duri was a bit excited to do an interview, especially with someone who’s a good friend of his. but, he thought it was going to be really interesting to interview a member of a group that was a bit newer to the scene of the industry, compared to duri’s almost nine years within the industry. which, to be quite honest, felt a little strange to think that he was almost an idol for a decade... he really was getting old, if he wasn’t already considered old, wasn’t he? but, there was no need to think upon that, doing a video interview was what was important right now.
he was dressed in a bit of a more laidback look, but something that was still seen as nice, as that was really the tone for the interview. he looked over interview questions that he had written down, something that was used more as a template of sorts, considering the fact that the laid back conversation was most likely going to go all over the place. he had sat down in the chair, eyes looking around. when he saw jiwon, he waved at her with both of his hands, his smile growing. as she was escorted over, he spoke, “hi!” he greets. “sit down, make yourself comfortable, and once you’re ready, we can give the cue to start!”
everything had been set up, and the only thing left was for the stream to go live. clearing her throat, jaein handed over a water bottle to jiwon as well since she was unsure how long this live would go on. she assumes a little over an hour, but she’s aware that things can go out of plan. they had given a sneak peak on their group twitter about what the live would be about, and she wondered what kind of advice their fans would want to hear from them.
when the staff member behind the camera gave them the cue, jaein quickly put on a smile and waved. “hi, everyone.” her voice is a little quiet, but she blames it on her sore throat. from the comeback promotions to her radio host spot, she’s been using her throat a lot. “jiwon and jaein here,” she cuts herself off to lean closer to her group member and strike a short pose. “and we’re here to give out some advice!” she thinks she sounds a lot more natural than she did even a couple of months ago because of all those months hosting a radio show, but it still feels a little awkward doing a live. “feel free to send in anything in the comments! it could be trivial like what should i have for dinner or something more serious. we’ll do our best to answer as many as we can!”
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.”
He had never really thought about this since he'd been so focused and distracted by Vive's debut. He paused for a moment as he thought before answering, a soft and welcoming smile graced his lips. ❛ I haven't really thought about this. I guess I'd love to see Vive succeed and win rookie of the year. I'd also like to try and step out of my comfort zone more in terms of my career like appear on variety shows or release a solo song. ❜
9. what song have you been listening to a lot that you would recommend to fans?
Answered here!
11. what should someone do to win your heart?
Answered here!
19. what is your happiness level these days on a scale from 0 to 100?
The vocalist grinned brightly as he answered. ❛ My happiness is always 100! I have so many things to be happy about and so much to be thankful for. I'm here, I'm alive, and I'm living. That's enough to make me happy. Plus, I get to spend every day with amazing people. ❜
21. what words of advice would you give to someone studying for their college exam?
This was hard for him to answer as Daehyun was probably the worst person to ask about this as he had struggled during the exams. He tried to think about how he had been back then and what he wished he had known as he answered. ❛ Grades are not everything and it's ok if you fail. Remember to take regular study breaks and to take some time to just have fun. Prepare well for them but also remember to take care of yourself! You can't sit the exams if you aren't well or a 100% at your best. ❜
29. what job would you want if you weren’t an idol?
This was a tough question for him as he had not really thought about this. He was in his first year of college when he'd been approached to be a contestant on Hot Topic(k). ❛ I would probably still be studying if I wasn't an idol. Or travelling. As for what job I'd want, I'm not exactly sure as I never really had a specific job I wanted to do. I was going to use my study to work it out. ❜
👀do you have any painters/illustrators you look up to? if yes, who and what makes their art so appealing to you? 👀how do you think your songwriting has developed so far? in which areas is improving your biggest priority? which aspects of it do you like and want to develop further? 👀what would think you'd be doing if you hadn't chosen to go down the idol path?
👀 do you have any painters/illustrators you look up to? if yes, who and what makes their art so appealing to you?
“yes i do! there’s a lot of different artists that i find myself enamored with, but you know — that short of infatuation comes in pieces. one day i’ll love agnes martin and the other who knows, i’ll see a basquiat piece i haven’t seen before and suddenly, i’ll fall under the spell of basquiat. rothko’s nice because of colors, but i’ll stop here. my love affair with artists come in waves depending on what mood i’m in that season.” (i did a headcanon a while ago, which goes into more detail if anyone is interested!)
👀how do you think your songwriting has developed so far? in which areas is improving your biggest priority? which aspects of it do you like and want to develop further?
“there’s been experimental phases — i don’t shut myself out compared to genre like i used to. in fact, it causes me to be more social and collaborative in the works i choose to take part in. it used to be a thing for me, but i’ve found out that branching out and writing my story for other people to tell also leaves some ounce of therapy in my bones. cathartic, and at the end of the day, it just amounts to selfish reasoning, doesn’t it? i think right now, i’d want to explore more genres, try out a song where it doesn’t pertain to love and heartbreak that ties in ballads or the sounds of guitar lulls. instead, maybe i’d write an angry coming of age dance pop song.”
👀what would think you'd be doing if you hadn't chosen to go down the idol path?
“i’d say i’d be a mid to top-tier university graduate in the states. i wouldn’t be at hopkins like my sister or been accepted to penn like my brother. instead, maybe i’d be at nyu or in the best case scenario where my parents give out the big bucks and pull their strings, i’d be a graduate from the art program at yale. then, afterwards — i’d do some soul searching, which is just an excuse for bumming at my parents till they cut the strings to tell me to get a job. ultimately, maybe then, i’d be a museum curator? a graphic designer living in some city with my dog pickle while my parents set me up on blind dates every week.”
👀if you could trade brains with a famous philosopher, whose would you want and why? 👀what is the worst part about being in love? what is the best one? 👀what is the most important lesson you've learnt about taking care of your mental health since last autumn?
send me a “👀 + a question” and my muse has to answer honestly! - accepting!
👀if you could trade brains with a famous philosopher, whose would you want and why?
“Honestly, anyone. Just get me out of my own brain and it’s a win.”
👀what is the worst part about being in love? what is the best one?
“I don’t think there is a worst part in general. Vulnerability is hard, but it’s rewarding as long as you’re with the right person. The best part? Being in love. Caring that much for someone and having them care in return. Having someone to share that intimacy with, all of your highs and your lows. Getting to know another person in a way no one else does.”
👀what is the most important lesson you've learnt about taking care of your mental health since last autumn?
“I don’t know how much I’ve learned. Most of the action I’ve been taking is more about my physical health than anything so my doctor will get off my back. If you extend it to since last summer, I’ve learned that I’m not actually too busy to see a therapist if I make it a priority and that was just an excuse.”
👀what was your favourite part about releasing music all on your own? what was the hardest one? 👀what would your fairy tale romance look like? how much of that do you think is actually realistic to hope for? 👀what are your favourite bits of fuse lyrics and why do you think they speak to you?
👀what was your favourite part about releasing music all on your own? what was the hardest one?
“My favorite part is to see the progress. It is very satisfying to me to see where I was and where I’m going with the songs I’m writing now, even if they don’t get released. I can feel I progressed quite a lot and learned a lot, and that was all because I started doing songs for myself and others. From the ones I’ve released to this day, I will say that the most difficult was I’m Your Girl, mainly because it was the first one, I’ve ever done, and it was done as a collaboration as well, so I was very nervous because I wanted to get everything right.”
👀what would your fairy tale romance look like? how much of that do you think is actually realistic to hope for?
“It’ll sound very cliché, but I want a romance like my parents’. They met when they were in university, and they didn’t hit off well in the beginning. My mom used to think that my father was too much of a class clown, and she didn’t like that as much, but they somehow figured things out, and now they have an amazing partnership, and they love each other and understand each other in a way that I don’t think I can explain. If they found something like that in, I can’t see why I wouldn’t, but isn’t it difficult to find someone like that in real life?
👀what are your favourite bits of fuse lyrics and why do you think they speak to you?
“There’s one song in our The Red album that is called Cool World, and I think that song is just very good from beginning to end. There’s a part that goes ‘Feel it differently, look at it differently. Even if it feels like you’re walking around in circles. Because I love myself because I’m so me.’ If I think about it, this is pretty much me whenever I’m having a creative block, and I think it somehow helps to hear this kind of thing when you’re having a hard time and I’m trying to live more by that.”
👀what was competing on king of masked singer like for you? would you do it again if given the chance? 👀if you could steal a senior group's discography, whose would you nab and why? 👀if you had to describe feeling love or affection for someone else to a little child, how would you word your explanation?
Send me a “👀 + a question” and my muse has to answer honestly!
👀what was competing on king of masked singer like for you? would you do it again if given the chance?
“I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I wasn’t really expecting to, but there’s something exciting about knowing that no one there can judge you based on anything other than your skills. Maybe if they knew I was a rookie idol, I wouldn’t have gone as far as I did, but because they didn’t, they only voted based on what they heard. I don’t think I would do it again, though. I already won, so there’s not much else I can do there. At least not for another few years.”
👀if you could steal a senior group's discography, whose would you nab and why?
“Fuse. It’s hands down the best discography around, no duds whatsoever, and it’s also challenging enough that I know not just anyone would be able to pull it off.”
👀if you had to describe feeling love or affection for someone else to a little child, how would you word your explanation?
“I... don’t know how to talk to children. I don’t know. If they are little what’s something they can love? Their teddy bear?”
