English translation: ode@ss501ode.blogspot.com
SS501′s Kim Hyung Jun who’s had captivated the passion of Japan as a Hanryu singer 4 years ago is feeling awe-inspiring recently. With a new title as Singer Kim Hyung Jun, he ambitiously released his first perfectly done solo album as he gives an undertaking to make his new stepping-out. However, his priority is something else. Because of the Japan big earthquake, his worry for fans is significant too. He wants very much to reciprocate the love he’s received from Japanese fans as one member of SS501.
Before he began the interview on his solo album, he did not forget to show his worry for Japanese fans first, “Because we’ve gotten so much love from Japan, I need to start planning real soon on an event to mourn for the Japanese citizens, no matter in what format it shall be”. His solo album that was sincerely prepared may be important, but his concern for Japanese fans is what makes him heart-warming to us.
Kim Hyungjun described his feelings of going solo as “the feeling of debuting again”. He who has turned from the maknae in his group to a solo singer now made us hear animation in his voice. His 4 other members who were always beside him are not present now, but he has with himself every day the determination of going towards a new beginning, and this determination is the same as what a newbie would have when he/she just debuts. Kim Hyungjun who illuminated gleam in his eyes calls this his ’2nd debut’, and no sooner than later, he stood on the stages, again.
(Q) First of all you’re now standing on stage alone and not as five. How do you feel?
(A) I’m not really that kind who gets nervous easily, but I don’t know why I feel very anxious this time. Not like my style right (laughs). Couldn’t control my expressions properly, and felt my stiffening body when I perform on stage. Though my first stage was quite awkward and a little pitiful that way, I don’t think it would affect my outlook in performing too much. You will get to see senior idol Kim Hyungjun’s adept stage manners in the next performance.
(Q) What disadvantages and advantages are there if you were to compare it against SS501 days?
(A) It was always doing activities with the five of us, but now I’m turned to stand alone and though I do feel nervous, I feel great too for being able to work alongside great people. The best thing of this all is that I can get to subdue the camera all by myself. I feel very excited everyday that I’d be able to show to everyone my different profiles. Of course, that comes with huge responsibility too isn’t it. My members are not with me so I need to work alot times harder right?
(Q) How did people around you & your members responded?
(A) It’s already been 6 years since I began standing on stage. I was shaking furiously on my first stage but now I have got to put forth a relaxing show for all. There was a good premonition at the beginning. All people around me told me the music was good. Haha. However now that I don’t have my members whom we always relied on and who always gave encouragement for one another, I feel a little empty inside me. We always play the role of support towards each other so I feel a little lonely. For this too I gotta endure it alone.
(Q) Do you contact the SS501 members often?
(A) We monitor one another and also do not hesitate at giving suggestions and comments to one another. We may be in different agencies for now, but we do come frank during discussions on which period to carry out activities at and the concept we’ll use. We joke about doing that in a way our personal activities won’t clash. Especially Park Jungmin who sent his support all the way by visiting my music video shooting location and also came as a guest to my fanmeeting venue. Our members are originally skilled by nature, so even if we were to stand forth alone, all of us will be able to do it well enough.
(Q) What is it you have in mind the most when you’re doing activities alone?
(A) More than anything else I want to let know of a brand called Kim Hyungjun. It will be something that only I can do it, no matter what it may be, and I want to show it to people. I want to make it in a way that it will be oozing with a very liberated atmosphere once Kim Hyungjun appears. That’s why I wore many different outfits such as training uniform, formal suits etc and showed my various profiles in the album; similarly in music wise, I also showed a huge change. It’s really quite different from the strong stage atmosphere that SS501 had. Vocal-wise and stage-wise, there was less strength used and instead it was filled with a lighter spirit in the atmosphere. I want to become a dance singer who has with me my unique characteristics, only.
(Q) If there are any distinctive features in this album?
(A) From hit song producer E-Tribe to rapper Dokki and all other skilled veteran musicians who haven’t been able to collaborate during SS501 days have all worked alongside me this time. Dance song ‘Girl’ is my most favorited song and it was released first, while the song produced by E-Tribe hyungs that carried with it a unique feel was then selected to be my title track. If it has a popular melody, it’ll be easier to get the attention of audiences first. I also tried my part at being a lyricist for 2 songs. Because this is MY album, I want to fill to my heart’s content with words that I want to say.
(Q) DBSG who used to carry their activities alongside you all is now divided into two people; how do you feel?
(A) It’s a pity, but I feel they will work out well. Many past memories float in mind alot these days.
(Q) Do you have any new determination on any thing, now that you’re doing activities alone?
(A) First of all, I’m determined to no longer hold that tinge of shyness when I’m on stage. When I go on music programmes, I do start to feel my status as a senior. I hope to make it to an extend like, when juniors see me perform, they will feel proud and envious about me at the same time.
(Q) What comes onto mind when you see idols these days?
(A) When they go on to music programmes, they mix around friendly and seem to bond very well, and upon seeing that I felt glad. When I was doing activities back then at our best state there were so many male groups, but these days, it’s girl groups ruling the way. They even exchange phone numbers. They look to be really bonding well.
(Q) If you were to say something to your Japanese fans with regards to this time’s big earthquake?
(A) SS501 invaded into Japan since 2008 and has been receiving alot of love from Japanese fans. Though our members are now dispersed across here and there ever since the end of our full time contract last June with former agency, our members and I hope to give our helping hand in a mourning manner in order to thank the love we’ve received from our Japanese fans. My schedules in Japan may have been announced already but of course it needs to be pushed back. Instead concern was shown for me and I feel nothing but gratitude. Luckily our fans are safe and sound, and instead they worried for me. Once again, thank you to the infinite love from our fans.
(Q) What’s your aim for this year?
(A) I want to receive the Bonsang award with my solo album this year. First and foremost would be to stand up high in this music industry with my name. But still, I hope to do activities in Japan as soon as possible, and also juggle musical activities. I want to do many different activities.
