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.

Q. How do you feel about coming to Taiwan again? Did anything change?
Jinyoung: This is our first time in a year to Taiwan, so I'm quite happy. The fans have waited for a long time so we're very excited too. So when we found out when we were coming to Taiwan we were really happy. The moment we got off the plane there were so many people welcoming so so I felt really good! And the atmosphere at yesterday's concert was really high so we're still reeling from happiness from that. I hope we can come to Taiwan often to meet everyone (laugh).

Q. Were there any interesting things that happened at the concert yesterday?
(Upon hearing this question, the members smiled even wider.)
CNU: There are so many... (with a very serious face, as if he was back in the concert yesterday)
Jinyoung: Oh~ When we were singing the last song of the night, the fans held up banners that said “let's be together forever”. At first I didn't realize what the fans were holding up because it was a very upbeat song, and only belatedly realized what was on the banner. It left a lasting memory, especially to see the Taiwan fans holding up banners printed in Korean. I was quite amazed, and it was very meaningful.

Q. You sang a few songs from your new album yesterday too. Can you talk about your latest album?
Jinyoung: SOLO DAY is made solely from songs that were created by the members so it really shows off the individual musical color of the B1A4 members. The songs are of different genres, and is nice to listen to in summer. I hope everyone listens to our music!

Q. The members show up as different characters in the music video for SOLO DAY. At the end, a UFO appears as well. When you were filming the music video, were there any memorable episodes or memories?
Baro: Did we have any? (looks at Gongchan)
Gongchan: There were lots! For the music video, I had the image of a flower vagabond. In one of the scenes filmed at the beach, the local people looked at me and walked away after handing me $2. (the members burst out laughing~)
CNU: As for a lasting memory~ Because the music video was filmed in America, the weather was great. Afternoons were very toasty and the filming went well. But it becomes really cold at night. As we had lots of filming at the beach, the sea breeze kept blowing. It was like experiencing both summer and winter in the span of a day. So it was very memorable.

Q. An alien appears at the last part of the music video. Do you guys believe that aliens exist?
Baro: I believe they exist. In this unbelievably wide universe, Earth already has so many people living on it. Maybe there is another planet in this universe that has existence similar to those on Earth. I personally believe that aliens exist, but I don't believe there are ghosts.
CNU: I think the same way as Baro. Other than humans on Earth, I think there are other forms of life on other planets. And like Baro, I don't believe that there are ghosts.
Sandeul: Like Baro, I definitely believe in the existence of aliens. But~ I also believe in ghosts.
Jinyoung: So I guess you'll be able to see ghosts. People who say they believe in ghosts tend to be able to see them after they say so! (Jinyoung is teasing Sandeul on purpose)
Sandeul: I believe that aliens existence. This universe has Earth. I have heard the rumour that in another dimension, there is a planet that is like Earth.
Gongchan: That's a fact! (laugh)
Sandeul: Really? So you've seen it before?
Gongchan: I've seen photos and reports.
Sandeul: I only believed it after seeing it in the news. In the report, it says that on another planet there is an exact replica of me. If we are on Earth, then somewhere else there is also another Earth...
Jinyoung: Actually I believe in that too! After all it's such a wide universe, the concept that only Earth exists is too confined.

Q. Since all of you believe in aliens, have you ever suspected one of the members being an alien?
(Upon hearing the questions, all of them turn to look at Gongchan...)
CNU: Yes yes (laugh), our maknae Gongchan is one! But rather than him being an alien, it is more accurate to say that he has some kind of special power. I ever suspected that he has some kind of superpower. And his eyesight is really good.
Gongchan: The hyungs all feel that I'm like an alien, but I'm not too sure about that myself. I'm just someone who goes with my gut feel, but~ is that odd too?

Q. A lot of B1A4's music has been released in Taiwan as well. Can you recommend to the Taiwan BANAs different songs that fit different occasions?
Baro: On rainy days, I want to recommend 잘돼가. It is suitable to listen on rainy days, and when you're watching the sunset. When you're feeling a little depressed, this song can help to soothe your feelings out.
CNU: I want to recommend a song that is good for when you're a little nervous, or surprised. And that is 이게무슨일이야, haha. This song is very appropriate when you listen when you're frightened or feeling ridiculous at something. (The members then all make a surprised expression, while saying 이게무슨일이야! They are so in tune with each other, it's so cute.)
Jinyoung: I want to recommend a song to listen to when you're lonely - Lonely. Just as the song title suggests, listening to the song might make you feel more lonely but it also means that we are sharing that feeling of loneliness by singing to that same song.
Sandeul: It'll be nice to listen to Beautiful Target on someone's birthday. This song is very suitable for the mood of a birthday party, celebrating with your friends over a cake. The moment you play Beautiful Target, your mood will improve and the atmosphere of the birthday party will improe.
Gongchan: Our fans are mostly working or studying, so they need to spend long periods of time concentrating on something. When they get tired, it will be the time to listen to 물한잔, and release all that stress.

Q. It's been more than 3 years since your debut. What is the most touching and unforgettable thing, or something you find amazing up until now?
Jinyoung: There are so many. For me it should be when I saw the images on the LED background at our debut stage. It was my dream to be a singer ever since I was young, and it was so surreal to have been able to stand on stage, sing and appear on television. It was really memorable for me.
Baro: When we got our first ever first place with 이게무슨일이야, I cried alongside the fans. That was the most unforgettable moment for me. And when we released our full length studio album WHO AM I, all of the songs in the album entered the music charts. We were all so amazed at that moment. We would have been really happy even if only our title song entered the charts, but it was so unexpected that all the songs entered it. We are really thankful to the fans and those who listened to our songs.

Q. B1A4 has had very good rapport with your fans. Other than your representative animals, have you ever thought of what animals are representative of BANAs?
Baro: I feel like BANAs are like peacocks. When peacocks spread their feathers, they are all in different colors. Our BANAs have a lot of different charms - the beautiful, the cute... They are pretty even when they cry. They're also quite interesting, active and have their own colors they shine in. So BANAs are like peacocks. (CNU nods his head in agreement.)
Jinyoung: I feel they are like frogs. I'm not sure why too, but maybe it's because of its color. Whenever I think about BANAs, grass green comes to my mind naturally. So I unconsciously think about frogs since they are cute and active.
Sandeul: They are like ducklings. Ducklings follow their mother around in a line behind her. Seeing BANAs makes me want to protect their feelings, so they remind me of ducklings. (This time Gongchan laughs and nods his head.)

Q. In your previous TRENDY interview, B1A4 shared your respective roles in the dormitory. 3 years down the road, have those roles changed?
Jinyoung: Even though everyone has a responsibility they are in charge of, we tend to decide everything now with rock paper scissors. That way it is the most fair. (laugh)

Q. We are more than halfway through 2014. What are some of the things B1A4 wish to fulfill before the year ends?
Jinyoung: Be it with the members, or by myself, I hope we can go on a holiday before the year ends. To be able to accumulate experiences, and make some special memories.
Baro: I also want to be able to go on a holiday. Either I go alone, or we make time together to go – I just wish for an enjoyable holiday.
CNU: I'm almost the same with them. Maybe it's because we always say “let's go, let's go on a holiday together”, so our thoughts are almost similar. Be it a domestic holiday, or even a holiday in Taiwan. Touring different countries is our dream.
Sandeul: The things we want to accomplish are all the same, we really want to go on a holiday. I think even Gongchan will think so too, right? (tapping Gongchan, who sits next to him)
Gongchan: Of course, going on a holiday will be nice~ But there's only a few months left and we also have our world tour. I actually hope to have more opportunities to meet the fans, or have different shows.
Sandeul: We will try to fulfill this dream! Our own road trip!

Source: cnupark.com

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

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

Q. You're about to go on your first ever overseas tour '2014 B1A4 ROAD TRIP' ever since debut.

▲ (Gongchan) We've been so busy with our SOLO DAY promotions and the overseas tour that we are going out of our minds. But weirdly, even though our bodies are busy we don't feel tired. From long ago, the overseas fans have been telling us through SNS that they want to see us. I'm looking forward to finally being able to personally meet the fans from different places. (Sandeul) The fact that there are people looking forward to our overseas tour is amazing to us. We're thankful that they are aware of us, listen to our songs and express their wish to see us. I want to fly there immediately. (Jinyoung) In August we will be starting with Taiwan and Shanghai, then Manila in September. We will enjoy our time with the fans and return.

Q. You are famous for being modest, which hasn't changed since your debut. Is it B1A4's principle, or is it the result of training from the company?

▲(Sandeul) I think it's both. The company never gave us very severe training but they always tell us not to lose our beginner's mindset, and are very considerate to us. But the biggest reason is because all five of us match well without anyone being out of step. (Jinyoung) Even when I look at us coolly and objective, none of the members are difficult to get along with, and is kind in our nature. To the point that I dare to swear upon it. (Baro) Actually before meeting the members, I was straightforward and had no consideration for others. But living with the members taught me a lot. Everyone is really kind. And I'm sure the fans are all aware of that.

Q. Instead of a manly image, B1A4 has more of a boyish image. Do you have any plans to try a transformation?

▲ (Gongchan) I haven't thought about a shocking transformation. We want to establish our own image the way we are doing now. When time passes, there are going to be many concepts we want to try but cannot. So we have to do them when we still can! (Baro) I don't think there's any urgency about that now. Instead of forcing a transformation, I think it will be better to change naturally as time passes.

▲ (Baro) Even though it's the members who I see 24 hours a day, there may be troubles that arise considering the unfamiliar environment. I left telling myself if any friction arises we need to settle them well, but there was nothing much to compromise or settle – we matched that well. It was amazing. (Jinyoung) I used to go on holidays often ever since I was young, but it was a trip that made me realize that there are still many nice places in Korea that I don't know about. Even though it was for a show, we filmed it thinking of it more as a holiday than a show so I think viewers will be very comfortable watching it. (Sandeul) There are many things that I did for the first time on the show. Fishing and camping. If I get the chance, I want to travel to many more places.

Q. We are aware you have been going back and forth while strengthening your position in Japan. How is hallyu in Japan nowadays? How is B1A4 doing there?

▲ (Sandeul) Actually we haven't been able to promote for long periods of time in Japan. But we're definitely a lot more love than what we expected. There is BANA JAPAN in Japan, and they are very similar to the Korean fans. Because that is why we are very comfortable there, and there really isn't a feeling of them being like non-domestic fans. (CNU) I think there is a steady interest in hallyu in Japan. Whenever we release a new song (in Japan), they immediately feedback to us about it. We're very touched that they're cheering us on even from faraway.

Q. You have no dating scandals. Are you guys really not in relationships? How do you feel about going public with your relationship?

▲ (CNU) I feel that the fans in general will not be happy about even with us just discussing whether we like or do not like to go public with our relationship, whether we receive such a question. But even if I had to choose, I would choose not to go public. Now the fans are more important to me, and I don't want to do things that the fans do not like. (Gongchan) I don't even have a female celebrity I am close to. It's to that extent that we have no chance (to date), so for the time being there won't be any issue of our fans having their hearts broken. And if I were to have a girlfriend, I would not want to go public about it.

Q. (Jinyoung) You are involved in a lot of composing and lyric writing. How do you use the profit you make from your copyrights?

▲ My parents are managing my finances for me. I'm still young, and I know nothing about managing my money so I left it all up to my parents. I don't intend to manage my own money until I become more of an adult with my thoughts. It's not because of the money that I'm doing music, so I don't want to lose that kind of mindset. (Even so, what is the one thing you want to do if you get a lump sum of money?) Music equipment. They are more expensive than you expect. If I get a huge sum of money now I would want to buy music equipment, without any hesitation.

Q. (Jinyoung) The blonde hair you had in the music video fit you really well. Why did you change it?

▲ Actually I'm not very comfortable with a style that stood out. The blonde hair was nice but it was a burden. It's not that I disliked it or wasn't happy with it, but I wanted to go for brown hair. That's my hair color now, doesn't it fit me well? I am really satisfied with it. I'm suddenly curious as to what the fans think.

Q. (Jinyoung) It's nice to see the leader having a gentle charisma.

▲ From when I was young, I loved running for class president, or being the leader in front of my friends. I don't want to influence the members with my strength or age. Instead of actions, I want to be a leader who can influence my followers' heart. Even though I am not really the type to get angry, I still say all I need to say, and the members do follow me well. The driving force behind my leadership are the members who always trust and follow me.

Q. (Jinyoung) Your sensitivity is very outstanding.

▲ Do you call this sensitivity? Compared to others, I have a lot more tears. And I cry at really random moments. Instead of crying at sad movies, I cry more when I watch romance movies. I think my concept of sadness is quite different from others. And because my occupation involves me making music and I spend most of my time creating music, I try not to lose that sensitivity. I think a lot, and I try to feel a variety of emotions.

Q. (CNU) You moved from lyric writing to composing as well. Which one fits you more?

▲ They are the same, they both fit me well. So my copyright fees should be split half half as well right? When I'm writing lyrics, I think the influence of my personality is very strong. Even as a guy, I have a very weak and sentimental heart, and that is reflected in my writing. And composing is to attach a melody to the song lyrics, so it is very interesting. When I'm able to hear something that was only in my mind, the feeling is beyond words.

Q. (CNU) Through this album, you had many changes to your style. Have you thought of cutting your hair even shorter?

▲ If the fans want it, then I'll cut it. Even shorter hair is possible. A crew cut is possible too. And my style for this album is one of many, and I wish to try a variety of hair styles in further too. Even though those who liked my long hair are feeling regretful, I trust that they will like me regardless of my hair length. Am I right?

Q. (Sandeul) You're in the 14^th cohort of Myeongji University. How are you spending your campus life?

▲ I've actually been so busy with schedules that I haven't been able to attend classes, neither have I been able to actually make friends. But I'm thankful that whenever I attend classes occasionally, the seniors and classmates take very good care of me. I also want to take good care of my classmates and juniors, but I haven't had such a chance. And I also want to attend an MT if ever possible. I want to spend as much time possible enjoying my campus life.

Q. (Sandeul) Your appearance on KBS Immortal Song is unforgettable. What is your favourite song to sing recently?

▲ Recently I like singing Kim Kwangseok's 'About Thirty'. Even though I'm not thirty yet, his songs are good whenever I listen to them. From the lyrical lyrics to the melody that makes me hum to it, it's the one song that I've fallen into recently.

Q. (Baro) You've been frequently going on traveling programs. Did you like traveling, and where do you want to go to?

▲ I really like going traveling. But come to think of it, there hasn't been once that I left to travel somewhere on a whim. It's a pity that all the times that I could have gone traveling if I had set my mind to it have now gone to waste. That thought became even stronger after I went traveling with the members. Now, if I have any spare time, I just want to travel. And the location is without fail Spain. I want to see all the soccer stadiums I can in Spain. Spain is not even number 1 in my heart – it's number 0.

Q. (Baro) You successfully pulled off the role of a 6 year old intellectually disabled child in SBS drama God's Gift 14 days. Do you have any other role you would want to challenge?

▲ Actually I was suggested for another role in that drama, but the director recommended me for it so I ended up doing it. Even though I was a little impatient, I wanted to challenge myself in that role. I'm not fully satisfied with my acting, but I'm thankful that there are many people who have looked kindly upon it. If I could do it again, I think I can do so much better so there's a lot of regret left now. A role that I'd like to do... More than a role, I want to try acting in a urgent war movie like 태극기 휘날리며 (Taegukgi) or 포화 속으로 (71: Into The Fire).

Q. (Gongchan) I saw the scene where you lifted gagwoman Kim Hyesun on KBS Escape Crisis No. 1. I'm curious where is the source of all the energy from your thin body.

▲ It's my love of rice. I love eating so instead of energy that comes from exercising, I think it's from the love of rice. Often you would like that people with my body shape or face are weak, but I am actually very strong. There are times that Sandeul hyung or Jinyoung hyung fall asleep in the living room because they are too tired. Those times I actually lift them up and carry them back into their rooms. (Who is the lightest?) It's Jinyoung hyung. I exerted strength before I lifted him up, but he was lighter than I expected so I was surprised.

Q. (Gongchan) You do really well without being nervous on variety shows. Are you intending to go on variety shows often?

▲ I was really nervous but I guess it wasn't obvious? For variety shows... So long you invite me on, I am confident I can do it. I am usually very active and I love moving around, so I actually want to go on a show like SBS Law of The Jungle. Experiencing all sorts of things to survive... It makes me want to challenge it just thinking about it. No matter what it is, so long I'm given the opportunity I will work hard to do well. There are still many sides to me that I haven't shown you all so please look forward to it.

Open Your Heart, Open My Heart


Baro→Sandeul: While on holiday with the members this time, I made a promise with Sandeul. To go on holiday together. If it's too hard for all five of us to find a time together, just the two of us will do. I don't know if Sandeul remembers this promise. Anyway Sandeul-ah, I will always be waiting for you to hold yourself to that promise. Let's go on holiday together!

Sandeul→Gongchan: As a Kyungsangdo man, I am not good with expressing myself. But this time while preparing for the concert I got very sensitive. Gongchan then whispered to me in my ears that he's thankful I'm a fellow members so I ended up crying. I don't know why he whispered into my ear then, but he was really sincere. Now that I look back then, it's a little embarrassing but Gongchan-ah, thank you!

Gongchan→Jinyoung: There are times that I feel sorry for hyung, and there are times I think that he's bearing so much responsibility just because he's the leader. I feel even more pained whenever I see you not expressing your difficulties and always being positive. You always tell us to have strength – that may seem meaningless to some people, but whenever I hear you say that I'm always thankful. I always feel you caring for us and treating us preciously.

Jinyoung→CNU: I have lots of things to say to CNU. Even though we're both hyungs, he is always considerate to me because I'm the leader. I'm sorry, and thank you. I feel that way to all the members, but even more so to CNU. I've always had such thoughts, but I've been too shy to express it myself normally but I want to take this chance to say it to you. CNU-ya! I feel like I can rely on someone, because you're around. Thank you.

CNU→Baro: Baro is the person I've been with the longest amongst the members. And there's even more to be thankful and sorry to him about. It's not what I mean, but there are many times that I nag or say things that I don't like to say. They are things that I say thinking of the best for him, but there have probably been many occasions that Baro hated to hear them. But I'm thankful that even so he follows me like my real younger brother, and listens and accepts what I have to say positively. There are many times that I regret saying what I said. But you know it's all for your own good right? Thank you, and sorry.

Source: Naver

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

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

JINYOUNG

Q: A fashion item you bought recently

A: A checkered shirt and gold headphones.

Q: Color of clothes you like?

A: Black, white, red.

Q: A place you go shopping at regularly?

A: I think I go to Garosugil with the members quite often.

Q: What do you order most often at a coffee shop?

A: I can't drink coffee, so iced choco.

Q: 3 side dishes you want to include in your lunchbox?

A: Korean seaweed, fried egg, kimchi.

Q: What do you want to eat most when you're tired?

A: Ox bone soup! I get strength from eating it. (Jinyoung keeps eating the snacks left out for them during the break) I'm quite the big eater (laugh)!

Q: Something I unknowingly buy at the convenience store?

A: Ice cream and string cheese.

Q: 3 things you see in a girl

A: Well-mannered, gentle-hearted and a strong look in her eyes

Q: The scent that you like in a girl

A: A sweet and fresh scent.

Q: What would you wish a girl wear when she's out on a summer date with you?

A: White shirt, with jeans! I like it when girls give off the feeling of not dressing up to the nines.

CNU

Q: A fashion item you bought recently

A: Ring! I randomly select a ring from those given to me by my fans depending on my mood.

Q: Color of clothes you like?

A: Black, blue, purple. 

Q: A place you go shopping at regularly?

A: For Korea, it's Garosugil with my elder sister. For Japan, it's Harajuku with the members.

Q: What do you order most often at a coffee shop?

A: Hot choco! I always take time choosing but I end up choosing this all the time. 

Q: 3 side dishes you want to include in your lunchbox?

A: Samgyupsal, ddeokbokki, stir-fried anchovies.

Q: What do you want to eat most when you're tired?

A: Ddeokbokki♥ I make and eat it everyday. 

Q: Something I unknowingly buy at the convenience store?

A: Snickers chocolate bar and milk.

Q: 3 things you see in a girl

A: A broad mind like one of a mother, someone understanding, and someone bright. 

Q: The scent that you like in a girl

A: I don't have a preference! (Sandeul: So you don't mind her sweaty smell?) That's not it (laugh)!

Q: What would you wish a girl wear when she's out on a summer date with you?

A: It'll be nice if she would pull off basketball shoes!

SANDEUL

Q: A fashion item you bought recently

A: A white cap, black shorts and shirt. I bought them in America.

Q: Color of clothes you like?

A: White, black, red, blue.

Q: A place you go shopping at regularly?

A: With the members at Apgujeong.

Q: What do you order most often at a coffee shop?

A:  I can drink a cup of light Americano really quickly (laugh)!

Q: 3 side dishes you want to include in your lunchbox?

A: Kimchi, fried egg with the yellow yolk unbroken, samgyupsal with chilli paste.

Q: What do you want to eat most when you're tired?

A: Kimchi pancakes, kimchi stew, soybean paste stew, white rice, and with seaweed on top of it all, kyaa~ I'm hungry now! With kkakdugi kimchi and green onion kimchi.

Q: Something I unknowingly buy at the convenience store?

A: Chocolate milk that is of higher quality.

Q: 3 things you see in a girl

A: Naturally wavy hair, good at cooking and likes sports

Q: The scent that you like in a girl

A: The musk scent that I'm using now.

Q: What would you wish a girl wear when she's out on a summer date with you?

A: A shirt tucked into jeans, with Converse shoes.

BARO

Q: A fashion item you bought recently

A: The representative uniforms of the Chelsea and Germany teams. I really like soccer.

Q: Color of clothes you like?

A: All black! And um~ white and red.

Q: A place you go shopping at regularly?

A: Apgujeong with our managers.

Q: What do you order most often at a coffee shop?

A:  Iced americano, without syrup.

Q: 3 side dishes you want to include in your lunchbox?

A: Scrambled eggs, sausage and kimchi.

Q: What do you want to eat most when you're tired?

A: Eel and hanwoo beef! They are the best.

Q: Something I unknowingly buy at the convenience store?

A: Yoghurt that you can drink.

Q: 3 things you see in a girl

A: Humorous, bright and understanding of me.

Q: The scent that you like in a girl

A: Baby body lotion (laugh)!

Q: What would you wish a girl wear when she's out on a summer date with you?

A: A white tee with black jeans and sneakers. It'll be cute if she wore a denim shirt. I like casual looks (on girls).

GONGCHAN

Q: A fashion item you bought recently

A: I bought a black hairband from the airport when we went to America for our new music video filming.

Q: Color of clothes you like?

A: Black, white, grey.

Q: A place you go shopping at regularly?

A: I think I go to Apgujeong with the members quite often.

Q: What do you order most often at a coffee shop?

A:  Iced americano, without syrup.

Q: 3 side dishes you want to include in your lunchbox?

A: Fried egg, ham and stir-fried anchovies.

Q: What do you want to eat most when you're tired?

A: Seasoned spicy chicken! I am a chicken mania♥

Q: Something I unknowingly buy at the convenience store?

A: Ice cream. I used to eat 2~3 of them at night in the past (laugh)!

Q: 3 things you see in a girl

A: A small face that resembled an animal, cute lips and has a small frame.

Q: The scent that you like in a girl

A: Aroma oil that makes one feel comfortable. 

Q: What would you wish a girl wear when she's out on a summer date with you?

A: A slightly oversized shirt with sneakers.

Speaking your heart!

Sandeul: I get fluttery when a girl gives me a nickname.

Baro: I fall for a person who tells me that I am a good person.

Jinyoung: I am really happy if a girl calls me 'Jinyoung-sshi'.

CNU: 'I love you' is so simple, but yet so difficult.

Gongchan: I want my girlfriend to call me Chansik.

(T/N: This is translated column by column downwards.)

COLUMN 1

Q. Where do you get your inspiration for making songs from?

Jinyoung: When I think of things from the past when I'm alone, a melody or lyric just suddenly pops into my mind!

Gongchan: I want to cut fruits for my girlfriend and feed it to her.

CNU: I want to listen to the things my busy girlfriend has to say.

Q. A voice imitation you've done well recently?

Sandeul: Other than Funasshi, Korean announcer Johnny Yune.

COLUMN 2

Q. What do you want to do on your 100th day?

Baro: I want to cook for her at home, and show her a video that I prepared secretly!

Q. A girl that you think suits yourself?

CNU: Jinyoung needs someone like me!

Jinyoung: I'm someone who thinks of the future, while CNU is very realistic♥

Q. Where do you want to have a summer date at?

Sandeul: I want to do leisure boats. Like going on the banana boat, or rafting in the valleys.

COLUMN 3

Q. Where do you want to have a summer date at?

Baro: A vacation for just the 2 of us! Germany, or Madrid, Spain. To watch the soccer that I love (laugh)!

Q. What would you have as a couple item with your girlfriend?

Sandeul: Couple pants for me! I am in a couple look with Gongchan today!?

Jinyoung: Couple t-shirt. That's the original couple item.

Q. What do you want to do on your 100th day?

Gongchan: Pasting all the pictures that we took together in the room, and talking about them!

COLUMN 4

Q. Where do you want to have a summer date at?

CNU: A drive at Jeju Island. Whenever I'm free, I do take my elder sister's car out to feel better!

Q. A girl that you think suits yourself?

Baro: A girl who has a variety of charms like a rainbow would suit Gongchan well!

Gongchan: Really? If I have a girlfriend, I want to go on a bicycle date with her.

Q. What do you want to do on your 100th day?

Jinyoung: I want to spend it romantically, like making a path out of candles just like in the movies.

COLUMN 5

Q. A sentence that can make girls fall for you!

Gongchan: "Come into my arms and hear my heartbeat. Can you hear it go dugeun dugeun?" How's that?

Q. The action of a girl that you think is sexy?

CNU: I've never thought of that (laugh)! ...Maybe the slight biting of her lower lip?

Q. When your girlfriend is tired out from work?

Sandeul: I'll have to listen to her troubles by calling her before she sleeps.

Baro: I'll wash her feet in warm water (laugh).

Source: @aloha77maui

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

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

Real man blood type B rapper, Baro

Source: @TOPSTAR_B1A4, @B4_SHOOTINGSTAR

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

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

JINYOUNG

Q. Leader Jinyoung who has impressive talent in composing, writing and producing songs. How do you compose your songs?  

Jinyoung: Either in the car or in the toilet (laugh). When a melody comes to mind, I immediately record it with my voice. When lyrics come to mind, I note them down immediately.

Q. 'Beautiful Lie' is very popular amongst the fans, and the chorus is addictive. How did you think of it?

Jinyoung: The phrase 'Beautiful Lie' came to mind first, and it was after that that I created the melody.

Q. You mentioned that there are many songs that include your own personal experiences.

Jinyoung: It's nice to look back on the the past. It's a pity to create the song while thinking of a sad love, but if it can remain in my heart deeply through a song, I feel that it's a good thing.

Q. Were you creative even when you were young?

Jinyoung: I liked to make things that I thought of myself. I was also good with electronics so I would fix them and broken handles. I got praised by my parents.

Q. Are you good at fixing things now?

Jinyoung: On the other hand, I might be breaking them now (laugh). Recently I broke the handle of the car door (laugh).

Q. I thought you were dependable, but surprisingly you're a scatterbrain?

Jinyoung: Honestly I lost my wallet recently too (laugh). I always lose things easily even when I was younger so I always got scolded.

Q. How is your relationship with your elder sister of 2 years?

Jinyoung: We used to fight over trivial matters when we were younger, but now we advise each other. She's a precious person that I cannot do without in my life.

Q. Would you be jealous when your elder sister gets married?

Jinyoung: I wouldn't be jealous, but I will actively and strictly judge whether the man she is marrying matches her well. If she is happier, I will let them be. But if I think he's not suitable, I will say no well (laugh).

Q. One thing your parents did that you are happy about?

Jinyoung: The way they allowed me to do the things I wanted to do without spoiling me too much. That time I was restless, but I think it was because they talked to me strictly that I am who I am now.

Q. Who is your hero?

Jinyoung: Though not exactly a hero, but a friend that I used to play with. It was so much fun playing with that friend, to the point that I felt glad that I was born. He's very precious to me.

Q. Amongst your friends, were there anyone you followed around? 

Jinyoung: Unfortunately I was somewhat the leader, so my friends followed me around. It was when I was in elementary school (laugh).

Q. A children's tale that you liked?

Jinyoung: 3 Little Pigs. It is a famous writing that is interesting even when I read it now. Amongst the characters, I think I am most alike the youngest pig who was wise enough not to get fooled by the wolf (laugh).

Q. An experience or a person you met that has left the biggest impression on you now?

Jinyoung: He is not someone whom I've met personally but someone I've met through the books: Albert Einstein. I was drawn to his strong mindset of challenging everything.

CNU

Q. CNU is always gentle, and always looks over the younger members. Even maknae Gongchan is now 20 years old, will you still continue to do so?

CNU: Of course. I'm not the only one having a difficult time, and the members are also shouldering the things that I'm lacking. It's not a burden at all.

Q. What kind of person do you want to be?

CNU: In Hanja, CNU can also be expressed as 信友 [T/N: A trustable friend.] so I want to be worthy of this name. I am happy when my friends, the people around me and the fans think that I'm trustable.

Q. What caused your interest in music?

CNU: Singer Wheesung. When I was scouted at a music festival, I had performed Wheesung's song. When I met him, he wrote the lyrics for a song on our first mini-album so I was really touched. And when Sandeul beat Wheesung on Immortal Song, I beat him up (laugh).

Q. What is a princess to CNU?

CNU: A person whom I like so much I want to protect. The girl I liked in my third year of middle school was the personification of a princess. She was cute, and good at her studies. We went our separate ways because we went to different high schools, but the faded memories and experience from then helped me with writing lyrics.

Q. You look very quiet, but you turn sexy on stage. Is it something natural?

CNU: The stage is where the side of me that is usually suppressed comes out, it is 100% natural. There is no intention to look sexy on stage, but I am liberated (on stage) naturally (laugh).

Q. So you're going on the sexy route from now on?

CNU: No. It's not that I didn't go that way on purpose, but I just wanted to show everyone a different dance performance, a new side to myself.

Q. What are your plans for the shoulders you've received much love for?

CNU: I will definitely maintain them well. And go to the gym often.

Q. Who is your hero?

CNU: There was a famous uncle in my town that sold fruits while pulling the pushcart around. We fooled around last time by imitating the unique sound, but I was really surprised to find out that he donated all the money he made. A hidden hero. When I found out about it, the thought of wanting to become like him came to mind.

Q. A children's tale that you liked?

CNU: It's not a children's tale but fiction... I really liked Japan's heros 'Choushinsei Flashman'. Especially Red who had a stick that looked like a sword and could spit out fire. I also learnt the values of righteousness and that one should protect their loved ones.

Q. Something you did without fail?

CNU: My father said that I should write a diary, so I did so up until my middle school days. I have tens of them at home, but I don't know if it was beause I really disliked writing them because my handwriting was horrible (laugh). But it was nice to conitnue writing them, and I will make my son write them in future too.

Q. You have an elder sister you followed around?

CNU: My elder sister of 5 years. Both my parents worked so my elder sister looked after me often. She was really strict and demanded absolute obedience (laugh). She influenced me greatly, and I really respect her.

SANDEUL

Q. You won on Immortal Song with your exceptional vocal ability. What did you take away from doing this show?

Sandeul: The passion I have for singing has increased another level. I also think that the most important thing when singing is that I should be conveying a message to the people listening. Thanks to the show, I've been able to practice that several times and learn the way to express that better.

Q. How did the members react to your win?

Sandeul: They praised me saying that "it'll work out so long you display yourself through your feelings". I was really happy that they were proud of me winning. But I was embarrassed (laugh).

Q. Please tell us more about the "magic glasses that make you ugly when you wear it" that's viral on the Internet.

Sandeul: The prescription of the lenses of the glasses that I wore in high school was so high it made my eyes look small. Even my eyebrows get smaller (laugh).

Q: Since when did you wear glasses?

Sandeul: Since I was 5 years old. My mother was very sorry because she thought my eyes were bad due to hereditary, but it was actually because I watched the tv from too near a distance... You know how you can feel the heat from the back of the television when it is turned on? I liked that warmth so I watched television right in front of it... In one shot my eyesight went bad (laugh).

Q: Do you have an elder sister?

Sandeul: She is 2 years older than I am. SHe was good at whatever she did so she was popular, hence I copied whatever my elder sister did. But thanks to her I also have a fear of women (laugh). It was during middle school when I just started getting interested in girls, that I saw my elder sister walking along the street with her boyfriend. But the moment she reached home she started to run down her boyfriend with a very serious expression. It was such a sudden change, and it made it think that women are scary.

Q: Do you still have a sense of distrust for women now?

Sandeul: I'm going to trust that the girl I like will not do that (laugh).

Q. What did people praise you a lot about?

Sandeul: People used to tell my parents that I was good at cooking rice (laugh). The exact amount of water to make good rice!

Q. What were you most scared of?

Sandeul: Ghosts. I like to imagine, for example a hand coming from under my bed. It was scary but I couldn't stop imagining (laugh).

Q. Who is your hero?

Sandeul: The character that comes out in the movie Mask, because it was so cool to become a different person after putting on a mask. But I did not make my own masks and play with them. When I was 7 years old in elementary school, I used to play a survival game involving guns with the hyungs from high school and they thought that making a mask was childish. We were playing a game against a team from another apartment building, and they added people to the team without consideration for age, only based on fighting power. I was the only 7 year old then (laugh).

BARO

Q. You have been receiving attention for your personal fashion style. Today you are wearing a knitted hat with a white embroidered shirt with leather trousers and basketball shoes. What is your fashion policy?

Baro: I don't like the common styles, and I actually avoid them. Choosing clothes take time for me. I took 7 tries to choose this plain t-shirt... This is important to me. 

Q. Please tell us about your ideal type.

Baro: Someone who works hard at what she does; someone sensible.

Q. Are you attracted to people who are alike to you?

Baro: I don't think so. But it's not like I like the direct opposite of me too. I don't fall in love at first sight, but first impressions count for me.

Q. You received high compliments for your first acting venture, Reply 1994.

Baro: I want to redo it from the first... I got goosebumps from my awkward acting (laugh). It took me a lot of confidence to watch the drama.

Q. What did you develop about yourself from your new work?

Baro: That I am surprisingly cautious. Even though there are still many times that I work as things go, I now think hard about important things. I think I've gotten more responsible too.

Q. They say you resemble a squirrel. Do you have any memories in relation to animals?

Baro: Ah~ Peter Rabbit! I really liked it when I was in elementary school. I liked all the other animals too, but was it the piglet or the duck... The piglet was pitiful, when it said that it would do the cleaning and all if they let her go. Even though it caught a chance and escaped (laugh). It was gentle and I really liked it so I was surprisingly pleased even with its bad brains. Yeah, it was really interesting back here! I strongly recommend the story of the duck too.

Q. One thing that your parents did that made you happy?

Baro: They gave me gloves on Christmas during a difficult period at home, saying that it was all they could do that year. It was a pair of grey chick gloves connected by a string. I was happy that they talked to me honestly.

Q. What were you often praised for?

Baro: I often hear that I have sense, at every small indiscreet word or action I did. I didn't do it consciously, but I guess I had some wit (laugh).

Q. Were you popular in school?

Baro: Not at all~ Other people were popular, whereas I just fit in the way I was. I was friendly with the girls too.

Q. What were your treasures?

Baro: Soccer ball, to the point that every single photo from my childhood days had a ball photographed too. I remember not walking away from the shop until someone bought it for me (laugh).

Q. An experience or a person you met that has left the biggest impression on you now?

Baro: G.O.D. They were at their peak when I was about 10 years old, and it was really shocking when I saw them for the first time.

GONGCHAN

Q. Gongchan is finally a 20 year old adult. What do you think is an ideal man like?

Gongchan: Jang Donggeun. I was especially attracted to his character on the drama A Gentleman's Dignity. Gentle yet mature. I want to be like him.

Q. Your goal as a 20 year old?

Gongchan : To gain experience by actively challenging the things I have never tried before, including acting.

Q. What do you want to do personally?

Gongchan: Going on a holiday alone. I also want to trael around Japan on a bicycle. I made a promise with Sandeul hyung to tour the country while taking photos.

Q. We hear that you've been taking photos of the members since half a year ago.

Gongchan: I take photos during our personal lives which I have not done previously, so that we can look back on it a few years later and think "Ah, these things happened".

Q. Are there any pictures that were taken secretly?

Gongchan: One of CNU hyung sleeping (laugh). We put a biscuit near CNU hyung's mouth when he was asleep. 

Q. If you were to put a title to the picture?

Gongchan: 'Why aren't you eating the biscuit?' (laugh)

Q. You have a very lovable younger brother image. Did everyone find you cute since you were young?

Gongchan: It's embarrassing for me to say this myself (laugh). But the boys around me told me I was cute. But the girls didn't (laugh).

Q. When you were young, what did you think of when people talk about princesses?

Gongchan: The princesses from fairytales. Fair skin, long hair...

Q. So is your ideal type a princessy-type, with fair skin and long hair?

Gongchan: It's not my ideal type. It's alright even if she's not pretty. She will always look beautiful to me because I like her. It's alright so long I like her.

Q. Do you look for the good sides of the girl you like?

Gongchan: It's the opposite. I will look for the bad sides to her, and I will fill that gap. So she doesn't have to fix the bad sides to her (laugh).

Q. Who was your hero?

Gongchan: I guess it's my cousin who is 6 years older than me. It was so cool to see him looking for the things that he wanted to do and doing it, so I think I followed in his footsteps. I think it is because of him that I am who I am right now.

Q. Do you have an elder sister whom you badgered after?

Gongchan: It was an older girl whom I was friendly with when I went to a music academy. I was in my first year of high school, and she in her second. I think that was the first time I hankered around an older girl. Now that I think about it, was it a crush? (laugh) Haa~ I've always only had crushes...

Q. A children's tale that you like?

Gongchan: Hansel and Gretel. I like sweet things so I wanted to try eating the candy house. Right now if there was a gummy house, I want to try it too (laugh).

Q. What was a treasure to you?

Gongchan: When I was in elementary school, me and 2 other boys exchanged diaries, something like a secret notebook. The book had a lock on it, and we wrote about what happened that day, or about the girls we liked (laugh). I ever wrote "I like OO too, what do we do?" (laugh).

QUESTIONS 

1. Everyone is famous for looking like cute characters. Is anyone just like how you look?

2. If you had a different side to you, what would that be? Do the fans know about it?

3. What kind of person are you to men?

4. What kind of person are you to women?

5. What kind of person are you to your family?

6. What about you do you occasionally dislike? And what do you like about yourself?

7. Who is the member you can read easily?

8. What is the most important thing to you now?

9. What are the things you have failed at and learnt from your previous relationship?

10. What is the most important thing you want to do in your future relationships?

11. Is there a side of a girl that you dislike?

12. On the other side, is there a side of a girl that you like?

JINYOUNG

1. Just as our lyrics are, not only is there a cute side but also a funky side. I feel that I have a mixture of charms.

2. I feel that there are still many sides to me that I have not shown everyone, so I cannot be 100% sure either?

3. I want to become someone who doesn't change no matter who I am with. There may be some people who try to look strong and show off when there are only guys around, but I'm trying hard not to do so.

4. There are some people who try to look manly in front of girls, but I don't have that kind of personality and I don't wish to do that. Instead of trying to show off something consciously in front of the other party, I want to show myself off the way I am.

5. I think everyone is like that, but I reveal a little more of my personal thoughts. And I also act like a baby in front of my elder sister of 2 years.

6. Both the side I dislike and like is my positive personality. I like that I do not get stressed when I work. When you do something thinking that it'll turn out well, you don't get that stressed. But when one is too positive, they cannot sense a crisis. That causes me to only push forward too hard, so I don't like that side of me.

7. Sandeul! He is easy to read, so I can anticipate his actions.

8. Right now, as we are doing this interview. As I answer the questions, I am looking back on myself once more and it is also a time for me to let everyone about my inner thoughts.

9. 'No matter what happens, someday it becomes a good memory." The sad things, angry things, unhappy things. When you think back on the memory of it being a difficult time, it becomes a precious memory, an experience for yourself. I learnt that every moment one day will become a memory, so I must live them to the fullest. A song talking about this has actually been included in our 2nd full length Korean album 'WHO AM I'.

10. Protecting her.

11. A rude person. I really dislike people who are ill-mannered towards elders. If such a person was my girlfriend, I'd be embarrassed.

12. A person who is courteous to elders, and is gentle. That kind of person is really my type.

CNU

1. I had no idea that we had a cute image, but I am cute (laugh). I've never tried to look cute and I don't know what to do to look cute. I think it's just my inborn cuteness coming out naturally (laugh).

3. I am different, depending on the situation and the other party. It's different when I'm with the members, or when I'm with a junior or senior.

4. I will not change my attitude just because it's a girl, but I am very shy so until we become close I will have nothing much to talk to her about.

5. I don't really talk to my family, nor do I share my inner feelings. I don't like to worry them by talking about work or my troubles. Even though I used to share a lot of things with my elder sister when I was young, we don't really do so now that I've started working. Come to think of it I don't really talk about my troubles to the members too.

6. (I dislike) the side of me that worries a lot.  When I think about different things, I end up worrying to the point that I can't fall asleep because I'm too immersed in troubling over it. It's become a form of stress so I don't like it. I think the side of me that can control myself cool-headedly.

7. Baro. You know what he's thinking the moment you look at him. As for Sandeul, he just doesn't express but he's the kind who thinks very hard because he has a lot of troubles. Gongchan seems very transparent, but he has a lot of hidden sides to him so I cannot say that I know everything about him. Jinyoung is easy to read too because he sometimes acts in a very predictable way. Hence the easiest to read is Baro.

8. What I am doing now. I am doing what I like this, and it is a part of my life.

9. Through my relationships I was able to discover the new sides of me that I did not know about.

10. Respect, consideration and understanding for the other party. I always felt that I have tried to understand and be considerate to others since I was young, but now that I think about it I think it was a delusion. I think to understand and spend effort on the other party is important.

11. A dishonest person. I don't want to get close to you if you lie or look like you're wearing a mask.

12. I am attracted to a courteous person.

SANDEUL

1. There are many sides to me so when you get to know me better you will discover new charms to me. I'm a guy overflowing with charms!

2. Even though I have a bright and optimistic image, in reality I often ponder alone and I have a serious side to me too. I have been showing such sides of myself on television recently so I believe the fans know about it.

4. Weirdly I'm nervous around girls so I don't know what should I say to them. Even when I try to talk to them, I only say things that they don't know about. When I lived in Busan, I would only reply with a Yes or No whenever people talked to me. I think it's gotten better after I started living with the members but I am still weak at leading a conversation.

5. In the past I was closer to my mother than I was with my sister so I talked to her more. But because we're living apart now, no matter what I say she only gets worried so I haven't been able to speak to her comfortably. I don't know if my mother will be upset, but it's because I don't want to make her worry. 

6. I don't liked that I cannot concentrate. I don't know if it's because my mind is filled with useless thoughts, or because I am impatient so it makes me want to hurry get something that troubles me over and done with... What I like about myself is that I get nervous on stage. I hated that my nervousness made it easy for me to make mistakes, but when I perform with actor Choi Minsoo, he told me that "I am no longer nervous on stage, and it's troubling me because I don't like that". Since then I started to think that being nervous on stage is a good thing.

7. Baro. Maybe it's because we're of the same age? Even without saying it aloud, we know what each other is thinking. Should I say that it feels like we connect well?

8. My passion for singing. I have never had such passion before so I hope it never dies down.

9. To me, the simple fact that I have several dating experiences including crushes is precious to me. Just like singing is. I feel that you need to have experience to be able to sing with your heart. In future I also want to experience a heart-wrenching love or a difficult breakup.

10. The other party. I think she is the most important. The other important things are only important when the other party exists.

11. A person who cannot express their opinions well. I hope she can tell me exactly what she wants to do on a date. 

12. I like a person full of surprises. A girl who I've always thought to be cute and gentle but occasionally she leads in the relationship.

BARO

1. I do not act that way consciously - I act as I feel so I think I am what I look like I am.

3. It differs depending on whether the other party is younger or older than me. If younger, I will show consideration for him with the thought that I should help him as a senior. If older, I will unknowingly get nervous and it will be difficult for me to get close to them.

4. As expected it differs depending on whether she is younger or older. I will look at younger girls more cutely and chat with them. But to older girls, I will naturally be more careful with all of my words. 

5. Everyone in the family has a good relationship as we go on family holidays often. I am also no different when with my family, I am cheerful.

6. What I dislike about myself is my honesty. There have been times that there are misunderstandings and I have hurt people by saying things off the top of my head. Whenever I meet different people nowadays, I work hard so as to prevent that from happening so I think I've gotten better from before. What I like about myself is also my honesty. Whenever I want to help someone, I will help them without thinking. There have been misunderstandings because of this, but I believe that they will understand my mind.

7. Sandeul. Part of it may be because we're of the same age, but because we talk often we know what each other is thinking about.

8. My emotions. These emotions gathered over time are all mine, so they are really precious to me when I stand on stage or when I act. I won't change it for anything else.

9. Loving the other party sincerely. Be it a relationship that you're trying out because you're lonely, a relationship that lasts a day, or a relationship that has been for a long time. When you're dating, I feel that it is important to love the other party with all your heart. The subtle troubling of whether you like the other party after she admits that she likes you... It will always hurt the other party. I think people should only date after they confirm their feelings for each other.

10. Making memories, and trusting each other. My previous relationships were all during school days where we all focused on studying so I don't have many special memories. And if you believe in each other firmly, I feel that you can overcome any fights or weariness.

11. I quickly get sick of people who have no consideration for others.

12. A person who thinks ahead about what she's going to do, and prepares for it.

GONGCHAN

1. I always like doing things alone and spending time quietly so I am quite abrupt an dcold. But I am changing as I live with the members and I have become more active. I got to learn out the aegyo I never had so I was surprised.

2. Even my childhood friends said that I changed a lot, and that spread so I think the fans know about it too.

4. I don't have many words when I talk to girls. I fret a lot about how the other party is feeling, what I should talk about, and what she is thinking about after hearing me talk...

5. Should I say that I'm abrupt and blunt, or should I say that I have nothing to say... But I think it's gotten better now.

6. I don't like my indecisive personality that causes me to think very hard just to decide on something. Because of it, I end up depending on the people around me and cause trouble for them absently. I like that I have the best stamina in the group.

7. Sandeul hyung! Recently the time we've spent together is more than anyone else so I've been able to anticipate hs actions.

8. The most precious thing is something I started 6 months ago - taking photos of the members. I enjoy looking at photographs and have the memories come to mind.

9. I feel that quickly confessing without thinking too hard is a good thing if you find someone you like. It has been an incident where the mood was as though we liked each other but I had no confidence to confess so I missed the correct timing.

10. Having a 'dugeun dugeun' heart. Be it e-mail, phone or talking face to face, I want to always feel the 'dugeun dugeun'. I have heard that men's affections die down after starting a relationship while women get more passionate. I don't want myself to turn out that way.

11. A person who expresses herself truthfully. When you don't talk about it when you're angry, the other party gets bothered and misunderstandings occur.

12. I don't know if this should be the way a person is, but someone who smiles eventually after you pacify her when she's angry.

Q. Please tell us about the BANA village as you imagine it to be. Firstly, the rules of BANA village! Are there any rules other than "No lying"?

Baro: How about eating our meals on time?

CNU: Why are you suddenly talking about food (laugh)?! That's not it!

Sandeul: How about eating rice instead of bread in the morning?

All: That's not it either! (laugh)

CNU: Setting a time for our own personal time? Or have a break on one day after working 5~6 days a week.

Sandeul: Resting after we promote a new song!

Baro: It's BANA village, but there's no freedom at all (laugh).

Jinyoung: But it's not just us in the village right?

Gongchan: What will be nice~?

CNU: How about having some time once a week to gather and talk?

Jinyoung: It'll be the same as we are now if we have some time every week on the weekends to talk.

All: That's a good idea!

Q. What would the symbolic building in BANA village?

Jinyoung: Something like a stage.

Baro: A huge building complex!

Sandeul: B1A4 house.

Baro: Sauna, mini stage, ice rink and meeting room. There's various things and it will be about 10000 pyeong [T/N: About 30000 square metres] big.

Gongchan: 10000 pyeong?! Building it is gonna be a huge problem (laugh).

Baro: You can build whatever you want there. In other words, you don't even have to go out (laugh). In addition, it will be able to move on ground (laugh).

Sandeul: It's like a game (laugh).

Baro: The exterior will be filled with different signboards...

CNU: Wouldn't it be nice if the exterior was like Howl's Moving Castle?

Baro: Oh yes. But the moving of the building is manual!

Sandeul: Eh~ It'll be so tiring just to move the building!

CNU: The moving of the building will be done by the person who doesn't follow the rules. And that they have to do it alone (laugh).

Gongchan: Move that huge building all alone?!

CNU: Ah the moving will also be done by the overweight people... (laugh)

Sandeul: How could you~!

Q. What B1A4 song would you choose as the theme song of BANA village?

Jinyoung: Maybe it should be 'O.K'. No matter who you are, it is OK for you to come into the village if you wish to.

Gongchan: I like CNU hyung's solo song 'Drunk on Music'. Everyone can be cheerful!

Baro: 'This Time is Over'. We cannot not move, this location is going to be over. We will listen to this song as we move (laugh).

Sandeul: Moving again!? (laugh). With the meaning of BANA village = peace, I will choose Only One.

Jinyoung: Ah then I will change to 'Who Am I'! With the meaning of finding yourself after coming to the village.

CNU: Then I will choose 'O.K'. It has a quick pace so it is an enjoyable song that makes one cheerful. It will add energy to our lives.

Q. When will be the biggest event of BANA village? What would you do?

Jinyoung: Of course it would be a party. We will gather everyone in the village and have a celebration where we will sing and have a BBQ.

Baro: You'll be receiving money for it right? (laugh)

Sandeul: We need to earn money. This village is in financial difficulties (laugh).

Baro: Let's just receive money for parking!

Sandeul: Yes, otherwise we will all have to stay at home (laugh).

Jinyoung: The event day will be on our debut day, 23 April.

Baro: How about on the 22nd? It's the day before, so we can do it over the span of 2 days 1 night.

Gongchan: That's god!

Baro: We'll do the main party on the 22nd, and rest on the 23rd. The venue will of course be at B1A4 house!

Sandeul: It'll be big enough since it's like 10000 pyeong. Even a sports event would be possible!

Q. Please tell us about what you and the members have to do in BANA village, like your roles or occupations.

Sandeul: I'll be the doctor! I will be able to learn about even the tiniest things in the village as I talk to the patients. I want to become that kind of person. As for the members, Jinyoung hyung will be farming. CNU hyung will bring lunch to Jinyoung hyung who is working at the farm. Baro will be playing next to the field... Gongchan will be the scarecrow! And I will be the doctor watching all of that.

Gongchan: You're too much, saying that I'm the scarecrow.

Sandeul: No it's a really important role! You have to look over the farm with crops.

Baro: It'll be nice if Gongchan was the policeman looking over the village. Someone who doesn't say much but is very trustable. I want to be the physical education teacher in the elementary school! I want to be run around in the nature with the children. CNU hyung will be the really manly farmer on the tractor. Usually he is like a mother, but when it comes to work, he is very manly. Jinyoung hyung will be the aunty who writes in the household accounts book in a small mart. He is usually very detailed so he will be good with the books. 

Jinyoung: I cannot do the books. I can't manage money...

Baro: That's true (laugh). Sandeul will be the leader of the church vocal group. He will not be so much of a trustable leader, but a deliquent one who likes to chat.

Jinyoung: Sandeul will fit the role of the owner of a pizza place. Even though I think he will be stealing food as he makes it.

Sandeul: That's the best! (laugh)

Jinyoung: Gongchan will make electronic equipment. He is smart so I think he will making good tings. CNU will be working at the samgyupsal restaurant that he has always dreamt of. Baro will become a harmonica player who travels freely all around the world. And I will be an inventor. I will create things that do not exist in this world yet. 

CNU: I want to become a B1A4 fan, a BANA. I want to understand the hearts of the BANAs who cheer for us. Jinyoung will be the Minister of Environment...

Jinyoung: I don't want that (laugh).

CNU: I'm doing it so that you're someone of power though (laugh). Sandeul will be a scholar, because he has a serious side to him different from what you see him to be. Baro will be playing the role of Trash from drama Reply 1994, so that he can release whatever he suppressed when he acted as Binggrae (laugh). Gongchan will be a 5 year old kid. I hope he can forget all his troubles from now and become a child who plays without any worries.

Gongchan: Ahaha. I want to become a kindergaten teacher because I like children. It will be hard to become anything more than an elementary school teacher so I think a kindergarten teacher will be best. Jinyoung hyung will be the security guard at that kindergaten. Even though he is very detailed, he is filled with a lot of 'holes' in his daily life so instead of letting him work hard in politicis I want to have him work with me at the kindergaten. CNU is good at cooking, so he'll be the cook at the kindergaten. Sandeul will be the clothes shop owner who will design the uniforms of my kindergaten. He is filled with a lot of unique ideas, so I think he will make cute clothes that will go well with the children. Baro will drive the school bus, because he will tell stories so that the children are not bored.

Q. Let's talk about B1A4's daily lives. You got first place on music broadcasts with your new Korean song 'LONELY'. Please tell us about the song that Jinyoung composed.

Jinyoung: I'm thinking about you who is not around, as I eat my food and watch movies. It is a song written with that kind of feelings. It's about the sad feelings of people who have broken up with their girlfriends or boyfriends.

Gongchan: I thought it was a good song when I first heard it.

Sandeul: It is also a song that fits well with this season.

Q. You have a concert in Seoul in February, and an arena tour in Japan in April. What is your goal for 2014?

Baro: In the first half of the year, we have an arena tour and we will be releasing an album. We are always aiming to change the 'Asia' in our tour to become a 'world' tour.

Sandeul: Me too. I want to become a singer that not only receives love in Asia but everyone in the world!

Jinyoung: We may have various events and goals, but the biggest aim is to have all the members' minds as one and achieve all the other goals together.

Gongchan: I want to challenge various things this year too, without anything preventing me from doing so.

CNU: Last year we met many fans at our concert, but we only managed to release 1 album. I want to release more albums this year, and show everyone more songs. 

Source: skipfire.tistory.com

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

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

Q. You are receiving a lot of love while getting first place on music broadcasts and music charts for your second album. It's a happy start to 2014, how do you feel?

CNU: It's complicated. I am happy and I feel good but I wonder if it's right for us to be getting first place, and I also wonder if this is all just a dream.

Jinyoung: I feel really good since we've had such a good start to the year. I had the thought that we'll have to work even harder if we want to make something out of that start.

Q. Did the feeling of 'this is gonna make it big' come to you when you were composing the song?

Jinyoung: Honestly I was very worried. It was not a fast-paced impactful song but a calm song, so I was worried whether it would be able to give an impact. Thankfully it fit well with the seasons, and the general public and fans listened to it kindly.

Q. Was there no sign that you guys would make it big?

Jinyoung: When we were filming our music video, it wasn't snowing so we had to resort to using artificial snow. But the moment we started filming snow started to fall. Thanks to it the music video came out really prettily. We thought, "Oh? Is it trying to make this album a good one?" because we got so much help from the snow (laugh)

Q. Wah~ Even the heavens helped.

Baro: The heavens really helped!

CNU: We really did not expect it to snow for real (laugh).

Q. The biggest contributor to your first places seems to be your fans. Their support is amazing. When do you best feel the love of the fans?

CNU: Every moment we feel it. Recently I feel it from various mediums such as SNS. I read every mention I get and I really feel the love from the fans. And whenever I see the fans who come support us when we go on broadcasts, I realize that we are receiving love.

Baro: I get a lot of strength reading the messages of support on the Internet.

Q. On the other hand, when is it that you think of the fans the most?

Baro: After we see the fans waiting out front of the broadcast stations when we go in for filming. We're going in after we see how they're shivering from the cold outside so I feel sorry when the filming drags out for too long.

Q. Even right now they're waiting outside with their placards.

CNU: I'm worried that they might catch colds. It's not like we can ask them not to come, so what can we do...

Q. The album this time is like a giftset with its variety of genres and stories. I think it's filled with the stories the members wanted to tell. What was the story you most wanted to tell and show?

Jinyoung: Naturalness. When I write songs, I express the emotions and situations from when the members are discussing about it. Instead of wanting to show or express something on purpose, I wanted to show everyone our natural emotions.

CNU: I wanted to talk about our thoughts and feelings. I wanted to express them in a variety of ways. The reason the album has the concept of a magazine is not only because of the songs but also because we wanted to fill it up with a variety of stories. There are some things that we have written in the form of interviews. Through that we hoped that the fans will be able to know what we were thinking of. The stories of what people our age would be doing now. Because we wanted to talk about what kind of people we are, so we went with WHO AM I for the album title.

Q. There is a definite change in your fashion style too.

CNU: The concepts of the previous albums were bright so we wore clothes with a variety of colours. But Lonely, like WHO AM I, has a serious image to it so we decided to show a simplistic style.

Q. What kind of style do you dress up in usually?

Gongchan: I like achromatic colors so I mainly wear black colors neatly.

Baro: I mix and match what I have. I mix them up according to what I feel like that day.

Sandeul: I like dressing up comfortably.

CNU: He dresses up too comfortably (laugh).

Sandeul: I want to dress up but it doesn't work out well. So I decided to just dress comfortably (laugh).

CNU: I think Sandeul looks better dressing comfortably than dressing flashily. I have a lot of dark colored clothes, and recently I like neat suit styles. I also enjoy dressing hiphop style.

Jinyoung: I like clean styles, like a coat. I am someone who tries out different things. When I was in middle and high school I really liked street fashion. But as I get older I prefer a clean style. But who knows when that's gonna change again (laugh).

Q. Jinyoung and Baro wrote the lyrics to title song 'Lonely'. How did it come about?

Jinyoung: It was a feeling (laugh). When I made that song, the weather was turning cold and my heart was cold too (laugh). I think I felt a little lonely. I made the song by infusing what I felt then, while thinking about past memories.

Baro: Once I heard the explanation of the song from Jinyoung hyung, I immediately knew what to do. I looked out of the window thinking about this and that, and it came out as I was scribbling. There was no pressure of having to write it quickly; I wrote it feeling the melancholy mood.

Q. Jinyoung, you wrote it based on personal experience?

Jinyoung: Yes. But there's a slightly different part. The truth behind the lyrics 'I wanted to eat with you but you're no longer around' is that it was not rice, but pizza. I used to frequent a pizza place with a girlfriend last time. But the second day after we broke up I went to that pizza place with my friends and it felt so different. The person I've always eaten with is suddenly gone and I was so lonely. I had friends next to me but I felt lonely. It was really nice when I ate with my girlfriend... But I'm not saying that I don't like my friends (laugh).

Q. Does everyone have dating experience?

CNU: I do, but it's a long time ago (laugh).

Jinyoung: Only Gongchan doesn't.

Q. What kind of relationship does Gongchan want to have then?

Gongchan: A ordinary love. I want to walk along the streets and watch movies with my girlfriend... That's the hardest thing to do now (laugh).

Q. When is a girl at her prettiest?

Gongchan: When your girlfriend is annoyed, you have to make it better right? I think for some reason she'll be really cute and pretty when she's complaining. Even though I haven't been in a relationship before, it's always so cute in the movies and dramas (laugh).

CNU: I think a lady who is always smiling brightly is charming.

Sandeul: A person who is concentrating on her work, and a person who has a lonely backview.

CNU: That's unique. You actually like a lonely looking backview! (laugh)

Baro: She will look pretty when she has a charm of her own. I find that when a girl does not fake her reactions, actions or words it feels attractive.

Jinyoung: A girl with a beautiful heart.

Q. A girl with a beautiful heart?

Sandeul: For example, someone who gives up her seat in the subway.

Jinyoung: Yes. She will look beautiful if she knows how to respect her elders and have a beautiful heart.

Q. When are you the most lonely?

Jinyoung: I tend to enjoy being lonely. The feeling of being lonely. I like the feeling of being sentimental. I may not be really lonely, but I like the emotions that come from thinking about things from the past.

Sandeul: I am similar with Jinyoung hyung. I really like the feeling of being lonely. You know there are times where one wonders, "what am I doing here?" When I get lonely, I'd rather look out the window than to tell someone that I'm lonely. I like being alone and thinking "What is this? What is this feeling?". I want to feel those emotions often.

Baro: I don't really feel it when we have many schedules, but I feel it often when we don't have schedules or I am on a personal schedule. Usually I'm always with the members, and the staff and fans are around me nearby so I'm not lonely. But I feel the loneliness when I finish a personal schedule on my way back in the car.

Gongchan: I don't think I have ever been lonely. If I'm with the hyungs it's always interesting... Should I call it a happy virus? Unknowingly I laugh and it's fun and interesting (laugh).

Q. Gongchan you must have a very optimistic personality.

Gongchan: Is that so? Naivety (laugh). I'm never been lonely while I'm with the hyungs.

Q. Who is the person who gets very lonely often?

CNU: I think it's me. I am always lonely (laugh). There are times that my heart is just empty. It's not the loneliness from not been able to meet someone of the opposite sex, but occasionally I get the feeling that I am all alone in this world. That is why in order not to feel lonely, I always hold the members' hands whenever we go somewhere (laugh).

Q. What is the secret to your great teamwork?

Baro: I think it's communication. We are talkative, and we like to chat. Before we debut, we would gather on the weekends and talk. But since we don't have time now, we do in whenever we have time. Otherwise we would talk over meat or supper after our schedules, or while watching TV. As time passes I think it gets stronger.

Q. Do you not have conflicts in opinions?

CNU: Of course there are, but we solve all that through communication.

Baro: We try to match each other as we talk. In the past it used to talk a long time, but because we've spent so much time together our thoughts become similar. We now gather opinions very quickly I think (laugh).

Q. There are a lot of schedules now so you spend a lot of time travelling. What do you do in the car, or when you're waiting around?

Baro: In the car we sleep. In the waiting room, we fool around and take. We also talk about things regarding the performance after we get off stage. We talk a lot.

Q. What's the conversation about recently?

CNU: It varies. Of course amongst a bunch of guys we do talk about girls. Recently we talk about games too.

Baro: The movie which Jinyoung hyung participated in was recently released. We talk about the number of people who have watched it (laugh).

CNU: The topics vary. Generally it's about album promotions. We are really happy when the fans monitor our promotions and give us feedback. There are positive and negative reponses, but we discuss them, thinking of it as interest in us.

Q. You said that through this album, you wanted to think about who you are. What do you think of 'WHO AM I'?

Jinyoung: I am a positive person. Whenever I start doing something, I think 'I can do it'. Instead of thinking 'I don't think I can do it', I tend to challenge it by saying 'I think I can do it'. By thinking so I think I get less stress from doing it.

CNU: I think it's still difficult for me to tell you who am I. I think there are still a lot of sides to me that I don't know yet. I think it's difficult to define myself as a person in a sentence.

Sandeul: I think of myself as a person with unlimited possibilities. I feel like I can do well in anything. There are many things that I have not experienced but if given the chance I want to try them out, and I have the confidence I can do them well.

Baro: I am also not too sure about myself, but the people around me usually say that I am delicate inside and I have a lot of affection. I only like the things I like, and I really dislike the things I dislike. I think I am like a blood type B in that sense.

Gongchan: I think I am a person who likes challenges. I want to try the things I've never done before if the opportunity arises, and I want to challenge it and win against myself.

Q. What is it that sustains you to be the person you are?

Jinyoung: Myself. My willpower. The thought that I cannot collapse. I have the thought that I cannot lose my focus. There are times that it is dangerous. But I have the willpower that I can strengthen myself. I like that attitude about myself.

CNU: I think it's music. By a stroke of luck we are able to create an album with the music we make. To be honest, just for this I am very thankful. There is a music for us to express ourselves, and music is a way for us to tell that to the people of the world. I think I am expressing myself well through music so I think music is most like myself.

Sandeul: Mirror. I fall into slumps very often. I get lonely very often, even though that might be even more so because I like being lonely. But during those times I look into the mirror. There seems to be something that I have kept inside in. That's why I get a lot of strength when I look into the mirror.

Baro: Opportunities. I feel that opportunities don't come easily, and that it is also luck that you can make good use of the opportunity. It is all because of opportunities that we are able to do music, become singers, and even go into acting. We don't know what opportunities are going to knock on our doors in future, and when those opportunities will disappear. In order not to miss out on those opportunities we are always preparing. So I consider the thing that sustains me to be opportunities.

Gongchan: Our fans sustains me. Whenever I'm tired and worn out, I gain strength from reading the letters or messages on SNS. Whenever I see people uploading pictures of us or pictures with us, I am so thankful for the love and that helps me gain strength. I am always thankful to the fans. I am so thankful whenever I see from on stage the fans cheering and supporting us, and sorry that I cannot do more for them.

Q. Jinyoung and Baro challenged acting last year and received positive feedback. You're acting and doing music at the same time, it feels like it would have a synergistic effort. How is it?

Jinyoung: I do not think of acting and music as different. On stage, you're expressing the lyrics and emotions of the music. The script when acting is just like lyrics. I am learning acting through music, and music through acting. It's beneficial for both sides.

Baro: Thanks to the movie and drama, the age groups of our fans have diversified and they have given much love to our album this time. I think it is effective in letting more people know about us.

Q. How are the members' reactions when they see your acting?

Jinyoung: They are really good at monitoring. I went with the members to watch my movie once more not long ago. They gave me a lot of honest feedback, so I felt really satisfied that I have so many reliable supporters.

Q.  I think it's awkward for both the person acting and the people watching because you guys are so closed.

CNU: Very awkward.

Baro: It's awkward if I'm watching it.

Jinyoung: There is a scene where I put on makeup, and the members kept laughing at it. I was so embarrassed I couldn't watch that scene (laugh).

CNU [T/N: I believe they labeled it to be the wrong person...]: You cannot ignore the person's image even when they're acting, especially when we are so aware of Jinyoung hyung's image. We were so embarrassed watching the scene where Jinyoung hyung has white face makeup in the middle of the movie (laugh). It was just an element of the movie, but we were so engrossed that we went 'Why is he acting like that?'. We are also very proud of him (laugh).

Jinyoung: (laugh)

Q. Baro got a lot of attention with drama Reply 1994. You have been casted in new drama God's Gift, which is to be broadcasted soon. What kind of image will you be showing us?

Baro: I will be playing the role of a intellectually disabled person in their 10s. Their IQ is that of a 5~6 year old. The director told me to only say this much (laugh).

Q. What kind of preparations have you been doing?

Baro: I prepared to my best ability to show the director, and I got the vote of approval. He said I could do it the way I am doing now. For more details, please watch the drama... (laugh).

CNU: I think Baro has felt a great sense of responsibility after being casted for this role. He is taking a lot of caution not to cause any inconveniences to the intellectually disabled. We're looking forward to it because he's preparing so hard.

Q. What do you want to challenge to do in 2014?

Jinyoung: I want to go to every member's hometown and do a hometown concert. Firstly, we have confirmed our Busan concert to be in March. To have a concert tour around the members' hometowns has been a dream that we definitely want to try so I hope it becomes reality.

CNU: Last year we worked hard towards concerts, so we have not been able to greet everyone with albums more. I want to meet everyone with more albums this year. It was really interesting to take part in lyric writing for this album, and I feel really satisfied. It makes me want to try a variety of genres every album. Please look forward to it.

Sandeul: I want to find an instrument that matches well with me and learn it. I feel that it will help me with promotions if I knew how to learn an instrument. There are many fans who want to see me handle an instrument too. I want to learn an instrument and show it to everyone during our country-wide tour.

Gongchan: I want to meet our fans overseas regularly. A few days ago on TV I saw that people in Chile gather to make friends and talk about us. I was so amazed that there are people who love us even in places that we have never gone to before. I want to hurry go meet them.

Baro: Every year I plan on something but I fail to do them. I want to study English hard this year. I really want to do a world tour. I intend to study hard so as to be able to communicate with the overseas fans more naturally.

Q. From when onwards?

Baro: I will start immediately after we end this interview (laugh).

Q. Finally please say something to your fans.

Jinyoung: I don't know how to repay all the love you always shower on us. I think we can only work even harder to show you a better side of us. May everything work out well for you in 2014, and please always be healthy.

CNU: There may be things that will occasionally cause the fans who like us to get hurt. We're not going to see each other just once or twice, but we are lifetime companions so please stay strong and overcome those things. I hope we can do so together for a long long time.

Sandeul: I'm very worried about the fans who wait for us in this cold weather till wee hours at night. Please dress warmly if it's cold when you come see us. Because I want to see you too (laugh). I want to show everyone the side of us on stage, so please come and see our performances often.

Baro: These are all things that we did not expect: win first place, attain triple crown, have the movie and dramas we were casted in do well, have a follow up album. Because there have been only good news, I think our fans are even happier than we are. Those who have been with us since debut say it feels like they're raising children. I think The future will also be filled with such good things too. And for that to happen, we will work hard. We will show you even better things and make it so that there will only be happy occasions, so please trust and follow us.

Gongchan: More important than anything else, health is the most important so please eat 3 meals every day. Please stay healthy!

Source: blog.naver.com/montazzang

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

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

Source: shindongwoo.com

Translation Credits: skipfire.tistory.com

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