170106 [Interview Compilation] Shinhwa “Solitary For Now, Aiming For 150 Years Long Life”
This is a 3-part interview from ISplus. Most of it had been translated by Malpabo in previous articles. These are some extra bits.
Shinhwa (Eric, Shin Hyesyung, Kim Dongwan, Lee Minwoo, Junjin, Andy) is the living fossil of the idol history. Nineteen years ago when they first debuted in 1998 with ‘Resolver’, their average age was 19.5 years. Twenty years later, as the oldest idols, Shinhwa is standing shoulders to shoulders with much younger idols.
The group has released the most number of albums among all other groups, establishing themselves as the oldest idols with all original members. Along with the titles ‘ani-dol’, ‘dance-dol’, and ‘variety-dol’, they opened up the gate for individual career exploration. In the backdrop of the first generations regrouping like H.O.T, SechsKies, god.. Shinhwa members are also busy as actors, entertainers, and producers.
Now in their mid-30’s, Shinhwa still touches the hearts of female fans with their Homme-Fatal moves. Their new 13th album ‘UNCHANGING-TOUCH’ released on January 2nd was the most sold for the 4 consecutive days, according to Hanteo chart. The title single ‘TOUCH’ is the first introduction of Future Bass genre to Kpop. Lee Min-woo explained, “For 20 years, we’ve been playing with different ideas. Now we focus on expressing the sexy masculinity from our current position.”
• How do the members treat each other? Eric: There are times when we want to take a break from group/individual schedules. Sacrificing those times for Shinhwa members is the best you can do. On top of your personal tasks, you also follow Shinhwa’s schedule. Hyesung takes care of some concert coordination. Junjin is good at taking care of the staffs, who are easy to look over. He buys them drinks and treats them lunch or dinner here and there. Dongwan helps us when we get sick. He’s the medic. He knows things from his own experience. Hyesung: Call Dongwan first if you get sick Minwoo: Even for interviews like this, we know each other’s conditions and try to put extra effort for other members if needed. I think such attitude led to Shinhwa as we know it now.
• Eric was popular on ‘Three Meals A Day’ Eric: I honestly thought it might be a bit boring to watch. I often go to an island when I have my own free time. I love places like that, so the location was perfect for me. I enjoyed it but I was not sure what the viewers would make out of it.
• You’ve been in entertainment scene with JTBC ‘Shinhwa Broadcast’ Eric: It had all of us as a group but me alone, this was the first time. I did feel like I had to crack a joke or something. Other members would’ve done something to crack everybody up, but “3 Meals A Day” didn’t put any pressure. It was enjoyable and comfortable. If they want another season with the same members, I am willing to.
• Did the other members know about your cooking skills? Junjin & Hyesung: It was really good. We tried Dongchimi (white radish kimchi) before. Don’t know how he did it but it was incredible.
• Have you ever tried running a restaurant? Eric: I had, a couple times. But it didn’t work out. So I concluded it’s better to cook at home for myself. Junjin: Not everyone knows this.
• S.E.S lately got back together. What are your thoughts? Hyesung: They were the closest friends we had. We are truly happy for them. We hope we get to see them. Eric: They are our senior. We’ve been receiving greetings from younger idols. It’s our turn to go and greet them. We’re rooting for them.
• Some of S.E.S members are married now. Do you envy them? Eric: We have the album out right now, better be solitary. There is no plan for marriage yet.
• How do you find that balance between Shinhwa and your personal schedules? Eric: Shinhwa is the center of gravity. It is a big force for my profession and friendship. As a man in his 30s, Shinhwa members are the ones I can fully rely on when life hands out unpleasant circumstances.
• What is your goal, as the group Shinhwa. Eric: How about 150 years old idols? Relentless like the sea turtles (t/n: turtle is symblolic for longevity, patience, and blessing) Hyesung: Every encouraging word from the fans or other idols make us feel better. We are working hard to better ourselves. New records will be set as the time passes. Just watch.
Source: ISplus (1, 2) + Translation by EricMun.tumblr
