#tinterview

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The Jinhwan x Junhoe JJ Team interviews the members?!
With a camera and notebook in hand, the JJ combi, playing the role of editorial staff, directly asked the members questions about their excitement for the next tour and other questions that they were curious about. Because it was the members interviewing them, we’ve got their unadorned responses and the relaxed expressions that they only show around each other.

The harmony between the members and the way they comfortably mess around with each other goes beyond brotherhood. But even so it devolved into chaos…?!

Jinhwan with his camera at the ready and Junhoe with his pen and notebook held tightly in his hands. The two of them rush over to where the members are with a recorder. Junhoe, exactly like a weekly magazine reporter, asks the members if they have girlfriends. And with everyone ignoring him, the interview starts! (laughs)

Jinhwan: Tell me iKON’s charms!
B.I: (immediately) Yunhyeong’s face. It’s iKON’s everything!
Yunhyeong: Oh stop~ I think iKON’s charm is that we’re all close and have fun like friends. Since we’re all really good friends!
B.I: No! (flatly) iKON’s charm is Yunhyeong!

It’s like a done deal that the members will lovingly tease each other like this. On the last tour Yunhyeong was teased by everyone, and today too he’s become the target.

Junhoe: What should fans look forward to on the iKON Japan Tour 2018, which starts in August?
B.I: Of course, our energy! I want everyone to feel it.
iKON: Yeah, our energy!
Chanwoo: And of course our new songs.
Bobby: Yeah yeah. Our new songs are really amazing, so I want everyone to hear them as soon as possible.
Jinhwan: Also, please look forward to Yunhyeong’s face! Also, my height… Ah, I’m supposed to be the interviewer. (laughs)
(everyone cracks up)
Junhoe: Now, what does our teasing target Yunhyeong think fans should look forward to?
Yunhyeong: Our new songs, of course. There are a lot of songs we’ll be debuting for the first time, so I’m also really looking forward to it.
Jinhwan: Also… Yunhyeong’s butt?
Yunhyeong: (ignores him) Our new choreography is also really cool! Please look forward to it.
Donghyuk: We’ll be showing you Yunhyeong’s butt! So please look forward to seeing his particularly beautiful butt line.
Junhoe: I can’t organize any of this, but this is the end! (laughs)

The interview ended with the members’ explosive laughter. It seems that no matter what they do, they have loads of fun. The practice for the MCs for their next tour has probably begun with this. Although they’re friendly and easy to get close to, once they’re on stage, they become super cool. We’re looking forward to iKON’s live performances!

Trans by Shino @ iKON GLOBAL | take out with full credits.
© JJ Magazine

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Loved by all the members. The kindhearted magnae
Chanwoo
Born 1998/1/26. Worked as a child actor from a young age. Major works include Boys Over Flowers. He’s the youngest member, the magnae.

If Chanwoo were my boyfriend…
I’d want him to confess to me with the ace of hearts while we’re playing card games at home!

Deep down women actually want to be told things so sweet it makes their teeth rot. Even something pretentious that would make me laugh under normal circumstances, if it’s the cute, manly, pure Chanwoo doing it, then I’d actually want him to! When we travel back to our childhood and play games together, my heart would flutter at the sight of his serious gaze… If he suddenly gave me the ace of hearts and told me he loved me, it would be an immediate game over. ♡

The tallest member. With his strong body and cute eyes, he always looked at us with a smile while he answered our questions.

—–What game have you been into lately?
Chanwoo: I play online games with Jinhwan a lot. Sometimes Bobby plays with us too. Bobby is really good at games!
—–If a girl were to confess to you, how would you want her to do it?
Chanwoo: If I were to be confessed to, I wouldn’t want her to do it forcefully; I’d rather she do it cutely, and kind of shyly.
—–What kind of message would you be happy to receive from a girl?
Chanwoo: Rather than getting something with a lot of stickers and emoji, I’d be happier getting normal sentences written with all her feelings. Since I’m not the type to usually use stickers and emoji… For this kind of message, I think a bit of passion is better. A message with long sentences is filled with feelings, so I’d be happy to get that!
—–If you were a girl, which member would you want to date?
Chanwoo: Ah, well~ B.I. He actually has a nice side, so if I were his girlfriend, it seems like it’d be good. (laughs)
—–What Korean foods do you miss when you come to Japan?
Chanwoo: Umm… Kimchi chijimi.
—–Is there anything you want the members to stop doing?
Chanwoo: I want Yunhyeong to stop trying so hard to be a gentleman. (laughs) I think he’s the most gentlemanly out of all seven members of iKON, but his constant attempts to be more gentlemanly are really a lot! (laughs)

Episodes during the shoot that show how good their personalities are

B.I
It was an oppressively hot day with temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius. Although he was wearing thick clothes, B.I didn’t sweat and gazed at the camera with a cool expression. When the staff apologized for having him wear that despite the heat, he met our requests with a smile.

Junhoe
During June’s shoot, for some reason the members started passionately singing the Don Quijote theme song. June started singing along while smiling. But his voice was so beautiful, it was like the staff fell in love at first listen. (laughs)

Donghyuk
Although it seemed like he wasn’t used to using an Instax, Donghyuk took pictures of the staff. His serious expression when he checked his pictures on the monitor and the smile he had during the shoot were totally different, so we were able to acutely feel how much of a professional he is.

Bobby
The bright shoot that began with a smile and ended with a smile had, from start to finish, a cheerful mood. It seemed like he really liked the cushion, and even after the shoot ended, he was lying down with it comfortably.

Chanwoo
In order to meet the requests of the staff, Chanwoo did his best to grapple with the oversized playing cards. Although he was cute when he was sitting down, as soon as he stood up, he turned into a lean young man, and that gap made our hearts skip a beat.

Yunhyeong
When we asked him to smile, he was embarrassed and gave us a shy smile—cute. When we did the interview, he looked each and every staff member in the eyes and politely answered our questions. His Japanese is good too!

Jinhwan
Just like a man who’s put together, he actively participated in the suggestions for poses and setting the scene in Japanese. His ability to objectively analyze himself is just what we expected. His sexy expressions drew in the staff too.

When we gave them a camera and had them freely take pictures…
During the shoot and breaktimes, you could hear the snap of a smartphone camera shutter. There’s where you would find group photos and selfies being taken that are filled with the members’ unadorned expressions. They took tons of shots that show their closeness with each other.

Trans by Shino @ iKON GLOBAL | take out with full credits.
© JJ Magazine

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He draws in fans with his husky, middle-low tone voice that you can’t get out of your head
Junhoe
Born 1997/3/31. He’s been on TV since he was kid, and he was a hot topic in Korea. On SNS he showed his artistic poems and his detailed knowledge about Japanese entertainment.

If Junhoe were my boyfriend…
I’d want to watch movies he likes with him! I want to feel giddy seeing his innocent side.

Junhoe likes watching movies, and if he were my boyfriend, I’d want him to explain his favorite ones to me while we watch them! His favorite scenes, favorite lines, and the reasons… You can see a pure, childlike side of a man while he’s talking about the things he’s into, so I’d be happy seeing that, I think. I want to be the only one who knows that side of him ♡—there’s no way I wouldn’t feel like that.

Tall, slender, well-proportioned and a balanced style. With a serious expression, he spoke with us clearly, happily, and passionately.

—-We heard you like Kitano Takeshi. [t/n: Japanese comedian, director, and actor]
Junhoe: I love Kitano Takeshi! He gave me a t-shirt a while back, and I really respect him!
—–Which of his works do you like?
Junhoe:Hana-bi [Fireworks]. I like how the story is kind of poetic. I was captivated by Kitano’s manliness and aura. The first movie I saw was Blood and Bones [Chi to hone]. I thought he was a really amazing person, so after I saw it, I watched all his other movies.
—–Have you ever thought about directing or acting in movies in the future?
Junhoe: I want to be a writer. That’s why I’m always writing poems in Korea. It would be great if I could release a poem-like novel or a poetry collection someday.
—–What movie have you watched recently?
Junhoe: What was the title again… Ah! I remember! The Korean title is Sonyeon, sonyeo, keurigo bada. It’s a Japanese movie. The Japanese title is Futatsume no mado? [t/n: The English title is Still the Water.] It’s a poetic film with a strong message. For Korean films, I like Lee Changdong films, so I watch them a lot.
—–Are there any Japanese celebrities you’re into now?
Junhoe: Actually, I’m not super into comedy~ (laughs) I just wanted to do impressions for the tour so I studied them. So I actually don’t really know anything about them. (laughs) I guess I’ll look some stuff up for the next tour…

The fashionista who’s the most stylish member and in charge of aegyo
Donghyuk
Born 1997/1/3. Has a gentle personality and an outstanding sense of balance even within the group. Talented at playing instruments and is the biggest fashionista among the members.

If Donghyuk were my boyfriend…
I’d want him to take stylish pictures of me since he has such a great eye. ♡

I’m not very good at taking pictures of myself, so since he likes taking pictures, if he’s there, I can relax. If the stylish Donghyuk takes pictures of me, they’ll definitely have good composition and form. Of course he’d take pictures just of me, but if he took pictures of the two of us, the distance between us would close and my heart would pound… ♡ I also want to see him seriously going through the pictures he took. I’d upload the pictures to Instagram right away and brag to all of my girlfriends!

A kind, warm smile filled with aegyo. A reserved manner showing concern for the staff. A strong body and manliness. The one who sometimes shows us an adult flexibility and makes us feel his trustworthiness despite his innocent countenance—Donghyuk.

—–Donghyuk means fashionista. What have you bought in Japan recently?
Donghyuk: Thank you! It isn’t recent, but on the tour last year, I found a t-shirt store in Nagoya… I bought a bunch of t-shirts for summer. In Tokyo, I don’t only buy tops; I buy a lot of things, like jeans and sneakers. I feel like I go to Shibuya a lot. When I come to Japan, I always go to Supreme. I also like going to thrift stores and window shopping, so I do that a lot.
—–Are there any Japanese stores you’re planning on going to?
Donghyuk: I don’t really go shopping for brands… So there’s nothing like “gotta go to this shop!” but every time I’m in Japan, I try to go for “Japanesey” things. My image of Japanese street casual is that there’s one main point and it’s stylish. There aren’t really any stores like that in Korea, so I guess I want to go to a store like that.
—–What item of clothing do you want the most right now?
Donghyuk: I like Air Jordans so I collect them. But there are some types I don’t have yet, so I want those~
—–About how many pairs of shoes do you own?
Donghyuk: I wonder… (starts counting) Ummm, I think around 60. And out of those, about 15 pairs are Air Jordans. (laughs)

Trans by Shino @ iKON GLOBAL | take out with full credits.
© JJ Magazine

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In ♡ with his sweet face and beautiful voice. The beloved oldest member
Jinhwan
Born 1994/2/7. With his kind and gentle personality, he’s like a mother to the members. The gap between how he’s teased offstage but has sharp dancing onstage is charming.

If Jinhwan were my boyfriend…
I’d want him to make coffee with his sweet smile and talk with him. ♡

Jinhwan charms fans with his cute and sweet smile. He seems like he’d be a warm boyfriend on the outside and inside, so I’d want him to heal my tired heart. “I made you some coffee. Well? How is it? Did something happen today?” …My heart would skip a beat if I were suddenly looked at by his kind gaze. And then, my mood would go up talking with him since he’s positive. I feel like I would be able to have a pleasant and relaxing time with him just by having him sit by my side.

Fluent Japanese and a friendly smile. Jinhwan can change any atmosphere into a peaceful one in no time at all.

—–You’re the oldest member. What’s your secret to staying calm?
Jinhwan: Ah, right~ I’m the mathyung but I don’t think of everyone else as my dongsaengs. I treat them like we’re in the same position, like we’re the same age, so I hardly ever get really furious. I mean, of course I get mad sometimes, but even if I do, I resolve the problem myself inside, so I don’t let it show in my attitude. I guess that’s because I’m the oldest so I’m the best at holding myself back. (laughs)
—–How do you study Japanese?
Jinhwan: I used to take classes, but the trick is to use it as much as possible. I’m close with the Japanese-speaking staff, so I really think talking with people a lot is the best way to study. Like, I sometimes even talk with the staff in Japanese on the phone. Talking with the staff in Kansaiben has been fun lately… My favorite Kansaiben word? It’s “akan!” [t/n: no good]
—–Do you have any other Japanese words that you like?
Jinhwan: Toumorokoshi! [t/n: corn] I just learned it. There was a drink called “Toumorokoshi no hige cha” [corn silk tea], and I saw that and remembered the word. So my favorite Japanese word today is toumorokoshi. (laughs) My favorite word changes every day. What else do I like… ummm. Ruitomo maybe? [t/n: a friend you make due to your shared interests/traits] Your hobbies bring you friends. I mean, good people are drawn to good people, right? So I feel like I can be a good person too. If you do your best to be like that, then I think you really can become a good person.

The world-class rapper is the group moodmaker
Bobby
Born 1995/12/21. With the dream of becoming an artist, he left New York for his birthplace of Korea. A talented young man who won the survival show Show Me the Money 3.

If Bobby were my boyfriend…
I’d want to spend our days off together at home and just laze about and mess around. ♡

If Bobby, who never forgets to smile no matter what and no matter when, were my boyfriend… I’d want the two of us to laze about on our days off, just talking or napping, and I’d want us to make each other laugh a lot. Even if he’s just lying down, seeing him look like he’s having fun would make me so happy. I’d also be able to forget everything that had happened earlier in the week and refresh. I feel like I’d be able to get my mood up and be able to face a new week.

He was polite from the moment he entered the studio, and from the way he stayed smiling in the interview from start to finish, we could feel his happiness.

—–Bobby means sexiness. When do you think a man exudes sexiness?
Bobby: Oh! Really? It makes me so happy to hear you say that. (grinning from ear to ear) I think that my personal idea of male sexiness comes out when a man is doing his best at work.
—–Which member do you think is sexy?
Bobby: I think Jinhwan is the sexiest, but, ummm. B.I and Yunhyeong too maybe. On the flip side the least sexy member is Chanwoo! Because he’s the magnae. (laughs)
—–You’re always happy. What’s your secret?
Bobby: Yeah! I am! It’s not really a secret or trick or something, but for me, I’m always thankful for and enjoy every single moment. In that way I’m glad doing the photoshoot and the interview, and there’s like a weird feeling… It’s fun.
—–When we’re feeling down because of work, what should we do to continue to work hard?
Bobby: If you think of it as putting your best effort into work in order to enjoy your hobbies and things you like, you can give anything your all.
—–What are your hobbies?
Bobby: Sleeping. (laughs) I want to sleep early, so I’m like, I have to work hard and finish work early. If I want to sleep seriously, I can easily sleep for 24 hours. By the way, I’ve got my own little sleeping habit—sleeping on my side with something between my legs. If I do that, I can sleep well!

Trans by Shino @ iKON GLOBAL | take out with full credits.
© JJ Magazine

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If B.I were my boyfriend…
I’d want him to listen to my problems and struggles at work and give me advice.

B.I is positive and always hardworking when it comes to his work, and that’s cool. As leader, don’t the members often go seek him out for advice? If B.I were my boyfriend, he seems like the type to give calm and appropriate replies to my worries about whatever work I’m doing. ♡ On the rooftop of a building, he wouldn’t make fun of even little problems, and sometimes he’d be firm with advice, and other times he’d be nice. But if that type of person were in front of me, then there’s no way any problem I have wouldn’t get better! [t/n: His photoshoot was on a rooftop, so that’s why the rooftop comes up.]

With his fresh, noble features, a slender style. To our questions, cool responses, sometimes with a smile—B.I.

—–We get the impression you’re very passionate about your work, but what’s your secret to staying focused on your work?
B.I: Well, I’m doing what I love for work so I can stay focused. I can’t focus on things I don’t like. (laughs) But even so, whenever I have to do something I don’t really want to, I think about it like this: I have to do the things I don’t really want to do now so that someday I can live doing only the things that I want to do. If you have some kind of dream or goal, and if you do it for that—and if you think of it as doing it for your future self… I think you can get through doing the things you don’t want to do now.
—–Do you have a goal now?
B.I: Yes, of course. I do! I’m working toward it right now. Stay tuned.
—–How do you relieve your stress when you’re tired?
B.I: I don’t really do any big thing, but I guess it’s going to the movies with my friends. We watch romantic comedies. Because you get excited so it’s a good way to turn your mood around. I recently watch a Japanese film called Kids on the Slope [Sakamichi no aporon].
—–But even so, in a really difficult time, when you’ve hit a wall, what do you do?
B.I: Well then I talk with my family because they understand me the best. I don’t call them, I go back to my parents’ house. Because seeing my family and talking with them calms me down. And then of course I always try to have a positive outlook.

The vocalist overflowing with concern and who supports the members from the shadows
Yunhyeong
Born 1995/2/8. A vocalist who continues to work hard and evolve, and whose development can always be felt. Given a CM deal due to his love of Nivea.

If Yunhyeong were my boyfriend…
Since he’s good at cooking, I’d want him to help me make sweets!

Aren’t there many women who enjoy the sight of a man in the kitchen? That’s why spending a day off making sweets with Yunhyeong, who’s good at cooking, would be positively luxurious! I want to leave the hard labor, like whipping the cream, to him and just watch him work. And if, while he’s working, he gives me a cute smile and says things like “How’s this?” or “Want a taste??”—that alone would send me to heaven.

A sweet mask and a kind expression. We were drawn in by the way he looked us straight in the eyes and spoke quietly.

—–We heard you like to cook, so what have you made recently?
Yunhyeong: Hotteok! I’m obsessed with putting cheese in sweet honey hotteok. —–Do you make any Japanese dishes?
Yunhyeong: I’ve made takoyaki before. When we were on our Japan tour. We played a game where we put wasabi in one and all ate one, and it was super fun. Bobby’s the one who got the wasabi one, and his face was hilarious!
—–Who’s the member you want to cook for?
Yunhyeong: (immediate response) B.I. When he’s writing music, he doesn’t eat. I get worried, so I want to cook for him… I recently made him cheese kimchi fried rice.
—–When did you first start cooking?
Yunhyeong: When we were trainees, we had food delivered a lot, but if you eat it too much, you get sick of it, right? So I was like, “I wanna eat homecooked meals.” I wanted to make the members eat healthier food, so I started cooking.
—–Which of your dishes are the members particularly fond of?
Yunhyeong: There’s a lot! I’m good at arancini, fried rice, and risotto. But basically everything I make is good~ Why? Because I have a specialty for my personal cooking.
—–What is this specialty?
Yunhyeong: Putting kimchi and cheese in everything! (laughs) If you put those two things in, everything tastes better!

Trans by Shino @ iKON GLOBAL | take out with full credits.
© JJ Magazine

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Jinhwan and Junhoe, the two members of iKON who are particularly good at Japanese. They’re even called “junhwan” by fans. The two of them are very active on broadcasts on apps and during the MCs of their Japan concerts, and coincidentally the first letters of their names are JJ… So, we felt the call of destiny and had them help with the feature as members of the JJ editorial department. We’ve got the info they collected in print, so be sure to look for it! [t/n: Jinhwan & Junhoe were given special staff badges.]

iKON’s JJ became JJ editorial staff members?!
The Korean artist you can see even in Japan・iKON are the ones most likely to grab your attention!
If you’re talking about boy groups in the spotlight right now, then you’ve got to mention iKON. They’re super popular with their musicality that’s overflowing with talent and the individuality of their characters. They’ll be starting their Japan tour in August. This time we aren’t going to only investigate their good points, but the Jinhwan and Junhoe “JJ combi” also helped us out as JJ editorial staff members. ♡

Who is iKON?
The capable seven-member boy group who stand out all around the world
A seven-member boy group who is the successor to Big Bang and was formed through a survival program put on by the major company YG Entertainment. The first artist in history to win Japanese, Korean, and Chinese rookie awards. Their debut Japanese album was first on the Oricon Chart. They’re the fastest foreign artist to have a dome tour in Japan, and that tour drew over 470000 people. Their new song released in February of this year, “Love Scenario,” was first on the Korean music charts for 42 days. The music video also has 100 million views, making it a mega hit.

Trans by Shino @ iKON GLOBAL | take out with full credits.
© JJ Magazine

When did you first start doing music?
When I was in middle school, I thought about how to get girls interested in me. And then when I was thinking about whether I should rap or sing, my senpai told me rap with him, and that’s how I started doing music.

So you became an artist from the pure feelings of a boy who wants to be popular with girls. What was your first rap about?
I wrote about two lovers who broke up, but I’d never been in a relationship back then, so I think if you heard it now, it would just be weird and incomprehensible. It’s embarrassing so I don’t want to listen to it (laughs).

What do you want to express to everyone through your music now?
I don’t want to send a message one way—I’m striving for music that the people listening can empathize with. I want to make music that, by empathizing with it, people can show on the outside what they have inside—their sadness, their happiness, everything.

The theme of your album is love, but lately have you felt love—from your family, members, friends, somewhere else?
I don’t only write about heartbreaking love, but all types of love, including fun love and passionate love. The song “I Love You” has couple’s ennui as its theme, and I was inspired to write it by a Korean webtoon. I’ve never experienced that sort of ennui in love before, but I have been anxious or fallen into a slump with my music work, so I swapped that with romance and imagined that it would feel like this and wrote it. I think it’s a song that lets me feel the love around me whenever I listen to it.

You seem like the type to often listen to music while shooting or waiting, but do you have any rappers or musicians you’ve thought are amazing lately?
I used to listen to Nas’s “Virgo” a lot in the past, and I’m really into it again now. Lately I’ve been listening to music I used to listen to a lot. I like how when I listen to the music I used to like again, it feels like the music I wanted to do is coming back.

What are the shops and restaurants you frequent in Korea?
I go out to eat more than I go shopping. I like the sundae gukbap from Tobegigukbap* in Yeonnam-dong! And since I also love hamburgers, I go to Brooklyn the Burger Joint in Garosugil.

*[t/n: I tried to find this restaurant, but it’s extremely difficult to find the original Korean from katakana.]

You’ve been all around Japan for shows, so is there any Japanese shop, restaurant, or food you thought was good?
There’s a Mexican restaurant in Roppongi I liked because its taco rice and burritos and stuff were similar to the local flavor you can get in the US.

Is there anywhere you’d like to go in Asia?
I like cold places, so I want to go snowboarding and sightseeing in Hokkaido during the snowy season. I want to snowboard in Hokkaido’s fluffy snow!

What would you like to do for an even with the January 2018 issue of paisley?
I want to sing the songs in my album and songs I haven’t had a chance to sing live yet. I’m looking forward to meeting all the fashionistas in Asian Wavy, who love Asian culture!

Trans by Shino @ iKON GLOBAL | take out with full credits.
© Paisley

Xiumin: You filmed a sageuk recently. What part of that was the hardest? You know I’m your senior when it comes to sageuks, right?
D.O.: It was really hot this summer. We filmed outside often and the heat was a struggle. It was my first time wearing my hair in a topknot, and it tugged a lot. I felt awkward filming in a hanbok, too. But can I say something, Xiumin hyung? You might have filmed a sageuk before me, but I spent more time filming a sageuk. Hahaha.

Xiumin: Have you thought about growing your hair out? Shoulder-length!
D.O.: Of course! I haven’t! Hahaha. Longer hair is more bother. I like having short hair. I’d rather have the comfort than look cool. 

Suho: It was hard for you to fly around for our overseas events. Are long-distance flights really hard for you?
D.O.: Just like you said, being on a plane for long is a bit tough for me so I’m not exactly fond of long-distance flights. I think it’s because we fly too often. 

Suho: When were you happiest as a part of EXO?
D.O.: EXO has made me happy through the years. I feel especially glad for us whenever we win an award because it feels like our hard work is recognized. But pride and happiness are different things. It’s when all the EXO members are healthy and close together, like we are now, that’s honestly what makes me happy. We find energy in each other and we’re growing together.

Baekhyun: What’s the hardest part of acting?
D.O.: Trying to balance my schedule between singing and acting is the hardest part.

Baekhyun: How are your shoulders doing?
D.O.: They’re weak and hurt sometimes, but it’s fine as long as I don’t overdo anything. It kind of hurts a lot if I make the wrong move, but I’m okay right now. 

Chanyeol: It feels like you’re always working; how come you never take a break?
D.O.: I do want to take a break sometimes, but there’s a lot of joy and fun to find in work too. I think that’s why I’ve been working so much.

Chanyeol: I think we match the most. Do you think so too?
D.O.: I think we match a lot too. Hahaha. It’s so easy to talk with you and that has to mean something, right?

Chen: D.O., you barely talk so I have no idea what you think about on a daily basis. What do you have on mind lately?
D.O.: You’re more mysterious than I am, Chen! I think you’re the one who talks the least about himself of the EXO members, so how could you say that about me! But if I have to answer, my last concern was 100 Days My Prince. I was losing my mind trying to memorize all the lines. Now that it’s over, I kind of want to rest. I haven’t had a chance to take a proper break in the last four years. I’d like to travel with the EXO members if that’s possible. 

Chen: You sang For Life in English. Your English pronunciation is so good! Are you planning on singing any other songs in English?
D.O.: Of course I’d like to try again. We have a lot of song demos that are in English. To be honest, I wanted to sing a different song than For Life for The Elyxion, but I gave up because there was no time to practice something else. I’d like to sing the English version of Light Out if there’s a chance to. 

Kai: The members touched your head a lot when you shaved your hair. How’d you feel about that?
D.O.: I didn’t really feel anything. Seriously! It wasn’t bad at all. But not exactly good either! Haha.

Kai: You know about a lot of good places to eat. How did you find them?
D.O.: The Blue Ribbon in Korea and the international Michelin Guide list restaurants that I check out when there’s the chance. Googling shows you the ratings and reviews of places too. I seek out the ones that look interesting and put together my own list. Filming lets me visit many places. Even if I can only have one meal that day, I want to enjoy the food. You know how much I like exploring new places to eat.

Sehun: When were you happy during The Elyxion?
D.O.: When we were standing on stage. The first concert is important too, but there’s nothing like the feeling of returning to Seoul after touring for the encore show. The relief and pride I felt from closing our fourth tour made me happy. 

Sehun: I feel this fourth tour was your favorite. Do you think so?
D.O.: Our concerts upgrade every year, so I can’t help that the latest tour ends up as my favorite. I think The Elyxion suited EXO a lot. The bar section was especially fun. None of it was scripted, and that’s what made it even more exciting.

translation: fydk | source: @Lazhao_

[this is a partial translation]

Next to Do Kyungsoo’s kind face and subtle shifts in expression as he spoke were a pair of sparkling eyes nestled in black fur - the two year old child, Meokmul. It has been two years since they became family. After making his decision after a long period of consideration, he had traveled to where they would have a memorable first meeting. 

“I made eye contact with all the dogs there. When made aware of a human, most dogs either become playful or lie down and ignore the human - but Meokmul was different. She sat back quietly and stared back at me. I was thinking ‘what is she seeing in me?’ even as we kept staring at each other. I think something passed between us during that. Maybe it was fate that brought Meokmul to us.”

After Meokmul, Do Kyungsoo met Huchu, and now he has two beloved little sisters. He spoke fondly of their dynamic together, between Meokmul’s gentle, calm nature and Huchu’s livelier, playful one. Because of his incredibly packed schedule as actor and singer, the two of them live with his parents. They’re wonderful daughters and have taught his family how to love and share that love: siblings to be proud of. 

“Meokmul and Huchu are family. From the start it didn’t feel like I was keeping pets, but that they were my newborn little sisters. I treasure them both as you would [human] family. It isn’t because they look pretty or act cute; their lives, in and of themselves, are something precious and dear. To be honest, I don’t get to see them often because I live apart from my parents, but I’m trying to be loving to them as a big brother should be.”

source: @DohDaul| translation: fydk

[mild spoilers for swing kids]

Q. Let’s start from Swing Kids (2018), your latest. Ro Kisoo goes about ruffling feathers, and his flashiness stands out from the rest of your filmography. 
I had a lot of discussions with the director on what was best for Kisoo. There was [a boy in] an old reference picture almost exactly like Kisoo’s character. He was in an old school uniform and wore his army cap tilted; even his pants were wide and baggy. He seemed trendy for the time and I drew a lot of direction from the picture. 

Q. Ro Kisoo expresses himself through dance. What sort of experience was it for you, as his actor? 
When I stand on stage as an EXO member, our choreography and formations are already determined. It was harder as Kisoo because there needed to be emotion in every one of his movements and expressions. I was especially worried about conveying the scene where he dances to David Bowie’s Modern Love in a way that the viewers would find refreshing and freeing. It reminded me of my first time trying to dance - frustration because my body wouldn’t listen to me, how good it felt to get each move down. Also, I could dance as I pleased because the director would capture the whole routine and the big emotions. Big movements for happiness, fast ones for frustration. To be honest, I was surprised by the final cut of that sequence. I didn’t realize how brightly I had been smiling. That dancing is something happy and to be enjoyed is what I’d felt as a musician too, but I had felt this so strongly that the smile came naturally. 

Q. It wasn’t something you planned to act out, but constant dancing is of course tiring, and that starts to show on your face. I’ve seen other actors say that actors who also know how to dance are better at filming action scenes, so it seems that your music career helps your acting one.
All that happens when you try to put emotion into motions you aren’t comfortable making is that you ruin the movements and expressions. So for scenes where they’re both important, like the Modern Love one, I made myself familiar. When my body can move without my input, it’s possible to be expressive. All I could do was practice. Action scenes and dancing do have a lot in common, so I did have a little know-how from applying what I had already learned.

Q. The first and second halves of Swing Kids have totally different tones. As its leading actor, you must have put a lot of thought into handling the clash well.
There was a part that I worried over for a while, without straying too far from how Kisoo would feel. The film’s tone shifts after the arrival of a supposed friend, Kwang-guk, to the prison camp. Kisoo’s mood worsens, but a sour face would have thrown off the intended tone. Kisoo wasn’t supposed to get too caught up in the atmosphere of that scene, and I kept his expression flat.

Q. It also seems like acting dryly ties in with your own disposition. 
I wonder all the time why, in acting, anger has to be obvious, why there needs to be yelling. Because I’ve never expressed my anger that way. I usually try not to let my emotions complicate issues. Of course, I have to adjust because characters have their own personalities, but I went with what felt natural to me for Kisoo. 

Q. Swing Kids features both snappy cuts and long takes. Did you worry about how the editing room would preserve the rhythm of the scenes?
I found it interesting rather than worrying. I liked the long takes because those let me get immersed in a location. I had so much fun with the scenes like the one where Kisoo keeps thinking about tap-dancing even in his sleep, and it would cut away each time with a tak-tak-tak! I really wondered how the end result would turn out. The Modern Love scene in particular, because (Park) Hyesoo and I had practiced and filmed for it separately. I was curious about what kind of picture that would make after editing, and I’m very happy with how it turned out. (laughs)

Q. There were a lot of iconic lines from the tvN drama 100 Days My Prince (2018). Bad delivery for the funny ones like “am I the only one uncomfortable?” and “the feeling you feel” would have weakened a sageuk, but you did really well with them.
I don’t really dwell over how my lines should be said. The lines with the potential to become popular might have been funnier if their deliveries were lighter. But that wouldn’t make sense for a crown prince who had just lost his memory. To be honest, I did have some concern over making them more palatable. In the end, the answer was that I should just speak as the character would speak. That’s how I decided on the delivery.

Q. Conventional wisdom says that, for TV dramas, one must act in a way that the viewer will know what your character is feeling even if they’re not paying full attention. It seems your acting in 100 Days My Prince ran contrary to that. In the first half, you didn’t look at Hong Shim like you were in love.
I think I just did what felt right. It would have been more romantic to look at each other like honey could fall from our eyes, as the saying goes, but that was unrealistic and wouldn’t have felt natural.

Q. Actor Sung Dongil said in an interview once that when he acts, he thinks of meeting the number 100 when acting with another. If the other is acting at a 70, he acts at 30. I think you make a good case for this with My Annoying Brother (2016) and Room No. 7 (2017) - in Room No. 7, actor Shin Hakyun made much larger actions than you, and in Brother, actor Jo Jungseok put much more flare into his character.
I totally get what you’re saying. If there’s a character who brings the energy up, it’s good for watchability and tone and manner to have another who brings the energy down. I also learned how to lend realism to characters from Hakyun sunbae and about Jungseok hyung’s acting style.

Q. You’re the type of person who works diligently outside of the spotlight. I found that, in Room No. 7, you were constantly moving about in the background of some scenes, without distracting the viewer.
Some of those parts came from talking with the director, but I wanted to fill up the space too. I found it fun to find things to do as my character that wouldn’t get in the way of the other actors. Even if the camera angle would barely catch a finger and I could honestly relax, I’d rather be doing something. 

Q. The two most disparate pieces in your filmography are director Lee Byunghun’s Be Positive (2017) and the movie series Along with the Gods. Your acting as the problem soldier Private Won was especially convincing in Along with the Gods: Two Worlds (2017).
I thought there was nothing smooth about acting as Won Dongyeon, and that was reflected in-universe with the film. I have yet to serve in the military, and I’d never put a noose around my neck over the guilt of causing another’s death. The director helped me a lot. We talked about his personal experiences, as well as the characters. Much of my base [for Private Won] were films and other indirect experiences.

Q. In a previous interview, you said that Private Won was the most saddening of your characters and that you probably wouldn’t act as someone that pitiable again. I found it amusing how he was introduced as a problem soldier who kills an innocent and thus might get hate.
Right, that’s not wrong… (with a seeking gaze) but doesn’t he make you feel sorry for him? He made a mistake that killed someone, wasn’t able to defend himself to anyone - I felt so bad for how much he suffered from circumstance. I understand why some would hate him, but I still think of him as the most saddening of my roles. 

Q. To be honest, while your acting as Private Won can be commended, the character himself is not admirable at all. People might misunderstand the actor because of the character. Many of your previous roles were of troubled, depressed youths let down by society. Did you not worry as an actor?
Not at all. It’s not like all my roles have been dark, and I try to express a part of myself with each character anyway. I think, as long as I keep trying new things, the people who think that way will stop misunderstanding me. 

Q. Then in that regard, Swing Kids’ Ro Kisoo is an important point for you.
Very. He’s a very dear figure to me. I wonder what will come next? What do I have left to show? It’s exciting to think about. 

Q. I can’t help but wish to see you a character with a lot of aegyo, maybe because you dislike it so much that even variety programs comment on it. (laughs)
I think it’d be a fun role. I don’t hate the thought. (laughs)

Q. When you appeared on Naver’s Actor Chatter, you mentioned that if you could film a drama with actress Kim Hyesoo, you’d like it to be an introspective office drama where you’re a new recruit to her team. Then Park Kyunglim said, “And not a rom com? Kim Hyesoo might have a word with you!” To which you said, “With me? How could I (dare)…” Why do you think it’s so impossible?
How would that even happen! I’d be incredibly honored, but there’s no chance of it happening. 

Q. Maybe if your character was like Jung Haein’s in JTBC’s Something in the Rain (2018), where noonas dote on his cuteness…
That’d be really nice. I’d like to try being in a drama like Secret Affair (2014) too. I look forward to melodramas in the future, and trying out thrillers…

Q. Yeah, you were good in I Remember You (2015).
Really? (laughs) Someone like him is good too, but I’d like to try acting as a completely average person. I’d rather embrace a variety of characters, not just one type.

Q. It’s Okay, It’s Love (2014) and Cart (2014) were your first and second released projects, respectively. You had to act as a victim of ALS; I wonder how you prepared for it when you’d never even gotten acting lessons before that point.
For that, I had watched documentaries for indirect experience that I could use with my imagination to make [it seem believable].

Q. I heard that writer No Heekyung helped you a lot as you were starting out?
It’s a given that she taught me skills, like how recounting things in staccato will help me with my pronunciation, but she talked with me about the characters too. I absolutely want to work with her again. I really enjoyed Live (2018) and its focus on daily life; my favorite of her projects is the film The Most Beautiful Goodbye (2011). I related to it a lot.

Q. I’m curious about how you figure out characters when aspects of them don’t overlap with you. Right now, are you more the type to conduct deep research, or the type to think it out?
I look inside a lot. Of course I do my research too, but I leave the next step to my imagination. Sometimes seeing the actual props on set help, but the more I think through my character’s personality and mentality and how he would act or speak, the more the set seems to build itself. That’s what I’ve been doing so far.

Q. There are actors who write diaries in-character, or go through the day performing their character’s routines, or make exhaustive notes on their role.
Mm, I don’t write anything down. My favorite scripts are clean and light, and I just keep it all in my head. My memory isn’t great, so I think trying to be exact would make acting too complicated for me. It’s easier for me to play things out mentally and then concentrate hard on set. 

Q. Didn’t you say that yelling at your mom in Cart was very hard for you, because it’s something you’d never done? How did you resolve it back then, and what do you do with similar impasses now?
I played everything out in my head then, too. I just did it on set. How would I get angry when I’m by myself? I’m too shy to practice being angry in my room all alone or with the EXO members helping. (laughs)

Q. So you’re the type who just needs to be on set.
I’m still not good at yelling. During Cart, I just said to myself (makes a sad face) “I’ll just do it when I get there,” but acting it out was actually thrilling. It was a huge thrill to feel what I’d never felt and to do what I hadn’t done. 

Q. When I view your filmography, I get the sense that directors love your eyes. You get unique close-ups that show off the fleeting emotions in your gaze. Is there anything in particular you do to act with your eyes?
Uh… (thinks for a long time) I don’t do anything except stay in-character. My eyes are a bit weak. Whenever my immune system drops or I get too much sun, they dry out quickly and turn bloodshot. It would bother the viewer if I blink too much during a touching moment, so I put a lot of focus on my health. My eyesight is honestly really bad. I can’t monitor well on set, so watching the fully produced release, when I can have glasses on, will be my first time properly viewing myself. I can’t wear contact lenses either. I’m told it’s because the surface of my corneas aren’t curved like normal. When I put in lenses, my eyelids will push them down. So I wear glasses.

Q. There must be a certain comfort to live with the other EXO members, who also have their own acting projects.
It’s closer to gratitude from their support than comfort. We don’t talk about our acting. Like I mentioned earlier, I get too embarrassed to practice acting with them.

Q. Have you ever given advice they took?
I don’t. They’ve pointed out to me when I was slouching or hanging my head before, but we’ve never given each other acting advice. It’s not like I have any seniority. So how could I, when we’re all in the same boat? (laughs)

Q. There are people who police what it means to be a man - including in terms of physical build - and like to suggest actors who fit their mold for certain genres [over other actors who don’t]. It was very gratifying for me to watch you find success in 100 Days My Prince, maybe because you defy those definitions. 
I don’t think much of their advice either. The admiration you feel from someone’s abilities, personality, or mentality is what matters. And I act for myself - I just want to figure out my own path, and to give my best in order to show my best. 

Q. Every time, without fail, you seem unsure whenever someone compliments on your ability or charm. Yet, no matter how I look at it, you have high self-esteem. How would you reconcile this?
When someone keeps complimenting me, I feel embarrassed. Like I’m seriously going crazy (laughs). Even by my own judgment, I think I have a pretty high self-esteem; it’s important to have self-esteem. Except it might not be connected to my abilities, but with my well-being instead. I have to stay firm so that I’m not ruined by stress, so that I can keep going.

Q. During last year’s appearance on Knowing Brothers, I saw you say you hoped to be a farmer one day. You like cooking too, so I was wondering if you wanted a life like you’d see in Little Forest (2018)? (laughs)
The Little Forest series (2014) from Japan is a big influence for me. I’d like to cook with what I grow, and to live in good health in a small, quiet home. I don’t know when it’ll happen, but I hope it’s possible by my late thirties or early forties. 

source: @wallnuut | translation: fydk 

A to Z: ALL ABOUT EXO

ANIMAL/ An animal you like?
Dogs
BOOK/ A book you like?
Moment of Magic by Paulo Coelho [t/n: it is not a translated novel, but a collection of illustrated quotes from the author’s twitter]
CUTE/ The member who likes cute things the most?
Xiumin
DATE/ What would you do if you were on a date with an EXO-L in Japan?
Enjoy food together
EFFORT/ The member who gives their most?
Suho
FACE/ Which part of another member’s face do you like most?
They all have nice faces
(Kai: D.O.’s hair)
GIFT/ A gift from another member that made you the happiest?
Every one
HAIR/ The hair color you’ve liked the most so far?
Black
INNOCENT/ The most innocent member?
No one
(Chen: D.O.)
JAPAN/ Where in Japan you’d like to visit the most?
Kyoto
KING/ If you became a king, what would you like to do?
Make it a land where everyone has equal rights
LOVE/ Are you the type that wants to give or receive love?
Half-half
MOTTO/ What’s your motto?
Not everything can be seen with the eyes
NICKNAME/ A unique nickname of the ones you’ve had so far?
Nothing!
OOPS/ Your recent biggest mistake?
Nothing!
PHOTO/ A photo you hung up in your room?
I don’t put up pictures in my room
QUARREL/ After a fight, are you able to apologize quickly or do you stew first?
I can apologize soon after
ROMANTIC/ Are you romantic or realistic?
Realistic
SWEET/ A sweet word to EXO-L in Japan!
I wish that you’ll always be healthy
TOUCH/ Which member does the most skinship?
No one
UNIFORM/ A uniform you’ve always wanted to try on once?
None!
VOYAGE/ A place overseas that you’d like to vacation at?
Japan
WORRY/ The member who worries the most?
Suho
X/ Are you the type to believe in the supernatural?
I don’t believe
YOUTH/ Your childhood dream?
Singer and actor
ZEAL/ What are you most into right now?
Tap dancing

source: @xoxo_kleine(jpn to kor) | translation: fydk (kor to eng)

[part one]

[…] Do Kyungsoo built a solid filmography with appearances in SBS’s It’s Okay, It’s Love (2014), the film Cart (2014, Bu Jiyoung), and the film Unforgettable (2016, Lee Eunhee). He has drawn attention for transitioning into an actor without once suffering the controversy that typically shadowed new idols-turned-actors. Even then, the label of ‘idol-actor’ clung to him. EXO’s name may have been his biggest blessing, but it also presented a mountain by coloring how the general public would see him. 

In this interview with Sports Chosun, held before the glow from the award faded, he shook his head to the cautiously broached question of whether he had ever felt frustrated with those who judged him before even seeing him act, just for being an idol. 

“To be honest, it’s really not easy to be a singer and actor at the same time. As a profession, acting asks you to immerse yourself the best you can in sensitivity and emotion, and that needs the luxury of thought and time. I think if time is scarce from trying to balance both careers, then sometimes I will fall short on one side - so if I fail to deliver as an actor to the viewer, I can see why comments of “it’s because he’s an idol” are made. And it’s true that I am a singer-turned-actor. I am still a singer, so naturally that bias could follow me.

But I don’t want to be swayed by that judgement. I want to give my all from where I stand and do both sides justice. I don’t think there is anything else I can do, except not let comments get to me and quietly do my best. And meanwhile, be grateful because even the mean comments show interest in my acting.

Whenever I start on a new project, I think of it as a new start. I still fall short as an actor in many ways, and I have to experience and study more. That’s why I think giving my best for anything is so important. I think if I keep trying to do my best, the bias and prejudice will fall away on their own.”

When asked to tell us what his personal strengths are, he became shy and struggled to answer because he was not used to complimenting himself.

“I’m still not sure what my strengths are. (laughs) I just really like being on set. It’s fun and makes me happy. I’m just enjoying those moments of happiness. A director I worked with praised me once by saying ‘you have good focus when we begin to shoot,’ but I don’t think that’s anything unique. I feel like that’s something true of every actor. Whichever set I’m on, I just want to enjoy being there while acting with my all.”

Ahead of Do Kyungsoo is the premier of the first part of the awaited Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds. He plays Private Won in this fantasy world set in the afterlife. In a movie that centers around gods, Private Won is a real and relatable character - much like Do Kyungsoo’s previous roles in Cart and Room No. 7.

“Honestly, I haven’t been choosing characters like them on purpose, but it’s true that my heart goes out to them. I think about how nice it would be if the viewer could connect with and also find strength in these characters who aren’t strong or special, but overcome difficulties in their personal circumstances.”

During an interview for his previous film Unforgettable, he had revealed, “long lines were so hard for me that I’d had mental breakdowns over them before. So senior Ha Jungwoo gave me advice.” A year later, Do Kyungsoo had taken another step forward as an actor by overcoming that phobia. 

“I think, to an extent, I’ve managed to deal with much of my phobia. When I was filming for Be Positive, it was the first time I had lines that long. I was overwhelmed. But until then, I think I had only been playing the lines inside my own head. If you want to get long lines down, you have to say them out loud, which I hadn’t been doing. So on senior Ha Jungwoo’s advice, I vocalized all my lines and made noise while I practiced, so a lot of that fear left me.

For our final question, we asked what his greatest goal or motivation for acting was. He mused quietly before saying, “I’m really happy when I’m acting. I enjoy it for what it is. I’m just happy to be able to act, and I haven’t thought about doing something amazing through it. So honestly, questions about special goals or motivations with acting are hard to answer and beyond me.

But if I had to have a goal, it would be to become an actor others could connect with. I want to become an actor who could make the viewer feel deeply for the character I’m acting as. I think connection is the most important part of acting. I’m satisfied if my acting is relatable and enjoyable. So for that end, I will do my best to become a Do Kyungsoo who can be that in the future.”

source:sports chosun | translation: fydk

[part two]

November 25, 2017 was an unforgettable day for actor Do Kyungsoo and EXO’s D.O. (24). Not just for the deeply meaningful year-end concert with the EXO members and their loving fans that was held that day, but because it was also when he could call the once-in-a-lifetime Best New Actor trophy of the 38th Blue Dragon Film Awards his own. 

Before Do Kyungsoo debuted as an actor, he debuted in 2012 as D.O. (stage name) in the idol group EXO, which went on to cement itself as the best among idols with its international popularity. After debuting as a singer, he began to build a filmography with appearances in SBS’s It’s Okay, It’s Love (2014), the film Cart (2014, Bu Jiyoung), and the film Unforgettable (2016, Lee Eunhee), becoming actor Do Kyungsoo without once suffering the controversy that typically shadowed new idols-turned-actors.

Then he met “Brother” (Kwon Sookyung). In it, he plays the part of blind judoka Go Dooyoung perfectly. The judging panel for the Blue Dragon Awards commented, “His acting in Brother rose above the crowd. Even while acting remarkably, he didn’t stand out in that his balance with partner Jo Jungseok was perfect. From his intonation to his attitude, he is an actor with evident potential” - and from there, Do Kyungsoo was able to hold the Best New Actor trophy.

Do Kyungsoo’s schedule is so packed that it was hard for him to find the time for this interview with Sports Chosun. He gave his thoughts on the dream-like moment of giving his thank you speech not at the venue for the Blue Dragon Film Awards in Kyunghee University’s Peace Palace, but on stage at the concurrently happening EXO concert in the Gocheok Sky Dome. 

“I hadn’t been expecting the award at all. Honestly, I hadn’t even been thinking about the Blue Dragon Awards because I was too occupied with preparing for the EXO concert on the same day. We were far into the concert when we got the news that I had been given the award through the in-ears that the EXO members wore. I was shocked. My mind was all over the place because we were on stage, and the news didn’t sink in at first. I hadn’t imagined once in my life that I would be awarded Best New Actor, and all I could think about was that I was so, so grateful. It’s even more meaningful for me because it’s once-in-a-lifetime. I don’t think I received it on only my own ability. I want to tell the many people who made this possible through their efforts about how thankful I am for them. And it makes me think that I need to try harder with acting too.” 

He also talked about the first speech he gave on EXO’s concert stage and the response of the EXO members who shared in the happiness.

“The EXO members weren’t too invested when I was nominated for Best New Actor. Actually, they weren’t really aware of the nomination. (laughs) But nobody was happier for me than they were when I was awarded. We were holding a birthday party for Chanyeol that day too, and between his birthday and this news, we spent a really happy time together. The members weren’t really able to tell me their congratulations during the concert because I had rushed off to be at the ceremony, but gave me a lot during dinner afterwards.”

The team behind Brother did not hold back their delight with Do Kyungsoo’s award either. Director Kwon Sookyung and Jo Jungseok had also sent their heartfelt congratulations.

“On the day of the ceremony, I received a message from Jungseok hyung. He told me, ‘I knew you would get it, Kyungsoo!’ which made me feel even more grateful for him. And director Kwon Sookyung sent his congratulations as well. He had a large part in making this possible. I’m very thankful to him.”

Do Kyungsoo added his thanks to close friend Jo Insung, who accepted the trophy on his behalf while he was still in the midst of EXO’s concert. While accepting the trophy, Jo Insung had said, “Kyungsoo said he might be late or unable to attend, so I promised over drinks to accept the award in his stead just in case. I’m here because we’re close. I will get the award to him safely.”

“I’m really thankful to Insung hyung for accepting the award on my behalf. It was a passing thought while we were having drinks because I didn’t think it would actually happen - I didn’t even dream of it becoming reality - but I asked him if, by any chance, I was awarded but was absent because of the concert, he would be the one to accept it for me. He did, and that made me even happier. He said to me at the ceremony, ‘Now that you have this, you should treat me for once.’ (laughs) I should, to something really nice. And it was such a relief that I could thank him in person at the venue after the concert had ended.” 

EXO swept newcomer awards at music awards at debut. Do Kyungsoo has also been awarded Best New Actor at the 3rd APAN Star Awards and the Blue Dragon Film Awards for his roles in 2014 SBS drama It’s Okay, It’s Love and the 2016 film Brother. He has set an unprecedented record, a ‘triple crown’ of best newcomer awards in music, drama, and film. He was unable to hide his surprise at the reporter’s request for his thoughts on this triple crown, asking “I have a triple crown?”

”I hadn’t realized that I have a triple crown. (laughs) I think I’m being given a lot of love as a member of EXO, and a lot of encouragement and love as an actor as well. All I can really say is ‘thank you’ to those who would help and love me.”

When asked about the secret to showing his best sides in music, dramas, and movies, he had said, “It’s not by only my own ability,” turning the focus to the ever-present project crews.

“To be honest, it can be hard on my body to keep up with both stages and dramas or movies. But I try to stay positive whenever that happens. And most of all, even if it’s a little hard to handle packed schedules, it helps that I’m doing what I love with music and acting. I believe that I’m able to balance them because the manager hyungs are always there to take care of me, and because of the support of the crews on site, the directors, and the countless others who are there to help and support me.”

source:sports chosun | translation: fydk

fymoonbyul:

If you are curious about what would happen if four significantly different and talented individuals come together to form a group, we have an answer for you.

MAMAMOO is probably one of the eclectic female groups in the K-pop industry. Formed by RBW in 2014 and composed by Solar, Moonbyul, Whee In, and Hwasa, the group that debuted with “Mr.Ambiguous” a song which is still considered one of the best K-pop debuts ever, is now well-known thanks to the powerful concepts behind each member and the strong vocal performances.

But it’s not just like that. MAMAMOO were able to destroy some of the preconceptions behind the female K-pop industry, and they have been on the front line and stood up against body shaming multiple times. Hwasa made a few headlines during the group performance in Germany ad KPOP.FLEX for her bold choice to wear flash pink see-through tights that covered her whole body. A strong message that made the group appearance more powerful than ever.

Because what we saw in Frankfurt was a real show that put down one and for all the voices behind their disbandment. MAMAMOO’s showed not only their steady heavenly vocals but a true friendship. Since a comeback as a group, as stated by their leader Solar, is not going to happen soon, reunions on stage like this are a precious gift for the MooMoo.

Panorama.it spoke with them after their performance on the stage of the KPOP.FLEX.

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fymoonbyul:

Mid-May, MAMAMOO performed at K-POP.FLEX, the megafestival that held its first edition in Frankfurt, Germany.

The group, who debuted in 2014, has an exemplary career that is quite a rare sight among K-Pop idols. They managed to shine as a group with a concept and music genre that are uniquely MAMAMOO. The members also ventured in individual activities, with great success. In 2021, when the dreaded “end of contract” came, Wheein signed with a new agency but didn’t leave MAMAMOO.

The four members still display a tight friendship and upon seeing them on stage, we can feel that performing as a group comes naturally to them. KAvenyou became curious about how they balance their careers and their future projects. Hwasa, Moonbyul, Solar and Wheein answered these questions and a few others in an e-mail interview. Read their answers below!

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‘Being common is cooler’Ryu Jun Yeol’s one fine day

As soon he came into the studio, Ryu Jun Yeol changes clothes and walked out tramping. And without any hesitation, the reflex reaction of the female staffs “So handsome~!” resonated across the studio, and Ryu Jun Yeol hurriedly hushed them with hand gestures and said “Gosh~ Please don’t do that~ You guys planned it right?” Actually no, really we didn’t. With a heavy cloud outside, thanks to Ryu Jun Yeol the studio in Yeonhee-dong Seoul become brighter. Ryu Jun Yeol, who made a comeback through the movie ‘The King’, is our most awesome King.

Source:@Star1
Translations by Eyes on RYU | eyesonryu.tumblr.com
Please do not translate to other languages or re-post without our permission.
Don’t forget to credit Eyes on RYU! Thank you!

Q. With The King going to be premiered soon, you must feel different.
▲ Really really fluttered and nervous. Since it is no longer in my hands and it feels like a  long time ago, I still can’t feel anything. Time-wise, I was cast in ‘The King’ even before I started last year’s MBC Drama ‘Lucky Romance’, and actually it was the first script I received after finishing tvN ‘Reply 1988’. So it is really meaningful for me. Since this casting is right after I have been slightly known through a drama, although I filmed a few movies before. To say it as my first commercial movie….is a bit funny but it is still as if it is the first itself which has a great meaning to me.

Q. How does it feel to watch the movie during the VIP screening?
▲ Every time I watch the completed scenes which I worked on through the screen, it’s always heart fluttering. ‘The King’ has a good scenario too, and more than that, it’s a good movie. While the movie itself is entertaining, on the other side, it left us something to think about in our real lives. I wish this movie can be the one which viewers can sympathize with and cry and laugh along together.

Q. You acted as Jo In Sung (Park Tae Soo)’s childhood friend and higher ups gangster. Is there any part you put more concern to?
▲ I had concerns about this character that is (he is) not the character that you would commonly see in a gangster movie. I talked a lot with the Director even before filming. Although Doo-Il is a gangster, he has this prosecutor-like side, and sometimes the prosecutor are like gangsters themselves. Is it like a carbon-copy? I tried to portray both of those sides.

Q. Loyalty of a friend and a character of friendship. How does it feel to have most of your screentime with Jo Insung?
▲ Because Sunbaenim has always been comfortable with me in the filming set, I can act comfortably and bring out the hometown friendship act very easily. And in the screening, when our scenes together comes out,he would pat my shoulder and that itself makes me at ease. I am thankful because Jo Insung Sunbae always gave me advice on the set about how an actor should behave and think.

Q. You are the youngest among great senior actors. It must be a different experience.
▲ That’s right. Since it was very different with ‘Reply 1988’ cast age-wise.  Although that time Sung Dong Il, Lee Ilhwa, and Ra Miran sunbaenim were also there, most of the time we filmed with actors around my age. While in ‘The King’, since I am the youngest, I remembered that I followed the hyungs around just like their little brother. After a while, I got to witness that Sunbaenims are well-known to be really affectionate with juniors. They are really considerate to me and became really comfortable with me. (They) Took care of me and worried about me… Of course I am very grateful for that.

Q. It’s been a year since ‘Reply 1988’ ended. Of course there are many changes with yourself.
▲Although it’s been a while, it doesn’t feel like a year has passed. To feel that “time really flies” seems like time is never enough. Even until today, I still feel like a rookie that needs to learn a lot, and to be honest, I am still learning. To say that I couldn’t feel that a year flew, does it mean I was really busy last year? Hahaha.

Q. Are you still maintaining communication with ‘Reply 1988’ colleagues?
▲ Of course! When I said I’d like to invite them to ‘The King’ VIP screening, they all confirmed to come happily. All this time, when each of us premiered movies or even just a trailer, we all would comment to each other like “that was good” , “I checked it out.”

Q. Park Bogum, Go Kyung Pyo, and the rest, also became big after ‘Reply 1988’. It must feel good.
▲ That’s right. They really became a big hit right? How can I say it? An overwhelming feeling. I feel grateful and also proud…. Although I wasn’t the one teach them, strangely when Bogum and Kyungpyo became successful, there is this kind of proud feeling. While as for Jaehong-ie, we are same age friends, I feel so good to see him successful too, and for Bogum and Kyungpyo since I am older I feel so proud to see them.

Q. Byun Yohan Group is also very popular. They must be invited to the VIP Screening right?
▲ Right. I am thinking to invite them all. Come to think of it when (Byun) Yohan’s movie <Will You be There?> had a VIP screening, I went there without invitation. Our friends are like that, too. We would just come even without a second thought. So you must’ve thought I would invite them one by one. Hahaha.

Q. Last year you went on soccer holiday to UK with your father. And the pictures taken with local fans has become a hot topic.
▲ Hahaha. That time, I went with preparation. And when you go abroad, it is always fun to meet someone right? Since I don’t have any special conditions, and because it was my personal time and a trip without a special purpose, I decided I would take picture with anyone who asks. I feel good because the fans also seems to like it a lot, too. I even got praised by my father and he said “You did well’. He has not many chances to check on his son’s popularity, so through this trip to UK, he witnessed it by himself, and he seems to liked it. My father was even recording it by himself every time I took pictures with fans. Hahaha.

Q. How do you do your skin care?
▲ Skin care? Hahaha. This is embarrassing though. Well… Just like before, I only eat good things for my health. I am taking care my health, is this correct? As an actor. Because when I get sick, many people will suffer too. Before, it was only me who will be sick but it is not the case right now so I’m trying my best. Uhm… I try to exercise as much as possible, I play soccer on the weekend and cycling when I have time.

Q. Seems you normally do volunteer work and put interest on social problems.
▲ Although I have limited time, I still have concerns on it. Just constantly doing what I personally do. I am in the level of thinking about what I should do next (for the society) although it is not something grandeur. Rather than doing thoughtless donation or volunteer works, maybe something that would affect largely. And I feel so touched and thankful that fans also do it well in a regular basis.

Q. When you are stress, do you have your own remedy?
▲ I will organize something. Although I like a bigger space but if it is too big, it will need a lot of cleaning as well. If I see a cleaner sight, I think I’d feel much better, just like you’ll feel better after you take a shower. And I will sleep it off too. I am the style that usually forgets anything that made me upset me after I slept, if after I slept and the thing keeps coming back, then it must be something big. Hahaha.

Q. Do you have a wish that should be granted in 2017?
▲ I am planning for another trip. I don’t know when and where yet, but I want to go. I’m trying my best effort to not repeat the same mistake I did last year. Although I said it like that, I am trying to fill the time so I can lessen the chance on doing mistakes. And I want to do a few more interesting things. Isn’t it not fun to only be busy with work? During my busy schedule, I want to experience trivial and common things. Ah! My fans has this phrase with them “Ryu Jun Yeol’s Happiness is Our Fangirling Target”. I don’t know whether I’ll be touched or surprised while reading it. That’s why the motivation to live happily comes up to me. Because by showing my happiness, someone else would also be happy with that.

(omitted parts not related to Ryu Jun Yeol)

Source:Elle Korea
Translations by Eyes on RYU | eyesonryu.tumblr.com
Please do not translate to other languages or re-post without our permission.
Don’t forget to credit Eyes on RYU! Thank you!

Seeing that unlike <Lucky Romance>, the story is serious and heavy.
- In the <Lucky Romance> set, because my nickname is the “Set Jokester”, we joked about everything. Add to that, many of the ad-libs weren’t shown on TV. Ryu Jun Yeol who is same age as me was also like that, too. Why? Maybe that’s the strength from same age friends? With many friends plus a bright and cheerful story, I enjoyed the filming. Sometimes I enjoy more than <SNL>

You seem to be getting along so close with Ryu Jun Yeol these days.
- Of course. A few days ago, he suddenly asked me out, and took out movie tickets then dragged me in to the theater. Because the light will be turned off soon, I asked the movie title and he said “Movies are usually watched without you knowing the title”.

It’s unexpectedly a more romantic relationship though,
- Haha. The movie is about a lead character who had a difficult childhood, somehow it was like projecting my own story so it tugs me at my heartstrings. Although he lived with difficulty, he didn’t lose righteousness and by watching it, many things came up to my mind. That was the first movie I watched this year, but until now some scenes and lines still comes up to mind sometimes. And after a while, I think to myself, “that’s why we watched the movie.” Ah, the title is <I, Daniel Blake>.

Seems a friend like Ryu Jun Yeol can also be a motivation as your actor colleague.
- Rather than motivation, he is like a strength to me. Fortunately, I have many friends around me who are actors. And somehow, it makes it easy to talk about acting a lot. Although it seems like we don’t like (people who are serious), but we talk quite seriously. We share about the difficulties or about the excitement, and also things that happened on those days.