The timing of the interview is 2 months after the release of your [solo] album. How are you doing these days. How did you start your solo promotions?
JunHyung: We're having a Japan tour. We went to Tokyo, Nagoya and Sapporo and I think there's about 8 more left to go. While having the Japan tour, I also have the magazine photo shoot like today and work on BEAST's next album. Truthfully while releasing my solo album, there was more meaning in finishing off 2013 rather than appearing often on music shows. Like the annual ending? For one year I produced BEAST's and YoSeop's album. During the free time in between them I continuously composed and after the company listened to those works, they decided to release an album.
Do you have a tight schedule on your work (composing)?
JunHyung: I always work on music. Even if I have a plan or not, I always go to the studio when I have the time. Even when I don't do anything and am resting, I normally go to the studio first.
You've passed your mid-20s. You will definitely have thoughts on your future. When I think of Yong JunHyung, you seem like a person among idols who especially want to be recognized as an 'artist'. Also you seem to work really hard. Do you personally think that you have a lot of ambition?
JunHyung: Truthfully speaking, as an entertainer or artist I don't want a lot of popularity. Before pre-debut, I wanted to become famous. I thought it'd be nice to have people look at me in a special way wherever I went. However as time passed by, I wanted to enjoy the work without getting stressed. It's really hard to do that, but that's the only thing I wish for right now. To have fun while being on TV or music shows! I don't want to live a life where I'm only working. I think I already experienced enough of it.
You've prepared as an idol for a long time and thinking back, it might have been good even if you worked by yourself. How did you start making songs?
JunHyung: In the beginning I never thought about becoming an idol. I liked people seeing me on stage. When I received the applauses and support, I felt happiness. Back then trainees were banned from going outside the dorms but I always said that I wanted to go to the composer hyungs' studios. The manager gave me permission and when the other members were stuck in the dorms I was at the studio. It wasn't "Hyung, tell me this" but I just watched quietly. It looked like a game to me. I was filled with the thought to try it out and that's how I decided to write lyrics first. After writing the lyrics I wanted to create the melody, and after creating the melody I wanted to arrange the music. Rather than thinking it was a turning point, I think I felt more craving for it. That's how I'm in my current state. As I composed and arranged the music, I wanted to add my own story rather than follow the trend.
How old were you when you lived everyday in the composer hyungs' studios?
JunHyung: I was 21 years old then.
At the age when you should be enjoying your life, how did your friends and members respond to you?
JunHyung: First of all, our members really can't play. (laughs) Other than me everyone else is the type who lives in seclusion. After practice or schedule, all of them wish to rest but I take a shower and go out so they all see me in awe. However I never thought it as work, even now. For me that's playing.
Then you never learnt music through a regular curriculum?
JunHyung: Yes. I think everyone who composes will agree with me, that there is no meaning in learning music under someone else's directions. I think that you can find your own color/style by learning and realizing by yourself. This doesn't mean that I can say for sure that I have something of my own but because there aren't any restrictions, I think more exciting work comes out from it.
You created BEAST's songs by yourself. What is the difference between BEAST and Yong JunHyung's solo?
JunHyung: While making BEAST's songs, I had a lot of thoughts about it. Should I say that I knew too much about it? Because I knew what music the fans and public wanted from BEAST it was hard to do. It felt as if we would be disregarded if we went out of their taste even slightly.
If you could choose directly, what does the fans want from BEAST?
JunHyung: Lyrical music. Getting dumped on and being sad. (laughs) We also had something strong but when we had emotional music, it was the opportunity for us to be widely recognized. Truthfully both the members and I have an ambition to change, but we were worried that we would hear 'why are they doing something random?' so we thought a lot about it. While monitoring, my head hurt because everyone's opinions were different. I think at the end I thought 'oh, I don't know'. Somehow we had a song that everyone agreed on and that's how the title track came to be. Other than the songs released in the album, there are a lot of songs. They're all placed deeply in my hard drive. (laughs)
The solo album can be seen as something light/plain. Even when I created it I repeatedly took it out. I wanted to create songs that weren't superfluous. When I created BEAST's album, I abundantly considered the genres and sounds of it. Because I never learned music in theory, I don't know how to read music. (laughs) Because I'm doing it in an informal way I can't explain the genre in detail but I can share through the plainness and abundance of the feeling.
It makes me think that the reason you happen to like things minimal is from your experience, but can you tell us when you thought the excess made it seem less appealing before?
JunHyung: When I was younger than now, my eyes went for the flashy and unique things. But with time I began to think about how others would see me as. I began to think that sometimes it may seem too much or childish.
The most envious part would be having a friend who can be with you. You make songs with a friend Kim TaeJoo, what advices do you guys share with each other?JunHyung: He's my high school classmate and we've been friends for 9 years now. Our tastes are similar. If I see something and say it looks cool then he also says the same thing. There are times when we're working and it goes in a weird direction, we advice each other then. I guess we grab hold of each other?
Did the friend [TaeJoo] do music since high school?JunHyung: We were both in theatre/acting. He was a theatre major but he was already doing music as a hobby since then. If you listen to the music he made then it wouldn't make sense. (laughs) It makes you laugh when you think about how he had made those music. I was interested that he was doing music at that time but after debut and I started to involve myself in making music, I suddenly thought of him. I couldn't judge my own music even after I made it. I was too embarrassed to let the composer hyungs and members listen to it so I contacted him and suggested on working together.
You write the composers' names on the album and every time both of your names are written together. Don't you want your name there alone?
JunHyung: Our work methods are different for each songs. Some songs, I create the melody and write the lyrics and he fixes some parts and on other songs he does everything and I edit them. They don't happen often but we think that we're always helping each other. Disregarding the profit, we became one lump.
JunHyung: When I was younger than now, my eyes went for the flashy and unique things. But with time I began to think about how others would see me as. I began to think that sometimes it may seem too much or childish.
The most envious part would be having a friend who can be with you. You make songs with a friend Kim TaeJoo, what advices do you guys share with each other?JunHyung: He's my high school classmate and we've been friends for 9 years now. Our tastes are similar. If I see something and say it looks cool then he also says the same thing. There are times when we're working and it goes in a weird direction, we advice each other then. I guess we grab hold of each other?
Did the friend [TaeJoo] do music since high school?JunHyung: We were both in theatre/acting. He was a theatre major but he was already doing music as a hobby since then. If you listen to the music he made then it wouldn't make sense. (laughs) It makes you laugh when you think about how he had made those music. I was interested that he was doing music at that time but after debut and I started to involve myself in making music, I suddenly thought of him. I couldn't judge my own music even after I made it. I was too embarrassed to let the composer hyungs and members listen to it so I contacted him and suggested on working together.
You write the composers' names on the album and every time both of your names are written together. Don't you want your name there alone?
JunHyung: Our work methods are different for each songs. Some songs, I create the melody and write the lyrics and he fixes some parts and on other songs he does everything and I edit them. They don't happen often but we think that we're always helping each other. Disregarding the profit, we became one lump.
In a different interview, you said that you will go as one team forever. Wasn't it a bit of a dangerous statement?JunHyung: Of course you don't know what will happen. However I am confident right now. I also think there's no other partner who matches well with each other. Unfortunately we might separate but right now I hope to work together forever and I think it'll be like that too.
Even though the fans might know him, many won't know of the composer Kim TaeJoo. Please tell us what other music he made other than BEAST's songs.
Even though the fans might know him, many won't know of the composer Kim TaeJoo. Please tell us what other music he made other than BEAST's songs.
JunHyung: For the most part he only worked with me and he only helps out others if they ask. The majority is the work done with me. My friend and I, both of us think that we shouldn't do everything (this and that) right now.
Before you make music, where do you get the inspirations?
JunHyung: We don't say "start thinking about what to make" but we each do our own things. Then one person throws an idea out and from then on we start to add on and the story forms. We always choose the title first and then talk about what the story line would be. If we can think of one well then we make the chorus and match the chords to it.
I can see your skills are improving. Nowadays what are you studying?
JunHyung: Rather than studying I normally write something down. I write down words, long phrases etc. that comes to my mind. At first I couldn't do that but I got angry when I couldn't think of it afterwards. That's when I took in the habit of writing down things. I think this gave me a lot of help.
When I hear Yong JunHyung's music, I was curious whether you leaned towards the genre of rock or hip-hop. What type of music do you normally listen to?
JunHyung: I listen to a lot of electronic and hip-hop. I think I search for music that are exciting. Rather than trying to follow it I think "so it can be done this way too" and learn a lot from them. I also listen to a lot of sad ballad, but I can't create ballad. (laughs)
When I see young composers, they have high ambition. They also wish to be known overseas too. How about Yong JunHyung?
JunHyung: As a joke there are times when we say let's create this music for the Billboard Charts. It'd be nice if that happens. However my friend and I both wish to make the listeners to our music happy first. Also we wish other musicians will be alert to our music. We wish they'll let out a sigh after they listen to our music. To the point where they'll say "(Sigh), how did they create this?" I think it's a well-intentioned competition. We are also stimulated highly when our favorite musicians release new songs and we listen to them all.
<Mastermind> which was released in 2010 was composed by Yong JunHyung and the lyrics were written by Shinsadong Tiger. How was the work like with a star composer?
JunHyung: I've known Tiger hyung since he wasn't a star composer so there wasn't any pressure. Because he felt more like a close hyung than a composer, it was more relaxing.
You composed and wrote the lyrics for all the songs in the 2nd album. Weren’t there any jealousy from the other members? Did they all like it?
JunHyung: I don’t know if our members were nice or really liked it, but they supported me a lot. They told me ‘You’re persistent. You’re amazing.’ They also gave me advices in parts that weren’t perfect. They said that if we have a member who also composes, then we would have everything amongst us.
Weren’t there any members who wanted to compose and asked you to teach them?
JunHyung: Some of them said that they wished to make a song but after a point it disappeared. Truthfully, composing takes a lot of time. I didn’t have much schedule including variety shows so I told the company that variety shows are too hard, I’d rather sacrifice the passion in composing. (laughs)
In 2011 during an interview you said that your dream is to produce your own album. Are you the type who normally keeps a promise after making one?
JunHyung: No, only when I set a goal and think about going for it. I don’t like to feel the hopelessness when I fail to achieve a goal that I set up because I was too scared. I like to go naturally with the flow.
Because you’re an idol, you must consider a lot of things when you write your lyrics. The fans might add meaning to them.
JunHyung: If I think to that extent, I think a forced song would come out. For example, when I write a love song the fans seem to think a lot about it. However I want to leave it alone for them to think whatever they want to. Also my fans are stronger now. (laughs) I made them strong, that’s why I’m more thankful.
Do you think Yong JunHyung found his own color? If yes, then what is it?
JunHyung: I hope others will think that I have the things that are needed. I think that’s like Yong JunHyung.
Unless they’re a person around you, then I think it’d be hard to know what ‘Yong JunHyung-like’ is. What is your normal personality like?
JunHyung: My heart is weak but I say what I have to say. I complain often, so sometimes the people who are still by my side are those who don’t get hurt by my words but accept it as being Yong JunHyung. I don’t get angry easily but when I do explode, then I get angry to the point where I feel afraid of myself. During those times my friend Kim TaeJoo grabs a hold of me and calms me down often.
You also said that you’re really interested in clothes too! Do you direct your own styling?
JunHyung: I’m only interested in it. I can’t style well on my own, I just like it. When I see people who dress nicely, then I think they’re really cool. I don’t really go for the trends but look for the things that catch my eyes. If it’s trending or people don’t know it well, if I really want it then I would buy it. That’s why rather than directing it, I just give opinions after seeing what the professionals offered. If there seems to be too much on the styling, then I tell them to take it out. I think I think about its’ necessity at least once. If you open my closet right now, it’s all black. (laughs) I like something that doesn’t have any print. However I like shoes that are fancy.
You also challenged yourself in acting. You seem like a person who doesn't feel scared in taking on challenges. How do you think?
JunHyung: I've wanted to try acting. I also like watching movies. My thought is this: music and acting both require revealing what's inside. I was attracted to the idea of being able to express and I want to do it correctly. I didn't get any training in acting too, but I had mentors. Great actors gave me advices. I'm also the type who will ask for help without getting embarrassed. I think it's a loss on my part if I hesitate in asking others. If I ask for help straightforwardly, then most of the time the other person accepts it coolly.
Weren't you nervous when you were acting?
JunHyung: You get the feeling of being inside somewhere. Before I acted I was worried how the numerous staffs would think of me. However, once I started to act, those things didn't come into my eyes. Suddenly I had high concentration.
Even with the constant challenge it seems that there weren't much times to fully show your potential. Don't you think more chances are needed for Yong JunHyung to be known as a singer-songwriter?
JunHyung: I'm not really worried about continuing to do music. I also don't want to boast around. That's not cool. (laughs) Just doing it till people recognize me. Won't they know about me someday?
I heard that you keep the money you earn. You normally don't do any reckless behaviors?
JunHyung: Even when I buy one t-shirt I think about it a lot. I think about if I will be able to use it well or not. I normally buy something after making that hard decision. I think my childhood environment plays a huge role in that behavior. My mother is very humble. Just 2 years ago my family lived in a semi-basement place. Of course now I put them in a place where they can look down. (laughs)
Hearing your story slowly, it seems that you'll have a lot of thoughts on your mind.
JunHyung: Yes, that's why I become weird if I stay still. I think about a lot of negative things so I can't leave my body alone till I fall asleep.
The title 'idol' might not be comfortable at some points. Don't you have any regrets?
JunHyung: I don't have any regrets but there are points where I am sad about it. I think it's the cost for being loved by many. You can't always get the good things. I don't get stressed about it because I accepted the fact that if you gain something you lose something too.
Each year would feel different to you.
JunHyung: Compared to the year before, I think I am more mature this year. The thinking boundaries of the same time became huge.
You will also have many thoughts about your future.
JunHyung: Even though you can't be an idol continuously but you can still do music. I think I'm preparing myself in that way. Because I know you can gain so much by giving up in drinking and playing once so I'm very cautious. It'd be nice to earn a lot of money but I don't want to be greedy about it.
Lastly, I am curious about the 26 year old Yong JunHyung when he doesn't have any schedules.
JunHyung: I go fishing. (laughs) It's only the moon in the sky, the water and me. I really like the time when it's all calm. It's different from being alone at home. I also like bowling and enjoying the time talking with people around me. Oh, I also like drinking (alcohol). Before I liked the atmosphere but now I like the feeling of being in a good mood to a certain level. I don't like drinking without thinking about my limit, etc. I'm currently living alone and even by myself I turn on the music and drink. Then I fall asleep. (laughs) I also like doodling. Seeing this, I'm not much different from other 26 year olds right?
CREDITS
Translation by "my DREAM boys (dream1016.tistory.com)" or @dreamboys1016 ; not 100% perfect, there might be mistakes.
Please take out with full credits, thank you :-)
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