Yuri Laughs at Herself; Seohyun Reads in Order to Live Her Ideal Life;Tiffany=T-manager
Right before the camera flash was about to go off, I told Kwon Yuri that I wanted to shoot 'her as an actress'. However, a girl who moved as one amongst 9 members on stage, who carried the 'acting-dol' label, worried about whether she'd be strong enough to stand alone. Throughout the shoot, she repeated, "I'm not [a] SNSD [member]. I'm an actress," like a spell, making me choke up. This lady with peculiar eyes went to and from being provocative yet dull, to reaching dangerously alluring extremities. But once the camera would stop, she would giggle and return to being a girl. "Photoshoots are one of my favorite schedules. There are times where freckles are visible, or moments where I make awkward, not-so-pretty facial expressions, and that's fun." Watching her laugh at her own 'embarrassing cut', where her eyes were half open, made me think of her as a person who is not afraid of being broken down or failing.
It would not have been an easy decision of going from SNSD's 'Yuri' to actress 'Kwon Yuri' to play a main role from the get go in the drama 'Fashion King'. Numerous idols have taken their chance at acting, leading to the creation of idol-centered dramas. This meant that Yuri would have to stand on the two-sided criterion. Being a familiar face in an unfamiliar position, the general public's criticism is a lot more sharper and harsher. She's also at the center of the idol wave, and member of SNSD who has been going around the world, so what more would you expect. "I think it would have been easier if I didn't know anything. Either way, I'm a singer, so I'm used to the stage, how the staff treats me, and cameras. But the drama set wasn't entirely unfamiliar, but it wasn't necessarily a familiar place either. It was also burdensome because of the expectations people had with SNSD's name. It was hard dropping all of that, but that's actually the right thing to do." These were probably very difficult first steps for her as she started with ignorance, without any courage or strong experiences. It was probably easier to get the chance to appear in the drama compared to rookie actors, but the barrier that needs to be passed as a real 'actress' is a lot higher. "I've wanted to act before debuting as a singer. That's a reason why I chose theater as my major. Because it's something that I've wanted to do for so long, it was like I was missing it more than actually getting to it. I was upset when I couldn't express things as well as I thought. Due to the nature of the work, because there wasn't enough time, before I would be able to think about my character, I would have to deal with primary things, like memorizing my lines quickly and shoot right away. I wasn't used to that type of environment and things didn't go how I planned, so I was sad." Every word, pronounced clearly with her expressions showed just how much she wanted and thought about this work, and the weight of that time could all be felt.
By being active early on with the other SNSD members, she was always able to experience the enjoyment and helpfulness working with her colleagues. Her communication with the other actors of 'Fashion King' played a huge part in her being able to cry and laugh as Choi Anna, even in this unfamiliar atmosphere. Rather than putting forth the instinctive act of trying to stand out amongst the other actors, she looked for advice from seniors who were both around the same age and younger than herself, and would ask questions without any hesitation if she did not know or was not sure of something. "It would have been a lot easier if they were seniors who are a lot older than me, but it was more difficult because we were around the same age. Still, once I approached them first, they helped a lot more enthusiastically. I was curious about whether it was right for me to honestly realize the feelings that I feel, or if I was to act skillfully. When I asked, (Yoo) Ah-in oppa said he feels pleasure in expressing his inner feelings and is relieving. You know like, the characters that Ah-in oppa acted all came off as being honest and independent."
Like Kwon Yuri said, she might not have been able to perfect her script from beginning to end. However, she is a girl that knows what she's doing right now, what she wants, and, even when wandering, she knows how to take in any confusion and drop it again. "Ha Jungwoo oppa is my school senior. He told me, rather than hoping for advice or thinking of gaining something right away, to just think of it all as the steps of learning. He said that finishing this one drama alone is a great experience and study for me, so to just enjoy that breath. I could really understand what he meant once [the drama] was over."
Of course, at the beginning, she just wanted to analyze her character. "I tried to dig up her habits and personality in detail. Once I started making up Choi Anna, rather than becoming that person, I kept making things up, speaking in a fake tone, making fake hand gestures and looks, and it made me think of other things. Before expressing sad feelings, I would keep telling myself that I'm sad, and hypnotized myself." After worrying with colleagues and by herself, she ended up starting to find similarities between Choi Anna and herself. While the character of Choi Anna in the drama put her miserable past behind her with a desire to succeed, she was also like other women of this generation who want to do things that they're assigned, and don't give in even after being abandoned by love. Not only was she imitating the surface 'city girl' image, but she started anew by understanding and sympathyzing with the character's history. "SNSD's Yuri has always had a bright, optimistic image, but the person Kwon Yuri actually likes spending time alone, and is an ordinary person who has worries and works hard. During my long trainee period, I felt this wasn't the right path for me, and that the day would repeat tomorrow. But if the next day works out, I would think of it as my responsibility and star running towards [my dream] again. Choi Anna is like that, too. Even after being abandoned by love, she gets up the next day, and it's the same way when failing at work."
Unlike how singers who 'transform' into singers usually continue on with a similar image, her choice was bold and daring. If her trademark was her healthy, frank laughter, it would have been easy for her to take on a bright, cheerful character. So why did she choose a flashy, yet depressed Choi Anna as her first role? "There are probably a lot of reasons, but I wanted to separate SNSD's Yuri from actress Kwon Yuri. Rather than showing a character 'like me', I guess I wanted to show a different image. I wanted to show a side of me, out of the many others within me, for the first time. My first proposition was 'I hope they aren't reminded of SNSD'." Either way, during the entire time I watched 'Fashion King', I was not able to see SNSD's Yuri anywhere from Choi Anna. From the way she walked putting weight on her toes, her bold, coy expressions and way of speaking, the way she would shake trying not to cry to guard what was left of her pride, and even in scenes where she would swallow sedatives after losing her love, it was difficult imagining the lively, cheerful 'Yuri' that is seen on stage. After listening to my words closely, she said she accomplished her primary goal, and added this in her unique way of talking as if she is singing. "Still, next time, I hope I can play a role that is a little more brighter, smiles well, showes aegyo, and is loved. No questions asked!"
Kwon Yuri is brave. No matter what question I throw at her, she doesn't distort it. She knows how to reply to sensitive topics brightly, and is aware of her good and bad characteristics and doesn't try to hide it. She showed off her lucid, fresh confidence as is on the set. She would make pleasant jokes, and would come to the photographer and suddenly say, "I think we have similar taste!" Her life force is due to her having a healthy body and mind. "A healthy person is prettiest. The reason why I exercise, spend time alone, and go on trips. Your body and mind are all connected, so if your heart is strong, it will naturally be shown on the outside. I think time alone, apart from work, is something that's needed. On days I have off, I just play. I do yoga, swim, and have started to learn martial arts recently. Horseback riding, boxing, kickboxing, and fencing, I do it all. (laughs)" With all the things she does, I think we might be able to see Kwon Yuri being active in a lot more different genres.
Separating life and work accurately, and going to and from both things flexibly, her healthy lifetsyle is shown through her face. Once all that time is gathered, the distinct characteristics create the person's face, way of speaking, gestures, and that person's life and philosophy becomes apparent. "When I look at an actor or singer I like, they don't just have pretty faces, but the traces of life that comes from a person were what made them beautiful. From their general atmosphere, to their choice of words, and every minor thing, just that 'person' [is beautiful]." It seemed she was stacking each of those things and making them ripen. "Before I say what kind of actress I want to become, I want to become a person that is frank and pure, with a healthy energy. A person with an unpredictable charm who acts accordingly regardless of what clothes I'm put in. If I become that type of person, naturally, I should be able to become that kind of actress, right?" Some might compare idols to dolls, but Kwon Yuri is not the case. I imagined an energetic, innocent 24-year old girl, but at this moment, she is a woman who is serious about acting and is working hard to unravel this task at hand. She won't get nervous. She will leisurely complete her dream, and we will be lucky to have gained another actress named Kwon Yuri.
Longer translated version of TTS' Elle Girl Interview+Pictures that were previously posted here
Seohyun's Elle Girl interview (+intro paragraph)--
It's a photoshoot set that takes place every month, but the air is different today. This is because it is the first day 'Elle Girl' Korea will have their first Korean star on the cover. That special guest is Girls' Generation's Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun. With their lucid name, 'TaeTiSeo', they have been showing off their singing skills, and have graced the cover of 'Elle Girl' as their last activity as a unit. Like a Saturday afternoon, the three looked bright and beautiful walking into the studio. Tiffany wore a flashy, patterned jump suit, while Taeyeon matched a boxy, white shirt with black shorts, and Seohyun wore a feminine, flower pattern one piece. Their different outfits seemed to hint at their own personalities. After greeting everyone like a friend they met the day before, they began moving to their own rhythm. With her practiced hand, Taeyeon looked into the mirror to apply her base makeup herself, and like the fashion lover she is, Tiffany carefully checked the day's outfits and didn't forget to deliver an affectionate greeting to the photographer, Cho Sunhee. As if she's used to yielding the order to get her hair and makeup done to her older members, Seohyun sat off to one side with her headphones on, and quietly hummed along to her music. It was nice seeing their usual actions, not minding the surrounding attention. After an hour passed, they were finished getting ready, and it was time for the girls to transform into pros. Taeyeon, who was like a cheerful, girl with a makeup-less face, showed off a mature appeal wearing short shorts and red lipstick. Seohyun showed off her slim legs, and, unlike her shy demeanor from when they debuted, she winked as if responding to the camera. After completing the solo shots, the three members stood in a line, smiling playfully for the cover shot. It looked natural the way they leaned against one anothers shoulders and placed their hands on the others' waists. The time they spent under the name Girls' Generation. Like the sparkle of a gem, the wisdom and accomplishments they've gained thus far made the girls shine. While the staff was in awe over the three girls' great smiles, Tiffany didn't look all that satisfied. "I don't like my hair, could we go again after I change it?" There wasn't anyone who could talk her out of her loveable greed, as she was the one who was most enthusiastic about the shoot. We've spent well over 6 hours with TaeTiSeo, but we couldn't find anything to envy or hate about the girls. Even during the interview, the three came together and talked about their heart fluttering dreams and bigger goals they wish to reach in the future. Their heartbeats increase just thinking about their future. How much farther are these girls going to reach out?
Q: I think other Girls' Generation members would have liked and gotten jealous of TTS's performances. Which member monitored your performances the most?
SEOHYUN: Everyone liked and cheered us on, but Sooyoung unnie and Yoona unnie were our biggest fans.
Q: If you compare your young appearance, you've been looking a lot more confident lately. Have you felt these changes?
SEOHYUN: Yes. Whenever I stood on stage or monitored [performances], I tried to find my flaws and work to supplement them. But lately, I've found myself just enjoying the moments I stand on stage. I'm also amazed at this side of myself.
Q: On stage, at times you're innocent, sexy other times, and transform into a bad girl as well. What do you do to pull these various charms out?
SEOHYUN: I look in the mirror, and, as if I'm hypnotizing myself, I give myself confidence, and do image training while listening to music. I also learn by watching other peoples music videos.
Q: Do you really set your alarm and get up and read every morning? Do you really feel a good influence or change when you read books?
SEOHYUN: I can't do that every day. But it is true that I read in order to live my ideal life, and to find my own peace. I've been reading a book called 'Niche's Words' (Words of Niche? idk).
Q: You've met Secretary-General Ban Kimoon. Who is the next celebrity you want to meet? What would you want to ask if you were to meet him/her?
SEOHYUN: Beyonce. She's my role model as a singer. I want to see and learn everything from one to ten, how she practices, and what she does to dominate the stage. If possible, I want to receive vocals lessons from her, too!
Q: The flower-print one piece and oxford shoes you wore to the shoot today suit you well.
SEOHYUN: Thank you! But they were all inexpensive items. The one piece was around 30,000 won, and the shoes were from Forever 21. (Q: Do you usually enjoy shopping resonably?) I don't really care for the brand. I purchase items that express and suit me well, and buy items that aren't very expensive.
Q: Earlier, while looking at pictures with Tiffany, you said, "I'm jealous of the charms you have, unnie." In detail, what are you jealous of? Also, what is a charm you wish to have that another Girls' Generation member has?
SEOHYUN: Her plain, loveable charms! Taeyeon unnie's witty personality, and Hyoyeon unnie's humor are traits I want to have.
Q: I feel like you would always have good posture and mind control. Is there anything that you became a holic to beyond your own control?
SEOHYUN: Hm... A workaholic. There was a time where I only thought about work and neglected everything else. I think I turned my cell phone off and just focused on work.
Q: Was there a time where you were surprised after seeing a picture or broadcast with Girls' Generation in an unexpected place?
SEOHYUN: When I saw our music video playing in Times Square in New York. I was really surprised and was like a dream come true. (laughs)
Q: Girls' Generation has been receiving international love. As a Girls' Generation member, how would you describe this love in an adjective?
SEOHYUN: The love from our fans is 'cozy' and 'unconditional'. If a single person was truly on my side in this lifetime, I think that life was a successful one. And so I think we are living a very lucky life.
Q: You're the youngest one in your team, but there are a lot of idol juniors that are younger than you. Honestly, which is harder, playing the youngest [in the group] or senior?
SEOHYUN: There are things that make it difficult being the youngest member and an unnie. I've been thinking that I have to show a good appearance to juniors as a senior lately.
Q: What was the most beautiful memory you have before you entered your 20s?
SEOHYUN: My trainee days. I think the most beautiful memory is the time I spent with my unnies, sweating and working towards reaching the same dream every day.
Q: What do you think is your most 'girly' side that you still maintain?
SEOHYUN: The sensibility to be able to laugh while listening to music. It's something I want to keep/maintain in the future.
Q: Right at this moment, I want to know a thought that makes you happiest.
SEOHYUN: The thought of reaching the goals I've set, one by one.
Tiffany interview translation:
Q: What did you like the most while promoting as TaeTiSeo?
More than anything, I was happy to be able to sing to my heart's content. Also, from the draft proposal to the pattern and also styling, we took full participation in it. I personally chose this red hair which reminded me of Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge.
Q: You have a lot of interest in fashion. Suppose SNSD were to collaborate with a Korean designer on their dress, who would you like to work with?
For this album's Baby Steps performance we consulted with a designer we've always liked, Lee Jae Hyun director, and produced our dresses. The next designer I'd like collaborate with is Steve J & Yoni P! I usually like items with a wild and funky pattern.
Q: Do you organize your clothes as much as you like them? Or perhaps your clothes are scattered everywhere?
I'm always been organized, but now my room is small and we’re going to move so the clothes are piled up. I am looking forward to a big closet in the new dorm (laughter)
Q: What is your key item for this summer?
I've always liked pink to the point that the members call it a sickness. But lately my hands have been automatically going to yellow or mint colored accessories.
Q: Women will have bad days where they look in the mirror and say I look fat, whatever I wear it doesn't look pretty. Do you ever have any of those thoughts?
I know that feeling! It's especially a big matter before I go to the airport. At those times, sunglasses or lipstick is the answer. When I am not satisfied with my look, I gain confidence when I put on red lipstick.
Q: It's been several years since you've left LA and came to Seoul for your dream to become a singer. Does that once unfamiliar Seoul feel like home to you now?
The dorm definitely feels like home. However, I feel there are still many things I am learning in Seoul. I still get confused with Korean spelling. When I visit LA for just a few days I feel so well rested.
Q: SNSD's overseas activities are continuously increasing and since you are going to foreign countries and you are fluent in English there must be a lot of speaking opportunities as the representative.
At official settings, for sure, and also if I go anywhere with the members or with staff. When we're deciding on the menu at a restaurant or when we go shopping, they all come looking for me. So my nickname is T-manager (laughter) Because I'm always taking care of others, lately I've started a project to take care of myself.
Q: Do you look after the members' individual activities? If you had to pick a member who is praiseworthy and you were proud of?
Whether it was the filming set of a drama or a musical performance, I went once to all the places the members were doing activities. As expected from SNSD, whether it's acting or variety, they're all good at it. In particular, I think it's really amazing that Hyoyeon comes out every week on Dancing With the Stars and completely exposes all her hard work.
Q: Do you, who always seem sweet and cheerful, ever get angry at anyone?
I get angry as much I'm happy (laughter) I'm meticulous and keen with work so there are times when I feel sorry for the people around me. I discuss with staff when a schedule has changed or there is a costume change without any warning. I am a scary person hahaha
Q: In a movie magazine interview, you said the person you respect the most is your sister, what kind of presence does your sister have?
She has been my role model ever since I was young. My sister is smart, studies well, is fun, and cooks well. She always does her best on whatever is given to her and she's good at everything. I've always wanted to be like my sister and I think I would copy her.
Q: Taeyeon said your most twinkling moment is when you are MCing Music Core. Do you agree?
Yes! Having MCing a music show for 3 years, I’ve gained confidence in it. Also, I stand in the center on Music Core (laughter) After an SM Town concert, when representative Lee Soo Man said to me, "When you speak it makes me smile with you," I felt really good.
Q: I'm curious what you would be like in front of a guy you like or when you are dating.
I can't easily approach a person I really like because it may reveal my true feelings. If I recall my past, I am the type to generously give a lot when dating. I don't know how to calculate. So I really want to meet someone who will love me as much as I love them.
Q: What thoughts make you the happiest?
Thoughts of the future. Right now I am living out the dream I had in my teens. Other members did not think we would be this successful, but not me. When I came to Korea my resolution and dream was that big. Expanding into the U.S. or other dreams like acting does not seem that far off. Of course, the way to achieving those dreams is difficult.
source: soshified, ch0sshi 1 2, myongaji801