#daffodil0624

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[ENG TRANS] 200701 #VogueInConversationwithNICHKHUN

[Thai-Eng trans by Daffodil0624]

Nichkhun: COVID makes me lazy. 😂 It made me think I could not go out to exercise or do many things. In fact, it's just an excuse. If you really want to exercise and take care of your health, you can do it wherever you are (at home, outside, or while you go to work.)  

Nichkhun: When I'm home, I watch Netflix, play games, or practice piano. I don't like to go out much. But I am an active person. When I go out, I would spend my day getting everything done before I go home.

About becoming Broach Nichkhun on #TheBrothersTH  

Nichkhun: Normally I don't like to be a mentor or a judge on audition shows. I don't think I'm talented enough to criticize or judge anyone. But P'Tik told me he wanted to find and teach teens to be both idols and gentlemen. Most importantly, this show isn't scripted. There are no 'drama' or arguments scheduled on any filming days.

Nichkhun: I have worked in many countries and wanted to share my experiences with these kids.

Vogue: So when you were very serious and strict with the kids on the show, it was real.

Nichkhun: Yes. I tried not to be strict. I wanted to know how much they were determined to excel in this field. People who want to enter showbiz have several different reasons, right? Some people want to be famous. Some want to be rich. Some want to show their talents to the world. I had to gauge the reasons they wanted to be a star. These kids were nice and well-mannered. Some of them were not focused/determined and I was strict with them.  When they didn't finish their assignment on time, I was quite strict. But P'Ananda often told me not to scold them. He would do it himself. So I was playing good cop.😆          

Nichkhun: When I watched these kids practice, I smiled to myself and thought of myself practicing over 10 years ago. Among these 20 kids, some of them were very talented. It's a similar situation when I first went to JYPE. If there were 50 trainees, 40 of them were talented and top of the class. The other 10 trainees were cast probably because of their good looks/physical appearance. These 10 trainees would struggle. No matter how much we practiced, we couldn't catch up with other trainees. Even if we worked 2 times harder, it was not enough. If I started from -20, other trainees started from 60. So I really couldn't catch up. Among these 20 kids on The Brothers, there were competitions with themselves and with other kids who had equal skills.  

Nichkhun: When I looked into their eyes, I thought of myself when I was a trainee. Back then, while I was practicing each day, I really couldn't see how my future would turn out. I was not sure when I would sing as well as other trainees. I was not sure whether that was even possible. I couldn't sing, dance, or speak Korean.

Nichkhun: I was scolded so many times. "Why can't you do it? Why can't you compete with others?" I often thought, "Well, you did see my audition tape. You knew how bad I am. Why did you cast me then?" 😂 What's the point of insulting me when you know I am not talented? I was upset for a long time. Until I was fed up with all these insults. "You are not talented. You can't do it. You suck." I didn't want to hear these words anymore. I wanted them to say, "You have improved. You can do it."  I guess my resentment had pushed me to work harder/to improve.

Vogue: But you are a star now.

Nichkhun: Determination/dedication is most important. But luck also plays an important role. I often say I am a lucky guy. If I was not a member of 2PM and didn't debut with 2PM that year, I think I would not be in this position. It was perfect timing. Back then there were not a lot of foreigners who became well-known in Korea. Then 2PM became even more popular because of Heartbeat. That's why I said the timing was perfect.    

Vogue: Hottest want 2PM to make a comeback soon.

Nichkhun: 2PM will definitely make a comeback together. We planned to make a comeback in the middle of next year. But I think it may be delayed because of covid. I don't know how much covid will affect our plans next year. 2PM members meet and talk with each other often. Every time we meet, we talk about the time the six of us stood on stage together. We miss those moments.  

Nichkhun: All those times we spent together were miraculous. I know these 5 friends I have worked with are my best friends. They are friends I love the most. These are friends who can sacrifice their lives for each other. I have worked with these friends and our job is to make people happy. It's something money can't buy. Fate brings the six of us together. It's quite funny when you think about it. I am not Korean. I had never thought of being a singer. I had no desire to enter showbiz. Then I met these 5 friends. It's simply miraculous.      

Vogue: What do you guys talk about besides your work?  

Nichkhun: We spend only 10% of the time talking about our work. 90% are spent on nonsense stuffs. 😂

Nichkhun: I have tried to encourage my friends to play golf. Chansung and Taec have started to play golf. I am still trying to convince others to play too.

Vogue: How long have you played golf?

Nichkhun: Almost 5 years. I like to play golf because I can compete with myself. I play badminton too. It's hard to defeat the other player who's really talented. With golf, I compete with myself. Every time I play, the conditions are different; wind, rain, grass, or myself. It teaches me to be with the present moment. If we think too far ahead, we won't see the target in front of us. We should move forward step by step.      

Vogue: I saw you taking a lot of photos with kids on your IG.  

Nichkhun: I love children. When I went to USA and met my cousin's kids, I wanted to give them good memories which may make them a little happier when they grow up. I want to give them my love. When I look at children, I am a little envious. You have the whole world in front of you. Your life is just beginning. You can be whatever you want to be. It depends on how many good people you will meet during the course of your life, how many good and bad things you will encounter, and how much you will be loved.

Nichkhun: That's why I don't want to give children money. I want to give and show them my love. I want these children to know they are valued. I want them to grow up to be a great person. I want the children I have met to know they were born to be loved. They are the light of our world. I want them to know they are important and valued. These are all the basic things I want them to know.

Nichkhun: I love children. But I don't know when I will have my own kids. People have told me loving other people's kids is a different feeling from having my own kids. There are both positive and negative sides. So I think it is not gonna happen anytime soon. Is that right, Hottest? When I post a photo with kids, 50% of my fans would ask, "When are you gonna have kids? We want to see you playing with your kids."

Vogue: How do you play with kids?

Nichkhun: Throwing them in the air. 😂 And I try not to stand over them. I don't want them to feel I am an adult. If they are sitting and playing on the floor, I will lie down. I will lie down on the floor and play with them. I want them to feel that I am their friend. At the same time, I want them to feel that I can protect them and make them feel safe because I am bigger. Playing with kids is delightful. But at a certain point when kids become hyperactive, it is extremely exhausting for me.  If they like being tossed up high, my arms hurt on the next day. 😂  

Vogue: How long have you worked with UNICEF?

Nichkhun: Seven years. My family have donated to several foundations. When I started working in Korea, I saw UNICEF's ad about children who suffered from malaria. I asked my manager to call them and asked for more details. UNICEF staff in Korea saw my name after I made a donation. They called to thank me. Then years later, UNICEF Thailand asked me to be Friend of UNICEF. I accepted the invitation to be a spokesperson for them.

Nichkhun: For the past 7 years, I have met children in several slums. You won't believe there's a slum right next to a shopping mall in Bangkok. Six to seven families live in a very crowded space not bigger than a bag shop in a shopping mall. People should not have to live in a living condition like that. There are a lot of kids there who should be in schools but they have to work to help support their family or have to take care of their younger siblings. 

Nichkhun: I visited and talked with a family there. The grandparents called their grandkids that it was time to eat. I asked them what did they prepare. The grandkids came running and looked so happy. Then I saw the grandpa took out a ball of old sticky rice, sprinkled some salt, and gave it to their kids who ate it happily.        

Nichkhun: To be frank, I can't totally change their world and the living conditions of people in these slums. The best I can do is telling people as much as I can about what I have seen in these slums. It's not that people aren't interested in these issues. I think they don't realize somewhere not far from their home, there're hundred thousand people who don't have fundamental rights and opportunities they deserve.          

Vogue: Some people know UNICEF help children and they may want to make a donation. Can you tell us how these donations are spent?  

Nichkhun: The most important part is for buying food for children. Especially for children who live in areas that are difficult to access, we provide them with Ready-to-Use-Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) paste, medicines, and water. We have a great campaign that encourages reading too. It's a mobile library campaign. We rent trucks, made them into mobile libraries, and drove to faraway villages in the countryside.  

Nichkhun: Some people may think, "I'm not rich. I don't have extra money to spend on donations." But I think 10 baht or 100 baht monthly donation can make a lot of difference. If people come together and help, it can move things forward. You don't have to donate 10,000 or 100,000 baht. It doesn't have to reach a certain amount of money to be considered a donation. If it truly comes from your heart, 1 baht is enough. If a person makes a 1 baht donation, we will get 10,000 baht from 10,000 people. 10,000 baht can be spent on a lot of things including vaccines and food for kids.    

Nichkhun talked about his Thai horror film ‘Cracked’ which should be released this year but it depends on situations regarding covid.

Vogue: Normally are you scared of ghosts?  

Nichkhun: It's not that I'm not scared. Let's say I am not scared that much. But if you want me to go to a remote, deserted place at night alone, I won't go. 😂

Nichkhun: There was a time that I experienced what Thais call Pee-Um.

(Note: ‘Pee-Um’ means a suffocating feeling / sleep paralysis while falling asleep which is believed to be caused by a spirit.)

Nichkhun: It happened when I stayed at a hotel. It's the first time I stayed at that hotel. People often say after you feel suffocated, when you open your eyes, you will see a ghost sitting on your chest. Sometimes, you will see a ghost standing near your bed. It's the first time I experienced these feelings. I was sleeping. When I opened my eyes, I knew I couldn't move.  I tried as much as I could to open my eyes, raise my head, and look around the room. I hoped to see someone there in the room but, unfortunately, I couldn't see him/her. I was scared but I truly wanted to know whether I had that kind of sense. Too bad I couldn't see anyone so I went back to sleep. 😅

Vogue: Your fans want to know when you will be back to Thailand.

Nichkhun: Today my mom asked me the same question, "When will you come home?" If I go back to Thailand to work on an event/a job, I may spend 2 days working. But I will have to spend 14 days in quarantine (in Thailand). When I come back to Korea, I will have to spend another 14 days in quarantine in Korea too. One month is over. 😅

Nichkhun: So it's difficult to deal with my work in other countries right now. I really want to work and go to several places. Normally, I often flew and worked in several countries. During this time, I have stayed home for months. I'm not used to it. My electricity bill last month is a bit higher than usual. 😂

Nichkhun: I hope everyone is not bored with waiting for me. I hope you guys are healthy. Don't forget to exercise. It's really important. Try to eat food that's good for your health. Keep smiling. It will help make our world a little brighter.

[Thai-Eng trans by Daffodil0624] 

THREAD on Twitter  

Video by Vogue Thailand  ▶️  https://youtu.be/YLySZaAkscA

[alethia000]

[Interview Transcription] 140612 Youku All Star - Nichkhun's Talk  (English)

Getting recruited in the USA

In 2005, I went to a Korean concert. I ran into the casting managers and they asked me to audition for JYP. And I did. I got into the company in 2006 and I started training. At that time I was pretty much the only foreigner in JYP. Maybe a year later, Meng Jia and Feifei came to the company.  

When I started training at the company, they had me learned Korean and Chinese at the same time. And back then it was really confusing to me. I was trying to be good at Korean. At the same time, they wanted me to learn Chinese too. So I wasn’t good at either of them and they were giving me a lot of problems. (laugh)

I trained for about 2 years. We made the debut in September 2008 as 2PM.

So how my company, JYP, discovered me? I was at this Korean festival with my Korean friends in America, in LA. I was watching the concert and some lady approached me and asked me if I wanted to be a star. At the time I was really shy. I was a shy boy. 

(Fans in the studio laughed.) 

I was shy!! (laugh) I couldn’t even speak in front of the classroom without shaking. So at the time I said, “No! I didn’t want to.” My fans would know that I started off with not knowing how to sing, dance, or be on stage at all. I couldn’t even speak Korean. So I said No. I refused at first. Then they kept calling me. I was like, Ok. Let’s meet up. 

I asked them to come to the coffee shop close to my house. You know what coffee shop it is. (laugh) 

We sat down. We started talking. They started explaining to me about JYP, how Rain was in the company, how Park Jin Young was in the company, and how they worked with so many artists in America. 

As they were explaining to me about the company, two other people started setting up a camera outside the cafe.

After they were done, they called me outside. They told me to stand in front of the camera and introduce myself. 

At first, I didn’t want to do it. But then I was like introducing myself shouldn’t be that hard. I was like Ok. I’ll do this. But I won’t sing or dance. They said don’t worry about it. So I stood in front of the camera and said, “Hi everybody I’m Khun. I’m from America. I am 17 years old.” And then after I was done, they said, “Let’s try singing.” (sigh) 

The camera was already started rolling so I couldn’t just say no. I sang and it was a big disaster. After a while, they said, “Ok. This is not working. Let’s try something else. Can you dance?” I said, NO!

Then they pulled in this big truck and they turned on Usher’s Yeah! They turned on the stereo so loud that everyone in the cafe was staring at me.

They told me to dance. I think it was just like 5 seconds before they told me to stop because I couldn’t dance.  

They were like Let’s try something that might work. Let’s do some poses in front of the camera. And I did. That was my audition tape. I don’t think you will be able to find it. I am not going to watch it ever. 

After I was done that day, they said they would contact me within 2 or 3 weeks. I went back home and they went back to Korea. They had a talk with their management team and casting team. They decided to put me in the company.

They called me back and told me to come to Korea right away.  

I asked my parents. My grandmother was a big fan of Rain so she said, “Same company. Why not give it a try? It could be a one in a million opportunity. Let’s try it.” That’s how I got into the company and I started training. That was April 2006.

Almost giving up

In 2006, I went to Korea and started training. It was harder than I thought because of all the pressure I was getting.

I wasn’t able to speak Korean. I didn’t have any friends or family. I didn’t know the culture. It was really hard for me at first.

Within the first 3 months, I called my parents and I told them I wanted to go back to school in America and just be normal, be myself.

But then my dad asked me, “Do you want a brighter future?” He told me that if I went back to school, I would become pretty much nobody. He knew how I just liked to play sports and hang out with friends.

So my dad asked me, “Do you want to try and become somebody or do you want to be nobody?” And I said, “I’m gonna try.” And I started trying.

When I first got there, they had me go to this Korean Language School. 

I started taking Korean. They put me into singing class, dancing, rapping, acting, acrobatics. Pretty much everything. They wanted me to become a perfect performer. The problem was I was so bad at everything.

Everybody else in the company at the time like Junho, Jun.K were really good. So I was really feeling a bit down and sad because I couldn’t meet the expectations of the people in the company. Even with Korean. So I really wanted to give up. That’s when I called my dad and we talked. After that, I decided to give it a try. I didn’t care about what people would think about me.

Actually, I asked a lot of advice from Jun.K and Junho, Seulong, Kwon and they really helped me out a lot.

When I started making friends and learned more about Korean culture, I started to feel more at home, more comfortable, more relaxed. That’s when I started to feel like I could try better. I could be better.

I have to be better for the company, for my parents, for myself and my future. That’s when I started training.

You might know the word Pali-pali (빨리빨리) in the Korean culture. Korean people like everything to be fast. They want me to develop within a year or two years so that I can go out and become a singer. At first, I wasn’t used to that. But after a while, I got used to the word pali-pali. And I wanted myself to develop faster than they would expect me to. I pushed myself really hard to become better.

I started with no basic at all and the other people in the company were really good. So I tried to improve myself by not comparing myself to them but comparing myself to me a month before, a day before or a week before.

When I was singing, I would record myself and hear myself whether I sounded bad or good. Of course, it was bad. 

I would sing again, record again, sing again, and record again. I would let the other guys or my teacher listen to my recordings and asked them what I should improve. They would give me tips or pointers on what I am missing or what I should practice on.

With dancing, it’s the same thing. I would film myself or I would dance with my teacher next to me or someone who was really good at dancing next to me. So they can tell me like when I am doing this move, I should be a litter slower or put more feelings into this move. 

That kind of process that I went through to make myself better is not comparing myself with other people. I make everybody in the company to be my teacher. So I can learn a little something from everybody, not just my real teachers but other trainees in the company as well. That’s positive thinking. That’s a really good way to become better if you are trying at anything. 

Let’s say studying. I’m sure even if you are smarter than your friend next to you, I’m sure your friend might know something that you don’t.

So just take this kind of thinking. If you want to improve yourself at something, just think of yourself as not the best at what you’re doing and that people around you are better than you. That way you stay humble. You can learn more and people want to teach you more or want to give you more tips and advice.  

TaecKhun

Back when I couldn’t speak Korean, I had Taecyeon. We would always go around together all the time. I was being lazy. I was being bad because I didn’t want to study. Who wants to study? (laugh)

Some people might want to study but I didn’t want to study. I would take Taec with me around everywhere and he would translate everything for me.

After a while, people in the company started saying you guys can’t be together anymore. You guys have to separate because they wanted me to learn Korean.

The most difficult thing about being a trainee

When I was a trainee, what was difficult? Everything was difficult for me. (smile)

Because I was so bad at everything. What was most difficult was seeing myself not improving fast enough and watching people around me getting better every day. I felt like I wasn’t improving. I was disappointing the company and the person who casted me. And I didn’t want to disappoint my family. 

Apart from all the physical tiredness, the most difficult thing for me was seeing myself not improving and not being able to meet the expectations of the people and the company. I took that as an inspiration, as a motivation for me to get rid of that disappointment and to satisfy the people. I took that as a drive to make me better. 

Nichkhun’s injury

As you know, we do a lot of acrobatics like flipping and doing tumbling. This was before Heartbeat. We were practising our dance break. I was supposed to do this really hard move where Taec threw me and I flipped. Then the guys pulled me up and Chansung would hold me in the air. We were practising that. It was before Heartbeat was released, before we filmed the music video. I hurt my back. At first, I was like Oh it hurts a little bit. Let’s just try one more time and go home. We did it one more time and I couldn’t get up.

The music video was in 2 days and my back didn’t get better by the time I had to film the music video. So I wore this supporter thing on my back and my belly. And I filmed the music video like that. I danced when I couldn’t really walk. So that music video was a really hard day for me and I had to take a lot of painkillers because of the pain. I think that was my first injury that was really bad.

Then I had to film this advertisement commercial where they put me on this wire. And I had to hang in the air for many hours. That was really hurting my back. So after that commercial, I had to go to the hospital and get 6 injections in my spine which was really painful. But then I got better and now I am too old to do acrobatics. (laugh)

We don’t want to get hurt because when we were doing a concert or a show, we would have to be on stage for 3 hours. We don’t want to risk getting hurt halfway through the concerts and not being able to finish the concerts. We want to give you a good performance.

I always take care of myself by going to the gym, and not getting fat. I’m taking vitamins to keep my body ready for the concerts, for doing my schedules all day, all night. So I think from now on, I will try not to get hurt for you guys.

The importance of practice

Now that I think back I know why practising is so important. Now I don’t have time to practice really. I don’t even have time to go to the company, to go to the practice room. I just see how important practice is. Like the sentence that goes: practice makes perfect. Sometimes, before I do a stage, I have to practice a lot. But since I don’t have a lot of time to practice, that reduces my confidence. You need a lot of confidence to be in front of like 5 or 8 thousand people on stage. Now the importance of practice really hits me.

When I think back, I think to myself. I should have practised more. I should have listened to them and be a better trainee. But now that it’s too late, I just have to make do with the time that I have which is not a lot. Now we would finish work at midnight, and we would have to go to the company to practice until maybe 4 am. Then go to sleep and wake up again at 7 or 8 am. That is something that we can’t miss or not do because practice is that important.

About ‘Hot Blood Guys’ 

Before we became 2PM, they wanted us to do a survival reality program on TV to see whether we can work together and be a team. That’s how this program started. At first, we just did photoshoots for the profile pictures. After one episode, they told us that we were going to this island and we were going fishing. So that we can bond, get to know one another, and be a good team. They said we would go for only 1 or 2 nights. We were really excited to go because we never got to go out together as a big group. We were like we are going to have fun and have samgyeopsal party. We are going fishing on a boat.

So we started packing and took a boat ride to this island. That night we really had samgyeopsal party. We split into 2 groups and we did some funny shows for each other. They told us we need to sleep early because we have an early morning tomorrow. We have to catch a boat to go fishing. We slept around 9 to 10 pm. 

I think it was around 6 am when someone opened the door. He blew on his whistle and he was yelling at us to get up and come to the living room. We were really confused about what was going on. We came to the living room and there stood 2 guys who at the time to me looked like soldiers with the red hat.

He threw down this pile of clothes and he was like, Get ready and come out in 5 minutes. We were really confused and asked each other what was going on. So we came out late and he made us run a lot. (laugh) 

That’s what the program was about… whether you can prove yourself to be a man. You can prove yourself that in hard times whether you can work together or not. If one falls, the rest falls. It taught us that lesson. 

In the morning if one of us was late, even if it was snowing, the 2 soldiers made us take off our shirts and run in the snow which was really cold. That was the punishment for making a mistake. 

If we were to become a team, that is not really an option to make. Like I said if one goes down, the rest goes down. So we would have to be careful with everything that we do.

When I was doing that program, it was really hard for us. But now that we think about it, it was a really good lesson for all of us. 

Survive in the industry

After Hot Blood Guys, they determined who would be 2PM. We became a group. But then I don’t think we celebrated it because we haven’t started anything. We were still just nobody, just trainees. We still had a long way to go. We would have to select a title song. We would have to practice a routine for it. We would have to film the music video and shoot the album jacket.

At the time, we were actually worried whether we could make it to the top and whether we could survive in this industry. At the time, there was TVXQ, Rain, Big Bang and a lot of competitions out there. We didn’t even think about being as good as them. We just wanted to be somewhat recognised for our work. We looked up to those people as our idols. They work so hard to be where they are. We have to work hard as a team to get to that point one day which we didn’t even know if we were going to get there or how long it would take. It might take 5 or 10 years. It might not even happen. So more than happy, it was more of a scary thought to be in that position. So many stars and groups came out thinking that they would make it. But then a lot of them never really made it. It’s really sad because I know how hard people work to become a group. It’s just a very harsh environment because not everybody can become a star.

Nichkhun’s Opinions about Other 2PM’s Members

- Wooyoung would have to be the funniest guy. Wooyoung makes everyone in the group laugh. When we were really stressed out and tired, he actually made us really lively, and bright and laugh. He makes the atmosphere better.

- Taecyeon is like a manager for the group. When we have something to say to the head manager or Jin-young hyung, he would gather our ideas and thoughts on the subject and he would say, Ok. I will talk to him for you. - Jun.K now has become the producer of our group. He’s very talented. He has found his passion for music and now he has become a full-time producer for our group, for himself, and for other people too. I’m really proud of him that he found his passion for that. - Junho is like a little boy. Very playful. Very curious. He’s one of those guys who want to try everything. He’s now doing producing, acting, and his solo albums and concerts. He’s a young kid who’s trying to make the most of what he has right now, of his fame right now. So I really admire him for that. - Even though Chansung is the youngest one, he doesn’t look like it. Sometimes I feel like I should call him hyung. Not only because of his looks, but he likes to read a lot. And that’s really good and cool of him. Reading really gives you a lot of ideas and really makes you mature and makes you a better person. You know more from reading. He would say a lot of meaningful words. He would say a lot of things with reasons. That’s why I said maybe sometimes I should call him hyung because he has a lot of reasons. He doesn’t really get mad a lot. He knows how to explain every situation. He knows how other people feel. And he knows why they act the way they act. This is a good thing. We have a bit of everything in our group. Sometimes I would complain and some other guys in the group would say, No. This happens because of this. Or sometimes the other guys would say something and I would be like, It happens for a reason or it happens because of this reason.

As a group, I think we are really strong because our friendship and our teamwork has never once died down. We have always been a really good team, good support towards each other. I think that’s what’s really important about a group of workers or a group of friends. You trust each other. You have faith in each other. You support each other no matter what, through good times and bad times, and hard times. Even though one of us makes a mistake, it doesn’t matter. We are still a family and we still support each other. We still say positive things and make sure that everything is going to be ok. That’s what makes a good team and I think 2PM has that. And I’m really proud and happy to be a part of 2PM.

One of the hardest things of becoming 2PM

After we became 2PM and we made a debut, we went through a lot of struggles and a lot of hard time actually. We worked really hard to prove ourselves that we are a good team and that we can always be better. We have a lot of good fans. Thanks to a lot of support from our fans all over the world and a good team, I think we were able to break the ice, to come out of the shell, and be popular.

During that time it took a lot of effort. We would want to be better by doing acrobatics. People would get hurt like Junho got hurt from trying to make a better performance. I think what’s important about being a celebrity or being a performer is that you always have to be better. You can’t stay still. You can’t do the same thing over and over or your fans and the viewers are going to get bored. The trend keeps changing. The trend changes so fast nowadays that we have to catch up with the trend. We have to be the trendsetters. We have to always be two steps ahead of the trend. We have to create new things, new performances, new stages for you guys and for the viewers. What’s really hard about my job is to always come up with something that people haven’t done before. It’s more like gambling because with work like music and movies, you never know what people are going to like or what people aren’t going to like. Sometimes this song sounds really good to me. This dance looks really good to me. I think it’s going to work. But when it comes out, people might not like it. Sometimes it hurts me because we have put a lot of sweat, work, and effort into this album. But when it comes out, people don’t really like it. So it’s hard because you can’t predict what’s going to become a big hit or what’s not. What people are going to like or what people aren’t going to like. I think one of the hardest things of becoming 2PM is to always discover the undiscoverable which is what will be popular.   

My Fans

My fans are really nice. When I was filming my drama in Xiamen, my fans would come out to see me film. At first, I was really worried it might be a problem because of the camera angle. You guys might be in the camera. But on the first day I arrived at the set, my fans were all lined up and they were really quiet. When I was filming, they would stay quiet and they would not interfere with my filming.

I think I really have the nicest and the loveliest fans in the world. So thank you all for that.

If you ask me which is the most impressive days I have ever met my fans, like you said, every time is very impressive. The way that you give me love… it feels like I can never return the same love that you guys give me. So I guess by working harder, by being in more dramas, singing more songs, or doing more concerts, that’s how I return my love to you. So always and forever I thank you guys.

For you guys to give me something, it takes a lot of thoughts. It takes a lot of love and care for you to actually go out to buy something to give me or to write even a letter.

For me, I always told my fans that don’t buy me anything expensive. If you were to buy me anything expensive, just spend that money for a charity or donation, or something to help the people that really need this money. And my fans really do listen to me. They would go out and donate something and they would send me the certification paper to show me that they did this under my name or the fan club’s name. I’m really thankful to have such lovely fans that actually want to do that for me.

As for gifts, every gift is lovely. I thank you for giving me all the gifts, letters, candies, food, and drinks. Even the littlest gift shows me that you guys love me. All the gifts are the same to me which is love from you guys. I wouldn’t say that because this gift is more expensive than this one, I like this one more or this one is more impressive. No. Everything is the same. It just means love from you guys.

I don’t really want to compare the girls from this country and the girls from that country. I think that my fans all around the world are all the same because you love one person. To love the same person means you have the same heart. Even in the same country, we all have different personalities and different ways of living your life. I don’t want to say all girls are the same. I just want to say the girls who love me are all the same to me in my eyes.

I don’t want to be fake to you.

I think a part of this job, like being on stage, is to put on an act. Like when you sing a song, you have to act with the song. If the song is a strong, manly song, then you would have to act manly. Or if it’s a soft love song, then you would have to act like you are in love. If it’s a cute song, you would have to act cute.

But when I’m not on stage, or when I’m not acting in front of the camera, as you all might know, I take myself really just lightly. I like to be natural. You know I don’t really care what I dress. (smile)

And I don’t have any requirements of the ways I conduct myself in front of the public or when I’m not working. As long as it’s appropriate, I do whatever that’s natural, comfortable, and convenient to me.

You don’t like me to be fake, right? You don’t like fake people and I don’t want to be fake to you guys. So I try my best to be natural when I’m in front of you guys.

I do believe in love at first sight.

I do believe in love at first sight, especially when you are in a situation like Zhang Hao. He’s in a foreign country. He’s travelling alone and this beautiful girl is travelling alone. When they meet, of course, it’s going to spark something. When you see someone beautiful or someone handsome, you would be attracted to that person instantly. 

So I do believe that this kind of love can happen. But the question of this drama is can this love at first sight or this first love work out. Love can happen at any time, with anybody. But because of the difference in personalities or the situations that are given, sometimes love does not work out. And sometimes it works out in a different way that you don’t expect it to. That’s what this drama is all about. It talks about love and friendship. Friendship pretty much will last forever. Will love last?

When I lose weight, that really bothers me.

As a 2PM, the beastly idol, we always have to be muscular. We always have to be in shape which means we can’t be either skinny or fat. And by me not gaining weight, it really stresses me out. Then I have to eat like six meals a day which is like twice more than other guys. And I don’t have time to eat because I’m always working. When I lose weight, that really bothers me.

But then I would have to go to the gym. Since I don’t gain fat, I would have to gain muscles. So I would go to the gym and work out… so that I can take off my shirt for you guys. Not now. (laugh)

[Transcription by Daffodil0624]

MAY BE TAKEN OUT WITH PROPER CREDITS

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[Trans] 200119 Nichkhun’s Interview on CH7HD ‘สดๆ บทไม่มี ตีสนิท’

[Thai-English Trans by Daffodil0624]

Nichkhun said he wrote the song called Umbrella for his fans. He would like to tell them he will protect them from the rain and misery. Umbrella has 5 versions (Thai, English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese). Nichkhun chose to perform Umbrella (Thai ver.) at The Blue Carpet Show for UNICEF because UNICEF is like an umbrella for children all over the world, protecting them from danger and serious diseases.

About his childhood memories,

Nichkhun said when he was young, he was very clumsy. He broke dishes or glasses at stores so often that his parents didn’t allow him to go inside. They usually told him to wait outside the stores.

TV host jokingly said: Nichkhun’s parents had to pay over 3 million baht for damage.

Nichkhun: Yes, that’s the total damage. (laugh)

TV host: Do you remember what you did during Children’s Day?

Nichkhun: No. I think I participated in a talent show at PATA Pinklao. My brother and I performed Bird Thongchai’s Mok Rue Khwan. I can’t remember much but my dad said while my brother danced, I just stood still on stage and looked at people. I think I was 5 years old. (laugh)

Nichkhun: What I remember about Children’s Day is the fact that I really looked forward to receiving all the gifts.

TV host: What is the best thing that happened to you in 2019?

Nichkhun: My solo concerts in Japan.    

TV host: Which happened after The Blue Carpet for UNICEF last year.

Nichkhun: No... after the talent show at PATA. I rehearsed everything at PATA in order to perform at my concerts in Japan.

TV host: So you rehearsed for over 20 years.

Nichkhun: Yes. (laugh)

TV host: Our viewers must be so confused now. What impresses you the most about your concerts in Japan?

Nichkhun: It is another step for me as an artist. I sang, danced, and played musical instruments all by myself. It makes me realise I can do it. From being a 2PM member who doesn’t have many singing parts, now I can perform on stage for two and a half hours by myself. It is difficult because I have to entertain the audience all the time, when I am singing, performing, or talking during breaks. It’s fun.    

TV host: You have come back to Thailand often recently.

Nichkhun: Yes because I will have more works in Thailand this year.

TV host: How do you spend time with your family when you come back to Thailand?

Nichkhun: Having a meal with my family. I will go home tonight. Our new house is just finished. We will have a house blessing ceremony tomorrow. It’s perfect timing.

TV host: We will give Nichkhun this spotlight as a housewarming present.

Nichkhun: I will really take it home. (laugh)

TV host whispered: I won’t pay for it though. That spotlight costs several ten thousand baht. (laugh) Congratulations on your new house.

Nichkhun: Thank you.

TV host: I want to say Nichkhun’s mother is dearly loved by reporters. She’s lovely, friendly, talkative, and spreads joy and happiness.

Nichkhun: She enjoys meeting people. 

TV host: What is your goal for 2020?

Nichkhun: Goal? I don’t have one.

TV host: Your goal is no goal?

Nichkhun: No. I will just keep working. I will be open to any opportunities. I aim to be healthy. I will take good care of my health. I had set goals every year but I couldn’t achieve them. Instead, I often accomplished other things that I didn’t expect. Thus, I won’t set a goal for this year. Whatever comes my way, I will be open to them. I will be open-minded so that I will be open to everything.

TV host: Do you have anything to tell our viewers?

Nichkhun: First of all, Happy New Year. I wish everyone good health and happiness. I would like to emphasize the importance of health. No matter how much money we have, if we are not healthy, it’s useless. I hope everyone will be successful in everything you do too.  

TV host: What would you like to tell everyone who has made a donation for children around the world?

Nichkhun: Thank you so much. I have participated in several field visits with UNICEF. I have seen various social problems that a lot of people are not aware of. In the middle of Bangkok, just around the corners, there are so many slums that will make you feel like they are different worlds. Many children don’t have formal education, anything to eat, and access to clean drinking water. It is heartbreaking. I would like to thank everyone who has helped give these children opportunities. As I have said several times, children are the future of our nation. If they grow up to be a person with goodness and ability, they will help our country grow and move forward.

TV host: Please give your fans updates about your upcoming works.

Nichkhun: This year, I have a series called My Bubble Tea and a movie called Cracked. I will come back to Thailand frequently this year. Please stay tuned.

[Please take out with full credit: Daffodil0624]

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[ENG TRANS] 200111 Nichkhun’s Media Interview at The Blue Carpet Show for UNICEF 

(cr: MCINE MUSIC LIVE OFFICIAL)

Nichkhun: First of all, I would like to wish everyone a happy new year. I wish you all good health, happiness, and success in everything you do.

Reporter: Please tell us how you feel about today’s event and your work with UNICEF.

Nichkhun: It’s the kind of work that makes me feel great because I can help our society. It’s something that we should pay attention to. In so many cases, children don’t have anything to eat. They lack access to clean drinking water. Access to education simply does not exist in their world. That’s why I would like to encourage people to pay more attention to these issues.

Nichkhun: I think The Blue Carpet Show last year raised around 14 million baht. This year’s event has received more attention from the public. When I heard that today’s event has raised over 32 million baht, I got tears in my eyes. Everyone has come together to make this show happen. I am touched that it has received so much love and support from people. I am proud that I have been a part of this show and UNICEF Thailand.

Reporter: You have mentioned field trips.

Nichkhun: I just talked to them whether we should make a field trip to Africa. I guess I have to get several vaccination injections before the trip. I went to Africa once with another program/organization. The living conditions are rough. But, in fact, the children don’t realize that they lack opportunities. They think living another day is good enough. As you can see in the videos today, these children live with constant pain. How are they going to be truly happy? With our help, we can give them life and opportunities and make being alive more meaningful for them.  

Reporter: Are you going on a field trip this year?

Nichkhun: I participated in UNICEF’s field visits every year. But, at the moment, I am not sure how far my work schedule will allow me to go. Most of the time, I joined the field visits in Bangkok. The farthest UNICEF trip I took was in Chiang Mai. I went there in the morning and came back in the evening. So I think we will have to talk and plan in advance about where I can go.

Nichkhun: I would like to tell everyone that you can make a donation for UNICEF not only today. You can make a monthly donation. Or you can donate any amount you want; 50, 100, 200, 300 baht. It’s all up to you as long as you want to help children. Children are the future of our nation. If they grow up educated and healthy, they will help improve our country. So I would like to encourage everyone to help these children.

Reporter: Can you give us an update on your work this year?

Nichkhun: The series ‘My Bubble Tea’ should be aired at the beginning of this year. The horror movie ‘Cracked’ should be released around midyear. I am not sure yet. And The Brothers project should be fun.  

Nichkhun: I think I will come back to Thailand often this year. It seems like there will be several projects. I am glad I will have a chance to work in Thailand frequently.

About ‘Story of…’

Nichkhun: I think my fans like this album and the concerts went well. I have put a lot of effort into making this album and concerts. I am relieved everything went smoothly.

About fans’ request for ‘Story of…’ concert in Thailand

Nichkhun: I really would like to hold a concert here. I know Thai fans want to see it happen.

Nichkhun: For all the fans who are waiting for 2PM, my friends are strong and healthy. Don’t worry about them. Thank you, everyone, for waiting until now. Please wait a little bit longer. 2PM will definitely make a comeback.

Nichkhun: For my fans who are waiting for me, this year you will be absolutely satisfied. Please stay tuned.

Reporter: So you will be very busy this year.

Nichkhun: Definitely.

THAI-ENG TRANS by Daffodil0624

MAY BE TAKEN OUT WITH PROPER CREDITS

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[TRANS] 190726 NICHKHUN SOLO CONCERT 'HOME' IN BANGKOK Press Conference

Nichkhun: “Though I am an idol, this concert won’t be like other idols’ concerts you have seen. The concert is called HOME so it will be more relaxing. I won’t suddenly emerge from under the stage. There’s nothing like that. We didn’t spend that much money on the show.” (laugh) 

MC: Since 11 years ago till now, what are you most proud of in yourself?

Nichkhun: "My first album and concerts. My fans know well I am not a lead vocalist in 2PM. I don't have that many talents in singing, dancing or music.  I always believed that.... until I have made this album. Making “ME,” I have realized that, though I'm not the most talented member in the band, I can do it.  If we have the determination and desire, we can accomplish what we previously believed was impossible. Thus, I am proud of myself. I know if I try harder for the next album, I will accomplish even more. Now I can tell myself, "You can do it. You can do it."   

[Thai-Eng trans by Daffodil0624]

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[TRANS] Nichkhun’s Interview with THE STANDARD (August 2019)

[Thai-Eng Trans by Daffodil0624]

In an interview four years ago, you talked about things you wanted to do but you didn’t have a chance to do them yet. You mentioned going to see the pyramids in Egypt and skydiving. Have you done any of these things?

Nichkhun: No. (laugh) Because I am working. My family and I decided that we must have a family trip together at least once a year. This year I took my brother and my sisters to America. We enjoyed driving around and went to Disneyland. Last year I went to Phuket with my family. I feel okay with travelling, going to see the pyramids, or skydiving alone. But maybe because of my age…(laugh) At the moment my happiness comes from spending my time with my family. I can give them my support. When we take a trip together, I make sure they have only the best. I take them to stay in great hotels and to enjoy wonderful meals. It’s one of the things that makes me happy when I am working.

Besides your family, what makes you happy nowadays?

Nichkhun: My happiness comes from working and giving people I love my support. Recently, I have done more works because I want my fans to see me more often. One to two years ago, I didn’t have many work schedules because I wanted to take a break.

My fans have previously collected statistical data about my flights. I had flown more than 100 times in one year for work purposes. It means I had flown around the world 4.5 times in a single year. Sometimes I had flown to 3 countries in one day. I went to the first country in the morning, finished my work and went to the second country. After I wrapped up my work, I took another flight to the third country. I have been through these kinds of days several times. During the time, I worked so hard that I was not happy. It was too much. I didn’t even know why I was making money. I didn’t have time to spend all the money I had earned. I didn’t know when I was going to die. I was not happy. That’s why I gradually slowed things down. I have to know when to work and when to rest. That’s another lesson I have learned from working.

Q: What’s the latest life lesson you have learned when you have reached 31?

Nichkhun: At present, I have learned to have a clear understanding of what is work and what is myself. I have always believed that being a star is merely a job. I don’t have to turn being a star into becoming my life and soul. If one day I am not popular any longer, won’t I be depressed or sad then?

Ultimately I have to know that I am simply a normal human being whose job is to be a star who has to sing, to be in front of people, in front of cameras. If I can separate these things, I will not be sad or miserable. If I am obsessed with the idea that I am a star, I have to be beautiful or handsome. I have to be famous. People have to pay attention to me all the time. People have to greet me or want to take photos with me. Even when I stay home, I have to always look great. If I have that kind of belief, I will not be happy at all. For me, home is not only a location. It means things and people that make me feel like I can be myself. I can wear shorts and walk around my home. That’s home. Because I am simply Khun, not a star called Nichkhun Horvejkul.

Please take out with full credit.

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[TRANS] Nichkhun's Interview with OK! Magazine Thailand (July 2019)

SO PROUD OF YOU, NICHKHUN.

Behind of the scenes of idol life that are not as perfect as you think,

Challenges that dare a man to prove his capabilities,

And looking at life from a different perspective through the eyes of ‘Khun’ Nichkhun Horvejkul, a K-Pop idol from Thailand who has been the pride of the whole nation.

Nichkhun Horvejkul is the name of a Korean artist who is well known by Thai people. For over 11 years, he has been famous as an idol in Korean boy band 2PM. He has also become a real idol for new generations for his success and his impeccable demeanour as a representative of Thailand. Although Nichkhun has settled in South Korea, every step that shows his development has been obvious to everyone.

Currently, Nichkhun has stepped closer to becoming a true actor through his third Chinese series ‘Shall We Fall in Love’ which would be shown on WeTV. On this occasion, Nichkhun flew back to Thailand to attend the official launching of WeTV application on June 14, 2019. He talked with OK! about new steps, challenges, and projects that were beyond his expectation, behind the scenes of idol life that several people deemed perfect, and his viewpoint on love, from a direct and honest perspective filtered through his 31-year experiences.

Q: We are used to seeing you promoting your works in Korea or Thailand. Can we say your work in China seems to be a new development?

Nichkhun: Thai people may not know I have worked in China often. When I went to award ceremonies in China, I met Mike (Pirath Nitipaisankul) because he also attended these ceremonies quite often. This is the first time I have an opportunity to promote my Chinese series in Thailand. It is a refreshing feeling. As a matter of fact, ‘Shall We Fall in Love,’ currently aired on WeTV for Thai people, is my third Chinese series. WeTv is a new online platform that will satisfy customers’ demands or requirements. I believe there will be more collaborations in the future. Thais will be able to see another aspect of me when I speak Chinese or English in my series.

Q: What is the appeal that will make viewers fall in love with the series?

Nichkhun: The goofiness of the male lead, Jiang Yinan. He is cheerful and cute. He doesn’t care that he may be a loser. He is content with who he is. When he meets the female lead, he tries in every way to make her happy even though she doesn’t love him.

Q: Jiang Yinan is a character full of positivity and liveliness. How much is he similar or different from you?

Nichkhun: This role is similar to me to a certain extent. I like to be a giver and at times I don’t care about other people either. Nonetheless, I am a star so I have to maintain my image a bit. Sometimes I ran around and hang out with my friends in the middle of the streets too. I want some freedom and want to express who I am as well. But I may not be as expressive as this character.

Q: Jiang Yinan is a joyful and lovely boyfriend. In real life, what kind of a boyfriend are you?

Nichkhun: Goofy. When I am being with someone, I will adapt myself to suit that person. It depends on the character of the person I am dating. If she likes someone who is boyish, playful or goofy, I will be like that. If I am dating a woman who is more reserved, I will try to tease her from time to time. I like making people around me laugh, with my facial expressions, remarks, or gestures.

Q: The Thai title of the series is “กล้าไหม... มารักกัน” (Do you dare to love me?). Do you have such experiences in real life?

Nichkhun: I guess so. Even though I am ‘Nichkhun,’ it doesn’t mean everyone will fall in love with me. Fame makes people cautious to be closer to me. Some people may talk to me but they may not dare to love me. I think if we decide to fall in love with someone, we are taking a risk. We need to be daring too. With a woman I don’t think of her that way, I will be able to playfully talk to her or even hug her neck. But with a woman I am interested in, I will not dare to approach her to say “Hello. Can I have your phone number?” I will nudge my friends and ask them to help me. (laugh)

Q: You have worked with Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese production teams. Can you tell us the differences?

Nichkhun: Chinese production teams have limited the filming to 10-12 hours per day, including makeup and hairstyling time. In China, I would have a one-day break per week. It was quite comfortable because it’s guaranteed that I would have time to sleep and rest truly. (laugh) Chinese and Thai production teams are similar when it comes to cordiality. Actors would come out to sit, talk, or have a meal together. Korean and Japanese teams are similar when it comes to maintaining their privacy.

Q: Even though you debuted as an idol, you have proved yourself as an actor in several roles. Do you feel like you are getting closer to becoming a true actor?

Nichkhun: We just sent Chansung, 2PM’s last member, to the army. We will have to wait for 2 years to be able to come back together. For the present, I am changing my role between being an actor and a solo artist. I will hold a solo concert in Thailand on July 27. Composing music, practising, playing musical instruments, and performing on stage has a certain appeal. When I asked my fans to scream, I would have a feedback immediately. For acting, I would have to wait for 3 or 6 months or 1 year for feedback. They are different but both are fun to work on. At the moment, I still don’t consider myself an actor. I have only worked on some acting projects. Almost every role I have played is quite similar. They are warm, lovely, or nice. I would like to play a different role which will prove if I will be able to do it well.

Q: Most idols who have become actors have often been subject to criticism about their talents. Have you encountered this problem?

Nichkhun: All the time. In fact, I have wondered whether I performed my roles well. That’s why I have often asked people around me what they thought about my performances in certain scenes. I want to do it well. I don’t mean acting merely. I mean singing, dancing, and playing instruments too. All of them are a challenge for me in each step. Acting is not easy. It depends on your experiences how you will portray each role excellently. You have to make the character on the papers come alive and live inside your body. It doesn’t mean there is only one way to play a character. It depends on how well we can create the character and make him more alluring.

Q: Several people consider you their idol and expect everything you do to be great. Do you feel pressured for carrying everyone’s expectations?

Nichkhun: In the beginning, I felt deeply pressured. Before BamBam (GOT7’s Kunpimook Bhuwakul) and Lisa (Blackpink’s Lalisa Manoban) made their debut, I was the only Thai idol who was successful in Korea. Everyone thought Thai people must be like Nichkhun. It was a burden I have carried for a long time. In the past, people tended to think that Thailand was an undeveloped country or Thai people still rode elephants. I have told people there are several great aspects of Thailand and invited them to visit Thailand. More tourists started to come to Thailand and there have been continuous promotions. Thailand in the eyes of foreigners has changed and I have carried a lighter burden in this regard. But importantly, I have begun to let go and to think we are not robots or printing moulds that will be perfect perpetually. If we make a mistake once in a while, it’s because we are human. I have tried not to tell myself I have to be perfect. Instead, I have told myself I have to be a good person. I must not betray people. What I have spoken must be true. Otherwise, I must not say it or do it.

Q: Are you a perfectionist?

Nichkhun: Pretty much but not all the time. I like my house to be clean and organised. But there are times when I let it go and don’t clean at all. After that, I would have to spend the whole day cleaning. (laugh) When I began cleaning vigorously, I would kneel down to scrub the floor.

Q: Do you scrub the floor by yourself?

Nichkhun: Of course. I don’t hire anyone to clean my house in Korea because I don’t want people I don’t know to come into my house. Thus, I do all the cleaning, laundry, cooking, and dishwashing by myself. It makes me happy that I have my own house. After finishing cleaning everything, I feel great that my house is clean. Am I getting old? (laugh)

Q: Can you share with us how is your social life in Korea like?

Nichkhun: Actually, I seldom go out for a meal or go to parties. I only go to the gym, play golf and badminton. Or I go out to do some errands or for work. Most of the time, I stay at home, cook, invite my friends to come over, drink wine, or play games just like normal people. I want to rest. If I go out, some people may ask for my signature or take my photos. Sometimes I had to refuse their request because I didn’t have any makeup on. I stay at home to avoid these problems.

Q: You have often said you are fortunate for having a chance to be in this position. Besides opportunities, what do you consider the important driving force that makes you have everything today?

Nichkhun: My fans, my friends in 2PM, my family and Thai people. I still think of myself as a Thai person. I must not do anything to damage my country’s reputation. That’s the reason I still work hard, want to improve, and keep on fighting today.

Q: In your opinion, how cool is Nichkhun Horvejkul?

Nichkhun: To a certain level. I will give myself 6-7 out of 10. There are many things I have to improve. However, what makes me proud of myself is the fact that I have done things I previously thought I wouldn’t be able to accomplish. Releasing my solo album ‘ME’ is an example. After making a debut for 11 years, I had never thought I would be able to do it. When we released our albums or when I performed in concerts with 2PM, I didn’t have many singing parts. Occasionally I had some rap parts. Several factors inspired me to release my solo album. I told myself to give it a try and do my best. I wanted to see whether I would be able to do it. After finishing making the album, I knew I could do it. I may start from zero but if I pour my heart into it, I can accomplish anything.

Q: What was your inspiration for releasing a solo album?

Nichkhun: We held some concerts since Taecyeon, 2PM’s first member, went to the army. Our fans were sad that it would be our last album before five of us would be discharged from the military. I didn’t know what came over me. I spoke into the microphone and told our fans I would release a solo album so our fans would not be lonely. I said it without consulting with anyone. Our staff was half delighted, half stunned. They were not certain if I was being serious. That’s what forced me to make my album. (laugh) In fact, my true inspiration was my fans and other 2PM members. All of them had their solo album and composed their own songs. I thought, as a member of 2PM, I should be able to do it too. That was an important inspiration for me to work hard on composing, singing, and performing on stage.

Q: Idol life may sound beautiful and luxurious but life behind the scenes is full of pressure, disappointment, and loneliness every now and then. How do you handle these feelings so that you can keep going?

Nichkhun: I think I am a man who works in the entertainment industry. Being a star is not my whole life. It is my job and my responsibility. When I have free time, I live with myself and do things I want to do. I exercise, play golf and badminton, play games at home, or go out for a meal with my friends. I have to learn to adjust my life. I work when it’s time to work and I take a break when it’s time to do so. I was not born to be a star. I was born to be a human being. Therefore, I have to live my life as a human being, not a star. I can be a star while I am working but I must realize what goes up must come down. When my popularity peaked, it seemed like everything would stay like that permanently. But when my popularity has lessened and fluctuated over time, it is fun and challenging for me. I think my life should not cling to being a star and to fame. I have to talk with my family very often and find one or two friends whom I can trust. Sometimes you can have a wrong idea if you stay alone. When you were used to standing in front of ten thousand people and suddenly there were only hundreds of people, I understand that it hurts. However, basically, we are a human being. Our daily life is just like other people. We have to eat, drink, and sleep. We have to truly understand this fact.

Q: It is difficult to get into the entertainment industry in any country. Do you agree it is more difficult to maintain popularity for as long as possible?

Nichkhun: Yes, I do. I think the important thing is our effort. We also have to be a good person and we must not lie to the media or our fans. We may not be this popular forever. Fame can go up and go down. But we will survive. People’s age and thoughts rapidly change. New artists are only 10 years old. They are less than half my age. Fans are getting younger too. Will they like someone who is the same age as their uncle, their aunt, or their older sibling? They may like artists who are the same age. We have to know and understand these things.

Q: Age is a limitation for most boy bands. Are 2PM members worried about their age?

Nichkhun: No, because we have never created a cute image for our band. We have been known as beast idols since the beginning. We have shown masculinity and maturity. I believe 2PM can keep going. We will sit down and sing if we cannot dance any longer. There may be dancers performing behind us. We have talked about the time when we reach 40 or 50. There will be no dance songs and we may sing ballads or slower songs.

Q: News and celebrities go hand in hand. But we have rarely heard negative news about you. Is it because you always live your life carefully to avoid such news?

Nichkhun: Maybe because I try to be careful. I try to be a good person and I don’t lie to the media and my fans. I let my fans know the kind of person I am. I didn’t smile when I didn’t want people to take my photos. Once in a while, I was in a dark mode or upset. I scolded my fans if they crossed the line. To be a good person, I don’t do anything immoral and illegal. Fame can drive people crazy sometimes. It is fortunate that I have great friends in my band. We have warned each other not to do certain things if they were not right. We have supported each other to do good things. Most of the time when we came back to Thailand or went to other places, the questions we asked were: What are the opening hours for the fitness centre and swimming pool? What is the WiFi password? (laugh)

Q: Can you list work, family, and love in order of importance?

Nichkhun: Family, love if I am in love, and work. Most important are my family who will be with me for my whole life. Then there are people I love, my friends, my girlfriend, my wife or my children. People may think stars must be rich and busy with works constantly. That’s not true. Being a star is among the most unstable jobs. We will have work when people hire us. If they don’t hire us, we won’t have any work or income. There was a period last year when I tried to focus on making my solo album. I didn’t accept any job because I spent a lot of time at the studios. For the whole month, not a single baht was transferred into my bank account. I was so shocked. (laugh) That had never happened before. I have realized stars don’t have salaries. How much money you have depends on how much you work. People rarely know about this. They may think every star must be wealthy.

Q: We have often seen your conversations with your sisters on social media. We know you are very protective of your sisters. Are you going to be this protective of your girlfriend?

Nichkhun: We just teased each other. I have let go. In the past, I was more protective. I didn’t want them to wear short skirts. When I saw them with a man, I wanted to know who the man was. Nowadays, if my younger sisters are ready to date anyone, I just ask them to bring the guy to see me. If they wear short skirts, I may tease them or find something to cover their legs. I don’t ask them to change their outfit. On social media, we just teased each other playfully. I am not that protective in real life. With my girlfriend, shouldn’t I be more protective of her than my sisters? (laugh)  

Q: You have lived alone for a long time. Are you lonely?

Nichkhun: I have many friends. And I have lived abroad since I was 11. I have not lived with my family for 20 years. I have frequently travelled and worked in several countries so I don’t feel lonely. There are many things I can do. That’s why I like to play golf. I can play it by myself. When I stay at home, I watch movies or play games. I just live with myself and think of what I want to do in the future. That’s why I don’t have time to be lonely.

Q: You have said you wanted to get married when you reached 32-33. Do you still have the same thought?

Nichkhun: At first, I even said 30. Now I still haven’t thought about wanting to get married. There are still so many challenges that I want to give it a try. If I really get married, I will possibly quit show business and live in a quiet town in America in order to spend time with my family.

Q: Haven't you found anyone that attracted you?

Nichkhun: I don’t want to be a burden for the person I have a relationship with. Even though I have settled in Korea, I don’t spend much time there. In one year, I may stay in Korea for 6 months or less. From July this year, I will come back to Thailand very often because of my work.

Q: This question may sound repetitive but many people want to know what kind of girl are you attracted to.

Nichkhun: I don’t have a certain type. Perhaps, I like women who are naturally cute and lovely with facial features that are not too sharp. Actually, physical appearance is just a part. The most important thing is her characteristic. I like people who love their family. I like the kind of person my mother will like after I introduce them. The kind of person who respects older people. I just want her to be a good person. Because if I start to have negative feelings or things change, no matter how beautiful she is, it doesn’t help at all.  

Q: You have fame, wealth, and many people who love you. What is the next happiness that you are looking for?

Nichkhun: I have never thought about it. (laugh) I am happy with my life each day. The next step is probably building my own family but I don’t know when or whether it will happen.

Q: When do you want to get married then?

Nichkhun: Let’s say 35. When I am 35, I will probably say 40. (laugh) Right now, I am enjoying my work. I want to spend time with my family and my friends for the time being. Getting married to someone is making a promise that I will spend the rest of my life with her. It is meaningless if I can’t keep my promise.

Q: What are your future goals that you want to achieve?

Nichkhun: If it is possible, I want to make it in Hollywood as an actor just once. In fact, there have been auditions and I have sent my videos. There were some interests but due to time and other factors, it didn’t work out. I am waiting for the right time. Mike (Pirath Nitipaisankul) has already joined a Hollywood-production movie entitled ‘The Misfits.’ It will be fun to work together.

Q: Do you have anything to say to your fans who have always supported you?

Nichkhun: From now on, we will see each other often, on TV, in my concert, and through my solo album. I will keep working on more projects but I won’t make a specific promise. Thank you for following and loving me. It has been 12 years in Thailand. In the future, I will produce works that are better, more mature and perfect for you to see and listen to. Let’s get old together. Thank you. (smile)

 [Thai-Eng Trans by Daffodil0624]

Please take out with full credit.

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[Interview Transcription] 190302 [FujiNext] NICHKHUN Premium Solo Concert ‘HOME’ - Nichkhun’s Special Interview

Interviewer: Congratulations on your first solo debut and first concert.

Nichkhun: Thank you.

Interviewer: How do you feel when you hold your first solo concert, your first project?

Nichkhun: It was actually because of me that this started. I promised my fans on stage at Tokyo Dome that I would have a solo album out when my members go off to the army. That’s how it started. I think, 2018 around March, we had the first meeting about this album, how we wanted to do this album, how many countries it was going to be released in. It started from there.

Actually, at first, I didn’t really get the feel of me having a solo album. I was just like, Okay. I need to write some songs and get ready. As time went by, I started to feel that it’s coming closer to the deadline and the concerts as well. 

I was so nervous. I was so worried. I was shaking all the time at the thought of me standing up there on stage by myself after all these years, after 10 years of performing with 5 other guys. 

That thought really shook me to the core. Can I do this? Can I do it well? Is my performance and my concert going to be good and enjoyable? Is it going to be boring and mediocre? I didn’t want that so I had to prepare myself a lot for this concert and this album.

Interviewer: Did you tell other 2PM members and did they say anything?

Nichkhun: Yes. Well, in the process of making this album, I tried not to talk to them too much because I didn’t want to get ideas from them. I wanted to make it my own album. That’s why I wanted to call it ME. It’s just the songs that I like, the songs that I would listen to on a daily basis. 

When I was making it, I didn’t think about what people would want me to sing for them. I was thinking about what I wanted to sing for the people if they wanted to listen.

I am satisfied with how it turned out. I am not saying it’s the best album out there and I am not saying it’s the best I could do. But it’s all I could do right now and I am really satisfied with the result.

Interviewer: How is your family’s reaction?

Nichkhun: My mom is really proud. That makes me even more proud of myself for being able to do that. She came to my concert every day, every time. She looked really happy. That makes me really happy. It gives me the drive, the inspiration to keep improving myself and making better music and performance. I have a great job. What can I say? = ]

Interviewer: As you were saying, the solo project shows a different side of you from when you are with 2PM. How do you want Nichkhun as a solo artist to be perceived?  

Nichkhun: For many years, we have been called the Beastly Idol. It’s a good title to have. It’s very unique and only we can pull it off. But as a solo artist, the style of songs I listen to is very different from what 2PM music is. As an individual solo artist, I wanted to showcase my style of music and what I like.

That’s why during the meeting about this concert, the first thing that popped into my mind, something that I can do different from other guys in 2PM is instruments, the piano and guitar. I didn’t know how to play that well at that point but I learned for this album and this concert. So that came into my mind and I always wanted to become a musician.

I grew up in Thailand and we don’t have a lot of idol groups. We mostly have bands, jamming live music and everyone is enjoying, singing along, and dancing to rock songs. That was what I wanted to do and I am glad I got the chance to do it. The preparation for this concert… I think I have practised more than I ever practised for any concert ever.

On Lucky Charm

Nichkhun: Lucky Charm was one of the first songs that I wrote with these 2 guys called Hot Sauce. They are a composer group, a duo. I tried to make it very easy-listening. I tried to write the lyrics so that it’s not so easy to understand or interpret. I wanted it to be a song you want to listen to in the morning or right before you fall asleep.  

Before Lucky Charm became the title song of this album, Lucky Charm was competing with Bridge. Because I’m 2PM, I’m supposed to be doing something fast, a little energetic. But I told my company that if I were to go with Bridge, it would be no difference between when I’m in 2PM and when I’m not in 2PM. So I said Lucky Charm would describe me the best. I would like to go with Lucky Charm.

I put a lot of ideas and thoughts in the music video. We made it happen which I am really happy about.

On playing the guitar

Nichkhun: It started off because of Lucky Charm. I wanted to be able to play Lucky Charm on the guitar and sing at the same time. This was even before I was thinking about this concert. So I was learning from one of the Hot Sauce guys. He’s the guy who played the guitar on the track.

I thought to myself that the fans have seen me play the piano so many times. It would be a little boring if I would just sit there and play the piano the whole time. I wanted to add a little more flavour to this concert. So I learned a couple more songs. I have been practising until now. I still practise every day.

When you play instruments and sing at the same time, you only have one brain and you have to think about the chords, the placement, the lyrics, the tune, the pitch of the song. So it’s a lot going at once. I have to make sure that these (raising his fingers) know the song, not this (pointing at his head).

But I’m still not there yet. (laugh) I still have to think so much when I play.

Interviewer: And you also have to think about your expression too.

Nichkhun: Yes. I can’t be like this (focusing on the piano) the whole time because they are watching me. So it’s a lot of things at once that I have to do.

That’s why this concert is not physically tiring but it’s tiring all up here (pointing his brain).

But it’s really fun. It’s fun to be able to play your own music, perform it, and sing it at the same time. Watching the fans enjoying it is one of the best feelings.  

On Umbrella

Nichkhun: Umbrella was one of the last songs I wrote. I got the track from Song Jiwook hyung. He thought of me when he wrote this track and he sent it to me. As I was listening to it, I was like, Should I make this romantic? The first title that came to my mind was Candles. But that’s too much of a cliché.  

So I thought I have Let It Rain for many years and no next step after that. So I said to myself, Umbrella. That’s how I started writing the lyrics after I thought about Umbrella.

It’s a form of saying Thank you, expressing my gratitude to the fans that have been with me for so many years, forever, through good times and hard times. They are always there for me. I just wanted to give them something back. 

I even shot a very simple music video for it. I’m glad the fans like it because that day was like a whole day of me walking around and the camera following me. It was a very fun day. This song is very special to me. I’m sure it will be special to Hottest as well.

In Let It Rain, I was hiding under their umbrella. Now I will be the man. I will be your umbrella. I will protect you.

On Home

Nichkhun: Home, the intro song on the album, was the last song that I wrote. We were talking about the title of the tour and the title of the album. I thought let’s make it simple. I was going to call it THIS or THAT. This album can be THIS album and the next album can be THAT album. (laugh)

This album is personal and it’s about me. So why not call it ME? The word HOME has ME at the end as well. I was going to design something that showed HO and ME on the bottom. But that didn’t come out. (laugh) 

On the design with the crown, the eye, and the word ME, the eye was going to be an O and I was going to put an H on the crown, so it would be HOME. But it’s just a little too much.

When I decided to call this tour HOME, that’s when I thought I need to have a track called Home which will be the opening of this tour. That’s why in the track, there’s the sound of a door opening. I was planning on doing that during the concert as well.      

On live music

Nichkhun: I think music should be played live and should be listened to live. It’s more lively, energetic, and enjoyable. You can feel the vibration of each instrument in your bones when you listen to it. I really enjoy going to jazz bars or live cafes. Those places where you just sit there and watch them perform. They seem happy. I want to be that person.

This time I asked the bandmaster… He’s a bass player. Very new. Usually, it’s either piano or guitar. I asked him to rearrange some of the songs. I told him, Just make it close to the original but you can do whatever you want with it. You guys are like the main attraction of this concert. So you guys do you. Be cool. Do whatever you want to do with this music. And they did such a good job. I’m very happy. When I am on stage, I’m listening to my own music but I feel like I am a fan watching them play on stage. It’s cool.

Interviewer: They play the introduction when you come out of the door. And also when you change in between, it would have the music video on for Lucky Charm but they play a different version. I think the fans really love it.

Nichkhun: That actually was my idea. I didn’t want the music to stop. It’s a concert. People should be here for music, not for a video. And I wanted it to keep going. So I asked the band, Can you play this live? I have to change and redo my hair. And I don’t know how long it’s going to take. So can you play until I come out? (laugh) On the first day in Osaka, I came out really late. They were playing the music and looking around for me wondering, Is he going to come out? (laugh)

It’s not repetitive because it’s live. They just keep going with whatever they feel like doing. That’s why it’s special. I really enjoy that part. When I am changing, I have my in-ear in. I’m just listening to them play. People would be like, Hurry Up! Change! and I’m like, OK. Sorry. Sorry. (laugh)

Interviewer: And when you do come out, they are still playing. You hold your hand up as a signal for them to stop playing.

Nichkhun: I want this concert to be as natural as possible. Not like, OK. I’m going to perform now. Tada~! I wanted it to be like, Oh he’s here. When is he going to play? Oh he’s playing. I wanted it to be as natural as possible. I want the viewers to not be nervous or wondering when is he going to come out.

I want them to enjoy. I want them to have time to enjoy everything; the atmosphere, me on stage, or the music when I am not on stage. I want them to enjoy everything. If it’s like always after one song, dark! It’s not continuous.

I would love to try to do something that is deeper, something that is more sophisticated. But because of the skills that I have, I am not there yet. (laugh) I have a lot of good ideas but I am not able to express it out into music. Even with drawing as well, I have a lot of good ideas in my head. But when I draw, it looks like crap. (laugh) I have a lot of good ideas but I can’t make it into a thing yet.

Until then, I have to keep learning; the piano, the guitar, how to compose songs by myself, how to make tracks by myself. Right now, I am getting tracks from other composers and writers. And I am writing the melodies and the lyrics on top of that. Or in some songs, I played the piano myself or made the melodies myself and then I go to the composers and ask them, Can you make this track for me in this way?

A lot of things to be challenged. It’s going to be a busy year. I am sure I am going to have a lot of other jobs alongside in different countries. So it’s not going to be easy.  

I am aiming to release another album maybe at the end of next year. We will see. I have to make it good. I don’t want to make it mediocre just because I want to release an album. I want to make an album that I am satisfied with.          

Interviewer: Any new instruments?

Nichkhun: Not for now. No please. (laugh) I want to learn the drums. It looks really cool and playing it releases your stress. But not yet. Maybe later.    

On asking for advice or help from other 2PM members 

Nichkhun: It’s something that you can’t ask anyone for help. You have to figure it out yourself. It’s all in here. It’s not like, I just work out and everything will be fine. Or I just take some supplement and I will be fine. It’s not like that. It’s something you have to take care of it yourself. You have to solve it yourself.  I get nervous every time before I go on stage or before I do a song that I’m not that comfortable with, a song that is kind of hard for me. So I didn’t really ask them for advice. 

This time (in Tokyo) I have to do 3 days. I went to see JUNHO THE BEST. He did 3 days as well. He told me, Be careful. On your second day, don’t go all out. (laugh) Just go slow and then you can go all out on your last day. I was like, Okay. I got you. Because I went to see him on the last day and he was like, The second day was better because I went all out. (laugh) But he was still good. He sent me some fruits. He’s a really cute guy.

Interviewer: We want to ask you for your 3 top favourite 2PM songs. It can be any songs that were released in Korea and Japan.

Nichkhun: First, always, is Heartbeat. It was the song that was a turning point for 2PM. Second, for some reasons, I like 想像してみて (Imagine). It was the opening for our last tour (Galaxy of 2PM). Wooyoung was the one who wrote it and designed the costumes for us. It hypes you up. When you hear the drums, Oh it’s going to happen now. 

Number 3 is a hard one. I like 離れていても and 一緒に過ごした時間 (Time Spent Together). I think I would have to pick 2 for this last one. They are both really meaningful to the fans as well. It describes the relationship between us 2PM, and Hottest as well. These are my top 3. But there are so many good songs.                      

On plans for the future

Nichkhun: Right now, I am just working towards the comeback of 2PM. That’s all I am aiming for right now. I am trying to be a better artist altogether; singing, dancing, instruments, composing, everything. I am conditioning myself for 2PM when we have a comeback. That’s all I am aiming for right now. After that, I am not sure.

When we come back as 2PM, we will probably do a tour, in Japan, in Asia, maybe in the world too if possible. But that’s all I am aiming for right now in the future. I can’t wait for it to happen.        

Interviewer: And your fans too.

Nichkhun: Yes. I am sure my fans are waiting for that moment. Every time I see other idol groups on TV, I miss 2PM. Every time I am on stage or hearing a 2PM’s song, I miss 2PM. I am just waiting for that day. It’s going to come and it’s going to be epic. It’s going to be great.  

Message to his fans

Nichkhun: Thank you. Thank you for always loving and supporting me; whether it’s good, whether it’s bad, whether it’s just okay. With the love that you give me, I’m not going to take it for granted. I’m going to try to improve myself always.

I’m going to be a better artist for you guys so be patient with me. These things take time. The next time I come back to sing or perform for you, you will see me as a new person, a better person. Thank you. = ]

[Transcription by Daffodil0624]

MAY BE TAKEN OUT WITH PROPER CREDITS