Kim Hyun Joong ~ M! Countdown Backtage Interview [English Subs]

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Hello to everyone at Mcountdown Backstage,
I’m Kim Hyun Joong

With the looks of a sculpture
Kim Hyun Joong is back!

The next generation star that Asia is taking notice of!

From SS501,
Magnificently making his solo debut !

Taking away his sweet charm that he had till now,
Changing from a boy to man!

By the top staff and Kim Hyun Joong himself
1st Solo Album「Break Down」

What are your thoughts after finishing your 1st solo album showcase?
It has been a while and on my first stage of my solo activity, a lot of fans have attended and enjoyed it like a concert. 

What is the concept of 「Break Down」? 
During my activities in SS501 and actor, I have a strong “flower boy” image, so I have cut short my hair and [Choosing the manly image!] build up my body with muscles as I wanted to show the manly image of me. I think now the most important period, [Not a boy but transforming to a man!] is the process of changing from a boy to a man. Through the comeback, I will work hard to show the manly side of me, so please give me your support. 

What is the main point of this album and the parts that you have participated in?
As it’s the 1st solo, there is a large amount of pressure. From the selection of songs for the album to the dance, I have participated in all of it. [By Kim Hyun Joong, Mini Album 「Break Down」] The album jacket photos and meeting, all I have participated in. An album produced with my passion and hard work.

What is the reason for selecting 「Break Down」as your title song?
I was troubled over selecting 「Please」or 「Break Down」for the title song. 
[Sweet melody (Please) VS Strong beat (Break Down)]
I had thought of selecting 「Please」as the title song but compared to 「Break Down」MV which give a manly feeling and 3 gear dance might become a topic, [Representative dance of「Break Down」,「3 Gear Dance」] it was decided to select 「Break Down」as the title song.

Your most favorite song is?
The song 「Kiss Kiss」is nearer to my previous image. Fans have said that the dance is cute, [100% Reflecting the opinions of fans, 「Kiss Kiss」has been decided as the follow-up song!] catchy song, 「Kiss Kiss」has been scheduled to be the follow-up song. Please give lots of your support. 

[Sent through Mnet Japan twitter, support messages and questions!] 
Questions from everyone sent through twitter, in regards to my performance. 
Let’s have a look at it now. *head turning to board* 

Looking so good in the showcase! Always be giving my support. By the way, how much weight have you gained? The feeling now looks good ^^. *Referring to his built*
I think there are many who are not used seeing me with short hair, [to Japanese fans, not used seeing short hair] in 「Boys Over Flowers」and 「Playful Kiss」, as I have a strong long hair image, there are some who thinks short is weird but I hope that will get used to it in 「Break Down」. For my weight… after building muscles, I gained 4kg. [muscle increased 4kg↑] But I’m busy with my activities, there are times that I’m unable to eat adequately, [increase in activities 4kg↓, in the end back to the same weight] getting back to the original weight. 

To Leader, congratulation on the start of your activities. On the 6th, your birthday, how did you spend your time? 
As I have the showcase on 7th June, although it was my birthday on the day before, I had rehearsal till late for it. [Kim Hyun Joong’s birthday (6th June) is only a day difference from the showcase (7th June)] It was near to 1am when I reached home but since it was my birthday, I contacted my director from my management company and the 2 of us had a party. [Quietly have a birthday party with director from the management company] 

What is the most memorable birthday present you have received? 
When I woke up, those bike games which you see in game center was delivered to my house. As I didn’t have any place for it, I have put it at the dance practising room. A present which left quite an impact.

Hyun Joong Oppa, congratulations to your comeback and Happy Birthday. I have watched the comeback stage and you look really good. I will continue to give my support. Kim Hyun Joong Fighting
What is your favorite dance moves in this solo album? Please tell us about it ☆
In this solo album, all songs have their point. In 「Please」, there is the mic dance. 「Break Down」have the 3 gear dance. In 「Kiss Kiss」, there’s this dance movement *HJ doing the kiss kiss dance hands movement* if possible to see it on stage, I think that it be a dance movement that is easy to imitate for everyone. 

Congratulations and happy for your solo activities. Till what age would you call someone “noona”? From what age would you call “ahjumma”? Please do not mind about it and answer. 
I don’t have any criteria for noona and ahjumma. If I see her looking like a noona, will call her noona, I don’t call ahjumma. I only use it like when I go shopping at the market. To me, I don’t have any criteria for it. 

Where is Hyun Joong Oppa’s favorite place? 
I don’t like to spend a long time at home. I don’t have any special place that I like. As I don’t have any favorite place, I go to various places. 

Thank you for all the questions. 

From Japan through the internet, if you have any questions, please send over. 

I’m happy that we can communicate through BACKSTAGE.

If there is the chance again, I will always reply. 

What are your plans for this year activities? 
I think that I will be unable to have any activities as an actor. 
There will be the activities for album, Asia tour and [2nd Solo Album plans to be release this year!] there are plans to release album around end of September or the beginning of October. In 2011, I want to concentrate as being a singer. 

What are activity plans for Japan? 
As I planned to go to Japan a from end July to early August, I hope to spend a wonderful time with all Japanese fans. 

Please give your support to 「Break Down」.

I hope to show everyone a further grown up image of myself in future.

Thank you. *bows* [Kim Hyun Joong Annyeong]

==cut of mcountdown when he had won==

*after mcountdown performance*
To everyone from MCD BACKSTAGE, I think everyone will be asking through twitter about my thoughts getting No.1, if there’s a chance next week… [Hyun Joong’s thoughts of getting No.1 next week~] As I’m having lots of mixed feelings now, I will need to organize my thoughts before answering.

Kim Hyun Joong ~ Interview at “Kpop and Korean Drama”

 

 

Credit: blog.daum.net/elley0606

Little kids interviewing Kim Hyun Joong ~

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English subs

SS501’s Kim Hyun Joong recently took part in a unique interview with “Dispatch“, where he was asked a series of questions asked by kids. The star’s 4-D personality definitely shone through in this amusing set, so check it out below!

Q. Ham Tae Hwan (7) “I don’t like it when people call me pretty. Hyung, how do you feel when people call you pretty?”

KHJ: “So you don’t like it when people call you pretty. I hear that often, and I think you’ll find that you’ll like hearing it as you grow up. It’s better to be called pretty than ugly, right?”

Q. Chun Ah Young (7) “Hyun Joong oppa, why do you only act? Do you not sing lately?”

KHJ: “I’ve only done two projects in my acting career so far. I’ll be making a singing comeback in June. I’ll be sure to show the singing side to my career so you don’t have to ask next time, ‘Why do you only sing? Do you not act?’ I’ll go back and do my best.”

Q. Yoon Tae Joon (8) “Hyung, it’s so hard for me to memorize the times table. What do you think is the best way to memorize it?”

KHJ: “When I was younger, my mom put on a song that went like this. ‘Two and one is two, two and two is four…’ Download the song and listen to it in your mp3 player, I’m sure it will help.”

Q. Yoon Jae Yeon (11) “I want to dye my hair but my mom won’t let me. Oppa, when did you first dye your hair?”

KHJ: “I did try dying my hair when I was younger… And although 26 years old is still young, I’m a bit embarrassed dying my hair at this age. It’s unfortunate if your mother is against it, but I think dying your hair when you’re young is an experience worth having.”

Q. “I like Park Ji Sung. Which soccer player do you like the best?”

KHJ: “You must dream of becoming a soccer player. I’m a Korean man, so I also like Park Ji Sung. Let’s like soccer together forever, okay?”

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Source: DISPATCH via Nate

Kim Hyun Joong ~ MBC Sports Interview [with English Subs] /15.04.11/

Kim Hyun Joong MBC Sports Interview ~

Kim Hyun Joong’s Unreleased Interviews from Japan ~

Kim Hyung Jun: “The essential exsitence of SS501″ /28.03.11/

 

Kim Hyung Jun is no longer the baby of SS501, he who have debut for 7 years will be standing on stage alone will show only the domineering side and not nervousness because of all his hardwork offscreen and a strong sense of pride. You can call Kim Hyung Jun a bright person, during the interview, he replied every question with smile. Although he still behave like a child some times, but he clearly knows what is the thing he wants. Not that he’s not nervous for his solo stage, but Kim Hyung Jun’s curiosity and confidence conquers his nervousness. Even though he’s standing on stage alone, you wouldn’t feel that other members is missing.

[To Kim Hyung Jun, what does SS501?]

[SS501 is the motivation behind Kim Hyung Jun now, is also the essential existence in my life. Members gave me lots of support and encouragement, they also say I must get Number 1. They have been following closely on my performance and asking me not to be nervous.] When he talked about himself, he was very calm, but when he mentioned other members, he suddenly turns into a child who’s much loved by members.

[Normally when we meet up, we will go for a drink. I can’t really hold my liqour, but others member are very good drinkers. Hyun Joong-hyung drink fast and he gets drunk very fast, he will definitely not wake up]. His embarrass expression when saying this is like Kim Hyun Joong Is now drunk beside him. [Young Saeng-hyung will become talkative, behaves like a child. Sometimes he will also imitate others, saying why Hyung Jun is so handsome. Jung Min will start running around, KyuJong will just stare with his eyes wide open.] His eyes lit with trust and affections with he talked about his members, it’s just like there’s an invisible lines that connects all members, maybe we will still get to see the day when all SS501 members stands on the same stage.

[Although now that our management company is different, but we promise each another that we will work together, if we can’t even keep this promise, then we really have no sense of obligation. Even if the period will be short, but we still hope to gathers together. Of course there’s bound to be inconvenience when our agency is different, but when all our individual activities have completed, till then, SS501 will release an album, either end of this year or beginning of next year.]

Things that hold SS501 together is not only music, Kim Hyung Jun, Kim Hyun Joong, Park Jung Min and Kim KyuJong are all experienced in acting, [If I were to act with Hyun Joong-hyung, have to be that kind that will never meet each other kind of relationship. Wants to film something like [Movie is Movie], a character that’s so cool like So Ji Sub].

[Humanity Kim Hyung Jun VS Singer Kim Hyung Jun]

Kim Hyung Jun in variety shows also gives us an impression of outgoing and friendly impression, even when he’s standing on stage alone, there’s no sign of fright, able to speak him mind fluently, but in fact, Kim Hyung Jun is someone who enjoys to be alone. [The humanity Kim Hyung Jun is much petty, have many thoughts but don’t really voice out, also full of worries for own future. Likes to stroll alone along Hangang River and also likes driving around alone. As an entertainer Kim Hyung Jun, I’m flamboyance. Am very cheerful and positive. When people saw me, they will say that I’m very cheerful and hardworking].

Kim Hyung Jun who is very strict to himself, tones down when he talked about his family. He revealed that till now, other than his parents, he have not found any role model. He also said that he looks exactly like his mother and at the same time, he showed his love and care for this brother, Ki Bum who’s also a singer. [Ki Bum can do many things, because he like figurine, he once started a business for figurines. He’s also good at composing, if there’s a chance, I would like to release an album with my brother. Although it’s a pity that he left the group, but that is already the past and it’s better to be forgotten, I told him that I wish he could give a thought about what he really wants to do and wants him to face the reality].

Not only to his brother, Kim Hyung Jun also gave lots of support to Kara who was once their junior, [Have to keep in mind the thought that everything could be settle, have to learn to give in to each another. Compared to who’s standing by with who, it’s better to learn how to compromise].

[24 years old, age when you crave for love]

24 years old young blooded, this is the age that you crave for love. But 24 years old Kim Hyung Jun says work is his priority. [I hope that I can get a girlfriend 3 years later when I have more money, I like woman who are feminine, maybe people will find my thinking conservative, but I like girls who will listen to me and one who will be a good wife. Appearance, compared to gorgeous looking, I prefer girls who are not materialistic. I really like Son TaeYoung and Son YeJin, it seems like people with Son as surname is very beautiful], a rather picky standard, as if he is picking his bride.

Kim HyungJun who wants to focus on work has been working with female artiste recently, in his latest album, MV for and , there’s also pretty ladies, [Previously if were to work with female, I will be very shy and wouldn’t know what to say, but now I have open up. Sometimes I will think that by doing that, everyone will like it more, so I will try to find topic, and become more close others. Feels more power at work with female co-workers around than when I’m working alone].

[Hope that I could get Number 1 for this album], this is Kim Hyung Jun recent target. We also hope that he who faces everything with sincerity and positive attitude could achieve what he wished for.

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Credit: KoreaStarDaily.com 宣美炅记者
English translation: reena29shadow@twitter

Kim Hyun Joong ~ AERA Japan Magazine March 21 Issue Interview

 

Kim Hyun Joong “I am always afraid of losing love from fans”

Kim Hyun Joong, Leader of K pop idol group, who already had a dream of becoming a singer inspired by Seo-Taiji at the second year of a prime school, talked about acting and emotions towards his fans.

He did not see neither Taiwan version nor Japanese one of Playful Kiss as he did not want to be influenced by them. The point of Playful Kiss is to see how cold BaekSeunJo will change. According to him, he tried to become SeunJo at EP 1 and 2, perfectly getting into the character from EP 3 and 4.

KHJ: Being a genius, he is always lonesome boy. He is so clumsy in love that he does not know how to express his emotion, and that is the key point of SeunJo. However, he gradually tries to express his feeling, and I hope that the audience can see this process. In order to act as genius, it was hard for me to understand and learn difficult words and expressions.

Q: It is important for him in acting is to completely become a character himself. What kind of efforts, does he do for that ?

KHJ: First of all, I analyze the characteristics of my role. In case of Beak SeunJo, I have to look smart and confident enough to be IQ200 genius. To the contrary, he knows that he feels awkward in front of the girl he loves. He tries to control his emotion within himself. With all these points in mind, I have to become SeunJo.

At the same time, thinking of an entire storyline of the drama, I decided how to act by each episode. While reading of the script, I thought about expressing SeunJo’s changes, “ Shall I express to this extent in this episode ? then further to this extent in the next episode ? “ and so on.

Q: In Korean drama, there is almost no drama that the script is ready before shooting …..

KHJ: That is right! You may not believe me, but sometimes, we received a script five or 10 minutes before the shooting. Still in the later part of the drama, I already got into the role, it was much easier to act. So, even I received the scenario at the last minutes, the phrases quickly entered in my memory.

Q: I had this interview in December. After continuously working without any rest, it was a pitty that he looked so tired. So, I asked him what he would like to do if he had free time.

KHJ: Well I would like to go to somewhere people does not recognize me , going to a hot spring, having a glass of beer, and so on. Also it will be nice for me to enjoy soccer.

Even this seems to be difficult for him. He would like to start this year from music activities, balancing actor/singer activities on half-half basis.

KHJ: The current challenge for me is to make a success in the first solo album. I would like to make it the best so that I can expect good reaction and reputation. During the production process, I decided the entire image of music video by myself, challenging in selection of the songs. In the next album, many of my own ideas are included.

Not only in Korea nor Japan, one of the most though things that we are afraid of is “ fear of losing love from all of you “. I know that if the popularity goes up once, then it will go down. However, I believe that if I try hard, the fans will not leave me, continuously giving their support to me. Therefore, I think that I will be able to keep my own positioning , if I continue to work hard.

Interviewer: Yes, you are right. No matter how much suffering you may have, you have to continue to run, that is the star !

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Scanned by: blog.daum.net/elley0606
English translation: lafone @ liezle.blogspot.com (Summary trans)

Kim Hyung Joon ~ First Solo, No Chance to Feel Lonely /21.03.11/ ~

 

Kim Hyung Jun went solo with the release of a mini album

Shoulder 5times the burden compared to his SS501 time
The ambitious greed that can uses Intravenous Drip to replace meals
Always carrying his unchanging passionate initial resolution towards his singing career

“Before this was feeling fearful so was very careful. But still went up the stage and heard saying like  “Yes, this is a singer”

Not as 5 people on stage but alone, such thoughts give me a huge amount of burden. Other members too, also wish to give the juniors who chose the same path as us a “cool” impression.  Waited for a year, I went up on the musical stage and to lessen the burden of going solo, worked with the best artistes to create an album which I can say without feeling ashamed that considerable efforts have been put in.  Group ‘SS501’ ‘s Kim Hyung Jun (24) first mini album (My Girl) release to proclaim his solo activities have since started.

“Although I said there is no mental burden, but it is still 5x more difficult. Songs have to sing 5x more, choreography also have to dance 5x more, so there is still 5x the burden that is pressing on me. So I would be lying if I were to say that it is not tough and it is all fun. Recently I have been surviving on intravenous drip instead of rice.”

As a solo singer, in his first album he has already shown his big ambitions, working togher with E-Tribe, Rado who are composers in great demand, songs lyrics for “No other woman but you” and “Heaven” are all written by him. Want to proudly show to fans the outlook that he is not just the ‘SS501’s Kim Hyung Jun’ but ‘Solo Singer Kim Hyung Jun’.
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“Using the name ‘Kim Hyung Jun’ to release album, wish to hear people say “No matter what, still Kim Hyung Jun”. Wish that people would think that I’m alright even when I’m alone and would recognise me for it” Even though there several dance music that is different from ‘SS501’ style, but I still wish to show my own sophistication and colors through these songs.”

Make the first singer, Park Jung Min, from within SS501, as my someone whom to learn lessons from.

“Of course, although l may look very cool, but on stage it is not enjoyable at all. On the stage, could not afford to enjoy. I tried very hard to show that I’m relaxed and comfortable although inside me, I’m swarmed with awfulness. I was worried for a long time about what sort of music style I should choose. Even for dance music it has to be popular yet needs to be different from ‘SS501’. I would be showing everyone another side of me that I was not able to show when I was in the group.”

Title track ‘oH!aH!’ is created by E-Tribe with an Urban RnB style. Because of a rich and mysterious tune that climbs appropriately from one verse to another, this song is not something that is boring.

“I originally like style of the dance pop song ‘Girl’ made by Rado hyung. Although both songs are dance pop music but their styles are completely different. Because the competition for title tracks is very stiff, so decided that I should try to challenge a different style, therefore ‘oH!aH!’ was chosen.“

E-tribe’s careful and meticulous work style in addition to Rado’s comfortable and relaxed work style  enable him to work on his shortcomings and highlighted his strengths, thereby bringing the satisfaction level for this album to 95%.

“The other 5% that is lacking is due to my singing ability, it is a pity. Been having ambitious greed about the stage. Recently I re-visited by initial resolution, and have once again attended vocal lessons. Would let everyone see the new singer, Kim Hyung Jun, Ha Ha!”

Due to unexpected fold of events happening in Japan, would be postponing Japanese promotion plans. Initially had plans to start Asia Tour and overseas promotions from April onwards, but now chances of changes are very high.

“After domestic activities have ended have thoughts of entering into Greater China market. Because Japan is our neighbouring country, so when having activities as a singer, was able to receive a lot of help. So as a singer, I’m thinking how I can contribute back and help.”

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Source: Focus Daily
Trans: Only Jun (kimhyungjun.net)

Kim Hyung Joon’s interview with Nocutnews /21.03.11/

 

 

 

“I want to become somewhat of a comfort to Japanese fans”

SS501′s maknae Kim Hyungjun has thrown aside his ‘maknae border’ and has stood forth solely on his own.

Kim Hyungjun has released his first mini album [My Girl] and has returned to his fans’ sides with title track ‘oH aH’.

With this being his first challenge, he’s poured his very ecstatic feelings from the heart in this interview.

It has always been 5 of them doing activities but now that he’s all alone, he feels lonely and worried alot if he ‘can do well or not’. “However when the album with my name is given to me and placed into my hands, I feel excited and happy. SS501 colleagues have given me advices and been also monitoring me regularly, and that makes me feel reassured much”.

Especially through this time’s album, Kim Hyungjun will also show the different charms of himself. Not only did he have dance songs, of course, but also ballads, and also challenged writing the lyrics himself.

“Though it’s the first album, but because I’m doing this myself, music has turned out well to become ‘Kim Hyungjun’s trademark’ in a way. Especially on the part in the music where it’s about protecting the girl whom you like, it’s very similar to the distinctive cheerful profile of mine. And also I participated in writing the lyrics, I basically visualized by listening to the main outline melody. Half of my experience, half of my imagination ; by putting these together is my secret formula as a lyricist (laughs)”.

At the same time when he released his new album, Kim Hyungjun also attempted at his invadement into Asia and Japan. He who is expected to pick up his status as a ‘hanryu star’ has met with another standstill for the moment.

And this is because of the huge earthquake that happened in Japan. With this, a part of his invadement plans into Japan has to be re-discussed.

However, his priority at firsthand is his worry for his Japanese fans rather than his activity plans.

“During my solo album showcase too, many Japanese fans had made their way here… I feel a pity that such a huge tragedy happened. I’m perplexing over how I should give my condolences. First of all because I’m a singer, should there be any chances in future, I want to do a memorial concert. Music-wise that I could do, and the help that I’m able to give. If there are such chances, I will participate in them actively”.

Target is the Bonsang award at end of year award ceremonies

All these while, besides his main profession as a singer, he also parallels diversified activities like radio DJ, musicals etc,

He also divulged about his aspirations to challenge acting if there will be any chance.

“Whether it be a sitcom or an official drama, I want to challenge them. I want to receive acknowledgment in many different areas, so that people will start to carve their impression of me as ‘the lad who can do well in anything he does’. In fact I’m the kind who worried alot before my new challenge because I’ll be alone, but after I finish my worries and go on to find my answers, I will then be able to eventually stand in front of everyone. I want to show my bright and confident side in front of all, anytime and anywhere at all”.

In addition, he is also slated for another challenge in time to come. After ‘My Girl’ promotions, he will be having a follow-up album in upcoming May where he will show his brand new side once again.

“Digital single album is slated for release at around May. There are parts where it will be like a continuation/link-up from oH aH’s content. In the next album, I will show to you ‘the charms of a man who can’t get to sleep because he’s fallen in love’ (laughs). Also, I will be releasing my first official album at around Fall. I want to receive the Bonsang award at the year-end music award ceremonies”.

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Source : NoCutNews
English translation: Ode@SS501ode.blogspot.com