she’s not sure why she’s even stuck at the salon when gold star won’t change her hair color. jaein’s been going back and forth between different shades of black and brown throughout her whole career, and while she doesn’t really want to bleach her hair, at least that’d give a reason as to why she’s been here for over an hour.
she’s about ready to get out of there when someone walks into the semi-private area. her assumption is that it’ll be her makeup artist or hair stylist or whomever with good news that she can get out of here but instead, she’s met with an unexpected friendly face. looking up from her phone, she gives joosung a faint smile before looking back down at the screen, ready to message her manager.
“congrats on your comeback,” she speaks up because with her past encounters with joosung, she’s aware that the candy member will spark up a conversation anyway. might as well get a head start on it.
it seems like it’s been over a year since the culture complex had been introduced as an idea to idols underneath the three companies. suji can’t remember everything that she’s had to film and participate in when it comes to the complex, and she’s not sure she understands the reasoning behind it being built but as long as fans have fun, it shouldn’t be too bad. right?
she’s quickly informed about what she’ll be doing today, and she’s pretty surprised to find sung in the room that she’s escorted into. once the cameras start rolling, they’re once again told about the overall theme of the filming. she’s never paid much attention to other groups outside of her own company that she’s certain that she won’t do so well. on the other hand, she’s aware that sung ends up meeting a lot more people than she does with his hosting job so there’s a good chance that he’ll do much better than her.
it was a new found friendship that had been found with a trainee by the name of joosung. duri found friends in all types of places, so it made sense that he would find a friend in a trainee of another company. plus, the trainee was rather close in age to duri, only actually being a few months younger than him, due to the fact that duri was born just a week before the new year, so he didn’t have much age upon the younger. which probably made sense that he told the other to not call him hyung or anyways, due to how close they were in age. seemingly, it just made sense to duri and he was really happy with having a new friend. one that held the same love as he did - one for the love of singing.
it had become a bit of a thing now, to find the way to the company rooftop, as he was able to get in to visit. he had stood at the edge looking over the city as he awaited, the breeze hitting against him, which explained him making sure he had been dressed warm. when he heard the footsteps, he turned, his smile beaming brighter than the sun. “joosung!” he greets. “are you ready for the lesson today?” he asked. duri held a lot of knowledge in vocals, even at his age, as it was something he studied from a young age, and really honed in on his skill. “do you have anything to do after the lesson? i’ll treat you to a meal for your hard work!”
👀 i wasn't GOING TO but now i am. kinkshame some bihs. what are kinks that would make you view someone in a negative light? if you say nothing, why are you lying? 👀 if mav were to kick the bucket rn, would you love again? what do you think this new love would be like? if not, what would you think your life would be like?
send me a “👀 + a question” and my muse has to answer honestly! ⏤ accepting!
what are kinks that would make you view someone in a negative light? if you say nothing, why are you lying?
“one time someone tagged me in a picture of my armpit on instagram... that was a little weird.”
if mav were to kick the bucket rn, would you love again? what do you think this new love would be like? if not, what would you think your life would be like?
“i don’t think i would love again, no. i think that’s something that would just be completely gone and i believe i would be scared to love again... that it would happen again to someone that i love. my life would be lonely and isolated. i would break my contract from bc entertainment, pay what i had to pay, sell my house, and move out to the country where i would live in total isolation with dogs and cats.”
notes: once again, a big mega post because i didn’t want to flood dash with answers. thanks to everyone that sent in!!
1. what is your favorite single you’ve released?
“solo wise? i’ve only released one solo portal song, which was a self-written song called that’s okay. well, bc forced that one on me when they took pages from my diary — still, my only one solo release, and that’s the favorite since i’m left with no other option. in regards to group? everyone knows, amigo or not — my favorite will always be view. something special about that time, i tell you.”
2. what are your favorite b-sides/non-title tracks you’ve released?
“since i haven’t released any songs by myself other than the one mentioned before, i’d have to go through decipher’s discography. lovesick, odd eye, prism, honesty, stranger, better off — there’s a lot to sift through in the past few years. unfortunately, there’s a point where my interest had started weaning off idol-dom, and you can observe that when i stopped paying attention and interest into what decipher did conceptually after 2016. at least the enjoyment was fun while it lasted.”
3. what is your least favorite song (title track or b-side) you’ve released?
”that’s an easy one. you take any b-side we’ve released in the past few years, and that probably makes the list. the comeback with the b-side shot was awful. that’s probably the worst, in my head. never was a fan of that comeback, now that i think of it — i call it the dark blip of decipher’s early career. perhaps it’s just ambivalence at this point that i have no real strong feelings towards bsides nowadays.”
4. if you could do a duet with anyone in the industry, who would you choose?
what do you think of your/your group’s concept?
“i’d want to do a duet with duri — we’ll have a tale of the oldies. the two 1990 liners inside bc’s walls doing a ballad song. though, duri would have to take the high notes on that one seeing as how he’s a power vocalist. there’s rarely times where i’m able to keep in touch or have people around my age, and for that — i’m always grateful when i come across that. we’d manage something interesting given the same age, and the ballad concept.”
5. what do you think of your/your group’s concept?
“decipher doesn’t really stick to a concept, and i suppose our concept has always been to branch into new avenues. there’s good things and bad things about it, obviously. we’re given new things to try, new stylings, and what not. however, we’re also subjected to that risk in case it doesn’t turn out how bc envisioned. to put it short — it’s either a hit or miss.”
6. what is one thing (a concept, a genre, an outfit, etc.) you would least like your company make you do?
“decipher’s novelty in the industry is that we’ve been here so long that we’ve managed a lot of different concepts. from the house pop to retro vibes, even spring ballads in soft tunes — we’ve done it all. the least? i’d say another electronic heavy music where we’re dancing like madmen. i wouldn’t mind a powerful choreography to show i can still ‘hang’, but to the sounds of techno-ish music? i don’t think so. at least, not with my age.”
7. what one thing (concepts, genres, styling, frequency of comebacks, etc.) would you like to change about your current career as an idol?
“i don’t want to comeback so frequently — it seems we’re coming back more frequently than other rookies. it would be nicer to stay back and relax while we let the hoobaes have their time to shine. genres and concepts aren’t really on the top of my list to complain about, though i would enjoy an old throw-back to decipher’s glory days where we’re given something newer. perhaps, that’d be enough to rejuvenate my attitude towards the industry.”
8. if you could be in any idol group, which one would you choose?
“with my age, i don’t think i’d fit any group. perhaps, i could assimilate myself to knight, but the bad boy niche doesn’t really match mine. say, i was a few years younger — then, you’d have me inside charm. i think i’d do a pretty good left and right if you ask me.”
9. if you could say one thing to your ceo, what would it be?
“i respect the business model you form. however, i’m still trying to understand it when applied to me. thirteen years, and i have yet to sit down and have a conversation with you. it’d be nice to have one someday.”
10. if you were auditioning for your company today, what would you perform for your audition, or what would you change from your original audition?
“my audition was so long ago. fourteen, fifteen years now, and that’s nearly half of my life. i wish i could remember parts — but there’s only the snippet of a ballad i sang, probably kim bum soo. all alongside some awkward dancing that bc shaped me up for. i’d probably pick a sung sikyung song instead.”
11. if you could do any special stage, what would it be and who would it be with?
”call it a weird match, but i’d have a set with duri, andy, joohwan, my maknae and jiah. well, those would be the people i’d know well enough to collaborate with, though the outcome might not be as promising as i initially thought. case closed, never make me do a special stage.”
12. what career opportunities would you like to pursue that you’ve yet to, or what achievements would you like to obtain that you’ve yet to?
“maybe a bit of variety? i’m completely happy where i am with acting, though it’d be better if decipher’s comebacks were rarer. however, i’m taking what i can get and variety might be a chance to show the side that doesn’t get shown when i’m playing a role on tv. i’ve heard from some people that i can be funny at times.”
13. if you could become a model or ambassador for any brand, what would you choose?
“as much as i like high fashion, i haven’t done any modeling in regards to brand deals with high fashion. a luxury brand would be nice — i hear prada has changed with the entrance of raf simons. i’ve been into the streetwear look lately after itaewon class, so that would be a current go-to. otherwise, i think i’m happy promoting good feel and credit cards.”
14. if you could be on any variety show, which one (or which type of one) would you want to be on?
“i live alone would be my first pick. only because i’ve decorated my house nicely recently, and haven’t had a chance to show it off to many people as i’m not home as often these days. however, that’d require an off day and i don’t have many of those lately. i think people would be shocked to see what i do when i’m around my house, lounging and rarely moving around.”
15. if you were offered the chance to become a ceo of an entertainment company, new or existing, would you take it? why or why not?
“as much as i’m leader of decipher, i don’t think i could handle leading a company. i wouldn’t want to become a ceo. it distracts from my own schedule, and i’d be too focused on my company rather than the hobbies and interests that appeal to me. sure, i’d make more money — but what’s more money on top of the money i already have? it’s counterproductive and i’d rather do what i like doing.”
16. what changes would you implement if you were the ceo of your company?
“each company runs on a specific pattern of events, and there’s a reason for that. a reason why routine shapes each group, so i wouldn’t necessarily change much. my trainee year was difficult, but it also fostered friendships within the group that i consider irreplaceable. the only change i can think of? maybe getting to know my artists rather than staying far off.”
17. what do you do to relieve the stress of idol life?
“i work out. i run a lot, and go to the gym as cliche as it sounds. but each role requires me to be in top shape, and after all that i’ve found a love for working out each morning. other than that, i like to shop and cook, even walk my dog. normal things any other person does on their day off. by the end of the day? finishing it off with a cold beer becomes my saving peace.”
18. what tips would you give to a trainee about to debut?
”push through it because it’s only a matter of time till debut happens. the trainee years are taken for granted, and you need to learn to treasure those moments. once debut happens, there’s no looking back and you’re constantly on the move — so, you’re better off enjoying now. also, don’t be afraid to approach sunbaes. we’re all in the same boat, been there and done that, so let us help where we can.”
19. what was the hardest part of being a trainee?
“singing while running around the room? i remember running too many laps, out of breath belting a high note. looking back, it was probably the time i thought i was going to end my trainee career right there and run to my parents. other than that? learning to live with others? i’ve lived a blessed life, and i’ve never had to share a room with anyone. that felt like a culture shock.”
20. did you enjoy the lifestyle of a trainee or of a debuted idol more?
“call me weird, but i’d say the trainee life. there was something special about those days, and now i’m so many years in my career and i miss the days crammed in the dorms. i don’t think there’s anything like it. the structure of it, the tears of joy and sadness all into one — every emotion all there. it’s rare moments like those i’ll never get back.”
21. what one song or album by another group or soloist would you have liked to release yourself?
“i’ve heard a lot of songs, but i heard a song recently by a charm member. one of the solo projects of dai, and his song let’s love was something that made me want to release music as well. maybe, it’s just inspiration just at that moment, but the song was something i enjoyed listening to. knight’s tempo was also something that i wish decipher was given, just because there’s a certain spark when it comes to the song.”
22. describe your dream sub-unit (members and concept).
“my dream sub-unit? does that relate to in-group or out of group? for the sake of this question, i’ll keep it in-group to simplify things. i’d like to keep our main vocal, myself and our lead rapper only because the maknae already has his thing in champion — though conceptually, i’m not sure what we’d be able to do. something non-dance related, i’d hope. perhaps, a power house vocal because i know our lead rapper can belt a few notes better than most main vocals of other groups.”
23. out of the following six options, would you rather be allowed to play a major hand in the lyrics, production, choreography, styling, music videos, or concepts you release?
“no lyrics, production or choreography. i’ve never been talented in that market, and maybe that’s why i don’t take part in any of these things. instead, i’d keep to the styling, and music videos — though, i don’t have an artistic eye. perhaps, i’d keep to styling as it lies most with my interests. my members might get bored of wearing the same dress shirts and slacks for each comeback.”
24. which of the two other companies (out of bc, dimensions, and gold star) you are not currently signed under would you rather be an artist in?
“none of the other two. i’ve said it time and time again that i’m loyal to bc — i might complain about it, sure. but in hindsight, i don’t see myself being in any other music company. now, if you had asked me in terms of acting? then, we’d have a different story between namoo, artist and vast.”
25. what is your least favorite part of being an idol?
“there’s no breaks, not for age. there’s little opportunity to cease the past, and continue on a new future. instead, i’m always tethered to the role of an idol, and despite how much i try — they still reel me back in each time for another comeback. on top of that, some songs don’t age well with time — decipher has a few of those. yet, because they’re fan favorites, i have no choice but to dance and sing along as if it’s 2009 again.”
26. what is your favorite part of being an idol?
“ironic, but there’s a lot of opportunities to try new things. i wouldn’t have thought of cf modeling or acting, if it weren’t for the opportunities presented to me. as a result, i’ve found a new enjoyment in an acting career due to the idol life. plus, along the way i meet different people to give me new insight — suppose it keeps me young again.”
27. would you rather be incredibly famous with a terrible reputation and hated by most or be fairly unknown with a good reputation and adored by those who know of you? why?
“i don’t know how to answer this one because being incredibly famous with a terrible reputation is just a cheapened output of your career you’ve built thus far. that would simply become a life unenjoyable, so by default i suppose i’d rather have the latter. fairy unknown with a good reputation because that way, you have a basis to build yourself up.”
28. what moment in your career are you proudest of so far?
“i’d either attribute it to parasite, which did win a lot of accolades not only in the country but out or i’d give it to the recent baeksang nomination for the dramas i was in. i don’t think i’d ever predict the success of stories i had a pleasure of working on. in retrospect, it was nice that so many people were able to relate and get along with the characters i was given the honor of portraying.”
29. what have you learned about yourself and/or society since becoming a celebrity?
“i’m no longer an extrovert. in fact, i’m more of an introvert. i used to think i was an extrovert, and one time i was when i was busy running around getting assimilated to those new faces. however, over the years, my circle’s only run short and i’ve been given little things here and there that make me want to preserve my small circle of people i’ve gotten to know along the way. i don’t like going out and partying, and much rather have a night in with dubu in peace.”
30. what would you like to change about how society views or treats idols?
“it’d be nice to be given more freedom — but isn’t that what everyone wants? i’m talking about stepping into something without facing backlash, or how we’re seen as approachable because we’re public figures. it’d be nice to sit down and have a meal without the thought of dispatch finding who i’m with, or scrutinizing any of my friendships. there should be some level of normalcy given, and i think that’s the least anyone could ask for.”
“joosung tell me if he’s really there.” it’s meant to be a cute little joke that helps her warm up her vocals, but she can’t seem to remember the next line, and so she bursts out into a short fit of laughter instead. group schedules have been pretty scarce, and yujin’s been spending most of her time on set and doing things for her drama instead. it’s begun airing and while the ratings haven’t been phenomenal for the first two episodes, the overall response doesn’t seem too bad.
however, nothing really beats doing something with her members instead and while this isn’t her favorite holiday song—her love for the holidays and the annual mariah carey jingle is far higher—it’s still nice to be able to see their faces for a longer time. she thinks this is a kind of feeling that groups who have reached a certain year since their debut and start stretching out into solo activities should feel. not someone like yujin. she looks over to joosung once more before humming along to the melody of the track.
“you think i could do an imitation of ariana if i tried?”
@fmdjoosung, november 19th, santa tell me recording
though they were technically not supposed to discuss their guest information with anybody else, suji was completely lost. she’d been assigned a main rapper and main dancer, and she just had no clue what that would mean in terms of music. she hadn’t even heard of the song that they were listening to a lot these days which meant that there was a lot of work to be done on her part. it couldn’t hurt to get some vague advice, right?
that’s how she ended up approaching joosung at the end of their recording. gold star must have been sending out their managers together or something because it seems like neither of their vans have arrived. the form is folded neatly in her hands which she’s grateful for now because she needs something to keep her hands busy. she’s still uncertain how to frame this question without being so direct, but she decides to go for it anyway.
“hey! congrats on the second place! i didn’t get to congratulate you last time so here i am now,” she starts out. “how are you feeling about the next round?”
“uh, how much longer do you think we’re stuck here?”
taking a look at the time on her phone, jaein can’t help but let out a frustrated sigh. she thinks she’s been waiting around for close to an hour and a half now without absolute instructions on what to look forward to. she knew that she’d be filming something, but she didn’t think she’d have to be waiting for so long. it was one of the few days that she didn’t have to be on a plane, and she really didn’t want to be spending it like this.
stretching out her arms and legs, she stole another glance at the individual besides her. this base complex was stupid, and she began to wonder if he felt the same. from what she’s seen of him on screen, she’d guess that he fell more into the category of being open minded about anything that was for the fans—though she’d argue that no part of this was actually for the fans. “what would you be doing if you didn’t have to be here? have any netflix recommendations?” it wasn’t always like her to strike up conversation, but she was bored out of her mind. plus, if he gave her decent enough recommendations then maybe she’d have something to watch during her gruesome flights.
