To. Our members!!

So much time has passed that I'm not even sure how many Christmases have we spent together. Thank you for treating me just like family, for treating me preciously and worrying for me. Let's go till the end just like right now, with all our hearts together. 

Let's work hard until the day we can spend Christmas amongst ourselves enjoyably♡

by. Baro.

To. The members I love..

Hi guys! It's me~ Jinyoungie. Once again Christmas is here~ Whenever Christmas comes by, I would remember the times that we had snowball fights~ It's nothing much but u until now it's held its place as a good memory~ I guess memories made with people precious to yourself stay longer~?ㅎㅎ

I'm happy to be together with you guys, and I hope we'll always be happy~ I'm always thankful and let's continue to always always be together. I love you guys~♡

2015.12.1

(Words on the Christmas tree: BANA, Happiness, Concert, Debut, Beef, Jjajangmyeon, WM, Snowball Fight.) [T/N: There are 2 illegible words I cannot make out OTL]

To my B1A4 hyungs♥♥

It's the 7th year that we're together! There have been many things in this period, and many memories. It's because of you hyungs that I've been able to grow up well while leaning on your shoulders. You all were my greatest strength. I'm always thankful, and I look forward to the new things that will come at us in the future♥♥ To the hyungs I love so so much~♥♥ Please always be healthy and fighting♥♥♥

- Hyungs' eternal maknae - ♥

Baro:

Bana-ya! 

Merry Christmas~♡ May this Christmas only be filled with good things for you, and I will pray that only good things will come to you next year too!! Thank you always!! Thank you Bana♡

Gongchan:

♥BANA♥

Always stay healthy, and have a warm meal with your parents on Christmas♡ 

♥I LOVE YOU♥

Jinyoung:

Hello BANA. Thank you for always being right there, and for being our strength. I hope we will all be happy this Christmas~ I love you♡ 

Source: Naver Starcast

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

Please repost with full credits to source and translator.

One year ago, B1A4's Jinyoung did a photoshoot and interview for @star1 September issue with his members. When we asked him if he remembered us after all the photoshoots and interviews he would have done in the past year, he prettily answered, "Of course I remember! Have you been well?" All throughout the filming, he had very shy smiles as though he was embarrassed, but once you get to know him, he is interesting and leads the atmosphere at the set well, making him a born leader. With a mysterious gaze and high concentration levels, paired with a perfect bodyline, the Jinyoung in front of a camera is a model that every editor is greedy for.

Q. It's been a year since the photoshoot for the September 2014 issue of @star1.

▲ The moment I heard of this schedule, I recalled last year's photoshoot. That time, it was done with the members, but this time I'm alone. I think many things have changed in the past year. Be it appearance, or personality, I think I've matured. Look, (as he lifts up the cover page of the September 2014 issue) it's different starting from my hair color.

Q. Looking at how there's no controversy about bad acting, it seems like you have secured your spot as an acting-dol.

▲ Acting is actually something that I've prepared for since middle school, as I shuttled between Chungju and Seoul. I think the experiences from then helped me a lot.

Q. All alone?

▲ I can't possibly have a friend or family member travel that long distance with me every time. I think it was since then that I got used to doing things alone, and gaining a lot of responsibility.

Q. There must be times where it felt difficult to balance and do well as both a singer and actor.

▲ I don't feel that acting and singing are two entirely different genres. When I sing, there are times that I have to act. And when I act, I need to express emotions as if they were the lyrics of a song. So I don't try to differentiate them as 2 separate entities, instead trying to do well at what I'm tasked to do.

Q. You also composed and wrote lyrics for 'Sweet Girl'. Are the lyrics of falling in love your own story?

▲ Yes it's my personal story, but from the past. Most of the lyrics I've written are from experience. I like to imagine too, but listeners are able to identify more with lyrics written from real life experience. If I hit a certain limit when writing lyrics from just my own experience, I prefer to continue writing after listening to the stories of others instead of imagining the rest of the story.

Q. As compared to Baro and Sandeul, we don't see you as often on variety programs. Is that also a strategy?

▲ Rather than a strategy, I think the company also has some kind of plans for us. Actually I'm a really interesting person. Talkative and easily excited. But of course it doesn't compare to Sandeul. That's why I do not feel any burden if I were to appear on a variety program, but I guess it is a consideration of the company for me to focus more on singing and acting.

Q. We wish to see you on reality variety programs such as MBC Real Men and SBS Law of the Jungle like Baro did.

▲ I'm also curious as to how I will change upon facing such extreme situations on those reality variety programs. I think there are many sides to me that I'm not aware of either. But I'm not sure if I will be able to do as well as Baro did. He is a friend who does well at everything, so I guess I need to learn a lot more as I do my monitoring.

Q. Recently cooking variety programs are the trend. I think you will match the cooking concept pretty well too.

▲ Usually I do like cooking. My father enjoys cooking, so I think I was influenced by that. The time spent eating something I cooked deliciously all together is really nice.

Q. Oh, what kind of food?

▲ Aglio olio! I also cook a decent kimchi pork duruchigi.

Q. Then you must enjoy watching cooking programs!

▲ Yes, I enjoy watching JTBC 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator', it's really fun. 

Q. Is there a variety program you definitely want to go out on?

▲ Um, if I had to choose, then it would be MBC 'My Little Television'. In the time I'm given, I want to compose a song alongside the viewers. The characteristic of MLT is that you can communicate with viewers in real time. So I think we will be able to share many good ideas. I want to write a good song by combining the ability I have and the opinions of the viewers.

Q. As we speak, I find that you have both introverted and extroverted sides to you.

▲ I think my first impression feels very introverted. Why does everyone think that I will be an introverted? Actually I am a good mix of both. Once you get to know me, I am talkative and I express myself well, so it is a little upsetting to be misunderstood. I'm someone with a reverse charm.

Q. How do you act when you are amongst unfamiliar people?

▲ I try to be the leader. I am action-oriented, when showing leadership amongst people. Rather than going with the flow, I tend to step up as leader and voice my stand.

Q. How about when you are in front of the person you like? I think you will have a different charm as your character Ray Kim in Mnet drama 'Perservance Goo Haera'.

▲ Um, I'm quite the warm person in front of the person I like. Quite like Ray Kim.

Q. Are you closer to being a 'kind guy' or a 'bad boy'?

▲ I'm closer to be a kind guy. I don't think my personality will allow for me to be a 'bad boy'. Even if I say something that the other party dislikes but is sorry about, I become even more sorry to them. I cannot stand the other party being sorry to me. It's better for me to be sorry.

Q. Do you think in a relationship, there needs to be 'push and pull'?

▲ Absolutely not. It's a waste of time. There's not even enough time just being in love.

Q. Is there a member that you would introduce to your elder sister?

▲ (After a very long time) CNU. In my opinion, CNU is really warm and will only love one person at a time. (laugh) I hope my elder sister meets a person like that.

Q. Do you have any other plans as an actor or singer?

▲ Rather than a plan, I tend to think that I should catch all my opportunities well if they come to me. For that, I am working hard practicing and preparing in various genres. I'll show you many good sides of myself so please look forward to it.

Q. Let's see each other again. Since we've met twice, we should make it thrice.

▲ Of course. I had a lot of fun during the photoshoot today. Let's have all the members on during our next photoshoot. See you!

Source: atstar1.com

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

Please take out with full credits to source and translator.

Ever since our debut, I've always been interested in musicals. I was the first to try acting amongst the members, and am attending the Theatre and Film department in university. But Sandeul ended up doing a musical first. Upon seeing him on stage, my desire got even greater. However it was also me myself who rejected the offers from the musical management, because I felt the timing wasn't right. I tend to consider very seriously whenever I attempt to start something, so I felt that if I was going to do a musical I should do it perfectly. When I did my musical debut 'Chess' not too long ago, the seniors said something similar too. That there are many hard working people, that it is a must to be hard working, that one must do well. But that doesn't mean that I did very well in my first musical. Even though it wasn't 100% perfect, but I think I did well enough for me to comfort myself that I didn't do too bad. 'Chess' was a production that came in when I gained some confidence. It was a point where I felt that it was time to step up to the challenge no matter whether I end up doing well or not, and also a moment where I was sorry to the fans. Since I did not do any acting ever since the one drama I did in my early days. If I had decided to do all the theatre shows, musicals and dramas offered to me back then, I think I would have been very nervous and worried. 'Chess' revolves around chess competitions, but also touches on the ideologies of the Cold War as well as love. The role I played, Anatoly, was a world class Russian chess champion. He is someone who is inflexible as a result of living a suppressed life, but wishes to live freely. Despite him being of a different age and generation as myself, I could relate to how he remains calm and does not waver even in difficult situations. As it was a quadruple casting between Kwon hyung, SHINee's Key and VIXX's Ken, we were able to share our research of the character. Like myself, it was also Jaehwan's (Ken) first musical challenge. Kwon hyung and Kibum (Key) gave us advice, telling us that we have very distinct colors and that we should express that individuality to our hearts' desire. As for Shin Sungwoo hyung, he has the same surname and is of the same generation (in a clan) as me so I depended a lot on him. Senior Lee Gunmyung always asks me about my condition for that, as we wait backstage for a scene between Anatoly and Freddy in the early parts of the Act 1. On my last show, I recalled him asking me 'how is your condition today? Is it all right?' so I ended up crying after hugging him. All the seniors and the hyungs, noonas and friends in the ensemble are so talent. I remember being in so much shock after my first practice session. Idols also sing as we dance, but for them it was just the basics and they were all so good at everything else beyond that too. I think the members were a little shocked after seeing me on stage. It was like how whenever I watch them act, I think to myself that 'ah, that's not how he acts in real life'. It might have been weird seeing me not as myself but as someone else. Right, there was also feedback that I sung well. The numbers that were composed by 2 of the ABBA members had an interesting mix of classical and pop music style, and even the seniors found it difficult. People said that they felt a surge of electricity in themselves when they heard me sing the final number of Act 1, 'Anthem'.

Source: shindongwoo.com

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

Please take out with full credits to source and translator.

Q. Please greet everyone here at Bugs.

All: Let's Fly B1A4! Hello everyone at Bugs~ We are finally back after a year with Sweet Girl and greeting you in a long time. Nice to meet you!

Q. What kind of song is Sweet Girl? Please tell us what point should we listen to so that the song sounds even better!

Jinyoung: The title song of our sixth mini album Sweet Girl is about a guy falling in love with the opposite party at fight sight, and chasing after that person like in a dream while confessing his love. Even though the lyrics are about the emotions and views of a guy who fell in love at first time, we wanted to express the fluttering emotions of love between both parties. The title Sweet Girl also refers to how the girl looks at the guy, and the song expresses not just the emotions of the person singing it but also the overall situation. Hence we hope the guys who listen to this song become guys who have the courage to confess, and girls to feel like they are the main character of this song.

Sandeul: That's right. This song is a serenade to the person you love. That's why for me, I thought about how I would express this song to the girl of my destiny. In the end I put in more emotions so that it feels more manly(?). Please listen closely to the vocals of the members.

Q. Please introduce the songs in your mini-album.

Baro: You Are A Girl, I Am A Boy is a charming song with vintage guitar sounds. It talks about how one finds out that men and women cannot be friends, as they gain feelings of the opposite sex after being friends for a long time. It will be easy to relate to the lyrics, and you will be able to feel the refreshing vocals of the members while listening to it. It's a catchy song perfect for the hot summer.

Jinyoung: The third song After 10 Years... This is our comeback in a year and a month after Solo Day. Even though the members had individual activities, it was considered a break for us since we did not have album promotions. We spent time amongst ourselves thinking and talking to each other, and all of a sudden we started thinking about how we would be like in 10 years' time. Thinking about we would become lazy in 10 years' time made us reflect on ourselves and that we would live life to the fullest. That's how this song came about.

CNU: That's right. Should I say that this song is like a whip to us? That's a line in the lyrics that go “How is it now?”. This is a song that makes us think about how we are right now. Please listen to it while thinking about the rich sounds and lyrics.

Gongchan: I'll introduce Wait. The most important point of this song is!! That you can enjoy Baror hyung's voice. It starts with only piano sounds and his voice, and that provides a platform for the member's emotional voices to shine. I want to recommend everyone to listen to this song if you are curious about Baro hyung's vocals!

Sandeul: The last song is Love is Magic, a self-composed and self-written song by our soulfull CNU hyung. I did the guide for this song when he first made it. It made me think “Ah, this is exactly a song that CNU hyung would write.” It is also a song that I personally like. And this is a secret... But the last song is not the last song... If you listen to it for 10 more seconds~!!! I'll introduce the album up until here.

All: There is a present hidden for our fans by B1A4 so everyone please look for it!

Q. If you were to express 'B1A4' in one word?

Jinyoung: Family. I think right now, I can only say they are family.

CNU: B1A4 only exists because BANAs exist. B1A4 and BANA are always together!

Q. An memorable episode during the preparation of this album?

Sandeul: Personally, it would be me working hard on my diet. Even though I am still on my diet now, but I think it is really memorable. I ate only chicken breast for almost two months to lose all the cheek fats I gained during our break. I did boxing, walked to our dorm everyday and used the running machine too. I'm really proud and happy that the fans like my changed look, and that they are cheering me on.

Gongchan: Rather than an episode, there was something I was sad and upset over. I got an allergy the day before our music video shoot. My entire body and face was all red and my eyes swollen. I remember being really worried because it was the day before the shoot. But thankfully I got better after a trip to the emergency room. When I think about that day it still feels giddy.

CNU: I tend to compose in the wee hours of the night, and Sandeul usually records the guide track for me. It is quite often that Sandeul's individual schedule ends quite late into the night, but never once has he rejected my request for him to help. I want to make use of this interview and thank Sandeul!

Q. A comeback after 1 year! Anything you felt while doing your individual activities or while preparing for the album?

Jinyoung: It feels like just yesterday that we debuted, and I feel time really flies. We always felt like the youngest but from some time onwards we gained many juniors. Even the youngest in our company junior group Oh My Girl is 17 years old. That also means we have gained many responsibilities. Nowadays I do feel like I need to work even harder.

Baro: This is a worry we have whether we release a new album – through what kind of music should we show off B1A4's color. I think this will be a problem that can never be solved.

CNU: It was also a time for us to feel the preciousness of our fans. I'm very thankful to the fans who have been cheering us on in the past year, and I'm still thinking about how I should express this thanks to them.

Sandeul: That's right! Our fans are our source of energy. There was a chance for us to perform and meet our fans not too long before our comeback, and so many fans turned up with our lightstick and sang along to our songs. It was a performance we had after a long time so it was even more precious and the strength gained was twice as much.

Gongchan: There's something I've been feeling very strongly recently. Not just me but also the hyungs. We feel that B1A4 is most comfortable and enjoyable when we are five. CNU hyung's musical recently ended in July. He practices so much usually that we can practically memorize all the musical numbers. Recently during a meeting, at the same time, we all started copying CNU hyung's gestures and sang the high voices of the highlight of the musical numbers. After singing, the members were all rolling around, clapping and laughing loudly. To be honest it wasn't even a funny scene, but it was just funny that five of us are finally together and coming up with such a situation. That's how I came to think that B1A4 needs to have all five of us to be together.

Q. Lastly, what are your goals for this promotion? And a word to your fans.

Jinyoung: B1A4 is finally back and meeting everyone with a new album in almost a year. We have come in front of everyone with the five of us becoming one. Our break was a time for us to realize how precious everyone – who sent us your love without change over the long break – is to us. Now we will be able to meet often so please cheer us on and give lots of love to our album.

CNU: Because of you fans who cheer us on louder than anyone else whenever we stand on stage, I receive strength. I hope all our fans and everyone here at Bugs are always happy. I love you! Let's be happy, BANAs!

Sandeul: BANAs! Please give lots of love to B1A4's new album. There are many events prepared this time round for us to spend time together. It's all prepared for you guys so please take part actively. I will continue to be a singer that gives my all on stage, so please cheer us on~

Baro: It's great that we are able to meet our BANAs together as five. As expected, we're not lonely when it's the five of us together. Everyone really welcomed us as five. We'll work hard together this promotions together, so please enjoy it like a celebration.

Gongchan: Thank you very very much for waiting a long year for B1A4's new album. There are many good songs in our album, not just our title song. Please listen well to the new album filled up to the brim~!

Source: Bugs Music
Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com
Please repost with full credits to source and translator.

B1A4's CNU and Jinyoung revealed to Newsway how they spent their 1 year and 1 month long break, on 7 August in the waiting room of a music broadcast show.

B1A4 focused on their individual activities during the break the past 1 year and 1 month. Leader Jinyoung participated consecutively in tvN music drama 'Perseverance Gu Haera' and MBC 'Warm and Cozy', while Baro showed himself via various channels including MBC 'Angry Mom' and varieties tvN 'Youth over Flowers' and 'House Cook Master Baek' and MBC 'Real Men'.

Sandeul transformed into a musical actor for 'All Shook Up', and is currently participating in MBC 'Masked Singer' as part of the celebrity panel. CNU has received good reviews for his first challenge in musicals in 'Chess', while maknae Gongchan has recently became an MC for KBS2 'A Song For You'.

Regarding his first challenge at a musical, CNU revealed that "I've always wanted to try the musical genre, but it was difficult so I hestitated. Until now I am not confident. I thought I needed to improve and polish myself more, but I felt and realized many things while doing the musical."

He added on, "Sandeul really helped me out. He acted alongside me and gave me lots of advice. They were really big and important advice to me. Thanks to his advice, I was able to be more prepared before going for musical practice. I think that was how I managed to prepare well without causing any inconveniences to the seniors. It was fun to work on the album consistently while standing on the musical stage.”

Due to the filming of MBC 'Warm and Cozy', leader Jinyoung stayed on Jeju Island for almost 2 months. He laughed, saying “there were times I missed Seoul. But then I spent time looking for delicious food on Jeju Island.” CNU then revealed that “when Jinyoung was in Jeju Island, he sent a ton of food photos to our KakaoTalk group chat.”

Jinyoung explained(?) that “I really wanted to go with the members so I took photos of delicious photos”. Jinyoung especially enjoys eating. He said that for him, “food is like a compensation. After working hard, I need to eat. I ate a lot of meat while in Jeju Island.” He also revealed, “I need to gain weight but I can't, no matter how much I eat. For people who don't gain weight, that's a form of pain. It'll be nice to just even gain a little.”

Source: Newsway
Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com
Please repost with full credits to source and translator/

B1A4 reveals their secret behind how they have been promoting without any scandals for the past 5 years since their debut. 

Leader Jinyoung met with Newsen at the waiting room of a music program on the 7th. "Through this round of promotions, we want to appeal to everyone with the fact that we produced our songs this time alongside a real band. We've always done it with a real band, but honestly most of the time the recording is done without a drum and bass. This time we wanted more vivid sounds so we recorded with a real band and orchestra. There were many things to take care of, but we worked hard for them to blend together well," he revealed.

Since their fifth mini album Solo Day last July, B1A4 is back to the domestic fans after 1 year and 1 month. It's hard to say that it was a long time coming, but with promotional cycles being shorter for idols, it's not a short time either. B1A4 revealed that due to their relatively long break, they felt scared that their position as singers would become smaller, and that fans would have forgotten them. The song 'After 10 Years' in their new album expresses those feelings.

Jinyoung said, "We too, wanted to make a comeback when we were almost done preparing. But due to the busy individual schedules of the members, our comeback was slightly delayed." He also revealed that "it would have been a lie to say that we did not feel insecure during our break. As much as we felt so, we knew we needed to quietly comeback for our comeback. Rather than feeling nervous at the thought of trusting our fans and having to show our fans a good side to us, we decided to channel that into preparing for something else. We missed our fans."

He added, "We're all humans, so after taking a long break we also become lazy and everything is just tiring. At those moments, a lot of thoughts come to mind - and 'After 10 Years' is the song that contains all of those thoughts. We often receive questions like 'How would B1A4 have changed 10 years down the road?' during interviews. Whenever we receive those questions, a lot of things come to mind. I feel like by then, we might become lazy too. The lyrics talk about us going outside after 10 years, but there's no one around and nothing waiting for us. It's like a self-diss but makes us look back at ourselves. When I read the lyrics, I feel scared but then I look back at myself and tell myself that I settle myself down. When I look back at the last 5 years, I feel that I've worked quite hard."

Talking about their changes in that period, CNU said, "We're in our fifth year of debut, and in that time our breaks have helped us in developing ourself. Rather than deciding we need to show everyone a change, it is more like showing everyone how we have changed naturally as we grow older. Our image now is our own natural self. We decided we shouldn't try to make something up."

Unlike most idols, B1A4 has never had malicious gossip or scandals directed at them. When asked about the secret behind them promoting without any of that, CNU revealed that "we agreed that we should not cause harm to each other. If we had turned a blind eye towards each other, they (scandals) may have already exploded." He added on, "I think our secret is mutual trust and consideration. My bad behaviour would not only cause harm to me but also the members. I try to be careful, and be considerate of each other."

Jinyoung showed his affection for the members, revealing that "We are a lucky team. Because we met people who are like ourselves, we share the same sentiments even without speaking. The words of our seniors Shinhwa made a very deep impression on me. The secret behind them being able to remain a group for so long was to be like each other's fans. That really made a deep impression. Just like fans, we take interest in what each other are doing, and point out each other's mistakes. By doing so, we have been able to gain each other's trust and create synergy. When I did a musical, Sandeul who has experience in musicals came to watch and gave me advice. [T/N: I believe the reporter mixed up the members..^_^;;;] We give and take compliments amongst ourselves after watching each other's performances. I think that came to having a good effect on us."

Their comeback guerilla concert helped them ruminate on how precious fans were. With their handmade flyers and banners, B1A4 promoted their guerilla concert at M-Stage in Gangnam, Seoul, and received a turnout of almost 2000 fans.

Jinyoung revealed, "We held a guerilla concert but it was really scary. It was a performance that had to have 2000 people turn up, but I thought that it would be fortunate if it even just got barely filled out. We were surprised that the crowd exceeded the fence and crowded all the way till Yeoksam station. 'Guerilla Concert' was a program I used to enjoy watching, so I really wanted to hold one. As expected, it was fun and made my heart flutter. When I watched the show last time and saw senior singers cry upon removing their eye patches, I thought it was just acting, but it was not. Out of thankfulness and happiness, tears just come out," expressing his thanks for fans.

What is the goal they aim to achieve with this round of promotions? Jinyoung said, "We want to show the different images that B1A4 has shown as time passed. We have promoted in the past with songs not written by others but by ourselves, and this time it is likewise. With the passing of time, the style of our songs have changed and so have our thoughts. We want our self-composed songs to receive love from the public. I hope people can feel that B1A4 has become more mature. Despite promoting with seniors like Super Junior, Big Bang and Wonder Girls, we have no thoughts of rivalry. We are going to put meaning into letting people listen to music that we've released in a long time, and meeting our fans. There are situations where singers are not even able to release an album, so I am happy that I am able to let everyone listen to music that we've made."

Lastly, Jinyoung left a message for fans saying, "I've missed everyone so much so I'm really glad to be able to meet you. We will work hard to make everyday a happy day and end promotions well. Please enjoy it with us."

Source: Newsen

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

Please remove all translations with full credits to source and translator.

Due to B1A4 being good at writing lyrics, songs and even acting, the expectations for idols have increased. Jinyoung and Baro have cemented their places for their good acting through movies and dramas, while Sandeul is going around the broadcasting industry with his strong vocals and sense of entertainment. And of course, CNU is challenging something new by standing on the musical stage. In comparison to them, Gongchan is so laid-back. "I do want to try acting because the hyungs have all done it at least once, but for now I'm going to rest and prepare for that slowly." Unlike the other members who are so busy with their personal schedules that they have no time to rest, Gongchan is spending his time carefreely. Since he has more time on his hands now, there are many things that he starts to do impromptu. Travelling to Jeju Island for 3 days 2 nights to meet leader Jinyoung who is filming there, following Sandeul on his cycling journies along Han River. They were all unplanned. "I founded the 'Ma-ja-yo' team with Sandeul hyung. It stands for 'these(요yo ) two riding the bicycles(자ja) of Mapo(마 ma) district'. Doesn't it sound impressive?" (laugh)

On the days that all the other members are busy with their schedules, Gongchan also cycles to Paldang Dam and back. All of his close friends are in his hometown Suncheon. It might be lonely to spend time alone, but Gongchan thoroughly enjoys that time. "If I'm alone, it feels like I've gained a quiet space just for myself. I feel at ease so I concentrate better on whatever I'm doing. Even though the fans may be sad that I don't come out on TV, but I'm really happy at this moment." Whenever he has time these days, he takes photographs. It's a hobby that he took on after his debut, and he mainly takes photographs of beautiful scenery. If there is a scenery that he wants to capture and remember for a long time along his path, he stops and takes out his DSLR camera. One day he took some time off and went to Children's Grand Park, just to take beautiful photographs. "I feel like I'm seeing the world in a different perspective when I look through the viewfinder." In that moment, he was not the idol Gongchan who has to pose the way people want him to, but an ordinary 23 year old youth Gong Chanshik.

Gongchan likes the scenery of his hometown Suncheon. "Twice a year during the holidays I go back home during vacation. Where there used to be fields, now there are high-rise apartments and covered with asphalt." For Gongchan who likes the natural landscape, the change is a pity. Even though he looks sharp and cold, Gongchan's face will disarm the other party with just a smile of his. It has many charms that cannot be simply described as just 'good-looking'. Especially his mis-matched eyes. "Many people ask if I'm a playboy because I have double eyelids only on one eye. There is a scar here (pointing to his left eye). I tell people that it's because of this wound that my double eyelid disappeared." When he just debuted, Gongchan had never dated anything. Has that changed now? "I have only had many 'some' relationships. Why do they never lead to something more? I'm curious too." (laugh) For him, he hopes that the fans never find out that he's dating, because that's what the fans wish for as well. "I read the replies on articles when idols get their dating scandals exposed. Even though they weren't my fans, but the replies read 'Please don't ever get caught'. I felt like that was the minds of fans."

Throughout our conversation, Gongchan kept sucking on the straw in the juice glass that he had already finished. Most of the times it was when he received unexpected questions. He pondered over the questions almost as loudly as the hollow sound of sucking the straw in an empty glass. And a few seconds later he says loudly, "Ah, that's right! That's it, that's it!". The loudest sound that he made with the straw and glass was probably at the question of what he would like to achieve not as B1A4's Gongchan but personally, in his 20s before he turns 30. He stutters as he tries to start, and as though he solved a mystery he shouts. "Ah I have thought of something!" He seemed to be excited simply at the thought of it. "I want to have an exhibition of the photographs that I have taken up until there. Photographs from the perspective of Gongchan. Even though it's still lacking to be showing them to anyone right now, wouldn't my skills have improved by then?"

Source: thesingle.co.kr

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

Please take out with full credits to source and translator.

Q. How did it feel to be taking photos just by the two of you?

Gongchan: It was fun! (in a playful tone while looking at Sandeul) I'm meeting this person for the first time today, and I hope to be able to do this with him more often in future. I had a very good first impression.

Sandeul: (tongue-in-cheek) But you griped earlier that I was a little heavy, isn't that a discourtesy on our first meeting?

Gongchan: It was a discourtesy on our first meeting... But what am I supposed to do if you're heavy? Hahaha (everyone breaks out in laughter)

Q. Haha. Both of you have worked together before through the song 'Overwhelmed'. It's a combination that is suitable for unit promotions.

Sandeul: Thank you. See, there are many people who support us~ Anyway we did think when should the both of us sing another song together. Should I push for this project unit?

Gongchan: Even if it's not this year, I want to do unit promotions and do performances!

Sandeul: After going to all 8 provinces, then to Japan and finally China. Haha. The chemistry between Chan and I was rea~lly good when we did 'Overwhelmed'.

Q. What was the best thing about it?

Sandeul: When I was young, I was so envious of the Vienna Boys' Choir. They were only boys but they sang with super beautiful voices. Channie has that kind of voice so it was really nice when it combined with my voice. Honestly I want a voice like Channie's but I just can't. When we said we were doing 'Overwhelmed', I'm sure there were people who thought that Channie's voice would probably be buried under mine as I was the main vocalist of the group. But actually I was more pressured. We had to differentiate ourselves. I remember I really thought a lot about it back then, and I think it was nice to have been able to think so much. In that train of thought, we were able to become each other's 'pluses' and express ourselves better.

Q. Gongchan, what do you think of your hyung saying all these?

Gongchan: Sandeul-ssi, thank you for praising me. (in a cute voice) Thank you! Honestly I was not very familiar with my own voice. But when we recorded, Sandeul hyung told me that my clear voice was really nice, and helped me practice and think a lot about how to match my voice better to the song. Whenever he does that, it helps me understand my own voice better and I'm working hard.

Sandeul: Channie works really hard. He tries to listen to a wide variety of music. Not just Korean pop, but he knows really well the trends of foreign music. It's really important to listen to many songs, but I'm the kind who listens to the same song repeatedly when I find one I like. I'm trying to learn from Channie. That's why whatever Channie says to me, I acknowledge it. When he says that I should do it this other way, I think "oh really? No wonder I felt it was weird too". I get a lot of help from Channie when I'm stuck without an answer.

Channie: Ey~ That's not it. I stil have a long way to do. 

Q. What have you been listening to recently?

Channie: Ed Sheeran. He plays the guitar alone while singing, but in a single album he covers various genres so I'm listening to it frequently. (looking at Sandeul) Ed Sheeran's good. (Sandeul: This is how I learn from him - I haven't listened to Ed Sheeran before.) The OST of 'The Fault in Our Stars' is also good.

Sandeul: It's important to watch and listen to many things bu it's really not working out for me. For me, music is a way to both relieve my stress and express my emotions. I tend to concentrate hard and listen to find out which songs can I express myself best with. And because of that I cannot help but to be choosy about what I listen to it.

Q. Do you listen more to the music expresses your emotions better?

Sandeul: That's right. That's why I start to like more classic music. And it is because I felt that that shouldn't be happening so I'm trying to learn from Channie. Whenever I listen to music with Channie, it's like a time of healing for me. When I listen to one song, I have to look for and listen to the whole album. That's probably also why it's so tough to hastily try other music genres.

Channie: The reason why I listen to (different genres of music) is because I'm still not well-versed about music. There's always something difficult about music no matter how much you learn about it. So for reasons that that are part healing and part studying, I try to listen to a song of a particular genre today and a different song from a different genre tomorrow.

Q. What is something that both of you like in common? Be it music or your daily lives.

Channie: Cycling!

Sandeul: All of us bought bicycles but only the two of us cycle. We had a team name called 'Bang-ji-teok'. We need to change the name now that we've moved to Mapo district... (Gongchan: It hasn't been decided yet.) 'Bang-ji-teok' means 'people from the countryside(지ji) living in Bangbae(방bang)-dong riding without limits(턱teok)'. Jinyoung hyung used to cycle along Han River after attaching a speaker to his bicycle. After we moved to Mapo district and the weather got colder, he stopped cycling. And recently Channie and I have started going cycling. Our initial plans were to go on a food trip by cycling. Since we are all from the countryside, we are not familiar with Seoul. We wanted to go around Seoul's famous restaurants, take photos and post it up like a blog. We thought it would be nice to share it with our fans as well. We agreed to go once a week but because of schedule conflicts we haven't been able to go yet.

Channie: Ah! I thought of a good team name for our cycling team! Since it's just the two of us, how about 'ma-ja-yo'! (pointing about himself then Sandeul) 'these(요yo ) two riding the bicycles(자ja) of Mapo(마 ma) district'. Haha. Even though there are only two of us now, there will be no problems with changing it to 'these three', 'these four' or 'these four'. 

Sandeul: In that case it's possible to include other people outside of B1A4? But you have to live in Mapo district. When we were 'bang-ji-teok' you had to come from the countryside and live in Bangdae-dong. At least it's been expanded to include the entire Mapo district now! Ehehe.

Sandeul: We decided to go to Songdo for our next trip, and eat sashimi at a famous restaurant. But the ride on the way back is going to be so tough.

Gongchan: We can rest for 2 to 3 hours, and come back while looking at the sunset!

Sandeul: Ah you know how we cycle at night? There are not many people then, and it's actually scary so I tend to ride faster. On my way back from Paldang Dam this time round the sun actually set. I live apart from the dance teachers that I went with, so I went home alone and it was so scary. It was rea~lly so scary (going through the motions of pedaling) I pedalled like crazy. I rode without stopping for a few kilometres.

Q. So Sandeul has been to the Paldang Dam. The weather's good, have you been anywhere, Gongchan?

Gongchan: I went to Seoul Forest. I was so jealous looking at the couples, friends and families setting up their tents and playing around. I played a lot that way when I was young too... Now everyone is busy and lives far away so it's a pity we couldn't do that together. But if the opportunity arises I want to do that at least once. Oh yes it'll be nice to play foot volleyball there too. And, (looking at Sandeul) bring Mango along!

Sandeul: My Mango! Mango is the puppy that I'm raising at my Busan home.

Q. Are both your parents living in Busan and Suncheon? Do you call home frequently?

Sandeul: My mother always monitors me. It's fine if she just tells me she saw me on television, but she also tells me the reactions of other people who saw it too. When someone told her that they did not know it was me when I took off my mask on MBC 'Masked Singer', she took a screenshot of that and sent it to me too. And said that I looked ugly! (Gongchan: You were not ugly!) I think she hopes that I will develop myself.

Gongchan: But she talks about your face, how are you supposed to develop that?

Sandeul: Plastic surgery... Hahaha.

Gongchan: No! Don't touch~ It was probably the first time that hyung pushed your fringe up. People were just wondering who is that handsome guy with such thick eyebrows. It's not what you think it is!

Sandeul: But I have no intentions to do plastic surgery. Haha.

Q. You definitely shouldn't do it. It looks good on camera. Exactly like a celebrity.

Sandeul: Everyone is a celebrity so long you look good on camera. Of course there are also (looking at Gongchan) those celebrities that also look good in real life, haha. I did ever hope to live just once like Channie. When we just newly debuted, I think I always answered Channie whenever we received the question of "if there was someone amongst the members that you could live as for a day, who would it be?" He is rea~lly good looking. Even though he has a cute image to others, he is really the smart child amongst us. He's a fine man. That's why I'm really curious as to what thoughts do Channie have as he lives, and how people would react whenever he walks past. (looking at Gongchan as he raises an eyebrow out of embarrassment) I want to make these faces too!

Q: Gongchan, do you know that you are good looking?

Gongchan: No... I'm gradually learning about it. Haha...

Sandeul: (in a cute voice) Ah, I'm so angry!

Gongchan: I've only become good-looking with makeup on.

Sandeul: For him, putting on makeup doesn't even take long. It takes forever for mine to be done~

Gongchan: Recently it's taking longer. I got a little tan while cycling.

Sandeul: You can simply cover it up with a lighter foundation~

Q: Gongchan is indeed a little more bronzed than I expected.

Gongchan: I've always had darker skin.

Sandeul: But if you take it off.. Heuheu.

Gongchan: I'm tanned even with my clothes off.

Sandeul: If you take them off, you just look healthy. If I take mine off... (Gongchan: He's super fair!) Too fair...

Gongchan: (singing a line of Big Bang's Bae Bae) "Rice cakes~♬" That song is really a song for Sandeul hyung!

Sandeul: I've always been 'rice cake' - people say that I only look firm and bouncy~

Gongchan: If Sandeul is white rice cake, then I'm that... the rice cake biscuit covered in chocolate.

Sandeul:  찰떡파이 rice cake pie!

Gongchan: Yes yes, that sort of feel.

Sandeul: Ah... I feel like crap that I'm even guessing this correctly.

Gongchan: As expected of hyung. It's hyung!

Sandeul: It doesn't feel very good to be guessing food correctly, but what am I supposed to do if I know the answer!

Q: Hahaha. It's been 4 years since your debut. Are there any charms of yours that you didn't know about back then but you do now? If this much time has passed, everyone becomes aware of which side of you people like the most.

Sandeul: For me... I didn't know I was such a talkative person. If I talk a lot to my friends in Busan, they get annoyed at me. So I didn't really chitchat in the past, but after coming to Seoul I realized there were no restrictions so I started 'flying'. If my mouth was stuffed with a sandbag back when I was in Busan, that has now been removed. There are many people who find my chattiness interesting. But there are times that they don't, so I'm holding myself back a little on broadcasts.

Q: Do you like talking usually?

Sandeul: I keep on talking. Haha. Of course I do reduce my words when I'm around other men. It's always the same things when we hang out so there isn't really much to say and I get less chatty. But when I meet someone new I get chatty again.

Q: How about Gongchan?

Gongchan: For me it's a reversal? (Sandeul: Obviously!!) My image is quite delicate, quiet and a 'cold city man'. (surprised at himself saying all that) Ah it's been a while since I heard that phrase. Hehe. (Sandeul: We're a little old) We're left behind... Anyway in front of the camera or on stage I have that kind of image but I'm the complete opposite off stage. When the fans see that side to me, they think "ah he has that side to him too, that's cute".

Q: You just said you were cute with your own mouth.

Gongchan: I was just mimicking what the fans said. Ahaha.

Q: Have you always been cute?

Sandeul: That's Gongchan. Talkative and has lots of aegyo. Otherwise there's no way all that can come out.

Gongchan: In my hometown my nickname was 'flibbertigibbet'. But when I came up to Seoul, that wasn't it either.

Sandeul: Back then we were unfamiliar that's why. It's like the seal was broken as we started living together. Ah seriously, I keep saying such things that I seem like his fan, but he's really quite a decent person. You can't hate him even when he jokes around. He's too cute.

Gongchan: Right? Ah thank goodness. I was sorry after joking around.

Sandeul: Even though we ask for him to stop, or ask him what does he think he's doing whenever he fools around, actually we like it. He's cute so we 'woo-jju-jju' him. This was also how the talk of us going cycling came up. And he pushes food to me too. Haha. The hyungs try to sound (Channie) out. When Jinyoung calls me 'bbang-bbang', it's basically going in a circle to say that I need to lose some weight. But Channie is like "Ah hyung~ It's okay, eat," so unknowingly I'm agreeing with him. (Gongchan: When you have to eat you eat!) It'll be nice to go on food trips with everyone... But I can't bring the topic rashly. That's why I got Channie to go with me. Heuheu.

Q: Do the members talk a lot about how you want each other to do things?

Sandeul: We talk about everything amongst ourselves. And we try to change too. It's just that it's a little tougher when it comes to food. That's something I can't help. Haha. 

Sandeul: Sandeul hyung is fine just the way he is. But hyung has been exercising really hard recently. He cycles, and if he has time he also does kickboxing. He comes back all sweaty.

Sandeul: For kickboxing... I don't know how long I'll do it so I don't really talk about it. Haha.

Q: Sandeul, you must like learning about something. There was once that you also enrolled in a guitar school under your real name in the past.

Sandeul: I like learning. I'm 24 years old, and it's the time that I should be learning. Even though I'll continue singing, I also need to look into the future. It's a time that I think about what should I be doing, and if there are lessons that I can receive I will try to attend them all. It's definitely good to tell people when you want to do something. After you tell people that "oh, I'm doing this," means you can't stop doing it, can't not want to do it. Recently I've been using Weibo as I learn Mandarin, and they also say there's a teacher who can teach me the guitar 1:1 so I'm intending to start lessons to.

Gongchan: I'm quite the opposite from hyung. Unlike hyung who packs his schedule to the brim, I do it more leisurely. Doing only one thing everyday, resting the other day or going cycling. But I am constantly looking or listening to things.

Sandeul: It's hard for me to do that because of my personality. I'm impatient so it's hard for me stay in one place for long. Channie doesn't like to be tied up so it's more efficient for him to do it lesiurely, whereas I just fill my time up like crazy. Haha.

Gongchan: If Sandeul hyung was a salaried worker, I would be a freelancer!

Sandeul: Channie calls me a 'planned man'. I had never thought about myself that way so I was surprised when he said that. I always thought of myself as loose. So when he said I was a planned man, I felt it was a compliment and I was really thankful though I didn't express it. I'm not good with saying stuff like thank you, sorry, I like you...

Q: Are you not good at expressing yourselves to each other?

Sandeul: I'm the one who's bad at it. Channie is good at it.

Q: I guessed as much, Gongchan continuously touches you affectionately as he talks but you are avoiding it a little. (laugh)

Sandeul: Hahaha. I have always been (does the motion of moving away stealthily) like this, and Channie has always been like thtat.

Q: Gongchan really looks like he receives nothing else but love from the hyungs.

Sandeul: He treats us really well. No matter where he goes, he does well. Recently our company just debuted Oh My Girl. He tells them to be like us (B1A4), but never once does he say to be like himself. So on his behalf, we ask them if they know how Gongchan acts, and I would say that they should act the way he does. (Gongchan: When did you say that?) I want to be a hyung that could show you off so I said that when you weren't around, you brat. (Channie: Ah, that's embarrassing...) I tell Arin and Binnie that if you were in our team, you would be in the same shoes as Channie. I didn't say that they should act like Gongchan, but I told her that when the eldest unnis or the unnis in the centre are tired, they should care for them too. Channie shows concern for the hyungs when we are facing some difficulties, and despite him being younger, he is a friend that we can rely on. I told them that if they did that, it would be a great source of strength for the unnis too. They say that they wanted to do so too.

Q: When Jinyoung did his interview, he refered to Gongchan as "a shoulder he could lean on despite him being the youngest".

Sandeul: I believe that even if you asked the other members, they would say the same thing.

Gongchan: Well, I'm leaning on all 4 of you! Haha. (while looking at Sandeul) A few days back, I said this to hyung, didn't I? That I always ask hyung for your opinion, and from there I always gain a set of advice.

Sandeul: Channie is the youngest amongst us so he's cute, does aegyo, joke around with the hyungs and stir up vigor. But at home, he's the eldest son so he has the habit of looking after a younger sibling. Maybe he's so used to that that despite him being the youngest he looks after the hyungs well.

Gongchan: I did face some difficulties thinking about how I should act as the youngest in the beginning. I thought a lot about the roles that the youngest in the group has to play. The conclusion is, to just be me. Haha.

Q: You did a live broadcast for your 4th anniversary, and revealed a video reenacting 'O.K' just like during their debut days. What has changed the most?

Sandeul: For me, it's 'all'. Haha. It was nice to recall our debut days. After our 4th year anniversary, I've been overworking my body at schedules. It feels like I'm back to my 20 year old self. Back then, I was confident about my energy levels. Even though that energy hasn't died now, but I get all fired up thinking about then.

Q: What period is it for you guys at 23 and 24 years old? Do you think that you need to achieve something?

Gongchan: Generally speaking, we are young. But amongst idols, we are not young anymore. We're like middle-aged. When I look at the kids (Oh My Girl)... I'm in shock.

Sandeul: Their youngest Arin is 7 years apart from me. 8 years apart from CNU hyung and Jinyoung hyung. Wah, it's like a mental breakdown. Haha. Talking about age, there's a song that has become my standard - 'Around 30' [T/N: By Kim Kwangseok.] When I'm around 30 and singing, I want to sing a song that is made up of everything my life had been up until then. For that to happen, I need to keep filling myself up now. I want to be singing when I'm around 30 years old. Since I have that goal, this song feels so huge and I can't sing it thoughtlessly. I'm still young, I know nothing and I'm lacking. One may think that 24 years old is old, but I feel that it's an age that you can still develop at, and fill up.

Gongchan: I'm still young but occasionally I think of my family in the future. I want to be a person that my children, my son and daughter, can go around telling people everything that my father is such a person. That is why I'm working hard now.

Q: Both of you are forward-looking. How do you think you will be like in 10 years' time?

Sandeul: Isn't everyone like that? Thinking about the future you helps the current you think about the things you have to do. (Gongchan: And you gain strength too!) I want to be B1A4 10 years down the road. (Gongchan: We will be around!) We have always talked about this matter amongst ourselves, that our individual colors will become stronger while being a part of B1A4, 10 or 20 years down the road. I'm not sure what I will be doing when I'm 34 years old, but I will fill myself up full in that time.

Q: Is there a moment or thing that you feel that you should never forget while living?

Gongchan: There are too many... Not just my parents but my grandparents watch music broadcasts and variety shows because of me. They've always only watched the epic dramas or the news. Occasionally when I call them, they tell me that they're watching me well on TV. My grandparents tell me that their friends are all very jealous of them, and that they are very proud of me. I always get a little teary when they tell me not to hurt, and that they are watching me so I should work hard... Kyaa.

Sandeul: Instead of a moment, there was a period of time. From the later part of my first year in high school till I entered my third year, I learnt how to sing. The songs that the teacher taught me then are still my standards now. I try not to forget them. That teacher made me what I am today. While singing, it's hard to feel the sense of achievement that you get from solving math problems. But ever since I met that teacher, my refusal to give up and desire to win got so strong. I mentioned that I went to many singing competitions all around the country, but I actually got eliminated at the preliminary rounds in my first and second year of high school. But one year ahead, I won awards at the same competitions. I gained many things while being with that teacher. Even as a person. You know how they say in the dramas and movies that before you sing, you need to become a person. That teacher taught me that. The days that I spent with that teacher have been my foundation that I cannot forget for life. That's why when we went to Busan, I introduced that teacher to Channie and the other members.

Q: It's Teachers' Day in a few days (this interview was carried out on 7 May), would that teacher be the person you call your life's teacher?

Sandeul: That teacher too... But I like learning so I have many teachers. Haha.

Gongchan: To me, the hyungs are my life's teachers. (Sandeul: That's burdensome. Haha) I was a boy who didn't know how to sing or how to dance. But it's because each one of them came up to me, talked to me and taught me that I slowly changed. Even now I'm following in the footsteps of and learning from the gyungs.

Q: I remember Gongchan saying at the end of the live broadcast on your 4th anniversary, "I'm not sure what to do because I need to treat the hyungs well but they are treating me better than I am to them". Let's talk about Sandeul first.

Gongchan: You know the phrase 'mental breakdown'? There are times that I get a mental breakdown. I cannot get myself together and I just let it all go and stay still. There are times that I finish practicing by myself that I think to myself, 'is this going well? Am I improving?' In that moment that I wonder to myself what more I need to do, Sandeul comes to me and tells me that practicing is like a flight of stairs. He tells me that the flight of stairs is endless, and each step is long, and looking back after each step the path you've come is also long.

Q: You likened practice and growth to stairs. How far on do you think you are in terms of promoting as B1A4?

Sandeul: Wow... This question is really tough. The reason I liken singing or practicing to stairs is because there is always a slump. If you take a step, you can take a step down and a step back up again. If you don't practice, you go back down. And it repeats itself... I think right now, I'm pacing in the same stop. This is regarding my singing. If we were to talk about our position, then I think we need to have a more objective viewpoint. For me, it's great right now. We've come 4 years together, without rest. If any of the members do well elsewhere, instead of getting jealous we tell them 'you did well there. If you do well there, I'll be here doing well too. Let's do it this way after coming back as B1A4'. The fact that we are talking about these things means we have climbed up quite high. Even though people may see us as still needing lots of growth, I think we're climbing the stairs slowly but surely while helping each other. Instead of wondering how many steps, whether they are few or many, we just feel less tired by working together as we climb up. It's really tough and difficult to have done as we have done thus far, but I don't have any memory of it being particularly tough because we came here together. Despite being mentally insecure, I felt that it would be alright if we came together and did well. I really like that.

Gongchan: Honestly we still have a long way to go. Really, I can only say this. There's so much more left to do, to show everyone. 

Q: What do you want to show people?

Gongchan: (Gongchan thought about this question for quite a while) For now, I want to show people my actual self. Even though we're B1A4, there are many people around the world who don't know us. I think I need to show them myself before I can do anything more.

Q: Do you think you know yourself well?

Gongchan: No, I don't know myself well. Sometimes I'm surprised at myself, that I have those sides to me too. If my actual self is number 1, I always thought that I only had number 1. But upon entering B1A4, I gained number 2 as the group's maknae. I thought it was a side to myself that never existed, so I was surprised to see it in myself. There is number 3, the Gongchan that comes out on TV. There's plenty. And once again, I think that I learnt these about myself because of the work I do.

Sandeul: The things that we set out to do are accumulating. I think theose are really important.

Q: Lastly, let's end it with something you want to say to the other.

Sandeul: Did time pass that quickly?

Gongchan: (sticking out his hand) Rock scissors paper.

Sandeul: How am I supposed to win you at rock scissors paper?! (after losing to Gongchan at it) Ah this is really embarrassing...

Gongchan: Do it please~

Sandeul: I show off about you to other people elsewhere.

Gongchan: I only found out about that today. If you never mentioned it, I would have never known.

Sandeul: That's right... Heuheu (clearing his throat) The reason why we're able to get closer and be happy when we are together... Um... I think it's because we both love the work that we are doing. The most important thing is, to stay healthy... Ah, why are the words not coming out? Anyway... Don't you have to treat me well? Hahahaha. Can't you do it first?

Gongchan: You can just do it! Not any more, not any less, just the way it is is great. I hope things stay the way they are now. The relationship between the members hare getting stronger by each day that passes after debut. We don't have the same blood, but we're like brothers. Even though Sandeul hyung doesn't express it, family members usually don't tell each other that they love each other. I know how you feel so I don't feel sad or anything even if hyung doesn't express yourself. It's because hyung really thinks of us that way that you don't express yourself. I'd love it if we remain just like this.

Sandeul: Me too! Just the way we are doing is fine. In future, let's pull each other on from in front, push each other forward from behind, and continue like this for a long long time healthily.

Source: gongchan.kr

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

Please take out with full credits to source and translator.. 

Musicals these days are full of idols. The musical 'Chess' in June likewise has a cast of 4 idols. 2AM Jo Kwon, B1A4 CNU, VIXX Ken and SHINee Key. It may be the perfect composition to look upon them with prejudice, but they are quite serious. Jo Kwon thinks about 'Chess' "all the time - when I'm brushing my teeth or doing my business". They are so into the role and production that Ken heads towards the musical practice room at 10pm, and CNU gets inspiration for his song production while practicing for 'Chess'. But there is a stone set on the shoulders of these men, and they cannot do anything about this situation. We meet Jo Kwon, CNU and Ken ahead of their first show to listen to them.

Musicals seem to be really difficult. You have to sing well, dance and act. But why do idols choose to do musicals in particular?
Jo Kwon: I've always been a musical person. Honestly there have been many offers but I said I could not do them. Even though it has gotten better, but there are many unfavorable opinions about idols taking on the challenge of musicals. Many idols opened the bottle cap without enough practice so it's overflowomg now. When you get criticism, people can't help but to become judgmental. Those who do musicals without enough preparation, those who do musicals without a choice after looking at the guarantees, and the friends who think "I have nothing else to do so I should eat and live by doing musicals". I felt that these friends made the liquid in the bottle overflow. I wanted to break out of that judgement.
CNU: The perception that comes with the title of idol is a problem that we have to face. I don't want to deny it, or say that I hate it. Instead we should face it, and make people forget (that perception) by showing them more. No matter what, we are idols right at our roots.

This is CNU and Ken's first challenge at a musical.
CNU: I've wanted to do musicals from when I first debuted. Honestly there had been opportunities where the conditions allowed for it, but I had a lot of worries about what should I be engrossed in. But it so happened that we're on break from album promotions and it's such a great production that I ended up challenging it.
Ken: There was pressure when I first heard that we were going to be doing this on such a huge stage. Come to think of it, it's my first time but it's such a huge opportunity. I felt that I needed to do well, and I became nervous. Half confidence, half nervousness?

In the eyes of Jo Kwon, what do you think of the skills of the others? Compared to them you're a senior.
Jo Kwon: Am I good enough to be a senior? (laugh) Well first I told them about the basics. There's something called 'critical audience'. "This is not a concert, but a performance. If you hold your fellow actors in regard, please post in your official fancafe to tell your fans not to scream. Tell them to show themselves to be different from the other fans. (The musical) is going to be different from what these friends have been doing. In the case of CNU and Ken, it's goimg to be their debut production. I"m looking forward to it, but I'm also worried. Depending on how they do on stage, the judgement of the audience will differ. I think it's professional to know how to give up bravely when something is not yours even after you've worked hard for it.

(omitted question for Jo Kwon)

Don't idols date? You need to date to film a love scene. Not too long ago, Baro had a scandal with Kim Yoojung, I think you might have been envious.
CNU: We shouldn't be dating yet. People are seriously funny, Kim Yoojung is only 17 years old, what are they thinking. She's just a young student, how could they think of her that way? I was also watching the match live, and I thought 'wow, they're getting so much screen time' and 'oh they went to watch soccer together'. But the news article mentioned them being in a relationship and the likes.
Ken: I learned how to act out being in love by watching other shows. You know how people tease other by asking if they learned about love through words? It's really like that for me. I dated before I debuted, but we broke up when I entered the company. In any case, idols don't date (laugh).

(omitted question to Jo Kwon)

There are particularly many acting-dols in B1A4. If you were to give them a score?
CNU: When I see what Baro and Jinyoung are doing, I feel so proud. There's many things that I have to learn from them so giving them a score is a little... (thinks intently) Not 10 points, but maybe 5? Am I too stingy? Only that way they will work harder.

(omitted questions for Ken and Jo Kwon)

Let's end off coolly. What do you wish remains after this musical ends?
(omitted Jo Kwon and Ken's answers)
CNU: I hope (what remains) would be a person who does well. I will work hard. (laugh)

Source: @cnumiso0616

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

Please take out with full credits to source and translator.