omonatheydid | Choa - Areana Homme+ interview

Heading: “Choa’s Likings”

Sub heading: Choa is someone who relies on hard work. Choa said that she is not as beautiful as the rest which is why (she) needs to work even harder. (I) disagree. Choa is beautiful which is why we like her.

A: We had seen your pictures from when you were in University online and we are really curious about how Choa was like before she became a singer.
Choa: (I) majored in Aviation Business Administration but I felt that it was not suitable for me. Becoming a singer was my goal since young and I had attended many auditions after deciding to switch from pursuing a career in Aviation Business Administration to a career as a singer but failed in all those auditions. Even though I had managed to enrol into a University, but I was still yeaning to be on the stage that I had dreamed of. I was unable to study abroad back then and had taken on many different part time jobs while I was studying.

A: What jobs did you have?
Choa: Erm, I was a salesperson for an IPTV company distributing flyers in a Supermarket located in Yongsan and was paid according to the number of contracts that was signed (by the customers). I had worked really hard and managed to earn quite a hefty sum from this part time job being the number one salesperson in the central district team after surpassing many ahjumas (who were older then her). I’m someone who will give it everything I got once I had set my mind on something, no matter what it is. However I was not happy even though I was making a considerable amount of money as this is not the job that I enjoy doing. Even though I already had a job, but the thought of becoming an idol still lingers. It was due to Juniel recommending me to be a trainee that I’m able to become (a member of) AOA after (encountering) much difficulties.

A: It’s really difficult to become the top salesperson at the age of 20. You must be either really unique or hardworking right?
Choa: The supervisor of the sales department told me that I’m someone who will succeed no matter whatever I do. Actually it’s not like I’m gifted in doing sales but it’s because others work for 8 hours (per day) while I work for 10 hours. From morning all the way till the evenings! I guess it seems like I’m someone who is hardworking.

A: Are the activities of AOA more tiring compared to doing sales? Finally making your debut after facing so much difficulties, but the results for (the first) couple of years were not good. At times, it seems like you were just waiting anxiously and aimlessly.
Choa: We did not gain a lot of attention when we made our debut. There were 80 different groups that made debut during the second half of the year, which was when we made our debut, and there are just 2 group (among the 80 groups), including us, who currently remain active. It was really tough. Looking back at the promotions for the first and second single, it was really tiring but luckily that helped strengthen the bonds between the members and we are really grateful for where we are today. If we were successful from the beginning, I’m afraid that we will not be satisfied with where we are right now.

A: Do you think that it’s a must to suffer some hardships?
Choa: I guess it does seems that way

A: However, you were able to continue to work hard even during times of hardships. Choa, how did you manage to press on even in those times?
Choa: I was more desperate compared to the rest as I had already failed many auditions and seeing the dongsengs and the staff working tirelessly without sleep, I felt that I was not the only one who is tired. Compared to times where I did not perform well, I’m happier right now. I feel really elated and happy whenever I gain the love of the fans after I had put in the effort.

A: Choa is becoming known as a hardworking idol.
Choa: Haha, we continue to work hard as we believe that (the fans) are acknowledging the effort that we had put in and not just acknowledging us without any reason. We are able to maintain this mindset as we are always thinking about the worst case scenario.

A: The nature of work for an artiste is one where the future is ambiguous and is hard to maintain the current situation. It seems hard to reduce the sense of uncertainty for your future.
Choa: Even so, it is still interesting. Even though it is stressful to be frequently showing off a new image/side, but I’m someone who really dislikes staying stagnant. It is fun to create the desired image after frequent monitoring. My current Kakaotalk status is ‘Multi-facade Choa’ and the image that I hope to have is one that is constantly changing.

A: What is the image that you personally desire the most?
Choa: To become a role model in multiple areas such as singing, dance, variety! Becoming a brand new idol that merges all the desired traits of an idol into one, that’s my dream.

A: An example of role models?
Choa: Like Uhm Jung Hwa sunbaenim, I wish to be active in multiple areas such as being a singer, going on variety shows and acting. (Or like) Park Mi Sun sunbae and Kim Seung Ju Oppa who are good at hosting. I wish to become someone who is remembered by the public and who is always with them.

A: In [My Little Television], Choa is someone who is down to earth and full of charms
Choa: That’s my true self. If only I were a little smarter when I was a trainee then I would not have suffered that much. I was not as smart as the rest and thus had to put in more effort to practice. I’m still lacking a lot when I’m on stage and I’m trying hard to make up for it. [My Little Television] is a 4 hours live broadcast and there isn’t much time to rehearse. Therefore whatever that was shown there is my true self.

A: Did you not make any preparations before appearing on [My Little Television]?
Choa: I had only been on the phone with the writers and there were no script. The only part that I said 'I got it’ was that the live broadcast lasts for 4 hours. This is my first time talking for 4 hours (straight) but it helps to hone my speaking skills and because I was able to see the reaction in real time, it really helped with my future appearance on broadcasts.

A: How do you feel about the program
Choa: I really wanted to do well (on it). In the past I had always envied those who were born with slim and slender model like figures as I felt that only those who are able to show a beautiful image to the public are suited to be artists. However, recently I feel that even though my looks are average but I’m able to do well through hard work. If I was really pretty, I might end up not practicing my singing and might not do my best on variety shows. There is not time to rest now as there are many people who really stand out. Therefore I would need to improve and develop more unique skills/capabilities.

A: Time really flies. It feels like you’ll get eliminated even if you just rest a little
Choa: Of course. What kind of artist do I want to be? Because I’m lacking in the visual department, I’ll have to show other charms and be well versed in many areas, always learning and always practicing.

A: Choa’s blonde hair is like Midas touch
Choa: I totally agree. It would be bad if the hair gets damaged due to the constant dyeing which is why it’s not good to keep changing (hair color). Even though black suits me as well but recognisability is more important. This is because the public is able to remember and recall (me with) blonde hair. However I’m in a dilemma now as I will gradually need to show some changes.

A: It was said that you would still need to practice despite having a hectic schedule. Then what about days off?
Choa: Last year, (we) released three albums back to back and we had a really busy year. Right now we had managed to gain a little more popularity and as such we had to make appearances on variety shows and MC during our break. Right now I have 3 fixed variety show appearances on top of interviews, overseas activities and concerts therefore I’m really busy. However in the past, it was really tiring (for us) after one appearance on a variety show. It’s good to be busy and in fact, (we/I) do not feel as happy when we are/I am resting

A: Your thoughts will stop running wild when your body is busy?
Choa: That’s right, we/I will feel depressed when we are/I am resting

A: However if you are preoccupied with only one thing, won’t you feel as though your world has gotten narrower? You need love and friendship as well
Choa: Acting and singing are occupations that require emotions. Even though I do not have a deep understanding of certain emotions but do know how they feel like and it does help by interacting more with the people around me as compared to simply practicing (those emotions). I’m too busy to be in a relationship right now.

A: Seems like you wouldn’t even have the time for farewells/breakups due to your schedules
Choa: Like you will only be able to express an emotional ballet after experiencing a breakup, you’ll only be able to express a love song if you had the experience of being in love. There is a limit to how much (emotions you are able to convey) through practice and that’s what I’m worried about as well.

A: Do you feel tired? How do you replenish your energy/stamina
Choa: I am tired. Therefore every morning I’ll eat (a tablet of) Aronamin Gold and Ursa. Haha it seems like I’m able to regain my energy levels after eating those supplements. Even though I’m not sure whether are the supplements effective or is it due to the placebo effect but it allows me to stay sharp and continue to work hard.

A: Are you enjoying the moment right now?
Choa: I’m currently not at the level where I can enjoy anything as there are still many things to be learnt. Looking at the other divas, the performance that they are able to show after putting together the tough practices and the experiences that they had accumulated. I’m still far from this level and there is much to be learnt.

A: Choa’s only focus was her dream, relieving stress by working
Choa: This is something that I had always wanted to do while I still had to go to school and I had many different jobs including doing sales. I’m always really passionate about my job as I had always started on a new job under dire circumstances

A: What other jobs did you have
Choa: I had worked in a cosmetics shops on the streets, worked in convenience stores, take pictures around Shincheon that were made into stickers, a token cashier in a games arcade and I had even worked as a photo editor. Also I know that it’s extremely difficult to get into a good University and not matter what you do, you need to work extremely hard in order to climb to the top. However you’ll be happy no matter how tired you are if that job is something that you love.

A: You did all that when you were 20, 21 years old?
Choa: The financial situation in the family isn’t that good at that time. Both my parents were busy with their careers and they do not wish for me to pursue a career as a singer (which was why) I did not tell them about me going for auditions and I had never asked them for their help/support (financially). After I reached the age of 20, I paid for all my own expenses and I relied on the money that I had earned from the part time jobs to tide by when I was a trainee. It was only a year later, when I was signing the contract for me debut, that I told my parents about this. My father was a little against it but he was eventually convinced by my mother, who loves music.

A: Your father had hoped that you would choose a more stable route/career right?
Choa: That’s right. It’s even better if a girl is able to marry into a good family haha. My father even came down personally to the university to pick the course that I was going to major in. My father had already objected once (to me being a singer) and he will not continue to object to it again. Right now my father is really supportive of me and had even attended the concerts to cheer me on. I just want to be successful as soon as possible so that I can reprecipitate (his support)

A: You are really independent. It seems like you will be fine living in a desert
Choa: Haha. I (naturally) became like this. Also you have to be tough if you want to survive in a competitive life/environment. According to a research that was done globally, people who are successful have these two qualities. Your spirit/will will get stronger if you are living in an extremely bad condition and the more independent you are, the higher the chances of success.

A: You’re a girl that is unlike most idols
Choa: Whatever that I had experienced when I was a trainee became the motivation for me to work hard. My colleagues whom we had trained together in agency had all became really successful and their success is what motivate me to take action and not just sit there

A: So what is Choa’s ultimate skill/weapon right now?
Choa: Recently a writer mentioned that 'rather than being talented, someone who is always seen to be working hard will make the people around him/her wants to lend a helping hand.’ Perhaps my hard work is my weapon? As I’m neither smart nor outstanding enough, I would not be able to hold a candle to anyone if I don’t work hard

A: There’s a saying that there are no one who is dumb among those who had succeeded.
Choa: Haha I hope to be someone like that

teamarmyofangels, godplace.kr
Translated by: nic.nicholas @ ArmyOfAngels