Have you gotten requests for song compositions?

Jinyoung: I've heard that there are requests, but B1A4's album comes first so I'm concentrating on working on that. In any case, the best thing to have come out of me going on Produce 101 is that B1A4 is more known to the public now, with us even appearing on real time search ranking. As 'At The Same Place' took off, so did 'B1A4'. I thought to myself, this is not something that I do alone - if I work hard at doing it, it would help the team too.

What image did you want 'At The Same Place' to have?

Jinyoung: When I looked at the Produce 101 trainees, I felt that they met in a reality that at times was cold, and at other times was warm. They practice and make memories together at the same place, but depending on the final results they would eventually be separated too. I used those feelings to write the song.

The lyrics are obviously sad, but the melody is strangely powerful.

Jinyoung: When I looked at the trainees, I didn't only feel like they were simply weak. I thought about how I would have done if I went on the program myself, and it really wouldn't have been easy. They worked hard and did well at everything, and dreamt big dreams. That's why I hoped that this song would not just be a sad one to them. It contains the sad stories, but at the same time shows the strength of their aspirations in the chorus. I wondered if I should slow down the tempo, since it would be young girls singing, or whether I should go softer on the drum kicks. But in the end I didn't feel like that was necessary.

It also sounds like a girl group song from the 90s.

Jinyoung: I made the intro so as to make those listening recall their memories. I used the electronic organ for its unusual vibes. Many adults tell me that when they listen to the song, they think of their first loves. It doesn't end at whether I made a good or bad song - I always hope that the listeners can smell the same kind of perfume I hope they can smell. I always think that there is a scent for every person. It may sound a little outdated, but I don't feel like I need to change it into something more modern. My parents love music, so I grew up listening to many songs from the past and followed them to live cafes. I guess the feelings from back then kinda stuck with me. (laugh)

The song made a huge impact on the survival and elimination of the trainees. Did you feel the burden?

Jinyoung: I try not to think of the burden when I compose a song. The burden is there even when I'm composing songs for B1A4's album but I consciously try not to think about it. Otherwise even the good things might turn out bad. Similarly, I tried not to think of it this time but watching Produce 101 made me learn about how earnest the trainees were. I thought to myself, "If I make a mistake here, it might ruin someone's entire life". With those thoughts, I tried to be even more meticulous when directing them (during recording). The recording started in the evening, and ended at almost 5 or 6am for 'At The Same Place'. For 'When The Cherry Blossoms Fade', we ended at 8 in the morning. I was meticulous, but I wasn't strict! (laughs) There were many of them who never recorded in the studio before, so I felt like if I had shown my unhappiness they would have become nervous and cause a delay in the recording. There are many times that I've been much stricter when directing our members.

Just exactly how strict?

Jinyoung: I wouldn't say anything overboard, but more like I wouldn't let them out of the recording booth for long periods of time once they enter. There are times where one person took almost 2 to 3 hours each. To be honest, instead of correcting them with words, I let them listen to what has been recorded so that they can realize for themselves what needs improving. I feel like it's a much better method to do so rather than to tell them off. We've been together so long that they themselves realize what needs to be changed.

B1A4's 'Sweet Girl' and 'Lonely' feel very much like the songs you have made for the girl groups recently, maybe due to their vague moods.

Jinyoung: In terms of music that I listen to, I don't really have a particular type I only listen to. I like music that's totally hip-hop, and I also like girl group songs. Even when I go back and listen to the tracks I composed long time, the genres are all different. But I do think I like some kind of a... vague vibe to my songs. I want a song to not just end when it ends, but to leave an afterglow. That's why when I compose a song, I try to make it so that it evokes memories. I also like the term 'memories' very much.

Specifically, how do you do that?

Jinyoung: 'Solo Day' starts with a whistle, while 'Tried To Walk' starts with the sounds of wind. If you listen to the tracks on the Tried To Walk album, the intro starts with a very gloomy guitar melody, and then the sound of footsteps, after which 'Tried To Walk' starts. As for Lonely, there were noise effects - it contains a little bit of the sounds of children playing at the playground. I try many different things to try touching certain emotions. 

Perhaps it's because of these emotions in your songs that you receive the appraisal that even though you're young you seem like you know it all. (laugh)

Jinyoung: There are really many people who say so. The mixing director and producers that I'm close with are all in their 40s. (laugh) When we have a drink together, they say that they do not feel any sense of discomfort with me, and ask if I lied about my age. That's not true but... Hmm I'm curious why people say that of me. Since I'm not very sure about myself either..

You gained a significant amount of experience as a producer in a relatively short period of time. Have you ever thought of composing for other groups as well?

Jinyoung: I feel like it's important to be able to compose a lot. But right now, I don't wish for myself to succeed as a producer alone, instead I hope that what I do will eventually be an advantage to the team. The wider my spectrum, the more different B1A4's albums will be - I think that through such ways there will be good synergy demonstrated. Many people ask about a solo album, but I feel that there will be an opportunity for that some time in the future, after the team gets better success. I just want everything to go in its own flow. Just because I am a little more well-known now does not mean that I want to immediately release a solo album.

I guess you don't really tread on air from getting compliments.

Jinyoung: For both positive and negative comments, I only take 50% of it to heart. No matter whose words those are, there's no way it would be 100% right. In the past, when someone said that the songs I composed were just average, I got hurt. But now, I think to myself, "this person thinks of it this way" and just leave it at that. To alternate between joy and grief at one's words may cause everything to come to ruin. The first time my song was chosen to be a title song was 'Baby I'm Sorry', and I did mixing on that song for 7 times because I had no backbone. If someone said it didn't sound good, I'd fix it. Another person says it's just average, I'd fix it again. A mixing engineer told me before, that a producer needs to have his own endurance. At that point, I realized it. That I need to listen to the words of others but also stand my point. Thanks to that experience, I think I learnt more about producing. 

We hear that you did not start composing by learning it professionally.

Jinyoung: That's right. That's why at first, I did not think of arrangements. I would just record a very low-quality selfmade melody, and it got interesting so I started messing around with programs. But when I got it arranged, it was so different from what I imagined it to be. The more I tried my hand at it, the more I wanted to make something that I wanted. So I played around with equipment myself, did research, and eventually learnt to arrange music by myself. I think this is the correct direction. All my thoughts are embedded in my songs - I can't have someone else realize the things that I want in my songs. I usually go and oversee the mixing and mastering of the songs during final production of an album, and I take quite a lot of pride in that. There are many things to learn, and through that I meet many people. I consider all of these 'nutrition' for me to move forward and grow.

As much as you've grown, there is also a significant difference in the character of B1A4's music.

Jinyoung: We don't release music with the mindset that "this is the kind of image we want to show everyone" so it's not really a 'character' persay. I would rather say that our albums simply contains the images of how we grew up. It's the imagery of how we are aging.

True, you're already celebrating your fifth anniversary of your debut.

Jinyoung: I wonder how did 5 years just pass like that. When we first debuted, we looked at seniors in their fifth year of debut and wondered to ourselves when would we build up our seniority like that... But time passes and we're already there. When we were high school students, we felt like we would never turn 20, but now I'm already 26... But I try not to put a lot of meaning into it. I just like to think, "I'm spending my time well, and I will just continue to do so".

When you're with the members, do you feel that it's different from the past, as if everyone is now an adult?

Jinyoung: Honestly I think we are all still kids. When we first met, everyone felt like high school students. Whenever we're together we still play around like the old days so we don't really feel like we've grown up. (laughs) But it does feel a little new when the staff members working around us are younger than us. In the past they were all just noonas and hyungs, but there are lots of people younger than us now so it's quite amazing. 

Has the respect for each other increased with the amount of individual activities?

Jinyoung: Definitely. Last time, I was very nervous as leader. What if he goes on a program somewhere and makes a mistake? What do I do? But now everyone does well on their own. They all do it better than I do now so there's no need to worry about them. I'm even proud of them for being so cool, and there's much to learn. When I see the members like that, they do seem like adults to me. Of course, I also nag less now as compared to when we just debuted. When there's nothing to point out, I don't bother to find one to nitpick. It's nice to be natural. If there's nothing to talk about, it's fine to continue doing as we have been. But when there's something that sticks out, I'll talk to them about it then.

You must also have seen fans grow over the past 5 years.

Jinyoung: Last time, our nickname used to be 'Elementary kids' president'. Even though we haven't been around that long, it isn't that short either. There are many fans that we met when they were in elementary school, but they're coming to see us now after graduating and going to high school. Just like how the fans have watched us grow, it's interesting to see how our fans are growing up too.

So at this point in time, what's the most important thing to you?

Jinyoung: Definitely B1A4's comeback. Even though there's no fixed timeframe that we have to make a comeback by, we are doing our research well. Hitting the milestone of 5 years also means that this album is going to be very important. We're thinking of what we can show everyone after this fifth year. Firstly... A song that I'm fond of needs to appear. I feel that it's a little vague to rush our comeback without anything solid in our hands. But... we're working hard to come back as soon as possible. (laughs)

Source: Ize Magazine (1), (2)

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

Please remove with full credits to source and translator.

Sleek moves, serious gazes, voices that reach beyond the end of the stage, decently unawkward acting... B1A4 CNU and Sandeul are passing through their mid-20s while giving off a healthy energy and filling and emptying their hearts with incomplete thoughts. They confess that it isn't easy to calm their hearts because of the fine line between nervousness and passion that they have to live as d'Artagnan until the sun gets burning hot and the trees are thriving green.

Both of you are playing the most charming character in the exciting and solid production 'The Three Musketeers', one that has a really remote chance of failing. This is a congratulatory matter right?

CNU: I was very thankful to have received the suggestion of doing this musical. It is a production that both Sandeul and myself have wanted to do very much. On top of that, the recommendation came to both of us in the same group. It was really tempting, and I was surprised but looking forward to it.

Sandeul: When I had my musical debut in 'Brave Brothers' in 2012, a senior told me that if I continued doing musicals, I definitely should try 'The Three Musketeers', and that I would fit the d'Artagnan role very much. That made me look up the musical, and I found it so interesting. I've always wanted to try it, and I'm really happy that the opportunity came so quickly. So happy that I couldn't let go of it (the opportunity).

Being cast together must have been great help to each other. Even though Sandeul is a year younger, he has more experience so I think he might have nagged or gave CNU advice.

CNU: These are not empty words, Sandeul has really helped me a great deal. It's my second production after 'Chess', and the number of advantages he has over me is so much more. Since we're in the same group, we practically live stuck together. I'm just thankful that he gives me advice stemmed from his experiences, asks me about things he's curious about about the production and talks to me about the things that are not working out as well.

Sandeul: Me too. Even though I have done several more productions than hyung, there are still certain things that I miss out - those things, he points them out next to me. There are many things about the character that I learn about through our sharing.

'The Three Musketeers' received high praises for being a high quality production. If you were to give yourself a midway evaluation, how do you think d'Artagnan played by yourselves is different from the character portrayed by the seniors last time?

Sandeul: I looked up their videos out of curiosity. And someday, I found myself unknowingly copying the scene just as I watched it. Even though I want to say that to some extent, (the performance of the previous actors) do contain the character of d'Artagnan that I think he has, I feel that I was given the role of d'Artagnan not to follow blindly. I dislike moving as though I am a machine, so I decide to discover the character through practice. I am working hard to find the d'Artagnan played by Sandeul - the d'Artagnan that is truly Sandeul.

CNU: This is such a famous production that many people would have an image of d'Artagnan engraved in their minds. A country bumpkin, a bright and innocent teenage? There is such a side to myself too, so I wonder how it would be if I put a part of myself into the character. I tend to ponder hard and serious about everything. I'm trying my best to not stand out, and mix in well. Another interesting point that the d'Artagnan in the novel and musical have very different images. Our senior Kai also had some serious thoughts about this point. d'Artagnan in the novel thinks very strongly of honor and justice, but rather than being bright, he is more serious. I guess this is a problem that I would have to solve.

CNU: In one of the songs, there is a lyric that goes 'I am dizzy from the sky high buildings'. I'm sure Sandeul said the exact same thing then.

Sandeul: The d'Artagnan that I portray is very much similar to myself. Most importantly I was also really amazed to see all the tall buildings when I first came up from Busan to Seoul.

CNU: Every line of lyric in that scene really hit home and reminded myself of my trainee days. Apart from being influenced by his father while in the countryside Gascony, he also says this while in a swordfight: "I will become a really cool person in Paris. I will go to Paris and learn the basics of being a musketeer. d'Artagnan is serious, but also really innocent. He was amazing by all of Paris' buildings but at the same time he made bigger moves so as to not be frightened by it all. I understand that feeling so much. It is also the character of d'Artagnan that I want to portray - innocent, and at the same time positive.

You hummed the whole time when you were having your makeup put on and during the shoot. What is your favourite musical number in this production?

Sandeul: It isn't a song that d'Artagnan sings (alone), but my heart beats really quickly whenever I sing 'We Are One'. When this number starts, I'm supposed to be on my knees after shouting 'Constance! I'll get you out!', but my heart beats so quickly I don't know what to do.

CNU: It's the same number for me. I love it because it reflects the perfect image of the olden day heroes at the end of the first act. In the seniors' words, 'olden day heroes stained by reality'. There used to be a time that they were famous but the musketeers have also become lopsided - they start adapting to reality and lose their difficulties. d'Artagnan is like the catalyst to the musketeers regaining their forgotten sense of justice. It's a beautiful number from a symbolic scene, so I always feel overwhelmed singing it.

Most idol singers feel more nervous, and look forward more to musical stages than concerts.

CNU: I guess they can only feel that way. Every stage comes with nervousness and a sense of responsibility. For idol singers, we are already accustomed to most of the things that we do and hence we do it with composure. But for musicals, we literally go on stage with a beginner's mind - a blank piece of white paper.

Sandeul: Musical stages are really precious to me. That's why I need I feel a sense of responsibility that I need to fill up the stage that I will be standing on. The mindset is always the same - no matter if it's a musical, or B1A4's concert, or my own solo stage. I don't want to be confused. Even though my body feels so tired after I tell myself I should not compromise anything, I still feel that I need to accomplish it.

Was there something special that prompted you feel like you should not compromise?

Sandeul: Rather than a special prompting, I felt like if I compromised the stages I would regret all the stages that I stood out. This is the same for variety programs - I felt that I shouldn't go through it carelessly because there is a need to have a presence in front of the camera and audience. I learnt that from participating in musicals - that you need to have a sense of presence just by standing on stage.

CNU: I am also thankful that while doing musicals, it helped me find the correct mental attitude and regain the things that I forgot. Most importantly, it became the reason that I managed to regain my beginner's mindset.

There is an abundance of singers entering the musical scene, and there are several who have found their footing here. On the other hand, there are also some who have not received good reviews. Do you feel timid in front of your musical seniors?

CNU: It may be my luck, but I've met only nice people who tell me the hard truth if there's something I'm lacking.

Sandeul: They give me advice, and also scold me. If I did something that asks for a scolding, then of course I should be scolded. (Have you ever been scolded harshly?) During my 'Brave Brothers' musical, I was a rookie even as an idol so I did wonder if it was too early for me to be doing a musical. When I was bewildered and could not make head or tail of anything, director Jang Yoojung pointed out my mistakes such as 'that doesn't sound good', 'you can't do it like that', 'you have to break out of yourself'. I felt sullen and scared. But then one day, he called me over and told me very seriously, "you may be a popular idol singer out there. But I don't know you. I don't watch TV. However, we casted you not because the person standing in front of me is idol singer Sandeul, but actor Sandeul. So let's trust in each other and work hard." At that moment, I suddenly felt the confidence that I could do it rise up in me. After that, I worked really hard. If there was anything I was curious about, I would grab the tails of the hyungs and asked them.  I also learnt new things during 'All Shook Up', and thanks to it I managed to do 'Cinderella'. 'The Three Musketeers' feels a little different - I started feeling like I need to work on breaking out of this with my own strength.

CNU: The sincerity of someone treating me not like an idol singer but an actor, the feeling is great. We can't help that there is a bias against us. But I am very thankful that people see us as musical actors, no matter if we do well or not. And that makes me feel a greater sense of responsibility, and makes me think that 'I can't not do well, I have to do this not as B1A4 but as an actor".

Why do you like musicals? Do you like the practicing, or the excitement and anticipation right before going on stage, or the fluttering feelings? Or maybe the feeling of looking at the delight in the faces of the audience when you're on stage? I guess it would also feel great after it all ends.

Sandeul: Before we go on stage, the seniors say "let's trust each other and do well". That sentence makes me feel so good. It's the moment that everyone's hard work becomes one. It's a very charming feeling to feel how the production is completed.

CNU: The time during every show passes by so hectically that I don't actually know how I did. When I finished 'Chess' and the lingering aftertaste went away, I think I felt quite relieved. It was my first ever production so I fell so deeply in it that I don't relieve myself of it for quite a while. It took me some time, but one day I looked back at the days of practice I had and I realized that I did well, and this was probably how the seniors felt too.

I am looking forward to the cute yet different d'Artagnan characters that both of you will portray. CNU has little words but many thoughts, whereas Sandeul seems to have lots of talent and tears.

CNU: I get more talkative when we are close, but I do think a lot about everything. Especially about work matters.

Sandeul: I didn't think so, but I also nearly cried yesterday during a radio broadcast... But how did you know that? (Your eyes are teary) I think I do cry easily about things that others don't tend to be able to be sympathetic about. The things that are important to me are not at my heart, but it is at my liver. Once it is affected, I just start crying. There are times that people wonder what's wrong with me and why was I crying.

We hear that it's been 3 weeks since you've started practicing. 

CNU: On certain days, we spend up to 12 hours practicing. In the mornings, we do fencing. In the afternoons, we sing and act. Synergy is really important for this musical so we all gather and practice together. It's fun. Except for the moments when I feel blank after fencing practice.

What a variety of experiences. You sing, you dance, you do action movies and you do broadcasts.

Sandeul: We've been living like this since we were 20 years old, so to some extent we are used to it. Now, it's more like if I don't do it perfectly, I can't approve of it myself.

CNU: We did a radio broadcast yesterday, and Sandeul even recorded for a TV program. What should I say... the belief that since we started as singers, we shouldn't cut off its root even as we approach our mid-20s? No matter what genre we do, there is a mindset that I need to take responsibility and do everything to the best of my efforts. There are definitely times that I find myself confused. 

Did you look forward to coming up here when you were trainees?

Sandeul: We looked forward to much more when we were trainees.

CNU: At that time, we dreamt dreams as huge as uh, Michael Jackson? Now, we have compromised with reality. haha

Sandeul: I think it is because of our unimaginably huge dreams that we've been able to come this far. This is something that Jinyoung hyung always read. That dreams have to be huge. Only then would we be able to reach up till its edge. Even though we've compromised (with reality), we haven't forgotten our dreams.

CNU: It might just take some time, but someday, it will all come true.

When will we be able to meet B1A4?

CNU: We're in the midst of preparing, and there's been quite a lot of songs made. We have self-esteem as singers, and we're quite pleased with the end results of the songs this time. We sometimes question ourselves if we really wrote those songs ourselves. This sense of achievement makes me work harder at writing songs.

Sandeul: The hyungs have many great songs written. It is to the point that when we listen to them one by one, I have no idea which song should be our title song. It's tough.

In that case, we should be able to meet B1A4 right after 'The Three Musketeers' end.

CNU & Sandeul: If that's the case, we might die!

Source: https://splaybill.makevu.me/828ac68d85

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

Please remove with full credits to source and translator.

Jinyoung

How was your 2015? I think it's fortunate that we spent 2015 well, without any major incidents. However, I do think that it would have been better if we had spent it not feeling as pressured as we did. Even if there are tough times, a positive mindset will definitely get you through those times. In the new year, I want to expand my musical horizons, and make more chances for us to meet with the fans. I will work hard every moment of 2016 to make it a better year than this year!

If you could go back in time and spend a day with a historical figurine, who would it be? Beethoven. I want to learn music composition from him, and see how he composes during the day that we spend together.

The first thing you do when you wake up? I eat my vitamins. Recently I've been thinking about my health (laughs) I've been eating my vitamins well without forgetting about them.

Sandeul

You'll be in your sixth year of debut next year. How was 2015? I think 2015 was a stepping stone for what I have to face in future, because I learnt how to deal with whatever I faced one step at a time. There were many things that may have been regretful, but I don't want to live thinking and regretting events that have pasted. I want to challenge many other things with the mindset that if I try my best, nothing is impossible. Hmm... Actually there are many things that we challenge in our everyday life, but because we are unaware of that we do not treat them as challenges and let them just pass by. I want to attempt and challenge meaningful things that make my heart beat in future.

A habit, or jinx that you have? I used to have a lot of those, but they disappeared when I debuted. Instead, I learnt that I needed to prepare thoroughly before going up on stage so that I won't make mistakes on stage.

When do you feel that B1A4's teamwork is great? When B1A4 is all together? Teamwork is from the unity of that team, from the closeness of the team. There's that feeling from when B1A4 is all together, and I love that feeling so much. It's hard to explain it in words but when I feel that we're actually looking out and are being considerate to each other? It's those times that I feel our teamwork is great.

Baro

When were you the most touched by fans? I think the slogan event during the concert touched me. I felt a great deal of energy that cannot be expressed in words. I could imagine the process of the fans deciding on a timing to lift up the slogans, preparing for it and then waiting to lift it up. Their hearts are so kind. I think I was even more touched because of that.

An episode from when you guys are living together recently Our dorm is not always noisy. When we have separate schedules, there is barely any time that all five of us are back at home together. Not long ago, one of us was watching a VOD movie. One by one we started gathering, and all five of us ended up watching a midnight movie. It was nice then, to watch a movie altogether in a long while.

You have been going non-stop in 2015 - what kind of year was it? I think it was a happy year for me. We received so much excessive love, and there were many new opportunities for me to experience new things so I am really thankful. It's a pity that we weren't able to promote more and release more albums to gift the fans with more music, and not being able to visit more countries to greet the fans living faraway. But our Sweet Girl album was made with lots of affection and hard work so I'm proud of it, and happy that the fans like it. I want to research more about music, and let everyone listen to more great songs while enjoying it myself too. 2015 was a year for me where I learnt that if I'm working hard on the things I'm doing with a happy mindset, the people around me will be happy too. We will end this year well, and next time I want to be able to go to more countries to make great memories for our fans, and let everyone listen to even more mature music made by B1A4. Please always watch us, and cheer us on! HAPPY NEW YEAR! Fighting!

CNU

How was your 2015? I wanted to promote more this time, but it was a pity we couldn't do so. I want to make sure that in 2016, we promote more, and be able to show our fans a new look to us. 2015 is almost gone, and B1A4 is in our fifth year since debut. I feel that B1A4 needs to advance on further, as we stick closer to each other while believing and depending on each other. In the future, it is definitely important that we try new things that we have never done before in the past, but I also want to make sure that I'm improving in the things that I've been doing so far and I am good at doing. To not be dazzled and blindly follow the fancy things right in front of me, but to improve myself to be someone of great depth.

The member who cooks the best recently? Me! I'm most confident of my ddeokbokki, but I've been making braised spicy chicken recently! The point of CNU's braised spicy chicken is the cleaning of the chicken skin so that it absorbs all the seasoning well.

What did you save the members' contacts as in your phone? Jinyoung - Jinyoungie. Sandeul - Lee Sandeul. Baro - Cha Sunwoo Baro Squirrel. Gongchan - Ddonggae [T/N: Literally mixed-breed puppy, but an affectionate term usually used by grandparents to call their grandchildren.]

Gongchan

How do you feel about 2015? It was a year where I experienced and challenged new things. It was a year where I feel that we did not manage to show enough stages and release enough music for the fans. This year, I learnt that there is nothing that I can do alone. I felt like there definitely needs to be someone with me or helping me, so I learnt that I need to always be thankful to the people around me, and that I cannot forget to be thankful to them. I want to become someone who would be of a 'healing' existence, and be a source of strength to people.

Where do you want to go to for a holiday? Recently I've been wanting to go to Hawaii. The weather is great, it's carefree and the scenery looks great. I want to spend a 'healing' holiday by resting by the beach and just swimming.

The one thing you must have in your bag? Moisturizing products. (laughs) I always carry moisturizing products such as lipbalm and Vaseline.

Everything about B1A4! Manager's One Question One Answer! (by Woo-beu)

1. B1A4 1) has gotten more mature. 2) are still kids. (2)

2. B1A4 are like 1) timid cats. 2) beagle puppies. (2)

3. Which would you choose - 1) CNU's Seoul or 2) Jinyoung's 사랑 그땐? (2)

4. Sometimes I miss the newly-debuted B1A4. (O)

5. The members buy delicious food for the staff often. (O)

6. There are times that I want to avoid and run away from the members. (O)

7. Which B1A4 member follows the managers well? (Sandeul (?))

8. Which member do you want to make him experience the life of a manager for a day? (Jinyoung)

9. Which member would you have treated well if he was your junior in army? (Baro)

10. Your favourite B1A4 song? (This Time is Over)

11. Your first impression of the members? (Kind and good-looking younger brothers..)

12. I find the members the most handsome when (they are jumping around like crazy on stage).

13. I find the members the prettiest when (they tell me 'you've worked hard' or 'please get home safely~' after a day at work).

14. I worry for (a few of) the members when they (mess up the house, lose their stuff, eat too much and wear weird clothes out).

15. The sides of B1A4 that the fans are not aware of

• Jinyoung (is still losing his things continuously up until today).
• CNU (is faster than you'd expect. In an urgent and busy situation, he is faster and quicker than anyone else. He even runs!!)
• Baro (has built-in batteries. When he is fully charged, his energy is sky-high and uncontrollable. But! When he's out of battery, he keeps sleeping..)
• Sandeul (doesn't last long no matter what he buys! Or what he does!.. But! He will sing forever..)
• Gongchan (is the master of second-hand transactions!! And an early-adapter, pro-gamer).

Source: 2015 WM Newsletter (http://wment.co.kr/wmzine/wmnewsletter.pdf)

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

Please remove 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.

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.

Idols are well-rounded. To them, differentiating between dance, singing and acting is meaningless. The question 'why is he not acting, even though he's an idol?' nowadays  may be more practical. Musicals have become a stage where they are able to show off their talents and gifts without any filtering, and feel the applause and cheers of the audience. Maybe that is why there are more idols growing their careers as a musical actor, beyond just expanding their fields. It is this attitude of theirs that the cynical viewpoint of idols simply being 'ticket sellers' is becoming powerless.

(omitted introduction about Jo Kwon) Playing the role of Anatoly, 'Chess' is CNU's musical debut. He's been on the lookout for an opportunity to enter the musical scene, and is carefully taking his first step. CNU is in charge of vocals and rap in B1A4. Unlike the other members who have been active in their individual activities through dramas and variety shows, he has been quiet. Upon gaining mechnical time and a peace of mind, he is finally showing his determination.

'Chess' is about ambitions, love and political conflict that breaks out at the world chess championships between American champion Freddie Trumper and Russian champion Anatoly Karpov. Both Jo Kwon and CNU are still baby-faced. The image of how they will look playing the role of Anatoly does not come easily. But we see the mature musical actor Jo Kwon cheering on his junior CNU, and a tacitum and sincere rookie musical actor CNU.

The lead role of Anatoly is being taken on by a full idol cast. Being of similar age ranges, there is bound to be a war of nerves.

CNU: Not at all. I do not think it's time to be competitive.

Jo Kwon: There is no time to be using up our emotions being that. There is only 1 month to practice, and the amount of things to do is as high as a mountain. All 4 of us are feeling the burden and are nervous. In a week, we practice about 5~6 hours a day. Recently my mind is only filled with 'Chess'.

Even though it's the same character, the character's personality is different depending on who is the actor. What have you been doing to express Anatoly in your own way?

Jo Kwon: We react to how the general public sees us. All 4 of us look so different, and I think even if we just stood on stage without saying anything our images would be totally different. Even without much work, our chemistry with the other actors and the overall feeling will definitely be different. Of course individually, the Anatoly character will also be different.

What character is Anatoly?

Jo Kwon: He is Russian, and the protagonist of a star-crossed love. He is nothing like me. I have never been to Russia, I'm not that old and I'm unmarried. I have no experience in being married then cheating on my wife (laugh). To us, it hits home better when we regard it as a virtual reality. We think a lot about how to solve this gap between ourselves and the character. Honestly, our voices and looks are very boyish. But instead of lowering our voice by a tone against our will to create an imposing feeling, we try to maintain our voices naturally.

CNU, this is your first musical.

CNU: Since this is the premiere of this musical (in Korea) and my first musical I am feeling very burdened. That is why I look very closely at the other actors in the other roles, as well as Jo Kwon. Honestly, just looking at the seniors give me inspiration. I also take into account how the actors express themselves by watching videos of 'Chess' in Broadway.

From the name of the production and flow of the content, chess plays a very important role. When we were taking pictures, CNU mentioned that he is totally unfamiliar with playing chess.

CNU: It would have been good if I could learn it beforehand... (laugh).

Jo Kwon: We will get used to it as we practice. Just like a jigsaw puzzle, everything has a start and an end. It is the same for concerts and performances (laugh). I haven't done many musicals, but when I did 'Priscilla' and my debut musical 'Jesus Christ Superstar' I ran into difficulties too. There are many scenes that we play chess in the musical, so it's possible that we become great chess players as we practice and get used to it. It will take its place so long we do it naturally. But of course it needs to take its place before the first show, and not at the last show. You will go, "Ah, I'm just getting the grasp of it now, but it's ending already?"

Is the casting schedule out? Who is doing the first show?

CNU: It's Ken.

Jo Kwon: He will be feeling really burdened. It's the premiere of a masterpiece, and on a stage as huge as the Sejong Cultural Centre. And the key important role of Anatoly is being taken on by 4 idols. Musical fans will probably be looking on at us with half anticipation and half worry. I hope that all 4 of us can receive favourable comments, instead of unfavourable ones.

The centre of gravity will probably be on Key and Jo Kwon, who have more experiences with musicals.

CNU: That's right. Ken and I depend (on each other) very much. We don't express it but in my heart I tend to lean on him.

Jo Kwon: Me too, as I think 'I'm not the only singer here!' (laugh).

Doesn't the musical stage feel strange since it's a different field from the stages that you have stood on as a singer?

CNU: When we practice, there are about 30 people in the chorus and the musical director. It is definitely a different vibe from the practice room that we dance and sing in. I'm now used to that, but perhaps due to the pressure I keep wanting to go to the washroom. I clearly went before practice started but I keep wanting to go again... (laugh). Unconsciously the psychological pressure is huge. Oh yes, we had a group dinner a couple of days ago. 

Jo Kwon: CNU stayed till the end.

CNU: I spoke to the seniors over alcohol, and contrary to everyone's image they all treated me very comfortably. I grew a lot closer to Shin Sungwoo who is taking on the role of my rival Freddie - he has the same surname as me and is of the same generation in the clan.

Jo Kwon: That's why it went on for so long huh? (laugh)

Idols have so many overseas schedules that it's tough to even match practice schedules. There has been talk of conflict with the other actors due to that.

Jo Kwon: That is all dependent on oneself. Whether you have many or little schedules, even if your drama and album promotions overlap with each other it depends on how you handle it. If you cannot turn up for practice, you should have the basic courtesy to practice to your best efforts alone. That way the seniors and other actors will look upon you favourably. All 4 of us are very clear about that. Honestly, to have overlapping schedules is so tiring I feel it to my bones. When I did 'Jesus Christ Superstar', it overlapped with my drama filming, and I thought to myself that this is not something that humans should be doing. Back then I think I was too greedy by wanting to have the best of both worlds. As expected, greed destroys a person (laugh). I think it's more sensible to be doing just one thing at a time.

CNU: Right now I feel like I'm biting off more than I can chew. Because of the production of songs for our next album... It's worrying.

Jo Kwon: This is also dependent on oneself. Anyway back then I did well in both my musical and drama so I believe you can do it too.

Have you watched any of Jo Kwon's musicals personally before?

CNU: I did not manage to watch it personally but I did look out for what musicals he did.

(omitted question for Jo Kwon)

There must have been many musical offers, but what is the reason you chose 'Chess' as your debut piece?

CNU: I've always wanted to do musicals. Previously there have been several opportunities but due to various conditions I did not manage to do them. Right now we are taking a break from album promotions, and I feel mentally calm. Should I say that I have the peaceful mind that will allow me to focus completely on the musical..? Even though we have not done the first show yet, I feel that it was good for me to have taken on this challenge. In the time I have been practicing for the musical, I've managed to write one song. I'm receiving lots of inspirations (from the musical).

After being in a group as an idol, there seems to be thirst for a personal activities.

(omitted Jo Kwon's answer)

CNU: Ever since I was young, I've always prepared to enter the course of applied music as a student. And by a stroke of luck I managed to become a trainee and eventually debut. While doing the musical, I've started to think about the vocalizations and sounds that that I'd set aside. It feels like I'm back to my roots.

(omitted question for Jo Kwon)

Despite a packed schedule, idols take out time to do musicals. What's the reason to do it to the point of overworking?

CNU: It's not that only idols specially feel the charm of musicals, but musical is a genre that is very charming in itself. There are many people who are captivated by musicals, and I think idols are just one part of those people.

Jo Kwon: I think the title of 'idol' is  very restrictive in our country. It is true that even if we do the same thing (as others), being an idol has its merits. That is also why people have a prejudice towards us. Because of this, whenever idols do musicals we have to think very hard about it. It's only right to do musicals only when we are fully prepared and have a earnest passion for me. Rather than having indsets like 'since the company is asking me to do, I should do it,' and 'other idols are doing it, shall I do it too?', it's important to think that since we are already doing it, we should work hard at it. This difference in mindset changes the results. The general public judges us cool-headedly.

When you are on stage, can you differentiate fans and general public by the sounds of their applause and cheers?

Jo Kwon: During curtain call, it's very obvious. Fans have this very special atmosphere. In the few seconds that we walk to the front, it's very obvious who is my fan and who is not. During the meeting with the staff for this musical, this topic came up. Since all 4 of us are idols, we should put up notices on our official fancafe in advance (laugh). We are concerned about whether the fans who come watch us will react hugely to the love line and kiss scene. In 'Chess', the kiss scene is a really important one, but if the fans start screaming then we're in trouble. I think all 4 of us need to write a letter to our fans before our first stage. "Please look at it interestingly, please look at it only as acting."

Is it a deep kiss?

Jo Kwon: Come and see it for yourself.

CNU: In order to be immersed in my emotions, even if it's not a deep kiss I will do a deep one (laugh).

This production is probably a challenge even to the agency  who decided on an all-idol cast for the lead role.

Jo Kwon: I've watched the version done by popera singer Josh Groban, and he also has a boyish feel to him. I felt hopeful watching that. That version of 'Chess' ended up having 90% of the Josh Groban feel. It was a case where the artiste absorbed himself into the production and created a synergy. We may be young but as long as we express ourselves well I think the audience will be pulled in too.

As a musical actor, what sort of picture are you drawing?

CNU: Firstly, I feel the need to do well in my first production. The meaning of my name is 'a friend you can believe in' [T/N: 信(신) is the hanja for belief and 友(우) is the hanja for friend.] I want to be like what my name represents. An actor that the audience can believe in and watch on. I would be committing a huge discourtesy if the audience is all anxious and sleepy upon seeing me on stage, right?

(omitted Jo Kwon's answer)

Source: @hheajin8

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

Please take out with full credits to source and translator.

What do you think is the reason why B1A4's songs receive so much love?
Jinyoung: I think it's because the songs contain stories that anyone may come across in their daily lives so people like it. It's the stories of people our generation.
Sandeul: I agree with Jinyoung hyung. Apart from our album, we also work hard to show a variety of concepts and stage performances. I think the fans like that side of us, so we are really thankful.

We're curious where you get your musical influences.
Jinyoung: I get a lot of inspiration from my daily life. I am constantly making melodies, and I'm not the type to adhere to a specific time for making music. I like watching movies, and there are times that I get inspiration while watching. I also get ideas from listening to the stories of people around me.
CNU: I am similar to Jinyoung. I immediately record down something when I get the inspiration for it in my daily life. And to maximize the emotions, I pay more attention to the things and people around me.
Baro: I receive a lot of help from the members, and listen to opinions a lot. I do not set aside time specially to write lyrics. Be it when I'm listening to music alone at home, lying comfortably in the hotel room on tour, or when watching a movie. Whenever inspiration hits me, I note them all down in a notebook.

When making music, are there any disputes amongst the members?
Sandeul: There haven't been much disputes we've had while making music.
Gongchan: It's been 4 years since our debut so I think we've come up with some know-hows. To prevent any disputes from arising, we would discuss the song way ahead of production. We discuss a lot about how to improve the song. Because we produce while sharing opinions, even if there are disputes it eventually leads to a better direction for the song.

Are you preparing for your next album?
Jinyoung: We are constantly working on our album. Due to our busy schedules we may not be able to work on them everyday, but whenever we have time we wrote lyrics and compose songs. Please hold on for a while more and wait for B1A4's next album.
CNU: The exact time period for the sale of our next album has not been decided upon, but we are always wondering about and preparing what we should show the fans next.
Baro: I feel that whatever B1A4 has shown everyone thus far is only a part of us. There are many genres and concepts that we wish to try in future. We will repay everyone with good music, as much as everyone believes in and waits for us!

We are curious about your individual activities in the near future.
Jinyoung: Right now I need to focus on musical activities, but if there is a chance I want to challenge acting once more. I think the fans like a side of me that is different from the one they see on stage.
CNU: I think the same as Jinyoung. There is a feeling of exhilaration, one that is different from the feelings of being on stage. I want to meet my fans as both a musician and an actor.
Sandeul: I want to do more musical. I really enjoyed the previous musical I did, and was really happy.
Baro: I want to do more acting. I have not been able to participate in many dramas, but I felt the charm of acting. I want to act in my own color.
Gongchan: I participated actively in variety programs during our previous promotions, and the fans liked it a lot. I want to expand the things I do, not only music but also variety and acting.

This is your first world tour.
Sandeul: We're giving it our all in ROAD TRIP shows, and with a happy mindset because we get to meet our fans from other countries.The culture may differ, but I felt the same passion for music.
Baro: I feel that we learn a lot and become a lot mature from meeting the fans from all over the fans. I want to make better music and put on better performance through the memories shared and experiences made!
Gongchan: We have had a concert annually since 2012, but the meaning behind having to be able to do a world tour feels very different.

How does it feel to see so many fans enjoying your concert from on stage?
Baro: There are many times it gets overwhelming. And I feel in those moments that I have to do better. In order to treasure these memories for a long time, I have been taking pictures of the fans from the different countries all throughout the tour!
Sandeul: The feeling of exhilaration from being on stage is something that cannot be expressed in words. Because I'm usually so active on stage there are times that I get breathless, but seeing the fans enjoy the show excitedly I don't feel tired and instead get more energy!

It's your fourth concert since debut, do you have any secret know-hows you're learned?
CNU: We have been travelling with a band for this concert too. We've fallen into the charms of a live performance that happens as we match to the band. Our songs are edited for the band during the concert and they have a very different sound from the original songs.
Gongchan: I think I have learnt how to match to our fans! Firstly eye contact is important. Greeting every fan through my eyes and hands makes the atmosphere much hotter.

Are there any special episodes from your long world tour?
Jinyoung: The hotel room in Taiwan had a bathroom that was so huge all five of us could go in. And so we sang one of our songs impromptu. We made music by using things we found in the bathroom. It was amazing to realize that we could make music that way too.
CNU: In the first row at one of our Australia shows sat a guy with a robust physique. He had a sprout hairband on, sang along to all our songs and cheered us on, leaving a very deep impression on me. I was very touched at how everyone enjoyed our music together.

Is there anything you're preparing for the main Seoul concert in November?
CNU: I cannot reveal what we're preparing now but there is something special for the Korean fans so please look forward to it (laugh). We will work hard at preparing so please hold on for a while and wait for us!

We're curious about the reasons why you guys have been regularly been participating in good deeds, other than having donation booths.
Jinyoung: Actually, I'm not too sure if 'good deed' is a word that we can use. More than a 'good deed', we're just doing things we can out of kindness so receiving this kind of question is a little embarrassing. We're still lacking in many ways but we do feel that it's a responsibility for us to give back to the community.
CNU: We are idols that get a lot of support from teens in their 10s, so we do feel that every action of ours influences them greatly. Every small action we do gets viewed upon as a great issue so we are also very cautious. We are doing this so that those who do not receive as much spotlight from the community also gets viewed upon warmly too.

How do you feel about the fans' donation activities?
CNU: Our fans are actually doing a lot of donating without showing it off outwardly. They send a lot of donation certificates in our name to the office. I am really proud that such people are my fans, and I definitely feel a lot more responsible.
Sandeul: I am very happy and thankful! Should I say it's the feeling of the fans becoming one with what we meant to do..?
Gongchan: I feel the same as Sandeul hyung. It's really cool and I feel really proud of the fans actively participating in doing good. BANAs! I sincerely thank you and I love you. (laugh)


Jinyoung: To the Korean fans who are now waiting for us! I really miss all of you. We are working really hard to prepare for the concert so please just wait a little while more.
CNU: With Korea being the last stop of our ROAD TRIP, we are even more excited. I really miss our BANAs. And to the fans who are taking the national exams, you've been working very hard. Please work hard in the remaining time you have, and B1A4 is cheering you on and hoping you have a good outcome. Fighting!
Gongchan: Has everyone watched the behind the scenes video from ROAD TRIP made for you BANAs? Even if you miss us, please watch those videos and hold on for a while more. See you soon.
Sandeul: Our concert is 2 days after the national exams. They say the day of the examinations is going to be extremely cold. BANAs who are taking the exams, please dress warmly. Your health is most important so please spend some effort taking care of yourself. Sit for the exams confidently, and come to our concert to release all the pent up stress and anxiety.

Source: Navercast

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

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