[TRANS] DBSK - SHINE 2nd Artist Book interviews, Part 2 of 5 - Yoochun
There are times when you're translating something and after hours of work and you're still only halfway done, you pause and wonder if anyone will actually be interested in something you have to produce, if you shouldn't just delete everything and save yourself all the trouble right now. I just want to thank you guys SO much for the amazing and encouraging comments I received for Part 1 of this project ((: Some people just really put smiles on my faces and made me feel that the trouble was all worth it. I was, honestly, shocked (in a good way), and very touched. :D I dedicate this translation to every one of you awesome DBSK fans ♥♥♥
[Emotions]
Q: Shall we start with "happiness"? Why don't you let us hear about something that made you happy?
A: My becoming a member of Tohoshinki; and I was also happy about being given the opportunity to hold activities outside of Korea, in Japan and other countries as well. Especially our activities in Japan. Because even though we've had concerts in other countries, we don't hold activities there as properly as we do in Japan.
Q: Because you've stayed in Japan for a long period and been in an environment where you've been able to carefully hold promotions and recordings, right?
A: I am happy about that. Because though there have been other Korean groups coming to Japan for short periods as foreigners in order to do promotional activities, Tohoshinki is not like them. Since we have exactly the same schedules whether we're in Japan or Korea, and we had to start our activities from the very beginning, just like Japanese artists. There haven't been any artists given that kind of opportunity, so I was delighted to be able to receive that chance as a Tohoshinki member. That is what I am proud of!
Q: Next is "anger". What is something that has made you angry?
A: During the roughly three months when we first came to Japan, we really were lonely. That loneliness we felt at first turned into anger later, though there isn't a reason why. And to be honest, the members' relationships with each other became not very good. But on the contrary, it is true that when we overcame that period, the bonds between the five of us grew even deeper.
Q: That's because you were living in a completely different environment to what you had been experiencing till before that, right?
A: At first we couldn't even speak Japanese, and because we didn't even have friends we didn't have anything to do during our private time. In Korea, even if we were busy we'd be able to meet our friends or parents if we wanted to, we'd be able to speak to them, but in Japan the only way we could talk was on the phone. Even if we wanted to go out we wouldn't be able to speak Japanese, and if our manager wasn't around we would be unable to do anything. That was something that I had felt when I was in America, and that feeling was something I remembered once again.
Q: And so that became anger. And you were angry at yourself for wanting to do things but not being able to do them.
A: Yes. Lately I've been going to the supermarket by myself, cycling in the streets by myself, so I've made progress (laughs).
Q: You've shown amazing growth.
A: Because we had that kind of period at first, I'm able to think of our circumstances now as a truly very good one.
Q: Next is "enjoyment". What is something you've enjoyed?
A: What I've enjoyed and been glad I joined Tohoshinki for is not receiving grand prizes or our debut, but the fact that I've met good staff members. We were really busy when shooting the video for "The way U are" in Korea, we didn't have time to eat or time to sleep, but if for example we'd be shooting a close-up scene, just for one member there'd be the cameraman, lighting guy, about eight people doing their very best - seeing them, that's what I felt. "I'm glad I met these staff members."
Q: Well, how about something that made you sad?
A: It's the fact that ever since I became a member of Tohoshinki, I haven't been able to see my friends like I used to, after all. Even friends who I've known from before, because they look at me now as Yoochun of Tohoshinki, that is a little lonely. Plus I want to keep a dog, but I have an allergy...pity (laughs).
Q: Earlier there was someone who said he was lonely because he wasn't able to meet with his family, how about you?
A: Instead of wanting to see them, it's more like wanting to feel them. For example it's okay even if I don't get to see them, but I remember the meals my mother used to make for me when I was a child, and think "I wish I could feel my mother." Because even if I'm in other countries, that's something I'm able to feel. Also when our schedule is over and I return home and get in the shower, and the two to three minutes before I fall asleep, those are somehow the loneliest moments I have.
[Travel]
Q: Shall we talk about travel next? What is a trip that has remained in your memories till now?
A: I've talked about my trip to America in interviews before, so...I guess I'll talk about the trip I made in Korea this year. We had ten days of holiday, so I went to the sea in Cheongdo-gun by myself. That was really great. What I felt then was..."Ahhh, this is a little crazy*." (smiles bitterly)
Q: Eh, what was crazy?
A: In the past, when I was in America I had no money, and to be honest I was working part-time jobs more than I was going to school. And with the money I earned, I'd buy food or clothes for my younger brother. But returning to Korea and debuting with Tohoshinki, and gaining a level of popularity in Korea, now I've come to even own a car. And don't I even have more of an allowance** now compared to back then? So I think, "Now I can even come to the sea, in a car...all kinds of things have changed these four to five years." It felt a little good, but I also thought, "This is crazy."
Q: Even though your circumstances have gotten better, I wonder why it is you think of it as crazy.
A: Though I think I've been really lucky to have received these kinds of opportunities these four, five years, doesn't that mean there have also been people who haven't been receiving these opportunities? For example, Tohoshinki's dancers or manager in Korea. I ride in my own car although I'm still young. Of course I think that's a good thing, but when I think about the people around me...
Q: You feel that you've been too blessed when comparing yourself to people of your generation or the people around you, don't you?
A: For example, we go to all kinds of countries for work. Even though we move around in a nice car, our staff members move around in a bus. Even in my private life, everyone's treatment of me has changed from how it used to be... For example when I said I wanted to eat with my dancers: "Have you eaten?" "Not yet." When I said, "Then come over here and let's eat together," they said, "Ahhh, now's a bit..." kind of half-heartedly. Even if that happens, I think that I myself cannot afford to change.
Q: Yoochun is himself even if he becomes a big star.
A: I don't want people to think that I've changed. I am concerned about the relationships between myself and the people around me. All of Tohoshinki's members hold that same thought. I perform on stage with a kind of "I am different" feeling, but once I get off the stage the time I spend living normally completely does not differ from other people. But if we had only been active in Korea, I might not be able to think that way. We became first place in Korea as singers and had our breakthrough, but because we came to Japan, and because we had to start from the beginning all over again, I think that's why I felt that way.
Q: So you're saying you're glad you were able to return to how you originally felt, one more time. That is what you told us when you talked about "happiness" as well. It's related to how you were happy that you were able to start activities from the beginning in Japan, just like you did in Korea, isn't it?
A: That's right. I'm really glad.
Q: Let's go back to talking about your travels.
A: Instead of spending my money on traveling, I'd rather buy a house early instead.
Q: A house?
A: This house, it actually means I want to start a family. I want to create a place early on where I can be at peace, a house where I can say, "This is my place."
Q: You're thinking about that even though you're young.
A: I only think of that once in a while, though (laughs). If I travel, I'd like to go to Bora Bora again after all~
Q: I knew it, that's where you're going to go, is it?! (laughs)
A: I don't think it's just me, all of Tohoshinki probably feels that way. In any case, it's because the people in Bora Bora all have great faces. They have no stress, and there's nothing like, "Who are those people?"
Q: The people on the island all have tranquil faces, don't they?
A: For example, the feeling when they say, "Good morning" is different. I get the feeling I'd be able to become like that if I were on that island (laughs). The scenery is beautiful, but more than that the atmosphere the people on the island create is really great.
Q: You've told me before that you'd like to go on a trip backpacking, right?
A: Ahhh, I really want to go backpacking! If I could, I'd just have a map, carry a bag on my shoulders, and make absolutely no plans.
Q: Travel where your heart takes you.
A: Aaahh~, I want to try it. Even a month will be fine, I will definitely do it someday!
[Music]
Q: Which Western artist do you like the most right now?
A: To be honest, there are many artists that I love. Recently, and I was listening to him today as well, the pianist Bill Evans. I found out about him when an artist called Brad Mehldau participated in a Bill Evans tribute album. I heard it and that started it all.
Q: You like piano pieces?
A: I love the piano. I think both singing and dancing are like this, but aren't they about the expression of emotions, with what you think, what you feel and so on? I think the piano is that way too. I love feeling while listening to myself put my own emotions into a piece and play. Also someone I've been listening to a lot lately is Yolanda Adams. And the soundtrack of the movie "Bridget Jones's Diary".
Q: How about Japanese artists?
A: Kuramoto Yuuki. I've come to listen to him a lot lately. Because I listen to him on the background music of his homepage***.
Q: How about Korean artists?
A: Recently, clazziquai (who hold activities in Japan as CLAZZIQUAI PROJECT). I put them in my iPod and listen to them a lot.
Q: What about them do you recommend?
A: They have a good raw, new age kind of feel. The female vocalist's voice may have a gentle sound, but if you hear it right in front of you it gives you goosebumps. I love their song called "Speechless".
Q: By the way, Yoochun, how about lyric writing and song composition?
A: I do them both. I've loved writing lyrics since I was in America, I'd skip school and go somewhere by myself, and write poems**** and lyrics (laughs). Going to America, at first I had absolutely no friends, so I turned my conversations with myself into lyrics. I love to write lyrics even now. It's just this year that I've been placing more importance on composing songs. I compose songs every morning, from 5 to 6 a.m.
Q: Recently it's felt like all the Tohoshinki members are crazy about composing music, hasn't it?
A: We've brought all our equipment and materials over from Korea. Since our manager brought the one remaining mixer that was in Korea over for us today.
Q: What are the songs you've completed recently like?
A: The song I composed yesterday was an R&B song with a beat. It's a bit different from what I've been composing until now.
Q: How many original songs do you have?
A: Over fifty. Recently I composed a slightly erotic song as well. With a sticky feel. I composed it while eating natto (T/N: fermented soybeans - which are very sticky). That was a joke (laughs). It's a song that I slightly........composed while imagining doing it (laughs).
Q: Hm? While imagining doing what?
A: Errrrrr, the time when you love, when you love...
Q: You summarised it beautifully (laughs). (Yoochun lets the interviewer hear the R&B ballad he has composed on his iPod) Ohh, isn't that a good song?!
A: If you come to our house you get to hear even more. Since there are people here, it's a bit embarrassing (smiles bashfully).
[Private]
Q: What is something you've been into recently?
A: I actually hadn't been able to eat natto for ages, but I came to like it about a month ago. Now I'm eating about three packets with every meal.
Q: What got you liking natto?
A: Seeing Jaejoong and Changmin eating it like it was delicious. I thought, "Is it really that delicious?" and wanted to try it a little. At first I thought it tasted bad, but when I next ate it, I thought it might be a little good... And the next time it became even more good. Now I cannot eat meals in Japan without natto! Natto is a Japanese art...(everyone bursts out laughing)
Q: By the way, if you had a time machine would you want to go to the future? Or the past?
A: I'd want to go to the future. Five or ten years in the future.
Q: And what would you want to see there?
A: I'd like to see the me of that time, the future me, for just a little, about five minutes and then return. And if I could go to the past I'd want to see my parents before I was born. "What kind of couple were they? How did both of them love each other?" Also if it were possible I'd like to return to the moment my younger brother was born.
__________
T/N:
* The word Chun used is "yabai", which in slang can mean either "this sucks" or "this rocks" (both in big ways), depending on its usage. It normally has a bit more of a negative context though. Chun was very open-ended about it so I'm just translating it as "this is crazy" because that made more sense with his following explanation.
** This could mean more time, more money, more of a right to spend, etc...
*** Or Chun's homepage. It just said "homepage". Oh, the dropping of pronouns. D8
**** Could also be another word for "song", but it seemed a bit redundant to repeat that he wrote lyrics right after.
*kind of died at the sexual fantasy part* Next up is Jaejoong! Comments are immensely appreciated (:
P.S. IS IT JUST ME MEDIAFIRE IS BEING INSANELY SLOW FOR. We are talking 1KB/s slow. WHAT IS GOING ON. DDD;
[Emotions]
Q: Shall we start with "happiness"? Why don't you let us hear about something that made you happy?
A: My becoming a member of Tohoshinki; and I was also happy about being given the opportunity to hold activities outside of Korea, in Japan and other countries as well. Especially our activities in Japan. Because even though we've had concerts in other countries, we don't hold activities there as properly as we do in Japan.
Q: Because you've stayed in Japan for a long period and been in an environment where you've been able to carefully hold promotions and recordings, right?
A: I am happy about that. Because though there have been other Korean groups coming to Japan for short periods as foreigners in order to do promotional activities, Tohoshinki is not like them. Since we have exactly the same schedules whether we're in Japan or Korea, and we had to start our activities from the very beginning, just like Japanese artists. There haven't been any artists given that kind of opportunity, so I was delighted to be able to receive that chance as a Tohoshinki member. That is what I am proud of!
Q: Next is "anger". What is something that has made you angry?
A: During the roughly three months when we first came to Japan, we really were lonely. That loneliness we felt at first turned into anger later, though there isn't a reason why. And to be honest, the members' relationships with each other became not very good. But on the contrary, it is true that when we overcame that period, the bonds between the five of us grew even deeper.
Q: That's because you were living in a completely different environment to what you had been experiencing till before that, right?
A: At first we couldn't even speak Japanese, and because we didn't even have friends we didn't have anything to do during our private time. In Korea, even if we were busy we'd be able to meet our friends or parents if we wanted to, we'd be able to speak to them, but in Japan the only way we could talk was on the phone. Even if we wanted to go out we wouldn't be able to speak Japanese, and if our manager wasn't around we would be unable to do anything. That was something that I had felt when I was in America, and that feeling was something I remembered once again.
Q: And so that became anger. And you were angry at yourself for wanting to do things but not being able to do them.
A: Yes. Lately I've been going to the supermarket by myself, cycling in the streets by myself, so I've made progress (laughs).
Q: You've shown amazing growth.
A: Because we had that kind of period at first, I'm able to think of our circumstances now as a truly very good one.
Q: Next is "enjoyment". What is something you've enjoyed?
A: What I've enjoyed and been glad I joined Tohoshinki for is not receiving grand prizes or our debut, but the fact that I've met good staff members. We were really busy when shooting the video for "The way U are" in Korea, we didn't have time to eat or time to sleep, but if for example we'd be shooting a close-up scene, just for one member there'd be the cameraman, lighting guy, about eight people doing their very best - seeing them, that's what I felt. "I'm glad I met these staff members."
Q: Well, how about something that made you sad?
A: It's the fact that ever since I became a member of Tohoshinki, I haven't been able to see my friends like I used to, after all. Even friends who I've known from before, because they look at me now as Yoochun of Tohoshinki, that is a little lonely. Plus I want to keep a dog, but I have an allergy...pity (laughs).
Q: Earlier there was someone who said he was lonely because he wasn't able to meet with his family, how about you?
A: Instead of wanting to see them, it's more like wanting to feel them. For example it's okay even if I don't get to see them, but I remember the meals my mother used to make for me when I was a child, and think "I wish I could feel my mother." Because even if I'm in other countries, that's something I'm able to feel. Also when our schedule is over and I return home and get in the shower, and the two to three minutes before I fall asleep, those are somehow the loneliest moments I have.
[Travel]
Q: Shall we talk about travel next? What is a trip that has remained in your memories till now?
A: I've talked about my trip to America in interviews before, so...I guess I'll talk about the trip I made in Korea this year. We had ten days of holiday, so I went to the sea in Cheongdo-gun by myself. That was really great. What I felt then was..."Ahhh, this is a little crazy*." (smiles bitterly)
Q: Eh, what was crazy?
A: In the past, when I was in America I had no money, and to be honest I was working part-time jobs more than I was going to school. And with the money I earned, I'd buy food or clothes for my younger brother. But returning to Korea and debuting with Tohoshinki, and gaining a level of popularity in Korea, now I've come to even own a car. And don't I even have more of an allowance** now compared to back then? So I think, "Now I can even come to the sea, in a car...all kinds of things have changed these four to five years." It felt a little good, but I also thought, "This is crazy."
Q: Even though your circumstances have gotten better, I wonder why it is you think of it as crazy.
A: Though I think I've been really lucky to have received these kinds of opportunities these four, five years, doesn't that mean there have also been people who haven't been receiving these opportunities? For example, Tohoshinki's dancers or manager in Korea. I ride in my own car although I'm still young. Of course I think that's a good thing, but when I think about the people around me...
Q: You feel that you've been too blessed when comparing yourself to people of your generation or the people around you, don't you?
A: For example, we go to all kinds of countries for work. Even though we move around in a nice car, our staff members move around in a bus. Even in my private life, everyone's treatment of me has changed from how it used to be... For example when I said I wanted to eat with my dancers: "Have you eaten?" "Not yet." When I said, "Then come over here and let's eat together," they said, "Ahhh, now's a bit..." kind of half-heartedly. Even if that happens, I think that I myself cannot afford to change.
Q: Yoochun is himself even if he becomes a big star.
A: I don't want people to think that I've changed. I am concerned about the relationships between myself and the people around me. All of Tohoshinki's members hold that same thought. I perform on stage with a kind of "I am different" feeling, but once I get off the stage the time I spend living normally completely does not differ from other people. But if we had only been active in Korea, I might not be able to think that way. We became first place in Korea as singers and had our breakthrough, but because we came to Japan, and because we had to start from the beginning all over again, I think that's why I felt that way.
Q: So you're saying you're glad you were able to return to how you originally felt, one more time. That is what you told us when you talked about "happiness" as well. It's related to how you were happy that you were able to start activities from the beginning in Japan, just like you did in Korea, isn't it?
A: That's right. I'm really glad.
Q: Let's go back to talking about your travels.
A: Instead of spending my money on traveling, I'd rather buy a house early instead.
Q: A house?
A: This house, it actually means I want to start a family. I want to create a place early on where I can be at peace, a house where I can say, "This is my place."
Q: You're thinking about that even though you're young.
A: I only think of that once in a while, though (laughs). If I travel, I'd like to go to Bora Bora again after all~
Q: I knew it, that's where you're going to go, is it?! (laughs)
A: I don't think it's just me, all of Tohoshinki probably feels that way. In any case, it's because the people in Bora Bora all have great faces. They have no stress, and there's nothing like, "Who are those people?"
Q: The people on the island all have tranquil faces, don't they?
A: For example, the feeling when they say, "Good morning" is different. I get the feeling I'd be able to become like that if I were on that island (laughs). The scenery is beautiful, but more than that the atmosphere the people on the island create is really great.
Q: You've told me before that you'd like to go on a trip backpacking, right?
A: Ahhh, I really want to go backpacking! If I could, I'd just have a map, carry a bag on my shoulders, and make absolutely no plans.
Q: Travel where your heart takes you.
A: Aaahh~, I want to try it. Even a month will be fine, I will definitely do it someday!
[Music]
Q: Which Western artist do you like the most right now?
A: To be honest, there are many artists that I love. Recently, and I was listening to him today as well, the pianist Bill Evans. I found out about him when an artist called Brad Mehldau participated in a Bill Evans tribute album. I heard it and that started it all.
Q: You like piano pieces?
A: I love the piano. I think both singing and dancing are like this, but aren't they about the expression of emotions, with what you think, what you feel and so on? I think the piano is that way too. I love feeling while listening to myself put my own emotions into a piece and play. Also someone I've been listening to a lot lately is Yolanda Adams. And the soundtrack of the movie "Bridget Jones's Diary".
Q: How about Japanese artists?
A: Kuramoto Yuuki. I've come to listen to him a lot lately. Because I listen to him on the background music of his homepage***.
Q: How about Korean artists?
A: Recently, clazziquai (who hold activities in Japan as CLAZZIQUAI PROJECT). I put them in my iPod and listen to them a lot.
Q: What about them do you recommend?
A: They have a good raw, new age kind of feel. The female vocalist's voice may have a gentle sound, but if you hear it right in front of you it gives you goosebumps. I love their song called "Speechless".
Q: By the way, Yoochun, how about lyric writing and song composition?
A: I do them both. I've loved writing lyrics since I was in America, I'd skip school and go somewhere by myself, and write poems**** and lyrics (laughs). Going to America, at first I had absolutely no friends, so I turned my conversations with myself into lyrics. I love to write lyrics even now. It's just this year that I've been placing more importance on composing songs. I compose songs every morning, from 5 to 6 a.m.
Q: Recently it's felt like all the Tohoshinki members are crazy about composing music, hasn't it?
A: We've brought all our equipment and materials over from Korea. Since our manager brought the one remaining mixer that was in Korea over for us today.
Q: What are the songs you've completed recently like?
A: The song I composed yesterday was an R&B song with a beat. It's a bit different from what I've been composing until now.
Q: How many original songs do you have?
A: Over fifty. Recently I composed a slightly erotic song as well. With a sticky feel. I composed it while eating natto (T/N: fermented soybeans - which are very sticky). That was a joke (laughs). It's a song that I slightly........composed while imagining doing it (laughs).
Q: Hm? While imagining doing what?
A: Errrrrr, the time when you love, when you love...
Q: You summarised it beautifully (laughs). (Yoochun lets the interviewer hear the R&B ballad he has composed on his iPod) Ohh, isn't that a good song?!
A: If you come to our house you get to hear even more. Since there are people here, it's a bit embarrassing (smiles bashfully).
[Private]
Q: What is something you've been into recently?
A: I actually hadn't been able to eat natto for ages, but I came to like it about a month ago. Now I'm eating about three packets with every meal.
Q: What got you liking natto?
A: Seeing Jaejoong and Changmin eating it like it was delicious. I thought, "Is it really that delicious?" and wanted to try it a little. At first I thought it tasted bad, but when I next ate it, I thought it might be a little good... And the next time it became even more good. Now I cannot eat meals in Japan without natto! Natto is a Japanese art...(everyone bursts out laughing)
Q: By the way, if you had a time machine would you want to go to the future? Or the past?
A: I'd want to go to the future. Five or ten years in the future.
Q: And what would you want to see there?
A: I'd like to see the me of that time, the future me, for just a little, about five minutes and then return. And if I could go to the past I'd want to see my parents before I was born. "What kind of couple were they? How did both of them love each other?" Also if it were possible I'd like to return to the moment my younger brother was born.
__________
T/N:
* The word Chun used is "yabai", which in slang can mean either "this sucks" or "this rocks" (both in big ways), depending on its usage. It normally has a bit more of a negative context though. Chun was very open-ended about it so I'm just translating it as "this is crazy" because that made more sense with his following explanation.
** This could mean more time, more money, more of a right to spend, etc...
*** Or Chun's homepage. It just said "homepage". Oh, the dropping of pronouns. D8
**** Could also be another word for "song", but it seemed a bit redundant to repeat that he wrote lyrics right after.
*kind of died at the sexual fantasy part* Next up is Jaejoong! Comments are immensely appreciated (:
P.S. IS IT JUST ME MEDIAFIRE IS BEING INSANELY SLOW FOR. We are talking 1KB/s slow. WHAT IS GOING ON. DDD;