[140520] YIXING Sohu Full and Comprehensive Interview Translation
PART I: A person who “eats crabs” (pioneer): “No one has guaranteed me as to whether the studio will be a success or not”
With regards to the establishment of the personal studio, some people may say that Zhang Yixing is lucky, but as Zhang Yixing has said “I chose to persevere along this path. Whether or not it will be successful, no one has guaranteed that.” He is SM’s first person to “eat crab”, enjoying the delicious crab meat, but also bearing the risk of being “pinched” by crab claws. During the interview, Zhang Yixing would take the initiative to ask reporters whether they have been following EXO, and then carry on to telling them about future schedule they have been arranged to participate in. The famous EXO who does not require any of these introductions, but Zhang Yixing still carried on doing so.
SOHU: How did the opportunity to set up a personal studio in China first come about?
Yixing: At the beginning my thought was, even though I debuted in Korea and have opportunities to develop in Korea; I am still Chinese, I hope I can gain recognition from people in China. Also, I would like to be able to come back more often to see the fans in China, and also to accompany my family. During my activities, if I’m in Changsha, for example if I go on <Happy Camp>, I am able to go and visit my family.
SOHU: When this was first mentioned, were you more proactive or was the company more proactive?
Yixing: I was the one who first mentioned it. And maybe because the company also had the same idea, hoping to be able to manage artiste’s activities and development in China, so we were able to reach a general agreement and so therefore went quite smooth.
SOHU: Because SM been very strict in the past, how did you manage to be able mention this to the company?
Yixing: Because I believe. Trust, it’s because of trust, I feel that it is possible.
SOHU: A lot of people have said that being able to set up this studio in China today, is strongly related to Luhan and Wu Yifan, do you think it’s because of this? Meaning that, the set up of your studio was due to their credit.
Yixing: Firstly, I feel that what happened in the past will have an effect on the company. For every choice and every decision I make now, will also have an effect on the company. No matter whether it’s the company or ourselves, we are all experiencing this process of growth, change and trying. I think it’s like this.
SOHU: Regarding this, netizens are saying that you are “scheming”, have you seen this? What do you think of this?
Yixing: While you are doing anything, you will hear a lot of different sounds. I feel that this is a very normal thing. Right now, I’m dedicated and determined to choose this path. Whether or not it succeeds, whether or not it’s 100% correct, no one can guarantee me; no one can tell me the final answer. Everything has been explored by me, working hard to try things. So the only thing I can do is to stick by my choice, and work hard for my choice.
SOHU: SM is famous for being strict with their artistes and trainees, what is it that makes you breakdown?
Yixing: From another perspective, the company’s strictness is for us to develop even better in the future, to be more prepared and also temper your inner heart. This is why it has led everyone to misunderstand SM as being too strict and harsh, this is how I understand it. Difficult or something that makes you feel sad is when you feel like you’re not good enough at your profession, whether it’s singing or dancing. Another thing is not being able to see your family often. Even though I am not really one to get homesick, but my dad, mum, granddad and grandma, they all miss me very much.
SOHU: Did the departure of Luhan and Wu Yifan strongly affect the members who remained?
Yixing: Definitely can’t say that it hasn’t affected us at all, it has definitely affected us. But I believe there’s a phrase that says, “It’s good only when everyone is good, when everyone is good, it’s good enough.”
SOHU: During that time, did you comfort the other younger brothers of the group?
Yixing: They have very strong hearts. So I can only hope that from now on, all our members can walk the rest of our future paths hand in hand.
PART II: Spaced out cutie, good student: “Upon seeing that sasaeng video, I was numb from head to foot”.
True to Zhang Yixing’s weibo username “work hard, work hard, and work harder” (努力努力再努力), he would put some encouraging words for himself on his phone’s lockscreen. Likewise, he resembles that good student in class, answering all the questions in the interview in an orderly manner. During break time, when he had a short talk about being filmed by Zhuo Wei (*famous Chinese paparazzi) in secret, Yixing took off his coat and became high like a kid. “Upon seeing that video, I was numb from head to foot, I totally wasn’t aware when they took it, particularly the one where I was eating, there was definitely a wall beside me, how did they even manage to film it?” As he was done saying it, he specially dug out the poem he commended Zhuo Wei for: “鲜肉再度从天降，苦修七载志未伤。” (“Fresh meat who fell from the sky once again, painstakingly carrying 7 aspirations not yet injured” T/N: Very vague but might mean that Yixing toiled and worked hard for 7 years but his ambitions never once fade away) -he was reading it out loud at the same time trying to explain it to everyone. When someone asked him if he already seen Zhuo Wei, Yixing gave an incredulous reply, “Is it really possible to meet Zhuo Wei laoshi?” which simply took the cuteness of the “fresh meat” to an all new level. The quiet cameraman couldn’t resist but explain to him, “Zhuo Wei is also a person okay?”
SOHU: I see that you always post your selcas on weibo, and generally, people who are as handsome as you are, are quite vain. Do you think you’re a narcissistic type of person too?
Yixing: I’m not narcissistic but I wish to make weibo a medium for me to connect with my fans, to be able to update them about my recent activities. So at times, I’d show them what I’m filming, or sometimes let them know that I’m alright. I’m okay recently, I’m in good shape.
SOHU: After coming in China to expand, it’s likely that there will be quite a lot of film producers or perhaps directors giving you love calls right?
Yixing: Recently, there are still many movie invites, but as I’m busy filming with my first movie these days, I want to focus all my attention on this first film. In the future, I might discuss the offers with the staff.
SOHU: Now that we have come to talk about it, what kind of role do you wish to take most?
Yixing: I would like to try a lot of different roles, but I want to try acting as a killer most, moreover the kind who are really cold-blooded.
SOHU: Were you nervous when you shoot your movie for the first time?
Yixing: Nervous, stressed, and can’t sleep at night.
SOHU: Will you meet with other seniors to seek advice? What homework have you done?
Yixing: There was one time I talked with Song Seung Heon-hyung, I asked him how he’s able to act so well. Hyung told me very kindly, work hard and you’ll be able to act well. After that, I asked him if there are any shortcuts, he told me there is no other way, hyung is very realist. And he helped me a lot, taught me some things related to acting.
SOHU: When you went to record《Running Man》(China), did they give you a hard time?
Yixing: My fellow guests on Running Man were all extremely nice, with exceptional brotherhood, with enough loyalty. Because they all thought I was fragile, everyone came to protect me.
SOHU: So when you are in variety shows, are you more open or the reserved type?
Yixing: 50/50 I guess, but basically whatever you see in variety shows is the real me, it’s my true personality.
SOHU: You might walk many pathways to expand yourself. You’ve tried hosting, singing, acting, everyone calls you the “all-rounded Xing” , which one do you like yourself?
Yixing: My childhood dream is really about music. After becoming an artiste, I felt somewhat responsible to even guide more people. Doing the things I want to do and leading the direction with a positive energy. I prefer music, but now that I’m also acting in a movie, it gives me a very refreshing, very interesting, and also very knowledgeable impression, so I hope to work hard on this area as well.
PART III: The idol who fell from the sky: “I hope that more of the Chinese public can get to know us”
As an idol, EXO are very popular amongst youths. But on the other hand, there are a lot of adults who are not familiar with “worshipping” idols. During a show, actor Wu Jing saw a picture of EXO and said he did not recognise them at all, and also asked “Male or female” which caused dissatisfaction amongst fans. From debut until now, there have always been a lot of disputes surrounding EXO. What is Zhang Yixing’s views on these?
SOHU: There are a lot of people who have said that EXO are idols who fell from the sky, have you heard of this before? In other words, it means that those who love you, love you a lot, but other people may not know of your existence entirely.
Yixing: Of course, we are still lacking a lot and there is no place where everyone knows us.
SOHU: Previously, we saw when Wu Jing saw the picture of you guys and asked “male or female?” Did you follow this issue?
Yixing: Teacher Wu Jing is a senior who I respect a lot, and also a very good actor, so ever since I was young, I watched his movies and TV shows while growing up. Recently, he released a new film called <Wolf Warriors> which he self-directed and self-acted. So I hope I have the opportunity to go and watch it. Also, I hope that during 2015, our members can work hard together, to allow more friends in China to get to know us better. If you can, please support us a lot!
SOHU: When was the last time you cried a lot?
Yixing: Ever since I promised fans I wouldn’t cry, practically haven’t cried much after.
Yixing: It’s because I can’t go back, because time is very tight, there is only 2 days. Previously, I participated as a host for CCTV’s Network Spring Festival. After hosting that event, because I fell behind on learning some of the choreography, and EXO’s concert was approaching, there was no time for me to rest and to go home. So on that day, when it was time for everyone to go home and celebrate Chinese New Year, I was practising the dance in the studio because I didn’t want to drag everyone behind. So, on that day when I called them (my family), I said “Hello, mum. Happy Chinese New Year, may the Year of the Goat be lucky.” And so it was like this (I teared), but I didn’t let it flow out.
SOHU: Do you remember the reason you last cried was?
Yixing: Last time I cried, I think it was because I was homesick. I said I’m not the type to always think about home, but there are times because of a message from my grandparents, or a message from my parents, that make me sad.
SOHU: What kind of circumstance?
Yixing: It’s because I can’t go back, because time is very tight, there is only 2 days. Previously, I participated as a host for CCTV’s Network Spring Festival. After hosting that event, because I fell behind on learning some of the choreography, and EXO’s concert was approaching, there was no time for me to rest and to go home. So on that day, when it was time for everyone to go home and celebrate Chinese New Year, I was practising the dance in the studio because I didn’t want to drag everyone behind. So, on that day when I called them (my family), I said “Hello, mum. Happy Chinese New Year, may the Year of the Goat be lucky.” And so it was like this (I teared), but I didn’t let it flow out.
SOHU: So at the time, what did your family members say to you?
Yixing: Because it was very lively at my home, relatives and distant relatives all came over, everyone said something to me, my heart didn’t feel good. At that moment, I had just reached the dorms after finishing dance practice; I was alone in the bathroom.
SOHU: Have you had an experience of chasing a girl? Can you share it with us?
Yixing: Yes, of course I have. It was during high school.
SOHU: So was it successful or did you get rejected?
Yixing: From the start, it should have failed.
SOHU: Say if you met a girl that you liked, and you pursued her but she rejected you, are you the type who would continue to wait for her, or the type who would look for the next target?
Yixing: I will wait. Yes, I will wait.
SOHU: What type of girl do you like? Would you want to look for a Chinese girl or a Korean girl?
Yixing: As long as she is kind-hearted, and have a similar personality as myself, that will be good. Chinese or Korean, it really doesn’t matter. Most important is good character and personality.
SOHU: Does your mum have an requirements for when you find a girlfriend? When do you want to start dating?
Yixing: Mum said that as long as the girl treats me well, she will be okay with it. This depends on fate, if it comes, you won’t be able to block it.
SOHU: What are your views on marriage? Because there are many fans who are crazier now, if you were to get married, would choose to keep it a secret or publicly announce it?
Yixing: Firstly, marriage needs to be respected and feared. Respect, is to respect the female which is not easy. Fear, is fear of eternal love, love can be eternal. I haven’t thought about hiding my marriage, I will decide after I see where people stand with marriage. If, by that time, everyone is resenting those issues, I may make some adjustments. But for now, I haven’t really thought about it.
SOHU: Have you got anything planned for your future?
Yixing: At this present stage, I would like to be able to be in China, and to allow more people to recognise me. If it’s possible, to recognise EXO, and also be able to further develop myself.
SOHU: As your future development, does this mean that you will be bringing some members from Korea to China? Or to help them, by allowing more people in China to know about them?
Yixing: Yes, can, if there are opportunities like this, I am willing to do these referrals. I hope that it will be able help the company establish a positive image, and also develop myself.
TRANS BY: @yixingspixie and @jiashuais | on layixingworld
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