CHANYEOL for NYLON JAPAN January 2026 issue interview
NYLON JAPAN introduces CHANYEOL as a versatile musician, singer-songwriter, rapper, and actor Born November 27, 1992, in Seoul. He debuted in 2012 as a member of EXO-K. A rapper, singer-songwriter, and actor, Chanyeol is a versatile artist who actively pursues solo music activities alongside his group work. This year, with his 2nd Mini Album “Upside Down” and his 1st Mini Album in Japan “日々”(Hibi), he was involved in songwriting and production, establishing his own musical identity. A passionate lover of music, he continues to explore his wide-ranging talents as an artist.
Q: This time, you used items from NARS’ Holiday 2025 collection to create three different makeup looks. How was today’s photoshoot? 🍒: Since it was my first time appearing in a magazine for a beauty feature, I felt a bit nervous, wondering, “Will the makeup suit me…?” 🍒: But after seeing the photos we took, I felt like, “It actually looks good on me!” and the shoot became really enjoyable. In particular, the look using the pink blush from the Ethereal Aura Blush Ballet New Realm® felt really cute, and I liked it a lot.
Q: Since this was your first makeup photoshoot, did you feel like you discovered a “new you”? 🍒: I had always thought of myself as the “masculine type,” but once I tried makeup that incorporated color, I felt like, “This isn’t bad at all,” (laughs). It truly was a discovery of a new side of myself. 🍒: I realized that makeup isn’t something meant only for women. 🍒: Since it was so fun, I’d love to challenge myself with more beauty shoots from now on!
Q: You’ve worn makeup before during live performances as well, right? 🍒: Yes, during live performances I wear full makeup. Among the members, my eyes are quite big, so if the makeup is too heavy, it can look a bit too much. That’s why I usually try to keep my makeup natural.
Q: When the holiday season comes, is there anything you remember or any special memories you’d like to share? 🍒: Last year and the year before, I went camping with my dog for two Christmases in a row, bringing my guitar along. 🍒: When I was in my twenties, I liked spending Christmas in a lively way, gathering with friends and having fun. But now that I’m in my thirties, maybe I’ve calmed down a bit. 🍒: These days, spending quiet, relaxed time in a peaceful place with my dog feels the most comfortable. 🍒: I’m sure I’ll spend this year’s Christmas in the same simple, gentle way.
Q: In South Korea, do many people enjoy camping at Christmas? 🍒: I don’t think many do. It’s cold, after all (laughs). But I personally like camping. Especially during the Christmas season, it’s a busy time at work, so when I decide to go, I like that I can head out quickly and return just as easily. I enjoy that sense of freedom.
Q: This Christmas, what kind of gift would you like to give yourself after working hard all year? 🍒: A guitar. There’s a music store I always visit when I come to Japan, and recently I saw a new guitar they released online and thought, “Ah, I want it.” I’m planning to work a little more and then buy it, so I want to finish the year strong at work and make it a reward for myself. And with that guitar, I hope to one day share music in front of my fans.
Q: If you had to describe the “new self” you discovered today in one word, what would it be? 🍒: “Pink, pink, Chanyeol” (laughs).
Q: Chanyeol, what kind of image did you have of NARS? 🍒: From my impression and the fact that many makeup artists use it, I thought it was a very chic brand loved by professionals. When I explored the collection today, I felt that the pearly, aurora-like shimmer, the sparkling textures, and the colors were really beautiful.
NARS’s brand message is “TRUST YOURSELF”, and it encourages people to enjoy makeup freely according to their feelings and to discover new aspects of their own charm. Q: Chanyeol, is there anything you keep in mind to discover new sides of your own charm? 🍒: Today, I actually had a moment where I thought, “I’ve discovered a new me!” That was when I wore pink blush for the very first time in my life.
Q: Repeating “pink” twice shows just how much of a “new self” you discovered! Next, we’d like to ask about your activities as an artist. You debuted as a member of EXO-K in April 2012. Do you remember your debut days or your first job? 🍒: I remember it very well. Our first job was probably the music video shoot. After that, during our debut showcase, when the six members of EXO-K appeared on stage, we were standing with our backs to the audience, and I got goosebumps all over from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. When the stage ended and we talked with the members, everyone said they felt the same thing. I still vividly remember the atmosphere, the feeling, and the scene from that moment.
🍒: I’m the one who cries the easiest among the members. Q: Was that because you were nervous, or because you felt, “It’s starting now”? 🍒: Of course, I was nervous. There were about 3,000 people behind me, and the moment I heard their cheers, I got chills all over my body. I had never felt such an exhilarating sensation before.
Q: It’s been 13 years since your debut. During the time you’ve spent with your fans, are there any unforgettable moments or experiences that remain in your heart? 🍒: I’m the most emotional (the one who cries the easiest) among the members. At live shows, I receive so much emotion from the fans that I often end up crying. But during those moments, I truly feel “thank you” from the bottom of my heart. At the same time, it motivates me to think, “I need to work even harder.” That’s why I want to continue showing a cooler side of myself and deliver great music and performances.
Q: What’s been the most touching moment for you so far? 🍒: Last year around my birthday, we had a live show in Osaka, and the fans surprised me by singing a birthday song. I was so touched. it’s a memory I’ll never forget.
Q: You answer interviews in very fluent Japanese. How did you become so good at Japanese? 🍒: One reason is that I have a lot of friends in Japan, but I’ve also always really liked Japanese music. I’m also a big fan of anime and dramas, so I naturally became able to understand them. About 8 or 9 years ago, I also started studying the language properly.
Q: By the way, which Japanese artists or anime have influenced you?🍒: X JAPAN. I especially love YOSHIKI, and because of him, I started playing drums around fifth or sixth grade. After joining the agency(SM), I began practicing piano, and now I’m completely into guitar. I learned guitar from friends I played in a band with back in middle school. I’ve always loved music.
Q: You debuted at 19 and will soon be 33. During that time, you’ve grown and changed in many ways. What do you like about yourself now, or what would you like to give yourself credit for? 🍒: I often feel like I need to work even harder, so honestly, I don’t praise myself very much. But regarding my 2nd Mini Album “Upside Down” released in Korea this year, and my 1st Mini Album “日々” (Hibi) released in Japan, I really put my all into them, so I’d like to give myself a little credit for that.
Q: As an artist, what gives you motivation, energy, or emotional support to keep moving forward? 🍒: My biggest source of motivation is definitely live shows. When I’m on stage and see fans smiling or their eyes light up, it fills me with so many emotions. In those moments, I feel strongly, “I have to work even harder” and “I want to show everyone who supports me how much I’ve grown.” That feeling fuels me.
Q: So it’s the feeling of wanting to show a version of yourself that’s evolved even more than before? 🍒: Yes. I want to grow more, become a better person, and feel more confident in myself.
Q: What kind of person do you ideally want to be? 🍒: As an artist, someone who truly loves their work. And someone who doesn’t betray or disappoint the people who love and support them.
Q: What’s a moment recently when you’ve felt truly happy? 🍒: When I’m just spending time doing nothing with my dog. A few years ago, I used to feel happy when I was out playing sports or doing some active thing, really living in the moment. But recently, after spending hours in my home studio playing guitar and working, stepping out and just lounging on the sofa with my dog, those moments feel the happiest to me (laughs).
Q: Is there any music that your dog really enjoys listening to? 🍒: Not at all (laughs). But she seems to like music in general and always looks happy when it’s playing.
Q: What do you prioritize to live a life true to yourself? 🍒: Staying healthy and keeping my energy up. I don’t like to admit it (laughs), but since I entered my 30s, I feel like it takes a bit longer to recover from injuries. If I hurt my wrist, I won’t be able to play guitar, so I’ve realized that health has to come first. When your body is well, your mental state naturally stabilizes too, so I train every day and try to stay healthy both physically and mentally as much as possible.
Q: Was there any makeup look you felt like incorporating into your everyday life? 🍒: I usually don’t wear makeup at all. Even during EXO activities, I rarely wear makeup that has noticeable colors. So the three looks we shot this time were all very new experiences for me. 🍒: Among them, the pearl finish of the Quad Eyeshadow felt very natural and beautiful. It added a subtle pearly nuance around the eyes, creating a natural yet refined look. 🍒: For this holiday season, I thought it might be nice to try incorporating that kind of eye makeup.
Q: Chanyeol’s dog is well-known among fans, right? 🍒: Yes, I often post photos on SNS. Her name is “ZZAR,” taken from Mozart. By the way, my mom has a toy poodle named “Toben,” after Beethoven’s nickname. So our dogs are a “musical family” (laughs).
Q: Lastly, can you leave a message for NYLON readers? 🍒: When I was asked for this interview, I felt it was fate. My birthday is November 27, and the day after that, this issue of NYLON is released. Plus, it’s my first solo cover in Japan, which is a huge honor. The photoshoot was really fun, and I gave it my all. I hope many people will see it. I’ll also keep working hard on my future activities, so please look forward to them. Right now, we’re working on an EXO album, so please look forward to its release next year too!
© pcy base
