L'Officiel Hommes YK Edition SS 2019 - Seventeen Mingyu

 

Q: You’ve recently finished Seventeen’s fanmeet ‘Seventeen in Carat Land’. How do you feel? 

MINGYU: First of all, I’m really glad the fan meeting ended safely. Because it only happens once a year, we prepare a lot. There’s a lot of expectations for it. We really had fun during the concert, and I think we were able to wrap it up well. We had a great time between us (members) and the fans had a good time as well. That’s what I believe. With the fanmeet as a driving force, I think we can work hard for the rest of 2019.

 

Q: Do concerts and fan meetings feel different?

MINGYU: Concerts and stage performances are important, but putting the fan club’s name in the title, ‘Seventeen in Carat Land’, it’s very meaningful to Seventeen. The performances are for the interest of the fans. It’s also a time of healing and comfort for us. Concerts would focus on music and performances, but fan meetings are set to focus on communicating with fans. Without separation (t/n: no filter), telling trivial things/stories with the fans could make us a bit more closer. 

 

Q: It seems like you really participate a lot for the fan meeting. How did you participate? 

MINGYU: Not only me, but all of the members actively participated (in the planning). Compared to concerts, the need for interesting and touching elements were thought of to create the overall flow of the fanmeet. From how to stages (performances) should be, to the ideas on what videos to make, it (everyone’s participation) actually reflected.

 

Q: In which part were the members participation most prominent?

MINGYU: There’s a unit reverse stage that we only do in fan meetings. Seventeen’s vocal team, performance team, and hiphop team will exchange songs and perform them. This time, we tried making new units with members that have different colours (styles). The VCRs shown in the concerts were originally completely different, but it changed in the process as the members contributed their ideas and they were even adding ad-libs while filming.

 

Q: Is there a part that you were particularly concerned/nervous about?

MINGYU: It’s difficult to name a particular part. In order to have a meaningful fanmeet, and wanting to finish it successfully, all parts were paid attention to.

 

Q:Then what is something you are most proud of?

MINGYU: On the first day of the fanmeet, the performance went longer that expected  which led to a situation where he had to hurry up and finish. Including the ments¹, there were a lot of points that we regret. After the fanmeet, we discussed them and gradually changed it on the next days. Although we only had a short time, how we supplemented it quickly makes me proud. The thought 'so we’ve really grown this much..' came to mind.

 

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Q: You have already released 10 albums in five years. Which was the most fun and exciting to work on?

MINGYU: Filming the music video for our 4th Mini Album <AL1>’s title song, '울고 싶지 않아 (Don’t Wanna Cry)’ was the most fun. At that time, we went to Los Angeles for two weeks and filmed the teasers and the music video. We had a lot of free time outside our schedules. We took a break and interacted with foreign producers to work on the song. It was a time to feel a new culture, to learn a lot, and to recharge my emotions (and myself). I can still vividly recall the memories from those times.

 

Q: On the other hand, what was the hardest to work on? 

MINGYU: I can answer this without hesitation. It’s selecting the title song for our 2nd Full Album <Teen,Age>. ‘박수 (Clap)' and '모자를 눌러 쓰고 (Without You)’ were the candidates. Even until 2-3 days before the music video shoot, we were continuously meeting because the title track has not been decided. Both songs were really good that there were growing desires (to show it), so it was hard to decide which song to pick.

 

Q: You write lyrics and compose songs. Where do you get the inspiration from?

MINGYU: Our daily lives together with the members are the biggest foundations of our songs. The parts that we lack are filled by movies and conversations with peopls, stories from those that are filled with good materials, and from there on, we can use our imagination.

 

Q: How long does it usually take you to work?

MINGYU: It’s always different. When I write lyrics, sometimes I’d sit down for 20 minutes and finish right away. There was a time I had to think about it for a month because it felt so difficult and had a hard time.

 

Q: So what (song) was it that you had a difficult time working on?

MINGYU: Hiphop Team’s song ‘Trauma’ from  <Teen,Age>. Originally, each of us was supposed to have a rap verse, and the chorus was supposed to be sung together. I don’t know why it was like that, but I remember writing and erasing the lyrics for my part for almost a month. That was the first time I felt 'so writing lyrics could be this hard..’. But I’m glad because unlike the title, it didn’t become a ’trauma’ (for me). (laughs)

 

Q: You’re an MC for a music program² and gradually expanding your field of activities by appearing on variety shows too. Is there any other field you’re interested in?

MINGYU: To be honest, I really like today’s photoshoot. I have a lot of interest in fashion. I think it’s attractive to be able to express a different image in addition to what I can show as (part of) a team. My interest/greed for fashion photoshoots is rising.

 

Q: You’re individual schedules has increased. What’s the difference when you’re with your members?

MINGYU: First, doing schedules with the members is fun. The waiting time would naturally be long because there are 13 members, but it’s fun because in the meantime, we chat and play. Individual schedules may not be as fun as when it’s with the members, but there’s almost no waiting time. There’s no time to feel bored because you’re busy working. Each seems to have its own advantage. 

 

Q: In comparison to when you debuted, what has changed the most?

MINGYU: Although it’s hard to explain exactly, my face has changed, the songs I like, my clothing style, to how I deal with people³ have changed a lot. The biggest change is (my sense of) responsibility. I think more of my responsibility  at work. During debut, we worked hard with the mindset of working hard and full of passion⁴. But now, I’m trying to figure out what I can do better, and what I can do to lead to better results.

 

Q: In terms of music, what has changed?

MINGYU: I feel a big change every time I listen to the rap (lyrics) I wrote at the time of our debut. I often feel embarrassed, like, “how did I write lyrics like that”. I think I just naturally changed from when I debuted. The way I think and the depth of my emotions have changed. If I listen to the songs I’ll write now later on in the future, wouldn’t I feel a similar way too?

 

Q: Until recently, you’ve been doing schedules without any particular gap. Isn’t it hard to continuously have a tight and busy schedule? What gives you strength?

MINGYU: We get a lot of strength from our fans. It might sound like a model answer, but it’s the truth. We’ve always gotten a lot of strength from our fans. There are times when the schedules could be physically demanding/difficult. But things like ‘sleepiness’ and ‘tiredness’, we can recover from that if we take a rest or sleep a bit. There’s no particular time where I felt mentally fatigue or stressed. I’m always grateful for the opportunities I’m given so I always do them in a good mood. The fans who support us are the reason I can do this job. Those are where I get my strength. 

 

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Q: The thing that you’re most interested in right now?

MINGYU: I’m interested into looking for what I like. Although music and the stage is what I think is still the most important, having it as a starting point— like a mind map, I’m looking for what I like in different fields. I want to continuously learn something new. I want to have new experiences. Right now, I’ve been painting/drawing⁵ and doing photography. Other than that, I always think of what I might like and what I can do. 

 

Q: Did you learn how to paint/draw and photography?

MINGYU: I’ve never learned it professionally. Ever since I was young, I liked making things and drawing. For painting/drawing, I didn’t get to do it for a while after I debuted, but recently, I’ve started it again.

 

Q: What made you start painting/drawing again?

MINGYU: When I debuted, the timing never matched between the moments when I wanted to paint/draw and our free time. One day, I was having a conversation with a friend and the topic about painting/drawing came up. When (I was) asked if I liked to paint/draw, I answered ‘yes’ without hesitation. But when they asked what I’ve painted/drawn, I didn’t have even a single thing to show. I brushed it off and said I just haven’t painted/drawn anything these days, but that friend said "why do you like it when you don’t even do it?”. So the next day, as soon as I woke up, I went to the art supplies store and bought painting/drawing tools and started painting/drawing. Whether I’m drawing well or not, the moments when I’m drawing is fun and puts my heart at ease. Since then, when I’m bored or when I have a lot of thoughts, I paint/draw. It’s good to empty your mind and concentrate.

 

Q: Is there a similar reason as to why you started photography? 

MINGYU: The case is quite different for photography. I wouldn’t be able to remember everything that I’m experiencing now, so I thought of leaving them in photographs. I try to capture the moments I’m leaving behind beautifully. 

 

Q: What was the most recent photos you’ve taken?

MINGYU: I took photos of the monitor⁶ from today’s shoot, I also took photos everywhere around the shoot location— the chandelier, the flowers too. I don’t think long of what I’m going to take photos of.

 

Q: You’ve been telling stories about your interests. Is there a book or movie that you like?

MINGYU: I really like romantic movies. I look for the movie’s original sound track (OST) and listen well to it. I recently enjoyed watching <A Star is Born>. The cinematic quality was excellent, the OST was good too; it was a heart warming movie so I love it. If I have to recommend movies, its <The Notebook> and <Me Before You>.

 

Q: If time permits, what’s something you want to learn?

MINGYU: I want to learn how to make clothes.

 

Q: Something came to mind. You often upload drawings of clothes on your SNS.

MINGYU: Right. I enjoy wearing pretty and cool clothes, and since I also like drawing, I’ve often been drawing the clothes I want to wear. I want to shoot a pictorial wearing the clothes that I made someday. It will be a proud and pleasant moment. 

 

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Q: Are you a spontaneous or an organized person?

MINGYU: An organized spontaneous person. To some extent, I always make plans for whatever I’m doing. For example, when I wake up in the morning, ‘Today, I’ll get the (rolls of) film developed, attend lessons in the company, then watch a movie when I get back to the dorm’. I make plans to this degree. In the process of doing these plans, I also do spontaneous agendas. ‘Oh, there’s paint here. Let’s also buy paint’ or, ‘Ah. Let’s go to the cafe on the way back’. In those ways, it’s my own style of living organizedly. 

 

Q: In what situations do you think your most natural self comes out?

MINGYU: When I’m having conversations with people. I suddenly thought of how I am when I’m with people. May it be (when) hanging out or in normal situations, comfortably having a conversation with a friend, conversations with the CEO, how you talk to your family and the people around me. In all these are when my most natural self comes out. Having conversations with people is fun and I like it, and when the atmosphere is good, enjoyable moments like that is when I’m most natural. 

 

Q: If you didn’t become a singer, what work would you be doing now?

MINGYU: To be honest, even if I think about it, I really don’t know. There are a lot of things I wanted to do after becoming a singer. Architectural design is good, painting/drawing too— I would like to paint/draw more earnestly⁷. Right now, I want to learn how to make clothes. But being a singer is the work I want to do now. I’m really curious about what job I would’ve picked if I hadn’t become a singer... At my age, I should be studying hard in the university right now.

 

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

MINGYU: A person with a lot of experience. Although it could also mean someone with a lot of imagination and made lots of memories. In the similar context as the saying ‘dream big’, I want to be a person with a lot of experience. Such person is open to more possibilites, so I wonder if (I) could do various things well and without fear. I want to experience this and that without regrets, at the same time, feel a lot of emotions and learn from it. 

 

Q: How do you see yourself in 20 years?

MINGYU: I’d cooly grow my beard, wearing comfortable clothes and carrying a backpack as I enjoy a vacation trip in Europe. 

 

Q: Is growing a beard your style?

MINGYU: Is it my style… (laughs) I have no interest in growing a beard now, but I want to be a person who’s a bit more relaxed yet has a solid and stable feel. A symbol that can express and fit that feel (for me) now is a beard, and backpacking in Europe. 

 

Q: What if you compare yourself right now to a season?

MINGYU: A dry midsummer⁸. Summer may feel humid and unpleasant, so (I want to be) a hot summer that doesn't feel burdensome. I want to be a dry midsummer.

 

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Q: Anything you work passionately on will be evaluated as hard work.

MINGYU: That’s a pleasant assessment. This work matches my personality— I want to receive compliments/be commended again so I work passionately again. I want to always live like this. I want to get such good evaluation/feedback from a lot of people. 

 

Q: What do you want to achieve as SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu? Something you want to challenge yourself to?

MINGYU: Having a well-organized schedule and not getting hurt. And if there’s a chance, I would like to see a fashion show overseas.

 

Q: What do you want to achieve as Kim Mingyu?

MINGYU: There’s no clear division between what Seventeen’s Mingyu and Kim Mingyu wants to achieve. I want to be the way that I am right now, without getting lazy. The work that I do now in music, stage/performances, and the hobbies that I have; photography, painting/drawing. I want to constantly work hard on what I’m learning and what I’ve learned. To have a good relationship with the members, the fans, and the people around me. Right now, I’m overflowing with energy and passion. I don’t want this to change.

 

Q: Is there a performance/concert that you want to have?

MINGYU: Is it okay even if it sounds almost impossible to happen?

 

Q: The bigger you dream, the better. Is there a performance/concert that you dream about?

MINGYU: I want to invite all the fans and have a concert. We had our first world tour in 2017, including Korean fans, we also met overseas fans from Japan, USA, and Southeast Asia. What if, we’ll pay for all their plane tickets and invite them to a concert in Korea. We’ll have it in a large outdoor venue so we can have thousands or hundred thousands of Seventeen’s fans to come, shoot water, have fireworks, I want to have a party-like concert with the fans.

 

Q: It’s almost your birthday⁹. Do you have any special plans?

MINGYU: There’s a special plan just in time for it. We have a concert in Japan on my birthday. This is the first time since debut that (my) birthday will overlap with a concert. I want to proudly/shamelessly announce say ‘It’s my birthday today’ in front of the fans and be congratulated like a child¹⁰. I’ve received a lot of birthday wishes, but it’s uncommon to be greeted by many fans in a concert infront of my eyes so I’m really looking forward to it.

 

 

 

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Interview Notes:

1 - Not all members got to say their ending ments on Carat Land 2019 Day 1.

2 - Mingyu was SBS Inkigayo's MC from Feb 18, 2018 - October 6, 2019.

3 - t/n: I think he means his attitude towards people

4 - t/n: The words Mingyu originally used is '화이팅 넘치게' - direct translation is ‘filled with fighting’

5 - t/n: The word used throughout the interview is '그림', which is a general term for drawing/painting. In reference to other info/photos, we know Mingyu does both painting and pen/pencil drawings, hence why it's translated like this throughout the whole interview.

6 - t/n: Monitor is like a computer where they can immediately see the photos taken during the shoot.

7 - t/n: wants to take it seriously/professionally

8 -  '한여름' - midsummer

9 -  The photoshoot and interview were done before April 6.

10 - t/n: I believe what he means is like being greeted really cheerfully like how parents/people go all out to celebrate a kid’s fifth birthday? hehe

 

 

LINKS:

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES KOREA Instagram Teaser Video 

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES KOREA Teaser Video

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DATE RELEASED: April 2019

KR > ENG by kidmingyu  @ Twitter

MAGAZINE INTERVIEW SCANS by cat_dog_tastes, kidmingyu

 

As of 200306: edited for clarity and choice of wordings since original posting

*May contain inaccuracies, please let me know if there are any mistakes!