[trans] Special Interview with Junho
Special Interview with Junho (Interview conducted in October 2018)
(SASUGA HOTTEST vol.18 10th Anniversary Special Issue)
On the 7th mini-album SOUZOU
– The album topped both Oricon’s Daily and Weekly rankings. What significance has this album become to hold for you as a solo artist?
JUNHO: First of all, I must say it made me very happy because this was the first time for me to have an album topping the weekly chart, which actually has been one of my dreams since my debut. I’m happy that I could make a wonderful memory together with all my fans with this album. In terms of my artistic career, this work gave me a chance to think more consciously about what kind of music I would like to create from now on.
– You’ve expressed that you wrote “Across Time” in this album as a song that can remind us of your relationship with Hottests. Can you tell us more about your thoughts and feelings about this song?
J: I wanted to dedicate this song to all Hottests, whom I won’t be able to see for a short long while, hoping for the day we could meet again to come soon. I will come back quickly.
On the solo tour “JUNHO (From 2PM) Solo Tour 2018 ‘FLASHLIGHT’”
– What did this tour mean to you? Looking back on the tour, what has left you a strong impression?
J: I always feel a bit of dissatisfaction whenever I have a tour. I feel that there must be something more I could have done. But I always do my best with all my might. It really makes me sad that this was the last summer tour for now. I hope to go on and have more of our summer we have been feeling for 6 years. And of course, what I remember most should naturally be your cheers I received on stage.
2PM has celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. Here are 10 questions to look back on the 10 years after debut.
Q.1 How do you feel about having spent the 10 years as JUNHO from 2PM?
J: I think I’ve been working really hard. We still have so many dreams we want to make it happen as 2PM. We’ve been through a lot, and we’ve got to know a lot of people. These 10 years have made me think a lot about life.
Q.2 What do you think is your position in 2PM?
J: An all-round player. (laugh)
Q.3 What are the differences between musical activities and acting jobs?
J: The only difference is your approach to the ways you express feelings. As an artist, music and acting are in the same field.
Q.4 Which song is most memorable among the songs by 2PM?
J: It’s “Heartbeat” because we’ve performed it countless times.
Q.5 It’s been 10 years since your debut. When do you feel you have grown up?
J: I feel a little grown up now that I have some room to breathe time-wise, but I don’t really want to confront the fact that I have grown up. (laugh)
Q.6 Then, which part of you is not going to change forever?
J: My enthusiasm to make my dreams come true. I hope this is never going to change.
Q.7 What kind of artist would you have become ten years from now?
J: I wonder what I would be doing. If I could have concerts and meet my fans like this and work as an actor at the same time like I’m doing now, there would be nothing more I wish for. And of course, that’s what I would try to be doing.
Q.8 What kind of 2PM can we expect when 2PM makes a come-back with all six of you?
J: I believe we will be much cooler and dashing!
Q.9 When do you feel 2PM is indispensable to you?
J: All the time. I don’t feel lonely when I’m with my members.
Q.10 A message to the Hottests who are reading this fan club newsletter.
J: I’m very happy to be able to see you like this, and my heart pounds when I think about seeing you again. Let’s continue to see each other a lot from now on, too! I’m always grateful to you, and I love you, our Hottests.
