[TRANS] CanCam September Issue - Junho

My solo tour started right after 2PM's meaningful Arena Tour ended. It gave me a lot of pressure. Releasing mini albums every year is a hard thing to do. Especially last year, I kept worrying a lot about how I would make my concerts be or what kind of music I should make to be more acceptable for everyone. There was also a case in which I found a song I made not good enough that I ended up throwing it away. Through that, I managed to discover my music color. 

I think there is always a case for everyone in which they want to keep running but forced to stop due to facing their limit for some reasons. Thus, my new mini album "DSMN" contains my intention of wanting to keep running past my limit. The album also includes love songs, but the general theme is "getaway" or "longing for freedom". 

Out of all songs in the album, my fellow 2PM member, Jun. K, features for a track titled "HYPER feat. Jun. K". When I was making this track, I've wanted to do it with Jun. K so I asked him. He said yes right away and it was settled. Either way, I want to try all sorts of music genre. I have a lot of things I want to do (laughs). One of them is to direct my own music video. When I come up with some ideas for a song, I also thought about the music video and angles. If I ever had the chance, I would like to try expressing those ideas of mine through [music] videos.

Please tell us, Junho!

Track list of mini album "DSMN" and additional Q&A

1. "HYPER feat Jun. K" (A confident hip-hop dance track that contains the message, "Once I come, I will be the only one ruling this place.")

Q. What part of you that won't lose from everyone else?

A. My butt (laughs). In a Korean broadcast, I participated in a game of breaking chopsticks with butt and I made a new record with 32 chopsticks (laughs).

2. "DSMN" (A title track with the meaning of "Don't Stop Me Now")

Q. When do you dislike being disturbed by anyone?

A. I think it is when I'm concentrating on something, like when I play games or exercise? I hate it when I'm supposed to do 30 push-ups and someone talks to me at the 27th (laughs). Who among 2PM members would talk to you at such timing? (Junho directly answered) Jun. K! (laughs) He would ask me "What are you doing?" when he see by himself (laughs).

3. "Posion (On your mind)" (The song talks about poison, referring to the act of falling in a forbidden love.)

Q. What is something that you can never stop doing?

A. There are times when I can't go outside because the cats I raise are too cute. When I'm going to put my shoes on, they would wail through their really sad eyes at the door (cries). I really can't leave when I see them like that.

4. "YES" (A [marriage] proposal song vowing the future to his lover.)

Q. What is your ideal proposal?

A. I imagined something specific when I made this song. I imagined taking my lover to a formal party and telling her, "I have a song to sing for you", I would then go up on the stage and sing this song. I think singing can display the best of myself so I wish to propose like this if I can.

5. "Run to You" (A love song which contains the message of "I can come to you whenever you need any help.")

Q. What will you do when your lover needs your help?

A. I think it would be best to listen to her. On my part, when I'm hurt or pissed, I would want her to listen to me, empathizing with my story instead of noisily questioning me for reasons.

Source

Scans: @timing_kei

Japanese - Korean translation: @BluemallowHYPER

[TRANS] anan August Issue - Junho

"For last year's album, I filmed the music video in Hawaii because I wanted people to see the freshness of summer. This time, I want to them to feel freedom and speed of summer by listening. I recommend the song as BGM during a drive or workout.

You were drained mentally and physically, though?

"I questioned why I didn't have ten bodies, why I wasn't a prodigy, But I guess you have to stand at the edge of the cliff to make music with 'descended' melody. That kind of intuition helps me a lot especially this time."

Surprisingly, you've only had your first unit with Jun. K now.

"Since I started [working on HYPER], I had wanted to make it into an exciting and upbeat song. I thought there would be no person other than Jun. K who can digest this kind of hyper song. So I asked him and he said 'okay' right away. Jun. K even showed a cool performance beyond my imagination during the recording. Thanks to him, the song came out as the best one.

So the line "No Music No Life" in "DSMN" reflects yourself?

"Rather than saying I can't live without music, I think it's best to say that I do nothing other than music and acting (laughs). But putting it that way makes me sound like a priest. I also enjoy living alone or changing the design of my room. My only hobby is to take pictures of cats! I always receive healing from my cat (laughs).

Your whisper at the intro of "YES" is very heart-fluttering. 

"When I made the song, I imagined wearing a tuxedo in a formal party while singing this song to my lover and proposed to her. I actually wanted to recite the intro with a groggy [waking-up-from-sleep] voice but it was really difficult. The recording of this song was the hardest."

For reference, how would you do your marriage proposal in reality?

"I'd simply say 'let's live together'. I will never sing a song (laughs)."

Source:
Scan: @timing_kei
Japanese - Korean translation: @jh_my

[TRANS] Baila August Issue - Junho

"I want to run until my heart is ripped", that subject comes from "the cry of his heart"

"Free, freedom, getaway. Those are the keywords for my work piece this time. At a glance, "DSMN" has a pop and fresh image, however in reality, it is myself declaring that "I want to run until my heart is ripped, I will run!"

Declaration?

"I've always tried to make each of my album reflect myself at each time, but I'm not sure if I express myself especially strong this time. But then I spent half a year making this album and during that period, I not only worked on the album but also filmed a drama in Korea, had Arena Tour in Japan, and on top of those, I had to simultaneously do recordings and shooting for my music video to prepare for my solo promotion. Indeed, there were times when I felt like I was at my limit in terms of time and capability. However, I would rather keep running past my limit than neglecting any of those. But I felt like something kept hindering me this time, during the half year period. So, I wanted to have some freedom, I want to be free and break away. I wanted to overcome that harsh reality so I connected it with the theme [of the song].

So it was a cry of your heart?

"Fortunately, I went beyond my limit (laughs). But it was not only about the hardship. As a person ages, his thoughts change. When I look back one or two years back, I realized how young I was at time, I become reminded of my past thoughts and things that I forgot. The more time passes and the more experiences I build, more changes occur to me. I think because of that, I express new and different things each year. To me, it really makes me happy."

What song left impression on you?

"Poison (on your mind). I made this song while shutting myself in my hotel room for 24 hours on my day off in Tokyo. I only had one meal on that day. I can't forget the taste of the Tonkatsu Ramen I ate then (laughs). Whenever I make songs, I'm always together with a composer to whom I owe a lot. As I asked him for a favor, he spent that day working on the song with me in the hotel room. I'm always grateful to him."

From a lead role in a movie to being cast in a drama with senior actors. Junho went "all out" for his acting experience. 

"Different from the role I had last year, where I juggled with the progress of love, I've prepared for an entirely different story this time. I challenged myself to participate in a visually exciting production, (Junho grinned) so please look forward to it."

Are your acting experiences helpful toward your activities as a singer? What about the opposite?

"It is definite that my acting experiences help me in shooting the videos used in the concerts, I feel like I have gotten another weapon as a singer. On the opposite, my experiences as a singer help me in my activities as an actor in terms of adaptability. When I ponder about how to act in unfamiliar environments like drama or movie filming, the know-how, experiences and the ability to adapt that have become my needs as a singer become helpful. I don't know whether singing is directly helpful toward my acting, though."

The role of "Jungjin" that he played in "Memory" was a presence that could keep up even with Lee Sungmin. It was amazing.

"(While bowing his head) Thank you. First of all, I went all out as an actor in the first half of this year (laughs). But I will have to go all out again in the later half, right? From actor to Don't Stop Me Now!"

Was it not hard to go all out [in working]?

"(Junho answered in a firm manner) When I couldn't give my best, I would feel even more distressed when seeing the outcome. It's because I've known through experiences that I wouldn't be able to realize what I want to do if I weren't given the chance to give my best. In the past, I've also felt resentment from totally being out of the spotlight. So when I'm given even the slightest chance, I don't want to miss it. I've had those grave experiences so I give my best when I'm given anything."

"Little things" surrounding him appeared when he took a deep breath.

Junho, who has always talked about his fiery passion for working, stuttered while talking as if he was reminiscing something.

"I've never changed my mindset of always wanting to give my best. However, it's been 8 years since 2PM's debut in Korea, I've also been doing solo activities for 4 years and as I was preparing this album, I felt tired and wished to take a break for the first time."

You did?

"Even though I want to keep running forward, there are times when my body and mind don't keep up. Thus, I find myself seeking advice from others (laughs). I've known the answer and what's left is only to do it and things would be good. However, I can't somewhat do it so I decided to consult with those around me. Though nothing changes after that. Don't people be like this sometimes?"

Of course, they do. I just thought that you would never be in such situation.  

"I want to check whether I'm self-righteous or really sympathetic. I've been feeling that way these days. Also when my shoulder was injured four years ago, I felt 'a bit tired' while lying on the bed alone. However, I didn't consult to anyone. Although I'm not injured now, I felt similar emotion flows through me. I then noticed the things I've missed throughout my busy days: the concern and warmth from people around me, and the importance of my daily life. I realized and regretted not seeing them because of my business. Now, I try to share all the little things, the good and regretful things with those who support me.

Will there be a time for "The man who never stops even when he rests" to stop? 

There are many people who take a rest after being caught in their hobbies.

"Hobby... (Junho spaced out)"

Do you perhaps have no hobby?

"Previously on some broadcast, I was startled when Chansung asked what my hobby was. After I thought about it, my hobbies were working out, watching dramas or movies, composing songs, playing musical instruments... All of them can't be separated from my job (laughs). As much as it means that I'm really working hard, I'm definitely happy. Though, I'm going to look for a real hobby from now on. However, the things I'm interested in require time and a lot of things. Surfing, bungee jumping, skydiving... You would need a day for them, right? It would be good if I could do something at home or my workplace. I mostly spend my time indoor but I can't stay still. Even though I'm at home, I make songs or tend to my cats. Anyway, I have to be genuine in whatever I do."

But you said you wanted to rest earlier? (laughs)

"(While stretching widely) I love not doing anything and lying down on the sofa like this. But, I will do other things in ten seconds (laughs). Even when I'm on my day off, my attitude is like 'don't stop me now!' too. However, I want to be man who can relax ten years later. Like I can go on a trip aimlessly."

Source
Scans: @timing_kei
Japanese - Korean translation: @jh_my1 2

[TRANS] andGIRL August Issue - Junho

The theme of your new album is "getaway".

"Yearning for a break out of daily routine, a getaway and freedom is my motto these days. So, I chose "DSMN" as album title as it contains my feelings of not wanting to stop and tirelessly running forward. During the 3 minutes this song plays, nobody can stop me. This song contains my freedom."

"Last year's "SO GOOD" expressed a perfect summer image, however, I want to show a slightly different summer this time. As I continue striving forward, I've come to treasure the pace and the freshness out of it. I think the song came out really cheerful and upbeat. Despite the happiness of daily life, I believe everyone must have felt like running away from their boring daily routines sometimes. So, I made this song hoping that those who listen to it can at least feel a bit of freedom."

When do you feel free from your daily life?

"When I sing and dance! The moment I stand on the stage is very precious to me and concert is the only place and time I can feel free. After the concert ends, I return to my ordinary daily life (laughs)."

[Talking about boxing for his music video]

"It was not my first time doing boxing. Under the guidance of an action movie actor at the (shooting) location, I rehearsed several movements. I don't know whether or not being topless would excite the female (fans) but I did [for the shoot]. For that, I had to keep my body shape so I didn't eat since the morning of that day. The shoot on the boxing ring ran for a few hours. When the shoot ended, I was so hungry and my legs were shaking... It was really hard (laughs)."

Despite his packed schedule, Junho thought, "I can still do it!"

In your album, there are songs about forbidden love, [marriage] proposal, and a ballad song about farewell. Did these songs come from your personal experiences?

"(While feigning ignorance) Yeah? (laughs) Unfortunately, they are not simply related to my experience. Rather, they came from an inspiration from someone's love story or a dream. More than that, they came from a question of what kind of a person I should become based on what I've felt as I got older. My solo album is a way for me to express my current values or way of thinking so [when I make one] I tend to go deeper and ask myself what kind of a person I am or look back at my past more."

Junho said that as his expression turned serious from his usual thoughtful smile.

"The album production period overlapped with my drama filming and 2PM Arena Tour. In the physically limited time, I did everything simultaneously while thinking the result would come out even better. I didn't reach my limit at that time, though. So far, I've tested myself and passionately drove myself into work in order to find out my limit but I think I still can go further. When I feel like I wish to do better or have any regret, I want to put it ahead of me."

I see you've had your first unit song with Jun. K in your album.

"I've tried being in a unit with the other members in various different forms but I never done anything with Jun. K. As tour title was set to be "Hyper", I wanted to make a song that could lift the listeners' mood. At that time, I said to Jun. K, "Do you want to do it together? Help me." and he replied, "Okay! Let's do it!" right away. We easily decided on it."

Amidst of tour, Junho finds pleasure of trying each province's local food! He especially likes ice cream!

"My mind is full of thoughts regarding the tour! Every year, I look forward to summer because of my solo tour so I'm focusing on it now. But when I get off the stage, I enjoy eating the local food. My favorite is especially ice cream. In the three years in which I held my solo tours, I've had a lot of delicious ice cream [in the local provinces]. I think it will be the same for this year too (laughs). The milk ice cream I ate in Sapporo tasted really good!"

You said that you wanted to go to the beach with the other 2PM members when your solo tour ended. If you were to go with a woman?

"I want us to watch fireworks while drinking beer at the beach! I've never gone to see fireworks during the summer season so I think it would be great."

What if an older woman asked you out for a date?

"That'd be good. Because I'm a man!"

What part of you do you still consider young?

I always think that I am young. I realize that I'm still young when I throw a fit over small things (laughs). However, I'm not the young one among 2PM members. Instead, it is the two older members, Jun. K and Taecyeon. On the opposite, Wooyoung and Chansung are like the older members. Nichkhun is originally manly and hyung-like but the other two are naive/innocent like a kid is. Jun. K always says, "I'm young boy." Of course it is good to be naive/innocent (laughs).

What is the charm of older women?

"I think women over thirty years old have endless potentiality and charms. They are at the age in which they can blossom as a woman like a flower does, be the most feminine and beautiful. Please blossom into even more beautiful flowers while reading 'andGIRL'. Also, take care of your health. Please come to my concerts too♥"

Source
Scans @timing_kei
Japanese - Korean translation: @jh_my 1 2

[TRANS] steady August Issue - Junho

Junho is... Stoic

You show your all-time-perfect side from time to time. What is behind that?

It is quite embarrassing to say this myself but (laughs) it's passion. I've dreamed of being a singer-dance performer since I was young. That dream has never changed and now I want to be an artist who can always keep adding new elements and showing various different colors. For music, I imagine myself standing on stage. For acting, I imagine myself [acting] in the screen. These things give me strength.

Junho is... Attractive

As you've captivated fans' hearts, what do you think about your charm as a man?

I've never thought about it. However, there must be something that nobody beside my fans can tell. For instance, I don't think people will like me just by seeing me in public. Also, I'm not the type people fall for at the first sight. I think there are many people who become interested in me after seeing me at concerts, some events or after seeing me with the members in behind the scene of our music video. 

Your fourth mini album is finished!!

In the previous album "SO GOOD", I expressed the whole image of summer. This new one, however, is a mini album in which I break out of the previous concept and pursue the kind of music I want to do. As a result, this mini album expressed "my current everything" the best, I think.

What is your reason choosing "DSMN" as the title track of the mini album?

The song "DSMN" stands for "Don't Stop Me Now" and I think those words represent my current self as it is. I've been constantly striving forward since my debut and those words express my intention to also keep moving forward without resting in the future.

So, Jun. K took part in the song "HYPER".

The recording went very comfortably (laughs) I didn't direct him at all and asked him to do it as he wanted (laughs). I trusted everything to Jun. K who entered the recording booth. All I did was looking at him and the recording went in a very casual atmosphere. I think it came out as the best song.

Your fourth solo tour has also been fixed.

I'm going to hold the concerts with the thought of making one masterpiece. However, I want to take a new challenge in order to understand what I can do, what is there and what's not there for me. I'm thinking hard about stage performances that the audience would love so I hope you will come!

Q&A

What do you think about working older women?

Sexy. I really think so.

What gives you strength?

The time I spend with Johnny and Wolie inside my room. Just being with them makes me feel peaceful. ♥

What do you want to do to your lover? (Kabedon, stroking her hair, grabbing and lifting her chin, or backhug)

Everything!! After I do kabedon to her, I will stroke her hair, grab her chin, kiss her, turn her around and give her a backhug. You can do all these things to your lover~ I also do them!! To Johnny and Wolie (laughs).

What gave you a heart attack recently?

I was lying on my stomach on my bed and playing with my phone when I felt a weight on my thighs. Turned out it was Johnny staring at me. Johnny's expression was so cute that I got a heart attack.

Among 'cool', 'cute', 'sexy' and 'smart', which one has been said to you in your private life?

I've never heard any of them. Since I don't have enough time for my private life...

Woman doing marriage proposal, yes or no?

My song titled "YES" is about proposal. It's about being fully dressed on a stage at a party and singing to a woman to ask her to get married... I think [marriage proposal by a woman] will be complicated at first. However, I think it will make the man happy later on. He will realize that there can also be such woman.

What thoughts do you have when you perform on stage?

I don't think at all. I don't think about other things because I want to give my best performance. 

What is your favorite Ramen?

Donkatsu! It tastes the best.

How long can you wait when your friend or girlfriend is late on your appointment?

I won't wait if it's a friend. If I'm meeting my girlfriend, I will wait until she comes.

What will you say to comfort your girlfriend who worries about having it difficult working for some company?

I would tell her not to go and do those actions from the third question earlier (kabedon, kiss, etc). I love seeing her working hard but I don't want her to overwork herself.

What image do you have of a Japanese woman?

Gentle yet dashing and set on her ideas.

What do you like the best among your mother's cooking?

Kimchi fried rice. I really like it. (Do you want your future wife to make it for you too?) I will make it for her instead.

What is your know-how for managing your mind and body when you're really busy?

You need to control your mind absolutely. When stress is piling up, you need to use your imaginative skill. Meanwhile, you need workout and a good night sleep to manage your body.

Out of all the hairstyles that you have tried so far, which one do you think is the coolest?

The near-white-gold I had during the second mini album "FEEL".

What song have you been listening to?

During the 6 months of working on the album, I've not listened to any song other than "Instant Love".

What is the best photo you took recently?

A photo with my beloved family whom I live with. On my left is Wolie and on my right is Johnny. I want to see it all the time. 

You're on a date with your girlfriend and she has something on her teeth. What will you do?

I will kind of take it away without embarrassing her.

What are three things do you want your girlfriend to have?

There is nothing in particular but... Being together with me, thinking only about me and making me a good food.

What is the source of your idea?

My own imaginative skill. I've liked imagining things and expressing them to other people since I was young that I drew comics and wrote stories.

Imagine you had work to do early in the morning of tomorrow but your girlfriend called you late at night saying that she missed you. What would you do?

"I'm on my way right away."

What part of older women do you consider charming?

They are experienced thus they can teach me a lot of things. I think that is cool. However, I don't intend to whine (act childish) or depend on them. I want to stood up for them and protect them.

Do you have a favorite song out of your self-composed ones?

My new song "Instant Love". It is a song with a really new feel.

Do you have any habit when talking?

I think I don't have one.

Please leave a message for 'steady' readers.

I will also be running this summer! Please follow me!

What is your phone's background picture?

(Junho was worried about bringing up cats again) Johnny and Wolie. Because I'm a father of cats.

Source
Japanese - Korean translation: @jh_my 1 2

[TRANS] mini August Issue - Junho

Looking back at your three mini albums so far, what do you think?

When I do, I think they lacked of many things. Whenever I release an album, I feel that there are lacking points or things which I regret. As I've been releasing mini albums constantly for the past 4 years, I've come to realize my inexperience in the past. Not only songs, I once again feel how I was young back then when I see the choreography, jacket photo and everything else.

You've made a new album but can we listen to your previous songs again?

You can listen to them again at each of my concert. I've also been trying to upgrade those songs on the lacking parts, for example, by trying to change the -on-stage-choreography.

When did you start working on "DSMN"?

I finished "Poison" first in November. The real work started in January. As January went by, I made the title song "DSMN". It consists of the first letters from "Don't Stop Me Now" and I made it based on the theme of breaking out of yourself, about longing for freedom.

What's with these keywords?

Everyone desires freedom out of an ordinary daily life, don't they? However, you can't achieve that if you're pursuing ahead of you, right? I want to draw a long breath and be free for three minutes. I wanted to express that emotion and that side of everyone, including mine. Whether it's well-expressed or not, I hope fans can feel it after listening to the song by themselves.

You must have been busy with 2PM's Arena Tour and drama filming though?

This time around, I felt like I was really at my limit. Several things were going on at the same time. Although it's always been like that until now, it was especially intense this time.

You had a filming until down and performed in Fukoka right after, didn't you?

We filmed the last episode (of the drama) until half past 6 in the morning. Then I went home only to pack my things and directly go to Fukoka. We had our rehearsal and performed. It was not only the last episode. We'd also been filming until dawn for the previous ones. I barely made it but now I'm not sure how I went through all that (laughs).

Honestly, do you remember anything?

(laughs) The staff and actors had a great relationship so the atmosphere of the filming site was good that I had a lot of fun despite the harsh schedule. I think I was out of my mind (laughs).

What is the source of your endless energy?

It is because I'm doing what I like and what I want to do. When it's actually okay for me to not do what I don't want to do, I feel like I'm alive. I think I'm able to keep going because there is happiness and worth out of it, despite the pain. The drama filming started on my birthday in January and I had started working on the album before that. Time flew really quickly as I was working on various things during that time. I actually thought, "What did I actually do?" but there was really a lot of things going on. Even I can't believe that it's already June now (laughs).

What is your secret to maintain your motivation?

I always contrive myself on the stage, without stopping. Regarding acting, I also imagine myself acting in the work piece. It gives me strength when I'm motivated to make my imagination happen.

Did you ever want to empty your mind?

Of course. I made 'DSMN' because I wanted to break out of things, to be free (laughs). I can't really drink so I don't really have a way to relieve stress. Thus, I think having a hobby is important but I don't have one either. There was a corner in some TV show in which the other members were talking about their hobbies. Chansung kept thinking about something and couldn't come up with anything so he asked what my hobby was. I was also taken aback and started thinking about what my hobby was. Back then and even now, I've always relieved stress by lying down at home, watching my favorite movie or drama, composing songs, listening to music, looking after my cats or working out. But, all of those things can be done at home. I've recently bought a running machine too. (laughs)

It is now the last round of Arena Tour (at the time of interview), how do you feel?

I've been living as a singer for 10 years. However, this year's arena tour had allowed me a chance to look back again. So far, I've stood on the stage as a 2PM member for more than 100 concerts combined: world tour, Asia tour, arena tour and solo tour. As I performed at those concerts, I've never thought like I suddenly did during this arena tour. To us, being on stage and meeting the fans are supposed to be a matter of course; similar to breathing and eating. However, I feel really heartbroken when I think if the six of us can't stand on the stage anytime soon. I also reflected that [being on stage and meeting fans] was not just a matter of course. After thinking about that, I've tried to work harder than before to do my best for each concert. During the opening for this arena tour, Wooyoung said "We're going to go with the concerts with more energy than we did with the previous ones." I think he has spoken all of our mind with that.

When do you feel that you have A blood type?

(laughs) Oh~ That's a good one. Right (laughs). I'm really meticulous when I am, yet I also slack a lot when I do. However, I'm trying to control the dynamics of those two sides in me. I'm personally a perfectionist who will not be satisfied unless I nitpick over something until I can accept it. But, I will make those around me tired if I go over the top, right? Thus, I don't overdo it and become loose when I think it's okay to cut some slack.

I think your bag is quite neat, though?

My bag? (laughs) I've told you that I can be both meticulous and the opposite. My bag is the opposite (laughs) It's really 'manly'. Though, my bed is very neat (laughs). I would like for my home to be clean and neat. My house can be divided into parts and my studio is the cleanest because I want to be able to concentrate in there. However, the doorway is really like that of a man (laughs). I don't have enough time so I'm still in the middle of arranging my house (laughs). I would have finished it if I had no cats but I'm so busy looking after them whenever I'm home. I have to change their sands like changing babies' diapers (laughs).

So you can't go out?

I think I would also look after them even though I had (free) time. Whenever I want to leave the house, they will walk ahead of me and meow.

What fashion item did you recently buy?

This yellow hat I'm wearing today. It is in a really beautiful yellow color. 1970 and 1980's retro fashion have been trending recently, haven't they? That's why I'm also trying to go with primary colors recently.

You are also dressed in orange today.

Carrot (laughs) This outfit had been fixed even before Chansung called me carrot. This outfit is now ruined because of Hwang Chansung (laughs). Now I will be called carrot whenever I choose orange (laughs)

What perfume do you use?

I recently changed mine to POGOSTEMON.

What do you wear when you sleep?

Please imagine yourself (laughs) I wear blanket when sleeping.

What is your favorite female fashion for this summer?

(Junho looked through 'mini' magazine) Wide pants is a trend, right? Loose T-shirt too. I like simple fashion. (He chose plain T-shirt and jeans).

Do you wish to get married now?

Ha... (sighs). I don't really think about it now. My older sister recently got married. She looked really happy.

Don't you feel like you want to do it too when someone close to you does?

Rather than also wishing to to get married, I'm more like "Getting married already?!" Time went by so quickly after my debut that the reality of my age hasn't sunk in yet and I still consider myself young. But, I'm now talking at an age perfect for marriage so I'm even more taken aback.

What do you think is important while working?

Passion. I think passion is the most important. There are times when passion may die when your favorite job doesn't go the way it's supposed to do or when it's different from what you have in mind. Or when you think that it's not for you. But, no matter how hard it is now, you may look further into the future and work harder in order to improve yourself. If you do that, you may look back to it again and think of it as nothing later on. Think that way and never forget your passion!

Some words for the readers.

Keep your passion and make yourself prettier while reading 'mini'!

Junho is this kind of person!

from Kasai-san (in charge of managing 2PM)

Junho always has "ambition". Sometimes strictly and sometimes thoughtfully, he would talk with us staff about something until he's satisfied, we face that "ambition" of his. I hope you can "see and feel" the immeasurable effort lies hidden behind that smile of his, who loves ice cream.

from TOMMY (photographer, in charge of 2PM's CD jacket designs and photo shoots)

Junho is a well-mannered man who always offers a handshake whenever we meet. He works hard and has a will to always improve. But, I think he is a strong person who hides his hard work and the hardships he faces. When we had a photo shoot at a swimming pool overseas, he even hugged all the staff and gave a pool dive service at the after party (laughs).

Source
Scan: timing_kei
Japanese > Korean translation: jh_my 1 2 3

[TRANS] GEEK July 2016 Issue - Nichkhun

You look like an LA youngster who comes to Cuba for a vacation. You really suit this free-spirited place. Really. I really feel that I’m overseas here. The weather is also bright today (June 10^th). The place is also beautiful so I’m feeling really good. It will be my birthday soon. I wish I can have a party here.

June 24^th is your birthday, right? Have you planned anything for the party? Other celebrities often invite more than 50 people and have huge birthday parties. However, I don’t really like such complicated and huge parties. I prefer a calmer party in which I can eat and watch movies at home, together with people closest to me. I think I will only invite around five people for my party.

Who will you invite? 2PM members and... Oh? That’s already five people. I wish to invite the hyungs with whom I work out so I will have to make several parties.

Not long ago, you released a travel photo book <Journey, Map that Embraces the Wind> with actor Lee Jungjin. How did the project begin? I was talking with Jungjin hyung about a lot of things when we found out that we have something in common, which is photo and travelling. We were joking when we said, “Should we go on a trip, take some pictures and release a book? An exhibit would also be interesting.” However, the vice president liked our idea so it turned into a business project.

There are many celebrities who use ghostwriters because they are not professional writers, did you write by yourself? That’s not the case. The editor-in-charge left with us and the speech was arranged through interview style in the script. The pictures with both of us in it were taken by a photographer who accompanied us. I think the book came out well because the professional helped us a lot.

We could at least find out who Nichkhun and Lee Jungjin are through the book. If it were a mere photo book, I could just release it during concerts. It’s not only a book that contains cool pictures. We wanted to release a book that can tell others who we are and how we live. The book does not simply talk about us being an idol and an actor. Instead, it talks about us as ordinary individuals with bad and good.

I bought the book and there was a book-signing coupon inside. It is for fan service. Fans are very important to me so I want to treat them well in everything. However, a line also needs to be drawn. I’d like it to be quiet when I’m having my personal time or when I have a company so I refuse to take pictures or give signatures. I believe that a principle is needed.

Not long ago, you had a bag design collaboration with particular brand. You not only lent your name but also participated in the designing process. I think it is a meaningless work to only lend my name. If I had, I would not have been able to say that I’m the one who made it. It’s not my specialty so I could not work on everything by myself. I put my ideas first, then I drew and until the product was completed, my opinions were actively reflected on the smallest things.

I think your honesty is something that keeps you popular for a long time. At the beginning, it was only my appearance. I admit that. Before JYP audition, I was nothing but a worriless and irresponsible teenager. I had to change. I desperately practiced my Korean, dancing and singing because I hated hearing, “you’re nothing but looks.” I had no choice but to show myself developing little by little so I wouldn’t hear those words. Fortunately, the fans appreciate my effort now. More than anything, there are people in Thailand who think of me as a hero for being a Thai who is active as a South Korean idol so I always feel responsible not to let them down. I have to be careful with every action I take.

I feel you have entirely changed since your debut. In which area do you think that you have developed? I think I have become wiser and more mature. My job is being a celebrity and I’m a singer but I’m still a person. I realized that it is essential to find what I want instead of getting buried in my job. Previously, I work to please people but now I work in order to satisfy and make myself happy.

When are you happy? I’m a freeman. I don’t follow strict rules. I still hold what I have to but I try not to be stuck with the standard. It is frustrating to always follow others. Don’t I have to be comfortable and natural to appear so in the eyes of others?

But you will have to put yourself into the standard people expect from you on the stage though? Don’t people expect handsomeness and charms from idols on stage? They demand those because of my job, not because of me as an individual. I don’t think that will change.

Your role is always to be handsome. Do you become discouraged by your plainness when you have no schedule? I am not. I also have no objection of being seen with no make-up. It’s just that I don’t go out often. I don’t really like crowded places so I enjoy being home. I would wear hat when I have to go out but it’s not to cover anything. When I want to wear a hat, I just put it on.

It seems that you balance the gap between you as a celebrity and individual well. I love both sides of myself. However, I also experience self-denial in both. Dissatisfaction is needed to develop. I never stop asking myself questions and looking for problems. I do them in order to love myself more. I think in order to become better, a person must not be easily satisfied with himself and love himself more at the same time.

What about other people? I think consideration is very important. Through others’ opinion, you can prevent harmful situations. Although I can’t do that when arguing about impossible things, I always put others’ opinion ahead of mine in other situations. I pretend to not know when they are wrong.  

Won’t you be let down so many times like that? Especially in the entertainment industry. I have learnt the trick to not be disappointed by most people. I don’t put any expectation. The entertainment industry is a business run by lots of people. Because of that, I think we have to concede and be more considerate when working with others unless it’s a critical matter. It’s common in this industry that when you don’t hit it off with someone, you will probably not meet him again. When I particularly have to express my opinion, I will have to see that person constantly. In that case, I will express my opinion slowly and little by little to change him.

It is quite sad that you said you don’t have any expectation so you won’t be disappointed by others. I became untrusting of people. It seems like it can’t be helped since I work surrounded by many people. I recently started living on my own but I didn’t feel at ease that I couldn’t hire a maid. So, I do all of the house chores by myself. It is difficult and tiring but I love cleaning, fortunately. I also clean the bathroom myself. I get on my knees and wipe everything clean happily. I also like shopping so instead of ordering in, I go to buy food myself. Even though I order in, I will also make some simple dish.

You said, “I’m lucky” a lot before this interview. Regardless of all your weariness, do you always think that your life is lucky? Although I made efforts, I think I got where I am because of my great luck. There are more people who are better and hard-working than I am but I managed to be where I am now. There is no other explanation other than being lucky.

Although you must have gotten a lot of things, is there anything you are not able to get? I saw an interview in which you daringly declared your ambition to be an actor representing Asia in the Hollywood someday. I don’t think that can be achieved with effort only. The opportunity may someday come if I’m doing well at where I am now. It would be good if I could achieve that with a good luck, but I will have no regret otherwise. I would still have the experience of trying my best at my current position. If we’re talking about dream, I would like to release a solo album someday.

Is there any object that you haven’t been able to get yet? Haha, a watch. Since a few years ago, I have vaguely thought about getting a good watch but I’ve been thinking more about it recently. I have a particular watch in mind. It comes with a leather band and I really like it. Although it’s not decorated with diamonds or extremely expensive, it can’t be considered cheap too. It’s a product of I brand. I’m originally the type to think a lot before buying stuff. I even spent one and a half year thinking before buying my first car. Though I spend well on food, I can’t buy things if I don’t really like them.

So it is not only a mere money issue when you put on a watch. I heard you’re also outspoken regarding donations. You must have done a lot more donations without people knowing, right? As the teaching of Buddhism also says, I think that people should share (with others) what they have. My mother also does a lot of good deeds in Thailand. She frequently calls me too. She would say, "Nichkhun, I went to some hospital and I think they need more beds." Then, I would answer "I think they do. How about we give them ten of it?" I do not consider that as a waste of money at all.

scan sources: pictures interview