Hyung Jun – Play Magazine April 2011 Issue

Kim Hyung Jun

His First Time   |  Is also PLAY’s First Time

The First Time for Taiwanese Media To Enter Studio For An Interview

Ever since Kim Hyung Jun left SS501 for a solo career, his work as an artiste has become that of a mutli-area development. Not only did he successfully participate in the musical [Cafe-In] allowing him to have an additional status as an actor, amidst his busy schedule he has also set up a character business with his brother Kim Ki Bum using their name initials [HnB]. However because fans whom adore him still wish to hear his singing voice, his solo album which was set to release in March have also received attention worldwide, hence causing him to be very occupied with promotion work. Not to mention about interviews, even resting to him is now considered a luxury. Finally last month, PLAY Magazine Korean Special Reporter, Rachel, whom have spent much effort was finally able to grab an opportunity to have an exclusive photoshoot interview with Kim Hyung Jun. The friendly Kim Hyung Jun answered all questions posed to him, his natural and outspoken outlook have also made Rachel fell in love with him, becoming his fan right after this interview!

Kim Hyung Jun’s Questions and Answers

(PLAY’s Dialogue represented by “P” and Kim Hyung Jun’s answers represented by “金” (“Kim”) )

P: Kim Hyung Jun in the past has been visiting Taiwan due to concerts or prize presentation ceremony. If you are coming to Taiwan for holidays, not for work, where would you wish to visit?

Kim: In the past only visit Taiwan because of performances, I heard that Taiwan has many fun places, but I didn’t have any chance to go take a look. So I need to ask fans to help recommend me some places to play? I like to it to be free and easy, a place where I can be at ease and can have a relaxing holiday!

P: Not long back Kim Hyung Jun has just ended musical performances. What are your thoughts after the musical has ended? As a musical actor, how many marks would you give yourself?

Kim: Because this is my first time participating in a musical, I feel that I still have many areas that are still lacking, if using 100marks to calculate, I would give myself 60. After the musical has ended, feel upset and reluctant, and also a little empty, wish to work even harder, in order to become a leading actor that catches people’s attention. In addition, sometime in June, may also because of musical [Cafe-In] visit Japan for performances, and I also wish to have one or two chances in the upcoming year to meet everyone (ref Taiwan) through this musical.

P: It’s already March, Taiwan weather has turned really warm. In this March, Kim Hyung Jun’s first solo album will be released, so I guess this year Spring, would be a very meaningful Spring to Kim Hyung Jun. So to Hyung Jun himself, what sort of memories would you want to leave for this year Spring?

Kim: I have always been living my life optimistically, and in 2011 Spring I’ll be going solo, and will be doing solo album promotions. I hope this spring would be one in which the flowers will be in full bloom, so just like these colourful flowers, hope that this year Spring fans would get to see my many different styles.

P: Hyung Jun to release solo album in March, so it is likely that there would be many overseas fans that would specially fly to Korea to see you! If Hyung Jun were to recommend one Taiwanese fan a must-visit place in Korea, where would it be?

Kim: I love to eat duck meat very much, so at Paldang area there is a very famous duck meat shop, so if Taiwanese fans come to Korea, if there is a chance, they should go there and try eating it! It is really delicious! Thinking about it alone already makes me salivate! In addition, at the cross junction of Eulji Hospital there is a restaurant called “Even Bigger” (not very sure, since I’m translating it from Chinese) their beef soup (solong tang) is famous, and I’m a regular customer! (I need to hunt this down!! Heh)

P: Besides being a singer, musical actor, radio DJ, what other different areas do you wish to develop your career? Have you thought of wanting to become a permanent guest in a variety show, or become a MC? What sort of variety show do you want to attend?

Kim: Actually I’m very ambitious in all areas of my work, wish to try all types of work. Recently wish to challenge my own acting skills, regardless of whether it is a drama, movie or just a comical sitcom, I wish to try dabbling in all, I wish to start first as a supporting actor, then slowly but earnestly learn. This year besides working hard to manage my supplementary career, if opportunity arises, hope to participate in a drama. Because releasing solo album, need to take part in solo promotions, so would be attending quite a few variety shows recording. Currently, I’m still lacking in many areas as a MC, hope to learn more after observing more before taking up a MC role again.

P:  From debut until now, have any mistakes on stage or other embarrassing incidents in your daily life? Also, what is one thing that has touched you the most?

Kim: On the stage, there were many times mistakes were made ah ^^!  Among SS501 members, all of us have made mistakes of not singing our parts when we were supposed to. The thing that touched me the most?  Not matter what, it has to be during promotions when SS501 released our last album, that last fan meeting stage! During that time, upon seeing how fans were being so passionate in cheering for us, I was really touched, also feel upset and sorry. The day on which I was the most excited should be around 100 days after debut, when we won 1^st on a music show. That sort of excitement is beyond explanation.

P: After being an artiste, until now, how many marks would you grade yourself? Is there anything that makes you proud?

Kim: If I were to grade myself based on my career as an artiste, would give myself 70 marks. I feel the proudest after finishing recording for my solo album. The practice period for this solo album lasted around 2 months, in order give fans the best music, I put in my best to prepare for it. Because this is my own solo album, I put in even more effort.

P:  On Valentine’s Day, have you received something which left you the deepest impression? Or on March 14 White Day, is there any unforgettable incident?

Kim: The present that left the deepest impression? When I was in middle school, I am actually very popular, ha ha ha! During year one, I received roses that were placed in a basket filled with chocolates, that is my first Valentine’s Day present I ever received. Because I love to write letters, so when I was around 19 years old, I started writing my love letter one week before White Day, wrote about 3 to 4 pages, and I also bought a very big candy, and then gave to the girl that I was interested in. That is the first Valentine’s Day present that I ever gave ^^!

P: Hyung Jun’s ideal type is? (Independent woman or a more obedient type of woman?)

Kim: I like feminine woman who only loves me but also is passionate in her career.

P: Hyung Jun’s ideal romantic relationship is?

Kim: A relationship that is open (i.e. does not have to hide), and I can announce openly that I have someone whom I love. Of course after going public, there might be some inconvenience, or even incident that might hurt me, but if I really have someone whom I have dated for very long, coming clean is a very good thing.

P:  Do you think you are a good lover? What sort of qualities should a good lover possess? 

Kim:  I think I’m a good lover! If I were to grade myself, I would give myself 90 marks. However I am a jealous person (ha ha ha). I will treat my girlfriend very well. I hope that my girlfriend is more conservative, a girlfriend who understands my heart would be a true good lover.

P: Previously SS501 would split a song into 5 portions and record them separately, so the burden is smaller, but now you have to perform the whole song by yourself, did you feel that the pressure is very big? What are the difficulties that you have encountered during recording?

Kim: During recording, I don’t find it really tough, but when have to sing along on the stage, honestly I am a little worried. Have to finish singing a 3-4min song alone, would feel a little burden. But I have been practising hard to sing LIVE, because have to dance and sing at the same time, so I have been exerting all strength to practice.

P:  Do you have plans to promote in Taiwan?

Kim:  Around May, would visit Taiwan to meet fans who adore me. It would probably be a Showcase and FanMeeting style! Haha, because I want to meet my Taiwanese fans, now I’m also starting to practise singing Taiwanese songs, so everyone please anticipate. I would give everyone a big surprise!

P: Please say something to your Taiwanese fans

Kim: Thank you all my fans for your patience and support. I will show my very best to everyone on stage. I will continue to work hard, in order to let “Kim Hyung Jun” be recognised by everyone! Meet you in Taiwan!

Interview After Thoughts

Slow soothing music was playing in the studio, the calm atmosphere was totally changed when Kim Hyung Jun arrived. In an eye’s blink, the whole studio becomes brighter and filled with vitality. To questions raised by me, Rachel, Kim Hyung Jun was very focused, his relaxing conversational style during the interview helped to ease the uneasiness felt during our first meeting. The thing that left me the deepest impression is whenever we talked about fans, he would always show a very blissful expression.

When I asked “During Taiwan Fanmeeting, would you sing Chinese song?”, he answered in a firm and sincere manner, “Although I do not know Taiwanese Pop Music well, but I will definitely work hard to practise singing!” To questions regarding music, he would always use a very earnest way to answer, showing ample hints of his passion towards music, and unreservedly demonstrates his deep interest in acting.

During photo taking, he obediently followed the photographer’s request, and often show cute yet comical expressions as well as confident yet focused attitude. During breaks, he would check on his look, showing his profession, and once again displaying the character of a man serious at work. When I request for his autograph, Kim Hyung Jun not only seriously signed his name, he also wrote a greeting. Actually he should be very tired because he was recording songs late into the night before the interview, but unexpectedly when he arrived at the studio, he did not show any weary expressions, and continued to be chirpy and friendly, livening up the mood of interview.

After the interview with Kim Hyung Jun, the impression he left me is that he is pure as a child, yet passionate and energetic like a youth, so it was a really happy affair interviewing him. I sincerely wish that his solo album which would be released on 5 March, whether it belongs to Kim Hyung Jun, or fans who adore him, would be a solo masterpiece that is worth keeping.

Scan: Annieyang
Trans: Only Jun (kimhyungjun.net)
Repost with full credits