

That photo was nowhere near a life shot. It was bare taken, out-focused due to being pushed by foreign fans. But J-hope and V gave thumbs up and added it was "the best photo". We were embarrassed. Calling a lucky shot 'the best photo', it was probably their way of thanking for covering their news at LA. We know that this is their kindness. BTS' kindness. It was their heartfelt words that made us drop our weapons, take off and throw away our 'bulletproof vests'.

Episode #7 “You will watch our performance right?”

“You will watch our performance right?”... What confidence they had. An AMAs performance on top of that. We asked their order. “When is your turn?” “We don’t know too.” They replied cheerfully as if it was of no importance. AMAs director wanted BTS to have a collaboration stage. Like the one Psy had with MC Hammer, they wanted BTS to perform with famous stars. But BTS politely declined. “The seven of us are the coolest on stage.” This is BTS’ pride. They have been together for seven years. They shed blood, sweat, tears, and the fruit they bore was the AMAs stage. The DNA that is matching steps just by looking into the eyes. America went wild. They were blown away by their synchronized choreography, charmed by their live singing. This was the start of international superstars.

T/N: - The quotes are from various sources: concert ending ments, album thanks to, Twitter posts,... not from this interview itself. - Episode #8 is about records BTS set with ‘LOVE YOURSELF 承 Her’, so I didn’t translate it.

[watchingovernuest]

【INTERVIEW 】 ☆ JISIN x NU’ESTs individual interviews: 5 princes’ real personality? ~ARON~

Lovely prince, handsome prince, naughty prince…Each 5 NU’EST members have their own charms. From here on every Tuesday and Friday, we'll share one by one the close ups! The 3rd one is the oldest, Aron.

Aron

Birthday: 1993/5/21

Height: 176 cm

Born in America · LA. Is the oldest. Fluent in English. I feel as if he’s watching his young brothers calmly, it has a cute and magical aspect as well.

Q. What were you like during your childhood ?

I was a very active boy. From a young age I was a healthy boy who likes sports and to meet friends rather than playing at home.

Q. Why did you decide to become a singer?

To be honest, I didn’t expect to become a singer. Just casted, I thought that I wanted to try to do it once. But now it's fun! It was a good choice.

Q. Is there a singer you admire?

R&B singer Anthony Hamilton . I listen to his music from a young age and I still like it.

Q. Which member left the strongest impression, when you first met?

Aron: Minhyun. When I first met each of the members, I thought "Ah! Cool!" "Oh, this person is also good!" ... except for Minhyun (haha). Minhyun was truly a buzz.

Minhyun: I think so too (laughs) My face has changed a little as I grew up, now it’s the case that I got cool.

Aron: But, everyone feels pretty strange. Perhaps, the person whose face has not changed the most is JR . JR is really the same as when he was a trainee. I wonder if I became a little ugly ... (tears)

Q. The struggle about the dorm life?

It’s good to live with them all, but I want my own space too. Because we spend 24 hours together, I can not say that there are no inconveniences.

Q. Have you ever thought about giving up the dream of being a singer?

Aron: I think that, to be honest, I am the one who want to stop (want to quit) the most.

Minhyun: Because Aron is coming from the United States (to Korea) he will be alone when we others go home during New Year. Even if we get a vacation, we have like 3 days and 2 nights only.

Aron: Even if I try to go back home , I will end up only being on an airplane .

Minhyun: He seems to be lonely because he will always be alone.

Aron: All my friends are in America, and in Korea I don’t have much acquaintance . Besides , I’m active in Korea, but I was born and grew up in the United States, so there is still a different way of thinking . There are times when I have had difficulties at such places.

Q. What is your favorite fashion style?

I like the simple style. I often wear fashion like American college students . You need to try to match your clothes your age.

Q. What type of girls do you like?

Pure, hard-working and self-sustaining in everything.

Q. What are you addicted to now ?

I was more interested in studying than being hooked with something. Actually, I was accepted to a pretty good university in the US but I gave up and came to Korea . However, I want to continue singing while studying at an university again. The university can be Korea or the United States. Also, when I was a high school student, I was a golf player. I have been absent for about 3 or 4 years now but I am very nervous to go golfing together with my manager at the weekend. For that reason, I've only been watching golfing videos recently (laughs). I have to practice before the weekend is coming!

Q. What was the most memorable episode since your debut in 2012?

Aron: That we stood on the stage at Tokyo Dome during 2012 K-DREAM LIVE ! Although it was not a solo live performance, we co-stared with many KPOP artists. At that time, nearby 40.000 ? people came, it was very surprising. It was about 6 months after our debut.

Minhyun : Oh yeah, we were the opening act.

Aron : It was a lot of fun and I felt honored .

Q. How did you feel when you were about to debut in Japan?

I was very happy. Because we’ve had many activities in Japan, such as holding concerts , tours and even fan events . I wanted to debut forever and I think that not only myself but all the members feel the same. I will keep trying my best!

Q. What was your impression of being in Japan for the 1st time ?

My relatives’ aunt lives in Japan, and I came once here when I was a child, but I don’t remember much of it (laughs) . When I came here, after I became a member of NU’EST, I’ve got like a completely new feeling? from it. It was quite different from South Korea, and also a different place from America, so it was a really surprise. But it was nice. I like learning about the culture of a different country and I enjoy it very much.

Q. Where do you often go to in Japan?

Because all members love sukiyaki, we will definitely go eating out at the end of a concert . Also, I would like to go to the Snow Festival in Sapporo with my love one day ! I’m freezing easily, but I can endure it if she can be pleased by this! (laughs)

Q. Working in Japan is a great opportunity for the group, what do you think is the most meaningful?

As a K-POP artist, we came to Japan to inform you about K-pop and NU'EST and I am very happy that the number of fans keep on increasing. If there is a chance in Japan, I would like to try to get a solo live at Tokyo Dome.

Q. What kind of artist would you like to be in the future?

I want to become a free artist. The images of idols that people have in their mind is an image of having breath-taking dances and being obedience to every word from the heads in the office, but I want to get out of it. I am an idol but I want to become an idol with my own ideas. Then I would like to do personal activities including working on music. From korean artists, Park Jae Bum’s free style is good. I still don’t have much experience in acting... so I want to challenge variety as well. I am a DJ of a radio show for now, and I am interested in various entertainment activities.

Q. What kind of things do you target as NU'EST ?

Win 1st place! In Korea, and in Japan too. After that, becoming a singer which is known to many people. No matter where I go, I'd like to be as close as to get told "I know NU’EST!” It will take time, but I definitely want to archive that.

Source: jisin.jp (1), (2)

Translated by WatchingOverNuest

Take out with credits only

[giantpiink-blog]

TRANS [INTERVIEW] Want to be your Star, Group Astro

Source

[Reporter Park Seunghyun] Astro, the group made of six members, handsome and warm, all gathered into one light. A refreshing feeling you can't make up, and a group full of Youth's bluness; they know that every moment that passes as singers is being created into a precious time.

Through their debut album 'Spring Up, Astro showed us an energy full of unvaried charms.The image they give on stage of each members overflowing vitality created a variety of anticipation for this interview.

Through the respective stories of the six boys who are full of freshness and loveliness, we spoke about their dreams of being a singer, and how now and forever their hearts will flutter and they will be thankful as they go down that hoped for road. Astro, a group who shows the most shining image in the place with their dreams.

As time goes by, there is a reasoning that, eventually everything in the world builds up together, but as we see six members, there are also some individual anticipations. With an innocent heart that won't change, they will shine like a star forever.

Q. How was the pictorial shoot?

JINJIN: I think it was an interesting pictorial, so I think it was good. I don't know whether it will come out well, but we worked hard so I feel good. EUNWOO: When they said we would be shooting a BNT pictorial I searched a lot, and a lot. I don't know if we were able to do well, but even so, they were taken well so it was good and very interesting.

Q. Please introduce Astro.

JINJIN: Astro means 'Star' and 'Universe' in Spanish. It's a name that represents our desire to light up the inside of everyone's hearts. Our first album activities have finished, but 'Spring Up' had an image of springs overflowing vitality, we wanted to show an image full of strength, so we worked hard.

Q. It was around Februrary that you debuted as a new group, it must have been a busy time.

MOONBIN: Now we have finished our schedules with our last fan sign. Since we are rookies there are many things we could still learn, right? I think the busier we are, the times when we re busy, it's good. It's hard, but we were able to learn a lot while doing activities, and I think we were able to help each other and become even closer with each other.

Q. At fansigns, there was a high touch every day; wasn't it busy?

MOONBIN: A lot of fans came to our fan signs. Yesterday was our last fan sign, even at the end people still came to see us. I hope during our 2 album we are able to meet and speak with each other more frequently. We were able to show our stage in the form of a showcase too, so we had a really good time.

Q. I wonder how you each came to wanting to become a singer.

ROCKY: I have been dancing since I was five years old, so naturally my dream was to become a singer. While watching singers I used to try copying them, and that brought me up until now. JINJIN: When I was in elementary school, Rain-Sunbaenim was always on TV and his stages were always really cool. I think that in a young heart, a person who is on TV is a really cool person, so I told my mother I wanted to show a good image and be on TV, so I think that's how it started. SANHA: My fathers dream was to be a singer, but because of a personal things he was unable to achieve it. Instead he always used to sing and play guitar at home, so while I was in elementary school I watched that image of him and I felt like I wanted to become a singer.

MJ: When I was in middle school I would watch TV and watch performance videos and I would always be moved by the sound of the audience cheering and applauding when the stage was over, so I started to feel like I wanted to experience that feeling too, so the dream of wanting to be a singer began to raise in my mind. When I hear those sounds, I get goose bumps. MOONBIN: When I was little I did a lot as a child actor. One time I was in TVXQ Sunbaenim's  'Balloons' music video, it was the first time I had seen them and I thought they were really cool, so I felt like I too wanted to be like them. EUNWOO: I don't know if I wanted to be a singer or a celebrity but I was lucky and I received casting calls so I became a trainee.  As I practiced and while dancing and learning various other things, it was really interesting. So because of those things, I ended up here right now.

Q. The members had a long trainee time, so ther must have been many difficulties even before debut.

JINJIN: Eunwoo, Sanha and I were together for almost 3 or 4 years. Rocky 6 years and Bin was 7 years. The eldest, MJ had the shortest of just three years. Among us he came latest, but as soon as he arrived he was able to fill the spot of main vocal (laughs). ROCKY: It was the first time an adult had come into the company, but I didn't know he was an adult at first. Hyung has always been like this. Haha. JINJIN: MJ is an amusing Hyung too, he used to fool Rocky by calling him hyung, but I always used to think Rocky was the eldest too, so I greeted him [MJ] last.

MOONBIN: Before Astro's team was formed, there was something like a survival project. Every week for eight weeks we had to prepare a new stage to show. We had to prepare about two or three songs and dances per week. So we had to compete against each other, but also had to cooperate with each other. It was really difficult, right? Mentally at least. Because they were missions that would pick the final fixed members we all worked really hard.

The group changed every week so as the group was being made we didn't get any confirmation or any scope of what was going on as we performed on stage. It was similar to Produce 101 right (laughs). 'If this member and this member are together what kind of image will it bring out' were things we experienced a lot.

Thankfully though, we were able to interact a lot with the audience. I think that was our selling point and our advantage; but when we do broadcasts we have to look at the camera, so because we were used to interacting with the audience, it was somewhat difficult. It was really hard at first to get used to it.

EUNWOO: We went around the country with 'Meet You Project'. At that tme we performed in a lot of places, and there were lots of times we could just breathe with the audience. When we debuted, since we had to look at a camera for the first time when performing, it was a little awkward and difficult right? MOONBIN: So when we're at schedules we learnt a lot, and we got used to it quickly.

Q. It seems like Rookie groups always find things like stages somewhat awkward.

EUNWOO: Of course it's awkward. Before debut we had experience on stage, so we tried watching videos of our rehearsals and matching it. It was still awkward, but a bit better than at first. ROCKY: Even though we practiced our Title all day every day, it wasn't hard like that. While doing all the broadcasts we had a few rehearsals each time, we would be too conscious of the cameras and use too much energy needlessly, so that was really difficult. But now, compared to them, without using as much strength it's a bit less hard.

Q. What moment has left the strongest memory, predebut or after debuting?

JINJIN: Our debut showcase left the strongest memory for me. Our first stage 'Innocent Love' is our b-side, and the moment the cheers were really loud. About 1,500 people came, that moment felt really thrilling. It's still vivid to me, even now. MOONBIN: The song is really serious, but I couldn't help but smile. I was just really happy, so... EUNWOO: My strongest memory is also from that time that we debuted. In between songs when we had a talk, we were preparing for the next stage and fans held up placards that said 'Congratulations on your debut'. I got so many goosebumps when I saw that from now nice it was.

Q. Cha Eunwoo,  you went on 'Challenge Goldenbell' and '1vs100' before; how do you feel about the nickname of being called 'intelligent man'?

EUNWOO: I'm a little shy over it. There are people who are a lot more intelligent than I am, so I am really thankful people call me like that. I think I should try hard to match well with being called 'intelligent man'. ROCKY: Eunwoo is really shy about a lot of things. Naturally he's a person who would study a lot, even in between schedules he would study. Even in the car he studies Chinese. EUNWOO: There's nothing to do during those times, so I should make the most by preparing myself during those times.

Q. Moonbin, you acted as So YiJeong as a child actor in 'Boys over Flowers' so you must receive a lot of attention for your appearence

MOONBIN: A that time I was just in elementary school, so I understood my role, but I didn't really know it in detail. Because I had no interest in being a celebrity or a singer while I was a child actor, I just learnt slowly.

At first I was a model for uniforms. I ended up getting casted for a music video, and I got an audition for 'Boys over Flowers'. At first it wasn't really burdensome. I didn't really like receiving attention as a child, so I was a little scared. My mother gave me some advice that I should be more interested in getting into showbuisness. After that I got more interested in it, and started to enjoy it a lore more.

Q. MJ, I heard your nickname is 'The Maknae like eldest hyung', and also 'Happy Virus'

MJ: In the team the atmosphere can become down or dropped right. I really don't like that type of atmosphere, so I like to play pranks on the kids to cheer them up. I don't get tired easily, the secret to that is red ginseng. If i eat that, I never get tired. Haha. MOONBIN: Hyung is really excitable, but there are times we can't handle him. Because we get tired (Laughs).

Q. Rocky, you've had a lot of interest in dancing ever since you were little. You went on 'Korea's Got Talent', right?

ROCKY: My mom watched me caring about exercise when I was younger, and told me I should try dance. Jazz dance, ballet, tap dance, etc. I learnt them all. When I first went to the hagwon there were many girls so I couldn't adapt to it. However later on I ended up being able to do well (laughs). I adapted well right? While I was learning, I would watch Rain-sunbaenim, and becoming a singer took over my heart. So I ended up going onto Korea's got talent'.

Q. Yoon Sanha, you were born in the year 2000 so you're still a chid youngest, do the hyungs take care of you well?

SANHA: The hyung's all take care of me a lot better than I thought. Haha. Naturally the youngest should be doing everything first, but the hyung's all do it first for me, so I was really thankful. Since When I was in puberty I was rebellious JinJin hyung or even the others would give me a lot of advice, like a guide. JINJIN: Sanha and MJ hyung have what we call 'Eldest-Youngest chemistry'. The maknae and the eldest go really well together, so they became each others strength.

Q. JinJin, as leader there must be problems

JINJIN: Rather than problems in being a leader, there are things I don't want to hear, so I don't really like it. I'm the style to try and be kind first rather than saying things that I don't want to hear. So no matter who it is, I don't like to give or receive pain. In the end it's better to try and talk to the members even though they can't do well, right?. Sometimes when I explode my mood is also really not good, those times are the hardest. I can't do well, so I get angry and it's unavoidable I would say bad things; at those times my heart doesn't feel good.

ROCKY: So when JinJin hyung was a trainee he didn't really nag. But at the time when the team had to make a leader he did it often. MOONBIN: When hyung would speak he would realise 'I was really wrong'. He scolds us really kindly, so we realise what we did wrong ourselves. He listens to us as a group, but he also speaks to us individually when he needs to scold us. ROCKY: Even before he was our leader he would listen to us a lot, and listen to our problems a lot, so he became a leader naturally.

Q. Is there a reality program you want to film?

EUNWOO: I really want to go on 'Real Men'. When you do it, it's hard but afterwards it's fulfilling right. The exercise is hard too, and you'll sweat a lot, so it'll feel fulfilling. I really want to feel the fulfillment of working hard like that. Men have to go to the military at some time(laughs). MOONBIN: I really want to go on 'Laws of the Jungle'. I like things like working with my body or going on expeditions. Things like cooperating and working together in a dangerous situation. I think 'Can I also do that?', so I want to test myself just once.

MJ: I want to try 'I live alone'. Haha. I want to show the image of living alone after leaving the dorm. I want to show you can live happily even alone. SANHA: For me, 'Running Man'. I want to try ripping the name tag once. MOONBIN: Sanha is frequently detailed and has times when he can be cold hearted and keep level hearted, so I think he can do well(laughs).

Q. What episode do you remember most in your every day dorm life?

MJ: Rocky is a specialist at going to the convenience store. When we finish practice late at night, he will go to the convenience store wearing his pajama pants, a hair band, a face pack and slippers. No matter how much I see it, I'm usually shocked; the firs time people see him they get so surprised. ROCKY: They don't know who I am anyway (laughs). MOONBIN: When I wear a hair band and a facepack I guess I also can't tell who I am.

ROCKY: Let me explain, I regret that I stay still after showering and using a facepack because my complexion was really clear, so I decided to go to the convenience store (laughs). I didn't think it was strange at first. I usually wear the character facepacks that fans give us and go. MOONBIN: You should try and abstain from doing it a little these days.

Q. In the boy group 'cross fire', what is the strength or charm that only Astro have?

MOONBIN: I think it's that we're close to each other and fans. Before we debtued, through 'Meet You Project' we were able to go and find fans, and we had a lot of events; we don't want to be the type of group, who when reaching for fans hands look to see how far it is, but instead become singers who are able to reach them. Our closeness is our strength, I think. As long as there is no resistance, we can easily get closer.

Q. Explain what you think the others charm points are.

SANHA -> JINJIN: On stage when he raps it's really cool but ordinarily he acts very slow. Like a turtle. It's a reversal charm. He has a tranquil charm. JINJIN -> ROCKY: He's a practice bug. He has a lot of patience too, so when we practice he's always the last one left. If you want confidence you should do it unconditionally, that’s his style. He always wants to show that image. He's a reliable rock like friend. ROCKY -> EUNWOO: He looks after us without it feeling like he's looking after us. He's kind of cold outside but warm inside (t/n: the word he used is Tsundere). He's handsome and a good hyung, but he always looks after us from behind, so it's really nice. But he's also the person who looks perfect but is actually quite sloppy. He's like a rash fool, but it's cute. He's not always cool. Haha. He's often humane too, so it's cute. But he nags us like a mom a lot.

EUNWOO -> MOONBIN: I think he's the coolest on stage. He's always the first one I spot when we're doing monitoring, he has many things that you notice. On stage he has his own feeling and power that I think he shows well. He has a charm that belongs only to him on stage. MOONBIN -> MJ: Happy virus. When we have hard times, or when we are down he is the biggest boost to our courage. If hyung wasn't here when we were down it would have a huge impact on us. The eldest hyung, who also has the image of being like the maknae, but in reverse also shows his image as the eldest a lot. We have times when we go astray, so as the hyung he always points out problems and teaches us. He's like the youngest, but also like the eldest; a very reliable person. MJ -> SANHA: Sanha has a lot of aegyo and likes to joke a lot and can seem really childish, but when we're practicing his concentration is really good. Sanha plays guitar really well, so when he's left alone he will practice. The more I look at him, he's like a sponge. His sense is really good, and his feeling is full of vitality. He may seem like he only has aegyo, but he's actually the most earnest.

Q. The group Astro aspires to be like?

MOONBIN: For me, it's TVXQ Sunbaenim. When singing, when performing, everything of theirs seems perfect. When I saw the MR version I was so shocked. I got goosebumps. I want us to become a group that is popular overseas, and receives recognition here too. ROCKY: For me, Big Bang sunbaenim. They all have individual personalities, but when they're collected into one they're able to show a beautiful image. I want us to also be able to show that type of image well. We all have individual personalities, but if we gather together, I wish us to become a big energy.

Q. Members ideal types?

ROCKY: I like cute and kind type. A person who is considerate of others, and looks after other people well. A considerate and cute person is good. MOONBIN: I like a person who smiles well. Someone who matches well with my humor style and usually smiles well. I often put things away hastily, so someone who can look after me meticulously is my ideal type (laughs). MJ: A person with a pretty smile and a bright personality. Someone with a similar personality to me. Someone who can take a joke well, and whose humour matches well with mine, a 'female MJ' like person. Haha.

JINJIN: I like someone who is self assertive. Because my mother is like that, and my father has a similar personality to me. My mother holds onto my father, but outside my father looks after her so it's really cool. SANHA: I like a person who thinks of me a lot. A person who asks me a lot of questions and shows me a lot of interest. EUNWOO: My ideal type is a wise woman. And also the girl I like, or the girl I love will become my ideal type.(laughs)

Q. Which member puts the most thought their individual clothing style?

EVERYONE: Rocky and JinJin MJ: Everyone has a lot of interest in it, but doesn't really dress well (laughs). I once went with JinJin to buy a fashion book, but we really didn't know anything. We had no clue what to buy. (laughs). MOONBIN: Right now the hyung who is speaking is the hardest. Whenever I ask the stylist who is the worst at dressing themselves, they always answer MJ hyung. JinJin hyung is really good at wearing clothes that match him. If you ask him he knows all the fashion brands. ROCKY: For me, I just look at our photos taken when we're leaving from a schedule. MOONBIN: In my case I just ask JinJin hyung a lot.

Q. What's Astro's point when watching you on stage?

ROCKY: Our title is called 'Hide&Seek' so there are a lot of turns if you see the choreography. I think those turns are really interesting. EUNWOO: We practice the choreography a lot until we get it correct, but we also put importance on facial expressions and gestures, since you don't just since with your face. We wanted to make a story line. We change our gestures and facial expressions a lot while dancing. We match the surprise, and the sadness and laughing.

MOONBIN: Our image is fresh and lively, right, so we all wanted our choreography to be on the dynamic side. I think it's good because you can see our image and our reversal charm. JINJIN: Our dance is really dynamic; it's difficult so when we rehearse it we end up sweating a lot. EUNWOO: There's one anecdote about that; when we finished rehearsing once, because we were swearing a lot our makeup got really ruined. (laughs)

Q. What kind of qualities do you want Astro to have?

SANHA: As we prepare with each album I hope we can come back showing a more advanced image. MOONBIN: I think the most important thing is to come back with a more developed image each time. ROCKY: We are still young so are at a time where there are many things that we can only show now, I'd like to be able to show an image that shows our growth a lot. EUNWOO: Our greeting words are 'Wanna be your stare'. We will become a star in the publics hearts, but we also have the desire to face the stars orselves, so I want us to become a group that has a lot of

Q. Please say something to fans

JINJIN: Because of our Aroha's, during the 1st album's promotions we received a lot of help, a lot of support and so much strength. Because of the words fans give us we were able to become strong, so thank yo for being born. Thanks to you all we received strength. We are working hard to become an Astro who can match your expectations and desires. MOONBIN: Aroha's came to our activities a lot and always came to support us at broadcasts. When it was hard for us you always became strength to us, and even though you couldn't come to broadcasts you left us letters on the fancafe while supporting us through other ways. We are so thankful that you're with us through the schedules even though it was probably hard, we will work hard to repay you all. EUNWOO: They even came to today's radio schedule. So thank you for coming today. You worked hard up until the last fansign of our first album promotions, so I'd like to tell all the fans they worked really hard. Thank you for saying you love us, I love you too.

ROCKY: Through preparing for debut, and even after debut day there are people who like us and we received a lot of interested and love. Even now. So I'm really thankful. Through our way of expressing is awkward, and our image was our of order, thank you so much for liking us so much. MJ: Overseas fans and some native fans are unable to come and see us, so it's always sad. Even though you're far away, you still support us and we received much love from you all. JINJIN: I really liked being able to go and meet native fans, we had a really good time. SANHA: Fans came to today's radio broadcast made it really enjoyable. Thank you so much for always taking pretty pictures whenever we have a schedule. We always see them when the performances are done and we head home, so we are thankful. Thank you so much forever.

Translation by Yuna, do not take without credits. Do not repost anywhere!

[bangtanscouts]

Hallyu PIA Japan Magazine 11/30 [RAP MONSTER]

My charming points?

Voice, proportion, the difference between wearing shades and not wearing shades

My rule

Have to bring along my ear piece no matter where I’m going 

Boast about yourself~

Me? My rap is good, I’m smart too, and I’m tall. Proportions’ good as well, and my english’s not bad.

Say something to your members about living in the dorm!!

Let’s quickly move dorms successfully. V-ah, whenever we call you to wake up can you wake up?

If I do this, it means

I’m nervous if I’m touching any areas around my nose

This is an absolutely no!!!!

Seafood

If you continue to be like this, I will get angry!!

Teasing me/making fun of me and I will get angry

 • If I don’t have anymore energy, what will I do to regain strength?

Listen to music, dancing or singing anyhow. 

Which country do you want to visit?

Japan, America, Singapore, U.K, France, Paris

Trans by bangtanscouts // Please take out with full credits. 

[ddochijs]

[แปล/สัมภาษณ์] อีจงซอก | InStyle   Korea, February 2018

Eng Trans by:  jenny723614 &  ceeceeceece Proofread by: @joanna140989 Thai Trans by; โดชิ

เวลาของอีจงซอกที่ผ่านไปอย่างช้าๆ และไม่รีบร้อน

The Cover

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ถึงไดเรคเตอร์ของเราจะกังวลว่าจะมีปัญหาอะไรหรือเปล่า แต่เราก็เขาใจได้ว่านี่เป็นคาแรคเตอร์ของเขา ที่ทำให้เขาไม่ได้เปิดให้ใครง่ายๆ ตัวอีจงซอกเองก็ถาม editor โดยล้อเลียนเสียงอย่างขำๆ ว่า “วันนี้ถ่ายภาพเป็นยังไงบ้าง พอใจกับมันไหม?” และอีกมากมาย

มันไม่ง่ายเลยที่จะทำลายความเงียบในตอนแรกๆ ที่บรรยากาศค่อนข้างกระอัพกระอ่วน จากมุมมองที่ต่างการ นั่นแปลว่า อีจงซอกค่อนข้างคิดเยอะเกี่ยวกับการถ่ายทำในวันนั้น โดยอีจงซอกได้เสนอความคิดร่วมกับทีมงาน ตอนที่จัดท่าทางในการถ่ายทำ และใส่ใจในทีมงานรอบข้าง

ในความเป็นจริง มันเป็นอะไรที่ค่อนข้างท้าทาย กับการนำคอนเซปใหม่ๆ มาใช้กับนักแสดงที่ค่อนข้างมีประสบการณ์กับการถ่ายนิตยสารแบบนี้ หลังจากที่ระดมความคิดกันไปมากมาย editor เสนอให้เปิดเผยภาพที่เป็นตัวตนโดยไม่ต้องแต่งเติมเยอะ ภาพที่ออกมาจึงเป็นอีจงซอกที่ทำตัวสบายๆ แสดงออกด้วยสีหน้าที่สงบ ระหว่างที่พยายามจะเผชิญหน้ากับพวกเรา เขายังไม่รู้(ตัว)เลยว่าเขาได้แสดงสีหน้าใหม่ๆ ออกมา

Stay True

“มันโอเค ถึงมันจะไม่ยั่งยืน” ในด้านหนึงที่อีจงซอกได้พบเจอกับความสุขในชีวิตประจำวัน

บทกลอนก่อนหน้านี้ บอกความเป็นตัวของเขาว่า “จริงใจ สุขุม แต่ก็สดใสอยู่ข้างใน เขาไม่ใช่คนพูดจาประจบเอาใจ เขาจริงใจและซื่อตรงต่อความเป็นจริง”

ในช่วงปลายปี หนังสือรบรวมบทกลอน “모두가 내 탓” ที่ อีจงซอก ได้ร่วมโปรเจคกับนักเขียนกลอน นาแทจู ได้ตีพิมพ์ออกมา เปิดเรื่องราวมาด้วย นักแสดงอีจงซอก ที่รู้ถึงความจริงของชีวิตและบทกลอน แต่เขากลับเขียนว่า “ผมไม่ค่อยเข้าใจในบทกลอนเท่าไหร่” ทั้งหมดเป็นเพราะบทกลอน “ดอกไม้” ในละคร “School 2013″ ที่เขาเหมือนจะเข้าใจได้ดีที่สุด ถึงการแสดงออกของบทกลอนบทนั้น บทกลอนแต่ละบท ขึ้นอยู่กับแต่ละคนที่จะเข้าใจมัน ในขณะที่อีจงซอกเล่นละครมาหลายบทบาท ได้รับรู้หลายๆ ความรู้สึก ทั้งรัก เศร้า และความสบายใจ

ใช้บทสนทนาวันนี้เป็นตัวแทน สรุปออกมาเป็นประโยคเดียวจากการสัมภาษณ์อีจงซอก นักแสดงที่ถ่อมตัวคนนี้เหมือนจะไม่เคยรู้เลยถึงความสามารถพิเศษที่ตัวเองมี เอาแต่ถูกรบกวนความคิดด้วยข้อด้อยเล็กๆ น้อยๆ เขาได้รับประสบการณ์การทำงานมานับไม่ถ้วนจากการฝึกฝน แต่อย่างเดียวที่ไม่เคยเปลี่ยนไปคือความตรงไปตรงมา เพราะงั้น มันเหมือนเป็นกฏของการใช้ชีวิต การที่ตรงไปตรงมา ทำให้เกิดการถูกมองในแง่ลบได้บ้างเป็นบางครั้ง ปัญหาของเขาในตอนนี้คือ เขาจะสามารถพูดตรงไปตรงมาแบบนี้ได้อีกนานแค่ไหน

เขาหวังที่จะเป็นคนดีกว่านี้ ไม่ว่าจะเมื่อคืน คืนนี้ หรือคืนพรุ่งนี้ จนถึงเช้า นาแทจูเห็นว่าจงซอกเป็นคนที่มีความสามารถ “จริงใจ สุขุม แต่ก็สดใสอยู่ข้างใน เขาไม่ใช่คนพูดจาประจบเอาใจ เขาจริงใจและซื่อตรงต่อความเป็นจริง” ในตอนที่อายุยังน้อยขนาดนี้ ไม่ใช่แค่หนึ่ง แต่มากกว่าสิบปีที่เขาใช้ชีวิตแบบนี้ ตามคำพูดของชายชรา “มันจะดีแค่ไหน ถ้าเขารู้ว่าเรารักเขามากขนาดนี้”

Q: จากบทกลอน ทั้งอายุของนาแทจู พื้นที่ที่เขาอาศัยอยู่ และความชำนาญมันแตกต่างจากคุณอย่างสิ้นเชิงเลย มันน่าจะต้องเป็นประสบการณที่น่าสนใจมากแน่ๆ ที่ได้ทำงานร่วมกับเขา

จงซอก: การแสดงออกถึงความรักและการจากลาในบทกลอนของอาจารย์มันเป็นความรู้สึกทั่วไปที่มนุษย์ทุกคนสามารถประสบได้ ผมรู้สึกเศร้าและอินมากเป็นพิเศษหลังจากอ่านกลอนเกี่ยวกับการจากลา ผมเคยสงสัยนะว่าเขาอยู่ในช่วงที่กำลังเศร้า/เป็นด้านมืด ตอนก่อนที่เราจะเจอกันหรือเปล่า แต่พอเจอกันจริงๆ ผมพบว่าเขาเป็นคนที่อบอุ่นและเป็นสุภาพบุรุษ เขาพูดคุย/แนะนำกับผมเยอะมากในฐานะรุ่นพี่ และผมรู้สึกยินดีมากๆ ตอนที่ผมเด็กๆ ผมคิดว่า คำว่า เป็นผู้ใหญ่ มันดูเป็นคำถากถาง แต่ตอนนี้รู้สึกว่า คำนี้มันควรจัดอยู่ในประเภท คำที่ทำให้อบอุ่นหัวใจมากกว่า

Q: จากโปรเจคกับดีไซน์เนอร์ มาจนถึงโปรเจคกับนักกวี และได้ทำอะไรที่ปกตินักแสดงอีจงซอกไม่ได้ทำ คุณมีความสุขไหมกับการที่ค่อยๆ ได้มาเกี่ยวข้องกับวงการอื่นๆ (ที่ไม่ใช่วงการนักแสดง)?

จงซอก: มันน่าสนใจนะ อีกทั้งผมยังได้เรียนนู้เกี่ยวกับวงการใหม่ๆ ที่ผมยังไม่รู้จัก เรื่องราวของคนมันน่าอัศจรรย์ใจมาก หลายๆ คนมีช่วงเวลาที่ยากลำบาก ยอมแพ้? มีอะไรที่พวกเขาสามารถทำได้อีก? ผมเองก็มีช่วงเวลาที่กังวลแบบนั้น แต่ผมจะเห็นค่าในงานของผมมากขึ้นหลังจากเข้าใจอะไรพวกนี้ ซึ่งไม่ใช่เรื่องที่ผมชำนาญ

Q: กลอนบทไหนที่คุณชอบที่สุดในหนังสือ?

จงซอก: กลอนที่ชื่อ “การเป็นไปของชีวิต” “นึกภาพวันที่คิดถึงคุณ ฟังเพลงในวันที่รู้สึกขมขื่น แล้วก็ใช่เวลาทั้งวันที่เหลือคิดถึงเพียงคุณ” ผมชอบตั้งแต่ชื่อของบทกลอนเลย  ก็เลยท่องได้ แล้วก็ชอบท่อนสุดท้ายของบท “หิมะกำลังตก” มากๆ ผมได้ประโยคที่มันเศร้าๆ อย่าง “ไม่มีที่ไหนในโลกที่จะหาคุณพบอีกแล้ว” ด้วย ในบทที่สี่ของบทกวีพูดเกี่ยวกับเรื่องราวที่ผมอยากพูดกับแฟนๆ หรือ พูดถึงเรื่องราวของแฟนๆ สำหรับผม ขั้นตอนการทำงานทั้งหมดมันน่าสนใจมากๆ

Q: คุณได้เรียนรู้อะไรเป็นพิเศษไหม?

จงซอก: คนบางคนจะเขียนอะไรสักอย่างในชั่วโมงแรกๆ ของเช้าวันใหม่ ด้วยเหตุผลเพราะอารมณ์อ่อนไหว แต่คำพวกนั้นจะเริ่มน่าเบื่อหลังจากผ่านไปสักพัก ผมถามอาจ��รย์ถึงสถานการณ์แบบนี้ อาจารย์บอกผมว่าอย่าไปสนใจคนอื่น อย่าปรุงแต่งตัวเอง และอย่าพยายาม(ไม่เป็นตัวเอง)

Q: นักแสดงมักจะได้สัมผัสประสบการณ์การใช้ชีวิตและอาชีพที่แตกต่างในตอนที่เริ่มทำการแสดง มันแตกต่างอย่างสิ้นเชิงเลยจริงไหม?

จงซอก: ถ้าถามนักแสดงหลายๆ คนว่าเสน่ห์ของการแสดงคืออะไร พวกเขาจะตอบว่า มันรู้สึกดีที่ได้ใช้ชีวิตด้วยชีวิตที่แตกต่าง (แสดงในหลายๆ บทบาท) นั่นคือสิ่งที่ผมคิดเหมือนกัน แต่เมื่อเวลาผ่านไป ผมมาคิดได้ว่า ในฐานะนักแสดง ช่วงเวลาพวกนั้นที่ได้แสดงมันก็เป็นเหมือนหน้าที่ ในฐานะนักแสดงที่ได้แสดงเป็นทั้งหมอ หรือแม้แต่อัยการ ผมแค่แสดงออกถึงเทคนิคทางการแพทย์ หรือทางกฏหมายไปตาม script ที่เป็นส่วนที่ผมรับผิดชอบก็แค่นั้นเอง

Q: คุณได้แสดงหลายบทบาทมาก ทั้งนักข่าว หมอ อัยการ และอีกมากมาย และผู้คนชอบบทบาทพวกนั้น โกนัมซุน จาก School 2013 พัคซูฮา จาก I Can Hear Your Voice ชเวดัลโพ จาก Pinocchio จองแจชาน จาก While You Were Sleeping พัคฮุน จาก Doctor Stranger คังชอล จาก W ชอนจาก Secret Garden ถ้ามันเป็นอะไรที่เลี่ยงไม่ได้ และคุณอีจงซอกจะต้องเลือกใช้ชีวิตเป็นหนึ่งในบทบาทนี้ คุณจะเลือกอันไหน?

จงซอก: เป็นคำถามที่ยากมาก ตัวละครที่ไม่ตายและต้องใช้ชีวิตต่อไป ถ้าต้องเลือกสักอัน ผมคงเลือก จองแจชาน จาก While You Were Sleeping ล่ะมั้ง? ผมรู้สึกว่ามันคงไม่เศร้ามาก มันน่าจะดีถ้ามีเซนส์ของการหาสิ่งที่มีความสุขและน่าสนใจ

[ktaebwi]

[TRANS] 180128 Yonhap News Interview w/ BTS (1/3)

Source Part 2 | Part 3

① BTS “Our secret to success is not SNS but sincerity + ability”

20s, the age that eats and eats and still craves for more. At 5 PM, BTS opened up some treats and had snack time, proving to be hearty eaters. To the members (RM 24, Suga 25, Jin 26, J-Hope 24, Jimin 23, V 23, Jungkook 21), who have to split up their time small, with success comes the time they miss home cooking.

“Members whose houses are at Seoul can eat a meal and come back, while Jungkook and Jimin are from Busan, so they eat home cooking about 1-2 times a year.”

At Nonhyun-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, we interviewed BTS, said to be more difficult to meet than any other celebrity.

With 1-year worth of schedule packed already and a busy year waiting ahead, the members shared “We still sleep 6-7 hours a day. Only Jin and V sleep a little later because they play games”. Even with a small question, they didn’t answer sloppily.

Last year, BTS attained First·Best achievements in the Billboard chart, recorded 1.5 million in album sales on Gaon Chart and swept Daesangs at various award shows with ‘Love Yourself 承 Her’ album and ‘MIC Drop’ Remix version. With a year-long rapid leap, they became an ‘uncrossable wall’ group that will be the turning point in the history of Korean music, like Seo Taiji & Kids, H.O.T, DBSK, Psy.

During the one-hour long interview, the members expressed “It’s the beginning of a year with lots of thoughts” and laid out their feelings. They led the conversation with honesty, repeating the word ‘sincerity’, talking about the emotions when their sweat brought forth fruits, the anxiety and loneliness behind and how they overcome it.

Below are Q&As with BTS.

- Anyone would understand the swag in your ‘Mic Drop’ lyrics. You spent a year with ‘bags filled with trophies’.

▲ J-HOPE: It was a year of many achievements that I feel proud of myself looking back. All thanks to our fans’ enthusiastic support.

▲ JUNGKOOK: I wasn’t nervous at all, be it at award shows or American NBC talk show ‘Ellen DeGeneres Show’. It’s because I believed in our fans. At that time I felt that I made a right decision choosing to become a singer.

▲ JIN: Hmh, I think I became more handsome last year. I’ve been saying this for years so our fans would understand this, haha. We interacted with fans a lot last year too. We had more contents, interacted with fans in various ways and together made achievements.

- Many fields have analyzed BTS’ secret to success and economical value. Even in the politics world there were reports urging to learn your method of communication. It was summarized into many factors like refined music, contemporary messages that connect with the youth, synchronized choreography, friendly SNS interactions, but what do the members think is the key factor?

▲ RM: We have received this question countless of times and I think I have represented the team to answer more than 200 times. It’s finalized gradually with every answer and this is the newest version. I truly praise Bang Shihyuk PD-nim for his batting eye. We started as a hiphop crew but Bang PD-nim thought that there needs to be someone to talk about what is needed in our society. There were rappers like us who can realize that idea and other members who are skilled performance-wise. If we were to summarize BTS’ secret to success into keywords, I think it would be ‘Sincerity + Ability’. Our sincerity is visible in the public’s eyes, but people only focus on the point that we’re active on SNS. What’s more important is that we’re singers, so our music and performances’ quality has to be good no matter what. We have that and combining with the sincerity and messages we want to deliver and our frequent SNS usage, they’re envisioned and supported by Bang PD-nim. He provided us the freedom and we as players took high risk to get high return. We and the company have equal credit and in terms of a collaborative relationship between the company and the artists as business partners, I think this is a good model.

▲ SUGA: I thought a lot about this too since I was curious. It’s hard to sum up in one thing. What someone needs to talk about but no one did, I think that’s where I started. I took a look back to see how I made music before, since it was the beginning of a new year and I was feeling restless, and Bang PD-nim was like this from the start. He sat in the small studio and told us, ‘What do you want to talk about? Think about the subject for your beats.’ We said ‘Respect personal taste’, ‘Why does no one talk about schools and the society?’ and that’s how we started. Unfortunately, when others analyze us, they attribute our success to SNS only. Kim Saengmin sunbae-nim who hosted our fanmeeting not long ago praised us in his podcast that ‘Nothing can beat working hard at what they’re good at’. When I heard that I thought ‘He really felt what we do’. It took 5 years for people to know this, so I felt sentimental.

- Last year you were record makers. The most representative records were your Billboard achievements and album sales, which figures came close to you emotionally?

▲ RM: When we made it to No.28 on the Billboard main single chart ‘Hot 100’ with ‘MIC Drop’ Remix. Having our name on the ‘Hot 100’ that I have been seeing since I was small was shocking to me. Normally in America, the top 40 songs on ‘Hot 100’ are considered nationwide hits, so making it into the top 30 itself was a huge deal.

▲ J-HOPE: The album sales came to me. I felt moved how the album with music we made recorded a big sales number.

▲ SUGA: Actually I don’t dwell on figures or records. Many things happened last year but the performance at ‘American Music Awards’ was the most memorable to me. When I was little, award shows weren’t broadcasted live on TV so I had to watch on the Internet. Appearing on the show was thrilling already but getting to perform on stage right in front of Diana Ross, who received the Lifetime Achievement award, was unbelievable.

- You received fervent responses in American. Local fans arranged campaigns to request your songs at radio stations and helped with Billboard rankings. With ‘Mic Drop’ entered the ‘Hot 100’ for 8 consecutive weeks and ‘Love Yourself 承 Her’ on ‘Billboard 200’ for 15 consecutive weeks, your popularity doesn’t seem to cool down. In which aspect do you see the local fans’ enthusiastic reactions?

▲ SUGA: There’s barely any difference between the way Korean and American fans love us and how they express that love. If I were to choose one, I’d say they like when we’re together the most. They must have found it special how we’re always together no matter what we do.

▲ RM: In the same context, before fans become fans, they’re part of the public who consume contents. I believe they become ‘core fans’ because they distinguished what is not visible in the eyes. If we combine our chemistry and sincerity they felt through video contents like performance videos and behind-the-scenes, music and high-quality performances, I don’t think there’s any weapon more powerful than that. It transcended languages and became the catalyst powering fans to request our songs on radios.

- You appeared on 3 big American talk shows, was there any behind story?

▲ V: I remember these questions the most, ‘Why are your fans so enthusiastic?’, ‘How did you gain such great fans?’. (When asked how he replied) RM answered because he’s good at English. (laughs)

▲ RM: We originally planned to only perform at all 3 talk shows, but after the production crew saw the fanchant and reactions of the fans on set, they add corners like games and talk section with the MCs. There wasn’t supposed to be a talk section with Ellen but after seeing our fans, Ellen said ‘This can’t be it, we need to do more’ and arranged it. It was thanks to fans.

▲ JIN: We asked the translator hyungnim for cool words and sentences and memorized them to talk one by one, but we couldn’t quite understand the questions so we couldn’t answer. V even stayed up all night to prepare questions that would likely to come out but he couldn’t answer, it’s cute.

▲ V: (Searching for the memo note he wrote answers on) I predicted they would ask questions about the performance so I memorized all the answers, but Ellen didn’t ask. The translator hyung obviously said ‘There’s a good chance they’ll ask this question’... (laughs)

- Since your debut in 2013, you have faced the dreams and reality of boys and youth, and in Suga’s mixtape track ‘The Last’, you also confessed about the feeling of separation with reality, depression and compulsion when you dreamed of being an idol star. Looking back at your trainee days, how did you overcome the anxiety and how far do you think you have reached that dream now?

▲ SUGA: I think anxiety and loneliness are something that’ll come with us for the rest of our life. How we let then out matters much and we have to learn our whole life to know how to. I think life is thinking every moment, because emotions change so much with each situation and moment. Through this article, I want to tell people that “I feel the anxiety and so do you, so let’s find the way and learn it together". Never once have I not had a dream. All of my dreams came true. When I was a trainee, my dream was to debut as a singer, after I debuted, it was winning first place, after I won first place, it was winning the daesang and making it to Japan and America. To be honest, Billboard and ‘AMA’ were only far-fetched talks I couldn’t even dream of, but it came true. I don’t feel like I’m running towards a specific dream more than before, but lately my thoughts have changed, our values and happiness as human beings are also important, so I’m still far (from attaining it). I have achieved a lot as a single but last year was probably the turning point. I’m only 26 years old and even though I have been making music for 10 years, counting from pre-debut, I will continue for a long time. I’ve been having a lot of thoughts this new year.

▲ RM: I think humans are programmed to feel ambivalent emotions at the same time. They say it’s the motivation created for humans to dominate other worlds as the lord of all creation. We think about parting as we love and we think about fall and failure as we feel the success, it’s in our genes. It’s the same context with what Suga-hyung said, (anxiety is) like a shadow. To put it in my case, my father got tinnitus during his 25 years working at a company. He said it was hard for him, he got stressed when he concentrated on his work or did something he liked even with no symptom shown, and when he faced stressing situations it got so severe that it affected his life. The anxiety that shows as tinnitus to someone is like a shadow, it gets taller with my height and longer with the night. We can’t say we overcome the ambivalent emotions from the other side of our hearts, however, humans must embrace our inevitable loneliness and darkness, so we need a haven for ourselves. Before, music was the only thing to me and I was lucky to choose this path and meet good friends, achieving occupationally and financially. I made a few havens for myself so I could befriend my anxiety. I collect figurines, buy clothes that I like, go to unknown neighborhoods to see how people live.  When I take the bus and wander around unknown neighborhoods, it bridges the gap and makes me feel like I’m not far away from this world. It’s how I disperse my anxiety.

- Looking at the lyrics that harbor your experiences, there must be a lot of hard times in the past 5 years.

▲ JIN: I’m the type to avoid such moments so I try to live another life by playing games. When I play games, I get to live with a completely different personality. Recently I started gaming again and happened to meet friends I met 10 years ago when I played. We have never met in real life, just online friends recognizing each other from IDs. But I felt somewhat happy. It brought back old memories.

▲ JIMIN: Now is probably the time I feel lonely and tired the most. We always say we’re happy, but when hard times come we start thinking there’s no one who understands us, not friends, family, and it makes us feel lonely. Not long ago, I listened again to our songs and rewatched our live broadcasts and felt better.

[ktaebwi]

[TRANS] non-no Magazine 2018 Jan Issue - 100 Answers w/ BTS

JPN - KRN © 전���국 DC갤러리, 뷔 DC갤러리, ha_ru_man, BTSR_613 KRN - ENG © ktaebwi

JUNGKOOK

Q1. Your dream job when you were a child? A badminton player when I was in elementary school. After that my parents bought me a computer so I got into gaming and wanted to do a job about gaming. Q2. How did the members celebrate your birthday in 2017? We were all practicing singing and dancing and the lights suddenly went off, then the door was opened and Jimin-san and V-san came in holding a cake. Q3. When do you feel like you have become an adult! I turned 20 in Japanese age in September! But actually I'm still a kid at heart, so truthfully I don't really feel like I have become an adult. Q4. In which moment do you feel like you're still a kid? For example, when I watch and think about a video or an interview. When I read people's comments, I feel like even with the same question, they think from a much bigger point of view than me. That's when I feel like maybe I'm still lacking in depth. Q5. A work that touched you recently? "Love, Rosie". It made me touched because it's a sweet but sad love story. Q6. The kind of song you're planning to compose? Song of styles like future base and chillstep which I enjoy and listen to a lot. Q7. Favorite dessert? The Japanese snack kinako mochi. I like that it melts in my mouth because it's just so fluffy! Also I ate cheesecake before the photoshoot for <non-no>. That one was delicious too♡ Q8. How do you take care of your beautiful voice? I don't pay particular attention to it... Like I just sing with my original voice I've had since I was born... Q9. Any habit? Covering my nose when I yawn. Not mouth but nose somehow. (laughs) And I pull the baby hair on my face unconsciously. I know about these things because fans told me.

Q10. The most exciting song of BTS? The uptempo "Wings". And the original Japanese song "Crystal Snow" which will be released in December! When I first heard it I felt like it matched my current emotion quite well. Q11. If you were to go out on a personal trip with the members? If I have time, I want to travel to Japan. I want to tour around the streets of Tokyo leisurely. Q12. Something you're into the most right now! As always, composing! Q13. A skill that you can say "Actually I'm good at this too"? Are you asking "I can do this too", not "I can't do this"? (laughs) From now on I want to be good at composing, Japanese and learning. I want to speak Japanese a little more fluently! Q14. If you were Santa Claus, what present would you give to each member? For Rap Monster-san, J-hope-san, Jimin-san, V-san, I want to choose clothes that match them well. Maybe composing equipment would be great for Suga-san. And for Jin-san who's raising cute sugar gliders, pet supplies!

V

Q15. Favorite number? 85. The song 'DNA' we released in Korea in September ranked No.85 on Billboard Hot 100 Chart. From that day on it's my favorite number. Q16. Favorite drink? Lemon lime flavored soft drink. It's a must when I'm eating or taking a break. I can't drink coffee and alcohol well. Q17. Favorite movie genre? Every genre except for horror movie! A movie I enjoyed watching recently is "Midnight Runners". Q18. Something that made you feel the most excited recently? Actually I'm planning to give my parents a car as a surprise present. Just thinking of it gets me excited already. Q19. Saddest song of BTS? The hidden track "Sea" from "Love Yourself 承 'Her'". The lyrics are like the path we walked on, so my heart aches whenever I listen to it. Q20. A photo you took recently? Landscape photos. I like putting my thoughts into my photos. I have been saving all the photos I took until now so hope one day I can show it to you guys in any form. Q21. If you were to become a photographer, what kind of photobook would you want to make? Landscape of course. I would make a photobook of landscape photos with 2 versions, colored and B&W. Personally I like B&W photos but I think color photos have a fascinating power of touching the heart, so hopefully it'll double the delight. Q22. Something you must do for beauty care? I put on facial mask and skin lotion 10 minutes before I sleep every night. For hands I just use hand cream? Q23. How do you get your mood up when you feel down? When I think of 그므시라꼬 (lit: What is it / It's not a big deal), one of the things my father told me before, my mood's recharged! Q24. A person you want to meet right now? The aunt of the protagonist from "The Full-time Wife Escapist". Ishida Yuriko's acting is extremely skilled and charming. Q25. A birthday episode that made you deeply moved? When my family and relatives gathered to celebrate my birthday before I went to elementary school. I'm still keeping the photo we took together that time. Q26. Favorite event during a year? The birthday of my father who's been raising me up. I'm living away from him now so I can't celebrate it properly, but I want to invite him to Seoul one day and throw a big party for him! Q27. Tips for learning Japanese? I tried to remember words or commonly used sentences only before, but now I watch Japanese dramas and movies and if there's any word I don't know, I would pause the video and look up for its meaning. A movie I watched recently is "Drowning Love". Q28. Something the members told you recently that made you happy? "Handsome." This is embarrassing but it makes me happy (laughs)

JIN

Q29. The most exciting song of BTS? "Fire". The melody and lyrics bring a nice feeling and can lift the mood up, and many people knew about BTS thanks to this song too. It changed our lives so whenever I hear it, I get heated thinking about that time! Q30. A song you played with guitar recently. My skill's still lacking, but I wanted to play the BGM of a game that I happened to hear on a guitar practicing video so I'm working hard on it right now. Q31. The first image that comes to your mind when it comes to "winter"? I think of the snow-clad area from an RPG game I used to like when I was a kid. Q32. Something you do every day without skipping? Feeding Odeng and Eomuk. Sugar gliders are small and cute! By the way Odeng is "odeng" and Eomuk is "odeng" in Korean♡ Q33. A food you can cook well? Mixed seasoned whelk (whelk salad) and a soup with rice cake (rice cake soup). I made it for the members on New Year's Day and they loved it, they thanked me for making it because they can't go home often. I'm really kind, aren't I? (laughs) Q34. A Japanese food that made you touched? Grilled eel rice, it has dashi stock so it was delicious! Q35. Must-have item in your fridge? Chili pepper paste, ssamjang (dipping sauce for meat), kimchi. I mainly eat meat at home so there must be condiments for meat. Q36. Favorite space in your room? I like the room itself so it's hard to choose one. I feel happy when I play with my pets, play games or just idle around. Q37. The member who you talk to about your worries? I don't have that many worries. I tend to resolve the cause on my own before my thoughts becomes a worry. Q38. In which moment do you think you shine the most? My existence itself is shining so it should be "always", not just "moment"! (laughs) Q39. Memories about '2017 Billboard Music Awards'? When we arrived at the venue in Las Vegas there was a panel that said "Billboard", I and the members went "So this is Billboard" and we were so touched, we couldn't believe it... Q40. A recent private surprise? I gifted Odeng and Eomuk to myself! And we celebrated Jungkook's birthday in September with a surprise event. Q41. A member that you depend on lately? Jimin. When we went on a variety show he left it to me when I spoke, and stepped up when it’s his turn to speak, he was reliable.

Q42. A goal you want to achieve in 2017? Getting closer to Odeng and Eomuk and make them come to me without having to do anything. I’m practicing for them to climb on my arms when I put yogurt on my hand, but not long ago they bit my finger along with the yogurt... I think it’ll take some time. (laughs)

JIMIN

Q43. Favorite season? I like the feeling of winter, since I was born in Busan and there’s not much snow there. When I was around 6, may 7 years old, there was abnormally heavy snow in the winter, the snow scene I saw outside of my window was extremely memorable. I remember playing outside with my family and friends.

Q44. Something you want to have the most right now? Time to travel. To Japan! I heard that Halloween in Japan is really big, I want to disguise myself so that no one would recognize me and join in.

Q45. A subject you were good at at school? PE, Arts, Science, Math. I especially liked ball game in PE.

Q46. Something you pay attention to when you build up your body? I only adjust my meal portion depending on the time. I don’t really work out. Even I myself feel like I’m thin when I put on clothes. So sad... (laughs)

Q47. Favorite street in Korea? Gangnam. It’s the place where I met the members after going to Seoul from another region and also the place where I go for bowling or billiards and play with my friends. Gangnam indeed!

Q48. A fashion item you want to try wearing this winter? I’m planning to go shopping and think about my winter fashion starting from now. I’m looking forward to see if I’ll meet cool coats or cute knitwears.

Q49. What did you do before sleeping yesterday? As soon as I came home and lied down on my bed after coming back from a variety show filming, I fell asleep right away. (laughs)

Q50. What did you dream of last night? I was continuing with the variety show filming in my dream last night. (laughs) If I can choose my dream as how I want, I want to fly to the sky!

Q51. Something that made you laugh the most recently? Jin-san said something lame so I laughed really hard. But since it was too lame, unfortunately I don’t remember what it is. (laughs)

Q52. A hairstyle you want to try? A hairstyle with impact... I don’t know if I suit it or not but maybe like, slicked-back hair!

Q53. If time machine exists? I used to think it would be fun to go back in time and start over, or to secretly go meet myself in the future. But now I don’t want to go anywhere. Because I had determined to not let go of what I saw at the time, live and cherish every moment.

Q54. Favorite words? “Thank you”, just hearing this gives me strength.

Q55. Memories about 2017 Japan arena tour? The tour made me once again feel how fun it is to do concerts! As we headed towards the end of the tour, my gratitude for the members grew stronger and I think this was a valuable chance for me to look back at myself.

Q56. In which moment do you feel like the members are cool? J-hope-san’s dances are really awesome! Especially his performance in “MIC Drop”, one of the songs from our 8th single released in December, so please pay a lot of attention to him.

SUGA

Q57. If you were to compare yourself to a color? Blue. I liked it since a long time ago and I think it suits me too. And It makes people feel bright and purified so I want to be the color blue.

Q58. When you contact, do you call or text? I don’t really like calling so I don’t call much. I think I only call for 10 minutes a month. I just go simple with texting.

Q59. Do you eat what you like first or do you save it for later? I have never thought when I eat. (laughs) Maybe not right from the beginning but a little later?

Q66. The first song you made? I composed for the first time by self-learning when I was 13, I think it was a hip hop track. Q67. Favorite time of the day? When I fall asleep. I feel at ease and my heart flutters a bit before I climb on my bed to sleep. Q68. How do you refresh yourself when making music? I play computer games, play with my phone or drink my favorite coffee~ Q69. Do you have your own way of drinking coffee? I don't like sweet stuff that much so first of all, I won't put sugar in. And since I like the smell of coffee beans, I go with black, putting nothing extra in. I especially like drinking coffee in my studio. (laughs) Oh and doesn't it feel unusual and fun to drink coffee after brushing your teeth? (laughs) Q70. The hairstyle you like the most among the ones you have tried so far? Speaking of colors, I think... I like black the most... (laughs) I like my natural hair color. Q71. Favorite lyrics in BTS songs? I relate to the "It's okay to lose" part. (in "Fire") Q72. Your own treasure? The equipment for making music in my studio. And the watch I'm wearing right now. It’s what I planned to buy in elementary school, that I would work hard on the music path and buy it later, so I must wear this when I make music to remind myself of my initial mindset. Q73. The most recent time you cried? I don't cry because I'm emotional but.. Uhm.. I yawned 10 minutes ago and the tears came out! (laughs) Q74. If you have a day for yourself in Japan? I want to visit a whiskey distillery! I heard my favorite author, Murakami Haruki, likes whiskey and even wrote a travelogue with the theme of whiskey, so I became interested in it. Q75. In which moment do you feel your friendship with the members? When we gather and play games during the time we have no schedule. I'm not good at games so I like playing with many people. Q76. The member that you feel like is cute lately? Jungkook. I find it cute how he's the youngest but he's slowly becoming an adult. When I first met Jungkook he was in middle school, he used to not be able to organize what he wanted to say during interviews, but seeing how well he answers now feels cool to me.

J-HOPE

Q60. BTS song that has the best choreography? “Save Me” and “DNA”. The house steps in “Save Me” dance break is really cool and my sister also said “That dance is the best”. (laughs) For “DNA” I think it’s one of the few perfect choreographies even for BTS.

Q61. What do you pay attention to during a performance? Face expression, the dynamic of the movement. Sticking to details to express the vibe of the song.

Q62. A song that makes you want to dance along? Post Malone ft. 21 Savage’s “Rockstar”.

Q88. A place you want to travel to again? Sapporo, I have been there a few times to perform, but my dream is to one day travel there on a personal trip and go into the hot spring surrounded by the snow scenery!

Q89. How do you spend time while moving? Sometimes I just sleep, sometimes I watch movies, it depends. When I went back and forth between Korean and Japan from May to July,, I wrote songs or lyrics in the plane.

Q90. Must-eat food when you come to Japan? Ramen and meat. And I like grilled eel rice the most!

Q91. Secret to your amazing smile? Hearing that makes me embarrassed. (laughs) Basically the best is to enjoy and be positive. I believe that when we smile we’ll become happier so maybe that shows on my face.

Q92. Favorite shoes at the moment? I like shoes so I bought several pairs of sneakers recently. Among them there were one pair made from several materials and colors, I fell in love with it from first sight!

Q93. Favorite fragrance recently? Fresh scent, I’m currently using mint hand soap.

Q94. A member that you think is cool? RM and V who have special interest for fashion. But the other members also have their own styles so they’re cool as well.

Q95. Favorite sports? Tennis which I played from 4th year to 6th year of elementary school. The reason I started playing tennis was a little bit special... When the teacher stood in front of the class and asked “Anyone who wants to play tennis?”, I happened to be stretching with both arms out. The teacher mistook it as me signing up so I got in. (laughs) I started playing tennis again this summer and it’s refreshing and fun!

Q96. Personal goal in 2018? Releasing the mixtape which I’m preparing. And becoming more skilled at Japanese.

Q97. If you could experience another job for one day? Tennis player. I couldn’t do well even when I practiced in elementary school, so I consider entering the Wimbledon championship is a dream of dream. (laughs)

Q98. A member that you feel like has especially grown up lately? Jungkook’s face has become more evident ever since he turned 20. When I first saw the music video of “DNA” released in Korea, he was so cool that I was shocked!

RM

Q63. A place you have never been to that you want to travel too? I want to go to Kyoto! A friend of mine who traveled to Japan invited me to go there. Q64. Must-have item that you carry along for relaxing purpose when you go overseas? Pilates practice DVD. I watch and stretch before I sleep inside the hotel room.

Q65. Speaking habit? “Actually~. I think I say it to make time for myself to arrange thoughts. It’s like “Ano” (That~) in Japanese?

Q77. A recent trivial worry or doubt? The webtoons are too good that I end up staying up all night with my phone on one hand. And doubts for Jungkook and V! Jungkook changes his hobby every month. V’s selection of words are a little peculiar, it’s amazing. Sometimes he surprises me with his use of new expressions. (laughs)

Q78. A subject you were bad at at school? Math and English. The only subjects I had to go to cram schools for outside class were these two. I slowly got more familiar with English but I didn’t have any progress with Math until the end. (laughs)

Q79. Something personal that made you happy recently? I rode a bike along the Han river on a nice day. I felt very happy enjoying the wind and riding bike.

Q80. Food you eat the most often when eating out? Meat! I mean meat-nim! (laughs) I like meat sliced really thin like it’s shaved and then grilled.

Q81. A Japanese word you learned recently and want to use? 木漏れ日 (sunshine beaming through the trees). I think it’s cool how it’s light from the sun, but i doesn’t shine fiercely but rather friendly.

Q82. Something you want to learn at the moment? Acoustic guitar! Given how it creates raw sound, it’s a straight and honest instrument.

Q83. If you can only bring one thing to a deserted island? V. He's not dependable but... What should I say... If V's there I definitely won't be bored (laughs) And flip-flops (bi-san = beach sandals/flip-flops or V-san, similar pronunciation) are great too, since the sandy beach will be hot.

Q84. A person you respect? My father. I have never seen my father and mother fighting in front of me. When I told them I want to make music, they supported me and told me go for it.

Q85. Birthday memories of 2017? We were invited as guests to the Seoul concert of The Chainsmokers who we collaborated with in the song “Best Of Me”. I was surrounded by people I cherish so it felt like the biggest birthday party in my life?

Q86. The most memorable song of BTS? “Danger” which we released in Korea in 2014. It was when we were desperately trying as group. It has really cool dances so please watch it!

Q87. Something you cherish the most as a leader? Memories with the members. Because we made it through the hardship together, so we can still think of each other and move forward even now.

BTS

Q99. Memorable Christmas memory?

RM: I remember when I was 6, I heard that our family would travel on Christmas and I asked “Will Santa grandpa be able to come?” Since we were travelling to the country, I was worried. (laughs) SUGA: When I was small, our family would gather and have a meal together. After I started living away from them, it began to feel like a wonderful memory. JIN: When I went to the ski resort with my parents and brother. It was our regular Christmas trip when I was in elementary school. J-HOPE: There was a year when it snowed a lot on Christmas. The white Christmas I wished for! I remember making snowman with my family and laughing and chatting. JIMIN: I want to spend a memorable Christmas in the future. The snow is memorable! It’s the best to play at the ski resort and finish by watching the night scenery. V: I think many people spend Christmas as couples but I’m always alone ever since I was born. (laughs) When I was in school, I would go to the PC room with my usual friends and play games or eat noodles. I pretended to be tough like “PC room for Christmas!”. (laughs) JUNGKOOK: One year I was sleeping with my brother and when I opened my eyes slightly, I saw a grandpa with white beard! I thought “Santa really came” and went to sleep with a very happy mood.

Q100. What do you want to achieve, to try as BTS in 2018?

RM: Performing at the biggest venue in each country! SUGA: We have achieved many of our goals so far and thankfully there isn’t anything we haven’t achieved. But we won’t dwell on our achievement next year and hopefully we can enjoy our favorite music and have a good time with our fans. JIN: I want to make a song that anyone would love. Personally, I want to play and have fun with fireworks with the members. (laughs) J-HOPE: My goal and dream is to stand on a worldwide stage and present a performance that will blow everyone’s mind. JIMIN: I’m not persistent for records. Because our fans made them happen. But whenever they set new records for us I feel very thankful and grateful. I wish 2018 would become a year where we get to spend more time with our fans. V: I see a lot of beautiful sceneries in the countryside when I watch Japanese movies. I want to perform in other cities, not just big ones, and see those sceneries with my own eyes. I want to go meet more fans! JUNGKOOK: Making songs by myself that can be put into BTS albums! I’ll continue to try to make it happen.

[ktaebwi]

170918 BTS ‘LOVE YOURSELF: Her’ Press Conference - Compilation

- Rap Monster: “LOVE YOURSELF: Her is a series following after ‘Hwa Yang Yeon Hwa’ and ‘WINGS’. This album takes the role of ‘seung’ in ‘gi seung jeon gyeol’ and features 11 songs.” (TV Report) (seung: explanation, gi seung jeon gyeol: introduction - explanation - twist - conclusion)

- Rap Monster: “I think this album will become one of our turning points.” (TV Report)

- Jin: “Please love our song ‘DNA’ that contains our DNA.” (Mydaily)

- Suga: “I was greatly surprised when I heard the news about the number of pre-orders. It was 700,000 for the last album and we were very grateful to our fans and everyone who listened to our album then too. This time we thought we shall grow a little greedier and it would possibly reach 800,000 orders, we were greatly surprised seeing the news. I’m grateful that this many people love us. I think the pre-orders represent the trust and love for our music, I’m really grateful.” (Herald Pop)

- Rap Monster: “‘DNA’ contains our message of reconciliation and unite that we want to throw at the society.” (Mydaily)

- [About the meaning of ‘harmony’] Rap Monster: “I think love is an ability. If you can’t love yourself, you can’t love others. I often hear people saying that love is an illusional and vague thing these days. I thought about the method of loving. The time we spend looking into ourselves is getting lesser ad lesser because of smart phones and news media. I consider loving oneself to be the answer to many things. We don’t have the confidence to love ourselves completely, but we want to try and think about that answer. Starting from loving ourselves. That’s how it started. Although we haven’t been able to find that answer yet, we hope we can as we go along with the ‘gi seung jeon gyeol’ series.” (Mydaily, Joynews24)

- [About the whistle sound] Rap Monster: “I and Jungkook did the whistling together but I don’t know which one they used.” (News Inside)

- [About new goals] Suga: “Whenever we receive this question, we always said that our goal is to enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The Hot 100 chart actually requires having many albums sold, having songs streamed a lot and another important thing is radio play. This is not easy at all. We are holding expectation whether it will come true this time, but luckily US radio stations are giving us a lot of attention and select our songs often, so we’re carefully placing hope this time. Our album is being sold in the US this time and so many people are showing expectation and attention for us so we want to enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart this time.” (Newsen)

- Jimin: “I really want us to top the digital music chart when the digital album is released. I hope many people will love all of our songs this time as well as give BTS who always attempt new things a lot of love.” (Newsen)

- ‘DNA’ is a song of an uncommonly seen music structure in K-pop, featuring the foreign trendy EDM pop genre and bold use of beat drop. The song contains the message ‘we are entwined by fate from the beginning, we are one from the DNA’. (Newsen)

- Suga: “BTS members and the company staff often hold meetings together. The album concepts are from our thoughts and the producers’ thoughts merged together. When we first debuted, we each were busy making our own music, but now we combine BTS’ thoughts and the company’s ones and come up with the concepts.” (Maeil Kyungje)

- Rap Monster: “I often have meetings and hang out with the company staff. I talk with the producers, including Bang Shihyuk PD. The company keeps an eye on what we think.” (Maeil Kyungje)

- Rap Monster: “I always want to give good influence socially. Whenever I see people who like us, I feel a sense of responsibility. It can be become their inspiration or be left as good impression to them, but I think even mere appreciation like enjoying listening to our music or feeling our dance to be cool can also give good influence. I’m feeling the responsibility to keep offering good influence.” (Newsen)

- Suga: “Music is an extraordinary act that can moves someone. I hope the world will eventually become a world where many people are happy.” (Maeil Kyungje)

- [About ‘GO Rather Than Worrying’] Suga: “These days the young generation uses words like ‘YOLO’ and ‘spendthrift’, and I can’t understand why they use those words that much. We interpreted it from the perspective of BTS (in the song), I hope you would think about why the young generation uses ‘YOLO’ and ‘spendthrift’ while listening.” (Mydaily)

- [About ‘DNA’ music video] Suga: “We emphasized on the fancy impression to portray the feeling of falling in love. I was amazed every time I see the music video filming set, because it was so beautiful. I feel good since the result will come out great.” (Sports Joseon)

- Jin: “‘Best Of Me’ is a great song to listen to with lyrical melodies. This song was mixed by a partner who works together with The Chainsmokers. I hope many people would listen to it.” (Sports Joseon)

- Rap Monster: “There’s a famous performance in which president Obama dropped his mic to wrap up the new year speech. It was one of the performances that hold the meaning ‘My speech was good, right?’. ‘MIC Drop’ is a track connected with it. It features a lot of our swag and ambitions and was inspired by president Obama’s speech.” (Seoul Kyungje)

- [About collaboration with Seo Taiji] V: “He gave us support and told us that it’s our era now. I can truly feel that it’s an honor to be able to perform together with such a legendary senior singer.” (Mydaily)

- Jin: “Seo Taiji-sunbaenim told me that I can call him ‘father’. I was grateful that he used the word ‘Seo Taiji and Sons’.” (Mydaily)

- Suga: “I call him ‘hyungnim’. He’s way younger than my father.” (Mydaily)

- [About why the start of the series is ‘seung’ (explanation) and not ‘gi’ (introduction)] Suga: “When we consider the process of falling in love as ‘gi seung jeon gyeol’, I think the stage where we are the most immersed in love would be ‘seung’, so the album started as ‘seung’. There will come a moment when you understand why ‘seung’ comes out now if you follow our album sequence in the future.” (Mydaily)

- Rap Monster: “I think a lot about where our goal should be. When we first debuted, I couldn’t even think of working together with The Chainsmokers. Performing at the Gymnastics Stadium was our goal before debut, but now all kinds of unimaginable proposals are coming from inside and outside of our company. I’m curious about how far we can go. Our abstract goal is to climb up to the top and leave a milestone in the history like how PSY-sunbaenim did.” (Mydaily, Joynews24)

- Suga: “We followed the path of the senior singers and now we too need to build that path and advance further. I hope we can build better paths with better sides of us.” (Joynews24)

- BTS: “Although figures are important, we want to show good music and good performance.” (Joynews24)

[ktaebwi]

170918 BTS ‘LOVE YOURSELF: Her’ Press Conference - Compilation (P2)

In a recent interview, Producer Bang Shihyuk said that he didn’t like the saying “keep your initial mindset” and one should be treated (differently) as they grow, do BTS sympathize with that? Now that you received global recognition, what do the members think of “initial mindset”?

Rap Monster: Thinking of the phrase “initial mindset” now, it seems very vague and brings a lot of thoughts. He told me that the situations, the circumstances always change so one’s initial mindset can never stay the same, and that telling someone to keep their initial mindset made no sense. I sympathized with his words. He’s probably the first one to tell me not to keep my initial mindset. I think what he meant to say was that we have to carry a mindset that fits our situation and our place. Even now, we still have intimate talks among ourselves and also with the company about how we should act and what kind of music we should do, and we’re now closely working on various stuff.

Suga: We talk a lot about initial mindset too. The phrase “initial mindset” actually has a lot of meanings that change depending on how we think. Many people emphasize on the initial mindset and tell me I shouldn’t lose it, but I think that humans are animals that are bound to change. The me of today and yesterday, of few days ago and now is very different. When producer Bang Shihyuk said initial mindset’s not important, it seems like he was emphasizing changes and great developments. Initial mindset is actually important. I’m putting in a lot of effort so as not to lose it. He tells us such things a lot but at the same time he also tells us to return to our initial mindset and work hard when it comes to music. He doesn’t mean to tell us to lose our initial mindset and become arrogant, but rather match with each one’s place and situation and become a great person. We as well as the producer are always making music while keeping our initial mindset, and we want to continue to keep it and bring out good results in the future.

How do you feel about your first Japanese dome show at Osaka’s Kyocera Dome in mid October?

Jimin: Not long after we debuted, we started to have the thought of wanting to perform at a dome stadium at least once. Actually, it hasn’t really felt real yet. I have mentioned this from the time we performed at Olympic Gymnastic Arena, that we have to stand on the stage at least once to be able to truly feel we’ve really came there. I seem to have those thoughts a lot now. Many ask if it has really hit me yet that I’ve made it this far and am having more and more fans. It would be disrespectful if it hasn’t hit me yet even now. It would be disrespectful if I still don’t know and can’t feel the fact that there are people who always support from beside and love us. I will work hard to bring them better performances and show an improved side of me even at the dome concert.

This album features lyrics that are related to Murakami Haruki’s novels. Are you usually influenced by books?

Rap Monster: Haruki is one of the authors well-loved by Koreans, including me. The hidden track ‘Sea’ was inspired by the quote “Wherever there’s hope, there’s a trial” in ‘1Q84’. I actually just read Haruki’s new work before I came here. I try to enlight myself on how other people think and feel through movies, exhibitions and such.

Where did you get the inspiration for the intro’s lyrics from?

Rap Monster: I tend to note down interesting things I see in books to use as materials when I write lyrics. I read an article about ‘low temperature burn’ once. It said that when you dip your hands into warm water, you will slowly, unknowingly get burned. I thought such thing would exist in the love between two people too, so it would be great if I can combine a song about low temperature burn into the subject love.

Source: Newsen, Sports Seoul, BizEnter

[ktaebwi]

[TRANS] ‘WINGS’ Concept Book Interview - Jungkook

© peach_kku KRN - ENG © ktaebwi

『 Thinking of <WINGS>, I feel like I have a lot in common with Sinclair in <Demian>. He wants to break free from the care of others and be an adult, and so do I. Rather than saying it’s a special album, I would say it made me think a lot after hearing the album concept. “I want to be a real adult too.” 』

You graduated from high school. “If I kept studying and spending time with my friends like an ordinary person, I would think ‘So I finally became an adult’ when I graduate. But since I started living sort of an adult like since I was 15, I still feel like I’m a kid. I’m 21 but my mental age is like 15 years old. There’re a lot of adults around me too.”

Do the other members treat you as an adult? “Rather than treating me as an adult, they tell me “You’re an adult now”. Things like ‘Be mature’, ‘You’re an adult too, act carefully’ (laughs) Especially when my jokes go too far, they tell me to stay still, to not go too far. I tend to have to go through something to know it. If they tell me so, I’ll fix myself little by little. I’m gradually learning thanks to the hyungs,”

What you said earlier is what your solo song “Begin” is about. “There was a time when Bang Shihyuk Producer-nim and the 7 of us gathered and talked about all the stress, the distress we had been piling up for a long time, and we all cried together. Rap Monster-hyung listened to my story from that time and wrote the lyrics.”

Comparing before and after debut, do you feel you have changed a lot thanks to the members? “I changed a lot for sure. I gained a lot of confidence too. I couldn’t even talk like this before. I kept watching the hyungs doing interviews from the side and as time goes by, I started talking little by little and eventually was able to do interviews. Hyungs really made me. I learn music by watching foreign artists and pick up basically everything else thanks to the hyungs.”

Are you the type to express your feelings well? “I’m not good at it. I feel embarrassed even from saying thank you so I basically never do it. I’m good at complaining though. (laughs) I can complain easily but when it comes to good talks, it always feels awkward. I can do it through texts since it’s somewhat easier, but talking directly is really hard.”

BTS grows up along with each album’s story, and Jungkook grows up along with BTS too. “Thinking of <WINGS>, I feel like I have a lot in common with Sinclair in <Demian>. He wants to break free from the care of others and be an adult, and so do I. Rather than saying it’s a special album, I would say it made me think a lot after hearing the album concept. ‘I want to be a real adult too’. Looking at the other hyungs, don’t they know themselves and do well? They can think and create something by themselves, but I still lack a lot so there’s not much I can do by myself. It’s not like I’m good at composing or anything. I want to try my best and be able to do something well.”

Are you talking about wanting to compose music? “On some level, yes. I stayed up until 7 in the morning to try composing with MIDI the day before this interview too. I don’t know piano chords since I didn’t learn it, so playing the song’s very hard. The hyungs were all tired, I didn’t want to bother them by asking what I don’t know. I want a certain sound to be at this part but finding it is difficult, so I just try pressing every key. I keep telling the company I want to learn piano so I can start composing, and now I’m planning to properly start working with MIDI.”

But is it necessary for every member of the team to make songs? “Just because 2-3 members of the team will make songs doesn’t mean the others don’t have to do it. It’ll be great if everyone can. Besides, the kind of music and emotions I like are different from what the other members like. I want to make my emotions into a story and hear it in sound. But I’m upset that I still can’t do it well. Not long ago I was playing with MIDI before I slept and it make me think I want to get my name on the album credit soon too.”

To what level do you want to make it? “I haven’t considered that. I just plan to do it slowly without thinking too hastily.”

What kind of music and emotions do you like? “I like quiet songs. The emotional and sad songs, kind of gloomy rather than bright. I really like listening to piano and guitar sounds. When I want to get excited I listen to loud songs such as hip hop or EDM, but usually I listen to quiet songs, like pop ballad.”

You have been nicknamed “Golden Maknae” for being multi-talented since debut, is there any time when you have no confidence? “Rather than having no confidence, I’m the type to cower inside a little bit. I tend to think I have a long way to go even if I dance well, or think “I can’t sing” even if they say I sing well. I would still be like that 10 years later, when I practice and become someone who can really sing well. I would keep this thought even if I’m the ultimate vocalist. I’m originally this type of person.”

Don’t idols have to show that they think “I’m the best” on stage? “It’s different on stage. There, I must show everything I can there and then come down. Only after that do I think about myself. It’s closer to thinking I have a long way to go than me having no confidence.”

<WINGS> contains the solo songs of each member and it somewhat revealed each person’s color a little more in various ways. What do you think is your role in BTS? “What am I in the team… I’m curious what the hyungs think about me but I have never asked them. Can I ask like ‘What do you think about me’? (laughs) I just wish I don’t cause harm to the team, that I’m helpful. And, of course the other members are doing very well but, I hope I can become the kind of existence that without me, a part of it will fall apart. I hope I can become a member that shows our synergy when the 7 of us gather.”

To do that, it would be important to find what is of your own. “I still don’t have it yet, my core. I’m thinking so. That’s why I have to learn more and work harder so I can step up my game. Finding what only I have is, in some ways, the goal of my life.”

[ktaebwi]

[TRANS] non-no Magazine 2017 Aug Issue - THIS IS HIM

RAP MONSTER is…

from SUGA “One of my favorite people among all the people I’ve met in my life, our reliable leader. He’s an artist who has been doing music ever since he was young so I get a lot of positive influence from him as we work together.”

from JUNGKOOK “Someone who does what he has to do till the very end at where he is.. He’s a cool hyung with a lot to learn from. He knows I’m working hard on composing music so he teaches me many things very kindly.”

JIN is..

from RAP MONSTER “The members’ hyung who went to a cafe together with me before debut, talked with me for a long time and gave me advice. He keeps fooling around with dad jokes recently, but Jin-hyung’s really cool when he’s serious! (laughs)”

from JIMIN “We spend a lot of time together playing games. I still remember we bought each other’s game console about 1 hour before we headed to Japan and played in our free time even after arriving. His skill is… one level above me?(laughs)”

SUGA is…

from JIN “Lamb skewers, furniture, goods… He’s interested in a lot of things but when he goes shopping, he only buys music equipments. This is an exclusive information only I, his roommate, knows.”

from V “Yoongi-hyung’s really interested in Japanese lately so I often see him studying hard. And I think the way and the things he talks about have become more interesting than before. (laughs)”

J-HOPE is…

from SUGA “A kind guy that energizes me by my side when I’m tired. I once carried Hobi to the infirmary when he collapsed back in trainee days. He doesn’t like talking about it but… I talked about it already. (laughs)”

from JIN “He’s into shoes and slippers so Hobi has the most shoes in our dorm. Oh right, I gave him a cute pair of shoes for his birthday this year and he wore it to Japan, so I was very happy. (laughs)”

JIMIN is…

from J-hope “His broad back is attractive! And he has a special sleeping habit, he often makes sad sounds (whimpers) when sleeping. Even though when he wakes up and I ask “Did you have a nightmare?”, he says “I don’t remember”. (laughs)”

from V “He’s so shy when talking in Japanese or English that even I can feel it looking at him. He looks really cute like that. I don’t know if it’s because of the effect of makeup (laughs) but he became really cool!”

V is…

from RAP MONSTER “Good-looking face and skilled at performing. Furthermore, his passion for making good music is twice as strong as others. I think he doesn’t show it that much, but I hope many people would know he has that (passion for making music) inside.”

from JUNGKOOK “We fight sometimes but he’s like a friend who often fools around with me. Last time we promised to go to Jeju Island together but eventually couldn’t because of my personal matter… We’re close so we’ll plan again some time soon (laughs)!”

JUNGKOOK is…

from J-HOPE “A member with stronger desire to improve for music and dancing than others, but sometimes he also has the cute maknae-like side like a spoilt baby. I have to use my strength when I hug him since he’s tall, so I can sleep well. (laughs)”

from JIMIN “The maknae who works harder since he was young than any of the members. He’s the same age as my real brother so I look after him well, but at some point he has started to feel like my real brother. Whatever he does, he’s cute.”

JPN - KRN © cher_bts KRN - ENG © ktaebwi

[ktaebwi]

[TRANS] ‘WINGS’ Concept Book Interview - Suga

© floofyjimin KRN - ENG © ktaebwi

『 What I’m thankful to Bang Shihyuk PD and our music production team is, there are originally a lot of people who don’t know a good sound even if we present them one. Everyone has a different preference so it’s hard to pick the sound we think is the right answer, but there’s always the sound close to the right answer in our music. Mixing or mastering is as important as composing, and having a company with the ability to differentiate between good sources and good sounds is a huge blessing. 』

2016 was a meaningful year to both BTS and Suga personally. “It was hectic. Lots of things happened too. My life’s always hectic but last year was even more so. We told ourselves ‘We went through a lot, everyone all worked so hard’. Luckily it turned out well so we could look back on last year like this.”

But you don’t seem to be carried away by that good mood. “We are a realistic team. We can enjoy the happiness because we have been and will be doing well, but we have never once been content with ourselves. It’s been like that from before debut. Every time we release an album, we always worry whether or not it would do well, and they said this album was the most important one. That’s why we received even more stress, but we do not settle and continue to work on it, that’s the strength of our team.”

Why? “From before debut, our company was small and had no money. We came out when the company was on the verge of falling down. Some friends who used to train with me left the company and even suggested going with them, but then I debuted. So we always tell each other not to be content with ourselves, to look forward and keep going. I think showing what we can do steadily is the top priority.”

How did you work on the album? From the mixtape released under the name of Agust D to “Blood, Sweat & Tears” and repackage album, you’re slowly reflecting the stories of yourselves into the albums more and more. “Bang Shihyuk PD-nim once said this too, a person would brighten up after releasing a mixtape. He even asked where that incisive person full of wrath from before had gone. It was my complex and the way to solve it was music that I need to make. Thinking about how many idols can have this chance, I’m making music in a very good environment. BTS, Agust D or a human named Min Yoongi, it all comes from the same person, so if I put in the real stories of mine, many people can listen and relate to it.”

What’s the difference between releasing as BTS and releasing mixtape? “My mixtape is purely just shouting out. (laughs) I figure that the influence my mixtape brings is different from what BTS’ albums bring, with BTS, I need to refine. Firstly, there’s not much I can use. To compress what I want to say into as short as possible, I have to think more compared to when making mixtape.”

Was “First Love” from <WINGS> that point of contact? “It’s a meaningful song too. “First Love” talks about the piano I used to play when I was young, which also means the only friend I had. I cried a lot while recording. I kept crying at the emotion explosion part in the latter half. It was when I just finished working on the ‘Agust D’ mixtape and moved onto the album right away, so I didn’t have much time, I wrote it quick and recorded all by myself. Right after I cried and recorded the song, I sent it and went to the airport, but then they called and said it might need to be re-recorded because the file was broken. I cried that hard while recording but! (laughs) I recorded again after going back to Korea and went to catch a flight again 4, 5 hours later. It was stressful but fun.”

What led you to choose the current message of your solo songs among many stories you can tell? “Bang Shihyuk PD-nim informed us there would solo songs when we talked about the album concept. I thought a lot about what kind of song I should do and suggested ‘So Far Away’, which is currently in the mixtape. It’s something I can pull off well and also public-friendly, so I asked ‘How do you think?’, they said it was fine but we need to discuss a little more. Then the song was put in the mixtape. After listening to other members’ songs, I felt like if my song is depressing, it would sag the mood of the whole album down. I asked how about doing the ‘tough’ style that I can pull off the best, but it would not fit the flow of the album. So I started making a rap-only track. Actually, the main line of ‘First Love’ is the same as ‘So Far Away’. I remembered the orchestra sesssion I wanted to put in but couldn’t because of the lack of time and made use of it. If you listen to ‘First Love’, there’s just straight up rapping for 3 minutes 9 seconds. It’s not that common nowadays so it was fun.”

You don’t tend to show your emotions much, seems like you relieve it through rapping. “I don’t think I live an ordinary life.. I started making music since I was young, and left home since I was young too. Many interesting things happened in my life. I don’t show it much usually. Basically not at all. But I always live hoping someone would know it. I relieve through music. It’s like I resolve it by performing and making music. I think of music as my release. That’s why I made ‘Agust D’ freely. It was a load off my mind.”

What happened in the past? “There was a time I had to live with just 300,000 won ($262) a month. I couldn’t eat three meals a day. It was hard and I wasn’t that rich, but I think I enjoyed it. Why? My inferiority complex and the desire of wanting to do well quick was strong after debut. It wasn’t like a total failure, just my high ideals made it hard. Back in high school, I spent my days playing around and having fun with my friend. I went to my old school, took a walk, sorted out my thoughts and got to know what I need to do.”

Is “First Love” or “Spring Day” the result? “Yes. ‘Agust D’ is my turning point. It’s probably the best thing I did in 2016. I was very emotionally exhausted then. There were also the worries of being an idol. I met an old acquaintance not long ago and they said I became a completely different person. If you ask me whether I’m satisfied with the music in ‘Agust D’ or not, I would say I’m not. I didn’t have enough time and many parts could have been better, but if you ask I regret releasing the mixtape or not, I want to say I really like it. The members said the same too. They told me my mixtape is too ‘fierce-fierce-fierce-fierce’. (laughs) I said I couldn’t do anything other than it. I don’t regret making it that way at all. I became more relaxed making music after that. More naturally too. There is no longer a limit like before.”

How did you work on “Blood, Sweat & Tears”? “I heard the beat made by Pdogg-hyung first and it was so good. What I’m really thankful to our company staff is, they always develop, even Pdogg-hyung and Bang Shihyuk PD-nim. Pdogg-hyung made half of the title track and the rest was on us, so I started working on it without much pressure. It’s like, if it doesn’t do well, let it be. I tend to be really stressed when working but that time I wrote the song while playing games. I unknowingly finished the outline after playing a few rounds.”

Was it difficult putting your individual into the sound or flow that’s different from before? “I became really sensitive to sound when working on ‘Agust D’. I modified every single beat and even personally participated in mixing. For this album, I would give it 93 out of 100 in terms of sound. What I’m thankful to Bang Shihyuk PD and our music production team is, there are originally a lot of people who don’t know a good sound even if we present them one. Everyone has a different preference so it’s hard to pick the sound we think is the right answer, but there’s always the sound close to the right answer in our music. Mixing or mastering is as important as composing, and having a company with the ability to differentiate between good sources and good sounds is a huge blessing. We all got goosebumps when we listened to the album for the first time in Pdogg-hyung’s room. Truthfully, it doesn’t lose to foreign artists’ sounds.”

Now you must have gained the confidence to be able to bring in a certain quality when making songs without worrying too much. “Good things don’t always come when there’s stress. I pursued for perfection a lot before. Actually, people called perfectionists, they’re not perfect, they have a complex there. You can’t know at the time how it would be when looking back after everything’s done. What makes it hard is keeping being greedy despite of that. Thinking this way eased my mind. I couldn’t live telling ‘So what if I fall’, ‘So what if I’m hurt’ through music. I can’t fall, if I fall it’s the end, I have to endure even if I’m hurt, I used to think like this but now my thoughts changed a lot, because I’m a human too.”

How high is Suga’s goal? “I think being a musician, we need to be satisfied as late as possible. Money and the standard of success are important too, but I’m just curious. How far can BTS and also Min Yoongi go? Bang Shihyuk PD-nim told us this. That at this level, we need to carve the new way for the juniors. Not the juniors in our company, but the juniors in the Korean music industry. I used to think whether we could success more if we debuted 3 years earlier, but not anymore. I think we too are walking on the way paved by many seniors and receiving a lot of generational benefits like Naver VLIVE and Twitter. We need to carve a new way so more musicians could introduce better music to the world more easily.”

How does it feel having people all over the world listen to your songs? “This is probably half of the goal I set before. I used to work as a studio engineer while composing and performing at the same time in Daegu. But there was no one when I performed. 50 people was a lot. I lost money every day, I didn’t even have money to eat after performing. I had had enough of it. If I want to make the kind of music that satisfies myself only, it would be better for my mental health to make it alone at home. (laughs) I came up to Seoul because I wanted to let many people hear my music, so BTS’ achievements feels like a miracle. It’s also the reason I became an idol.”

What stories do you want to bring people now? “Whether by rapping or by whatever method, I have decided what kind of music I want to make. Hopeful songs like ‘Tomorrow’ or ‘So Far Away’ from the mixtape. Many people find it weird how the least hopeful person would want to make such kind of music. (laughs) I grew up listening to Epik High. At that time, songs about dream or hope were a trend, and the reason I like Tablo-hyung was because he made that kind of music. I want to make such music too. I have an influence now, and I want to use that influence in the right direction.”

[watchingovernuest]

【INTERVIEW 】 ☆ JISIN x NU’ESTs individual interviews: 5 princes’ real personality? ~BAEKHO~ ☆

Lovely prince, handsome prince, naughty prince…Each 5 NU’EST members have their own charms. From here on every Tuesday and Friday, we'll share one by one the close ups! The 1st person is Baekho.

Baekho

Birthday: 1995/7/21

Height: 179 cm

In charge of vocals. Although he looks strong from the appearance, when he speaks he becomes the gap king as being all smiling and being naughy like a toddler. He has a well-established Husky voice. Special skill is Kendo.

Q. What were you like during your childhood?

It was even cooler (laughs) My parents' house is at the countryside and we and my grandparents were living together. I was told "Just try singing", which was pretty lovely to say this.

Q. Why did you decide to become a singer?

I was scouted when I was playing with my friends. Until then, I never was conscious of singers, I thought that it was a completely different world, then I thought about what If I'm getting scouted and so I began thinking "I might be able to do it" and "I want to try once."

Q. Is there a singer you admire?

I'm a singer who likes and enjoys listening to other singers’ music, rather than admiring someone. I like hiphop, and while browsing on a site I came across a Japanese rapper called KOHH. I heard a song of KOHH by chance, and I liked it. I am addicted to it recently.

Q. Which member left the strongest impression, when you first met?

Baekho: It’s JR. I’m from Jeju Island, and as I got off to the airport (Seoul) where I got scouted and then headed to the office. I got told "If you go to the practice room, a good looking trainee with good dancing skills awaits you". That was JR . But, when I actually met you, it was like "What’s with that dude ..." (laugh).

JR: I think I would have thought so too when I saw myself at that time (laughs)

Baekho: The skin was black ..

JR: It was rather yellow and dull than black. By now, it has turned white.

Q. What was the most memorable episode since your debut in 2012?

We performed in the Tokyo Dome on July 29 , 2012 ( K-DREAM LIVE ). As to think of it as the most memorable episode, is because NU'EST went for the first time overseas to perform. Moreover, the people we were yearning admiration for were standing next to us on the stage at Tokyo Dome where I wanted to perform the most.Although it was not an independent performance, I was honored to have performed at this place, and I still can not forget the tension at that time.

Q. So, what was your most happy moment?

There are lots of happy moments since I came to Seoul, but the happiest would be my birthday. The Members prepared a birthday party for my first birthday as a trainee. Since debut, I spend my birthdays with a little sad feeling. While wondering "My birthday is work too...", I went to the autograph session, but all fans sang a birthday song for me. Listening to it, I was very happy so I told myself "I should do appreciate it rather than thinking it’s sad. Many people celebrate with me!"

Q. How did you feel when you were about to debut in Japan?

I think that Japan is a beautiful and good country. Many other artists have also debuted in Japan and I wanted to promote in this country as well. We debuted later than I expected.

So, I was happy only for the time I waited to debut already, and in Japan we had only activities such as performances. I was able to know in advance what kind of country Japan is, and I think that being accustomed to a certain extent was good.

Q. Where do you often go to in Japan?

Baekho: We go eating Sukiyaki in a restaurant called "Shalala”.

JR : It’s been running for a long time even way before the trackname on ' Shalala Ring ' was decided. Coincidentally, it’s wonderful that they share the same name, and I'm kind of happy (laughs).

Baekho : We really like sukiyaki and I definitely go to Japan to eat it again. When the title of the debut song has been decided to be " Shalala Ring ", the manager told us that Sukiyaki can be also found at “Shalala” A restaurant for us! It was fate. I went to eat there this evening too!

Q. What are you addicted to now?

Shoes. I especially like the Nike Jordan series. I’m not able to buy them though because it’s very popular, so I want it even more.  

Q. What type of girls do you like?

My ideal type is a “Bagel Girl”, someone who is cute but also sexy. Long hair is also important. Someone like Lee Yu-bi or Yoon Jin-jin.

(T/N: *Bagel Girl is a korean term to describe female celebrities with 'baby' faces and 'glamorous' figures.)

Q. At what TV program do you want to appear on?

"Infinite challenge"! I'd like to appear on it, because the scale is amazing.  

Q. What is your favorite fashion style?

I like the HIP-HOP style. Wearing hip-hugging trousers is a must! I like to wear dubbed t-shirts, and when I haven’t styled my hair I make sure to wear a hat.

Q. I am wondering about the Shalala Ring which was mentioned in the group interview.

There are only 5 in the world, all members have one. It’s a ring collaboration with a accessory brand for our japanese debut song " Shalala Ring ". Each of the 5 diamonds have a different color and represents a member. It’s especially made for NU'EST and there are only 5 rings in the world which have such a deep meaning. I like it very much.

Q. Have you ever thought about giving up the dream of being a singer?

Of course, there were many times. It’s too much to talk about concrete episodes. I have trouble sleeping as I don’t hear my alarm so I won’t get up because it’s so hard. When I don’t get up, I get late for practice and the manager will get angry. Even if I want to get up in the morning, I really can’t really hear it! (laughs)

Q. What kind of artist would you like to be in the future?

First of all, rather than personally more as NU’EST, I would like to establish a style only for NU'EST that would be recognized as “Oh, this is a song of NU'EST” when others listen to our songs.

Source: jisin.jp (1), (2)

Translated by WatchingOverNuest

Take out with credits only

[ktaebwi]

[TRANS] ‘WINGS’ Concept Book Interview - Jimin

© floofyjimin KRN - ENG © ktaebwi

『 We are singers, we all perform right? Doing my best with the thought of having nothing to offer except for my performance, I think it’s important not to lose that thought. 』

Being in charge of the opening for “Blood, Sweat & Tears” must have been a big pressure for you. “I was nervous from the recording stage. Bang Shihyuk PD-nim told me ‘You’re fine, do well’ but it became a burden too, since the first impression of the song is on me. I worked on it thinking ‘I have to pull it off somehow’. After receiving the song and thinking about how I should sing it alone, I went to the recording studio and the producers told me to sing it this and that way, and I was slowly led to a better direction. PD-nim often told me to sing ‘Blood, Sweat & Tears’ sexily too. So I sang it with a light and delicate tone. You should listen to what I sang while practicing. (laughs)”

Jin chose Jimin as the member who carries the vibe of “Blood, Sweat & Tears” performance the best. “I think the performance can never go well if I’m the only one who do well. He must have chosen me because my part is at the beginning. We often talk about this with each other. The face expressions of a person at their own part isn’t what matters, the other members need to create the vibe in order to express it fully.”

Is there any part you think you pulled off the best? “I think it’s the opening. The fans really liked it. Last time when we filmed a show for Naver VLIVE, there was a question like this in the fans survey, ‘Which part do you like the most among BTS songs?’. A lot of fans picked the opening of ‘Blood, Sweat & Tears’ so it got 1st place. I must have pulled it off for them to think like that. (laughs) I worked out for about 2 years, but I lost about 7kg after dieting this time. I was pretty sensitive during my diet. When we practiced the choreography together, I was the only one knocked over, not because I was hungry but because I had no strength. (laughs) It was inevitable so the members could only feel sorry for me. Jin-hyung told me ‘Eat with me. Why do you have to do that?’, but I just told him “No, I need to do it” and continued to diet.”

How did you work on your solo song “Lie”? “It took around 3, 4 weeks in total. Organizing the melodies and lyrics, composing together with composer hyung and noona took about 1, 2 weeks and another 2 weeks to record. It was really hard. I recorded everything and threw away to start over because I wasn’t satisfied with it, this kept repeating over and over and it was very stressful. The output has to be good, so I kept recording until it came out well.”

What was the most difficult part? “It was difficult from the moment I first heard the track. What kind of melody and lyrics can go with this song? I have never uploaded any cover so ‘Lie’ is my first step as a composer and lyricist. Doesn’t this song seem too difficult to people who listen for the first time? It was hard starting from this thought. I was worried until the end, only when many people showed positive reactions about it more than I expected did I feel relieved.”

Have you ever asked why they gave you such a difficult track? “(laughs) I did ask ‘This seems too difficult, will it be fine?’. Everyone said it would be fine but I was like ‘Not this… This is not the reply I wanted…’ (laughs)”

It’s finished now anyway, so have you gotten any feeling of “I have developed this far”? “I still don’t think I have developed a lot even now. I feel frustrated looking at what I do. Thinking ‘Why doesn’t it turn out well?’. I can probably get good quickly but I can’t reach my goal. No matter how far I think I have gotten, when looking back, I’m still at the same place. This tired me out a lot before. Why doesn’t it turn out as well as what I did? Talent is indeed important, I don’t have any talent, I thought. So I practiced even harder. I have no talent so I just work harder.”

How much did you practice? “I cut down on sleep a lot. I woke up early before going to school to practice, I practiced during lunch time, practiced after school, practiced until the dawn and continued again after taking a nap and then went to school. This repeated for about 1 year. But there wasn’t any significant change. I took vocal lessons sometimes before, but I only started singing in one year being a trainee. I couldn’t sing well at first so it was really hard practicing alone. What do I need to practice? Where do I need to start? These thoughts always stuck in my head.”

You expressed your worry about your vocal on the blog early last year. “I’m still resolving my worry now. This is like my homework as a singer. I even think as far as wanting to halt all activities with BTS to take vocal lessons even just for 3 months, like at a training camp. I want to improve even if I have to go to that extent.”

Did you get to know the strength of your voice while working on <WINGS>? “The staff often tell me that my voice is really nice. I kind of hated it. I want to hear people say I sing well, but it makes me feel like my voice covers everything else. Everyone was talking so nicely, I was the only one being pessimistic. ‘Why can’t I still get any compliment other than these?’ I’m not that harsh on myself anymore. I think about ‘Yeah, I can do well too, just go with it’ more.”

Your confidence must have raised higher than before. “I do think that we’re slowly achieving what we want. On the other side, I’m anxious too. I feel the pressure of developing myself as my team is growing. We could cover for each other before, but now, even when we plan not to do it, each of us stands out. We can no longer cover for each other even if we want to. That’s why I think the role of each member is important.”

What is that “role”? “The performance each of us has to show on stage. To show the unique feeling of each individual. I don’t know what exactly is the role in the team. Before it was like ‘I am XX in charge of being charming’, but I don’t think it’s the matter of who’s in charge of acting, or who’s in charge of singing. We are singers, we all perform right? Doing my best with the thought of having nothing to offer except for my performance, I think it’s important not to lose that thought.”

[ktaebwi]

[TRANS] ‘Seventeen’ Magazine 2017 Aug Issue - BTS Interview (P1)

Scan © myheaven0624 JPN - KRN © mondomizel1 KRN - ENG © ktaebwi

RAP MONSTER

- Why are you called “the destruction god”? JIN: He might seem intelligent and cool, but he’s actually very slow and clumsy. He breaks all kind of stuffs in our dorm from electronic equipment to kitchen tools. That’s why we call him “destruction god”. (laughs)

- What’s your favorite place? RAP MONSTER: The lake park nearby. I really like going for a walk at the park on nice days.

- What do you want to do in Japan? RAP MONSTER: Shopping!! There are many clothing brands I like in Japan. If I go to Japan for work, I can’t eat out much, not to speak of shopping... But it’s okay. I’m not upset. I want to travel off-work to Japan and have fun as much as I want some day!

JIN

- What are you interested in these days? JIN: Nintendo DS. I always play it whenever I can, in my room or in the car. I have to fly a lot because of the world tour, so It’s a perfect way to kill time. JIMIN: I bought one right before going to Japan because of Jin-hyung too. Just a few more week and other members will be into this too for sure. Except Suga-hyung. (laughs)

- You’re called the trendsetter of the group, is it true? JIMIN: Once Jin-hyung is into something, other members will somehow be into it too. It happens a lot. The only exception is Suga-hyung, he’s way too unwavering. (laughs)

SUGA

- What are you interested in recently? SUGA: There’s a convention about music equipment from all over the world, I watch the videos from that convention and check out the newest equipment. I’ve been liking up-to-date equipment since I was young. I adopt computers or electronic equipment faster than anyone else. 

- Any episode that can tell you’re like a music maniac? RAP MONSTER: His room is flooded with equipment. Those music equipment emit so much heat that his room’s hot like hell!! No one would be able to stand it without air conditioner. We plan not to come near his room in the summer. (laughs)

J-HOPE

- Tell us J-hope’s secret! V: A secret would no longer be a secret if it’s disclosed. But if I have to tell one... He gave me a present not long ago, a watch I wanted to have, as a surprise. He even put in a handwritten letter ♡

- What is the main choreography point in ‘Blood, Sweat & Tears’? J-HOPE: The ‘blood, sweat and tears’ chorus. The dance move of stroking from the neck to the face like wiping tears!

- If you can live one day as another person, who do you want to be? J-HOPE: Jungkook. I want to be young. What do I want to do? Hmh, I think I would do nothing like a maknae would!

JIMIN

- Where does your nickname (Slow Jimin) come from? RAP MONSTER: The reason we call him that... It’s because Jimin’s always late. (laughs) He wakes up late and does many thing slowly. He tends to be slow.

- Anything you were slow on recently? JIMIN: May 8th is Parents’ Day in Korea. It’s like ‘Father’s Day’ and ‘Mother’s Day’ in Japan, a day for children to express their gratitude to parents. I wanted to give them something on that day, but I kept thinking of what to give to make them happy... Two months passed and now I still can’t decide what to give. I’m late with presents too. (laughs)

V

- If you can live one day as another person, who do you want to be?  V: No one. I know the members too well so there’s probably nothing I want to know from becoming them. And I know every secret of Jimin and Jungkook. Right? Right? JUNGKOOK: .......Right. (laughs)

- What is V’s secret? JUNGKOOK: He sometimes pretends to be cool. He’s always playful but on some certain days he can be cool depending on his mood. I was saying “Those who are good at English are so cool” and he suddenly spoke in English. He started to appeal himself “I’m cool right?”. It’s cute. V: That’s right. I’m cute ♡

JUNGKOOK

- If you can live one day as another person, who do you want to be? JUNGKOOK: Rap Monster-hyung. He’s really smart. I want to be smart too!

- No one can beat me on this! JUNGKOOK: Listening to music. I listen to music all the time. Also I don’t lose when it comes to passion. My heart is flaming more than anyone else!! I’m warm-hearted ♡

- Tell us Jungkook’s secret! J-HOPE: Secret.. Does he have any? We live together all the time so I don’t know what is a secret anymore. (laughs) Should I say it’s that Jungkook has a lot of greed? Not like doing as he pleases but in a good way. He’s greedy like “I want to challenge this to improve myself”!

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