GFriend GQ Korean INTERVIEW
2016-06-27 01:35 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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omonatheydid
The interview part for this photoshoot for GQ Korea is now translated.
The girls talk about life as new idols, criticisms, and their life behind the cameras. It's a pretty long read but it's worth it!
SOLO INTERVIEWS:
THE REAL GIRLFRIEND, SOWON
Isn’t your self-introduction too simple compare to other idols?
I think it becomes very limited if we put some sort of meaning into our introduction. We don’t want to make GFriend known as a certain team.
I think GFriend’s pureness and freshness are synced with your simple introduction. A year has passed after your debut. Do you think how you act is well-balanced with your group name “GFriend”?
We really want to show GFriend’s own color, and I think we showed a little bit of that color.
Are you “Powerful Innocent”?
Yes. If we hear things like “It’s like GFriend’s song”, “It’s like GFriend’s dance”,”It’s truly GFriend’s Sowon”, we feel like we have expressed ourselves well.
Your first three songs are known as the “high school trilogy”. I guess your soon-to-be-revelaed song will be start of another new season then? What will be the next season about?
Actually, our “Rough” song was about the last day of school, not graduation day. I’m not saying that our next album will have another student-like concept. We want to show a new color that suits us well, but I don’t think that we necessarily have to be more and more mature as we release our new album. (OH NO)
GFriend’s advantage is that you all still look natural in outdoor performances.
I think it’s because we’re usually bright. We feel like we are meeting high school friends at school, but we tried to draw a fine line in broadcast because we tend to get excessive, rough, and very noisy. For example, making weird faces. We are really confident in doing that one well.
There is nothing GFriend can’t do. Even with that, I think Sowon-ssi still tries to maintain order.
I think like that too. Haha. But there is something that I want to fix. You know there is a time where we would film ourselves before we go on stage? We would play a lot and make jokes and getting not serious and then I tried to change it into the broadcast way by saying things like “So everyone, where am I now?” I feel like I have a big responsibility to do that as a leader.
GFriends doesn’t have that “girl crush” character, but I think you, Sowon, suits that image the most.
Me too. Haha. We have members that look cold. SinB and I have the cold look, like a Seoul woman, I guess. Haha.
What would it be like if you cut your hair?
I don’t really mind actually. I’ve always wanted to try a bob hairstyle too. But I’m worried that I would look taller. (omg yes pls cut her hair, we need an edgy sowon)
Since you talked about height, you were of model major, right? Do you ever plan to become a model?
I have nothing to do with modelling. I applied as a trainee. I was once scolded because I looked awkward when I was trying to take my profile picture. Our company teaches us singing and dancing, but they don’t teach us poses and facial expressions. We don’t have a chance to learn those things though its needed in situations like this, so if I chose modelling as my major, I think it would help me a lot as a singer.
As regards being the leader, did you learn anything about it?
I think we must be born with a leader-like character. I’m the type that likes to take the lead. I feel stuffy when I’m in a situation that doesn’t really go the way I want it to.
Do you think you are leading GFriend well?
There is this synergy that comes out whenever each of us are doing their own parts well. If I think that we succeeded/did well because of me, then I should have gone solo. Everyone’s little flaws have gathered together and isn’t tat why “GFriend” is formed?
THE REAL GIRLFRIEND, YERIN
You're known mostly to people by your smiling face. is there a pretty way to smile?
I cant smile prettily so.
No?
They said I smile all my face muscles. So I have wondered how I would have to smile to look pretty.
Is it because of the related search 'forced smile'?
It's true that lipstick in their life through the camera. While watching my debut video there was a funny moment but I wondered why I laughed like that. After that, I felt that it was no wonder why people misunderstood. (aww bb)
Your smiling face is big too but I think you're adorable face looks calm without nothing more to it. You have a clean face, but you're also the kind of person that can't stay still for a second. There is a big gap.
I just usually can't stay still. When I was in high school, I went to an English tutor, and because I sat for so long, my butt hurt a lot. So there was a time when I told my mom that it's hard for me to stay seated.
What do you do in the waiting room?
I sleep. I usually sleep when I sit.
But it seems like you're getting calmer and calmer?
I'm at the age where I want to show a pretty look. Hahaha. As my experience gradually adds up, I make people laugh when it's the right time to and look pretty when I have to.
The funny intense look that you first gave us has led to GFriend's current state right now.
If you think that way, I am very thankful. At that time, our members seemed to freeze in front of the camera. Now, it's really funny.
And you were OK with it?
I didn't have camera fright like stage fright. I just played well and they liked it.
I can see that you don't have camera fright since you look at people straight in the eye so well.
Personality wise, I can't look at peoples eyes. I did that on purpose to fix it. Because I couldn't look at peoples eyes. I often couldn't greet people and just passed by. But then suddenly I thought what is the person thinks that I don't like them. From then on, I purposely make ice with people even though it's hard.
You look like a person that laughs well, is competitive, and filled with energy.
I'm not even competitive. I'm the type of person that doesn't care about losing. I thought of why people see me as a competitive and found out that I always win games. It was really just a coincidence. I had no aim in winning.
Out of every member, you have different posture while playing games. You seem to be the only one raising your sleeves.
I might as well.
Right.
But, it's that I don't get really mad when I lose to someone.
Then I'll ask you this way. Do you have a lot of greed?
No. I don't have enough greed. I always look at everything at the worst situation. Then, later when I learn something, I feel proud and happy. If I were to be greedy at first but not get anything, that would be so sad. I just think everything as if it's not there. That's more comfortable.
GFriend's current state is obviously unexpected then, right?
Right now we are in such a thankful situation.
But still, is there a field where you're greedy at? Like, among everything else, I want to be good at this at least.
I haven't thought of that yet. Is it just good if you're good at whatever it is.
You seem to have greed as an entertainer. Do you want to make people cheerful all the time?
That, I have. If someone loves because of me, I feel happy.
Do you have any goals Yerin-ssi?
Um, I would like to be a friend that brings happiness to those around.
THE REAL GIRLFRIEND, EUNHA
There seems to be different opinions about your bangs amongst fans.
Ah, yes. Haha.
Personally, which do you like better?
I just like both. It's my first time putting them down after middle school so I think it feels different.
But your hairstyle changed again?
Ha ha. Yes, I changed it while preparing for our next song.
There are many talks especially about your appearance. For example, you're a side face beauty.
I'm not really a side face beauty but my side is better than my front look.
Why? You have pretty eyes.
You can still see my eyes well from the side.
There was a time when you said you didn't like your fingers, right? When you were filming before, the members were discussing about how pretty they were.
There was a time when I was asked my charm point, but I didn't have anything specific so I said that there are some people who like my small and chubby fingers.
What do you think you lack Eunha-ssi?
There is so much that I lack.
Why we give you this question is because you seem to not have self-confidence when you speak.
That's because I'm not strikingly beautiful. (what even) Am I only saying words with low self-esteem? Hehe.
Eunha-ssi, you are strikingly beautiful.
Thank you.
Should we talk about something else. In music, your songs are having a bigger presence so what do you think is your part with GFriend?
Yes, thankfully, I am taking on the lead as gwi-yum-doong-i (korean for cutiepie).
Now I see that your charm talking hesitantly without certainty.
This time I said it with certainty.
Haha. Sorry, but you're not frozen right now, are you?
Yes, I'm not.
Is there something that I did wrong?
No. Because I do not have self-confidence. But it's true so.
Not only fans but there are a lot of fellow workers that look for you. Haven't you got the most voice featuring in another fellow singers? In this strict business, who would look for a person with no charm? I was meaning that you should have more confidence in yourself.
Thank you. But that's kind of cool. Look for me? So there is burden that I should do well and not cause a nuisance.
Is there any recent song that you heard it liked?
I listened to Dean's album a lot. I think the recent album is good.
How do you practice singing?
Good songs I listen to at that time, I like Dean's.
What kind of song do you think matches you?
I'm not sure yet. I've done ballads, calm songs as featuring in rap, and cute songs, but people say my voice sounds different each time. I don't know what I'm good at specifically yet but I want to try a variety of different types.
Personally, I really liked it when you sang the Thorne Bird in
Oh really? That's a calm one.
Matching various genres with different voices could be an advantage.
That's right. I don't gave anything certain yet and I have so many things that I want to try.
THE REAL GIRLFRIEND, YUJU
When someone says GFriend’s song, I think of your vocalization.
That’s the first time hearing that. It’s cool.
Is it because your voice is abundant? For example, in GFriend’s songs, your parts seem to catch my ear, sounding like my actual girlfriend. In other words, only your ‘tension’ seems to be high. In fact, the other parts are just pretty and loveable.
Because I’m showing the appearance of a bright and healthy girl, I remember the times I used to run around the playground. It also seems like my personality shows when I sing.
What kind of personality would that be. Your first impression seems calm but something new seems to come out when someone just touches you.
I heart that a lot when I was in school. My first impression seems to be hard to reach out to but after getting close, I’m actually the complete opposite. That they feel sorry for me cause I look so desperate. Stepping stones in in, and running as shown in . Isn’t it because I like sports. It feels so natural to me. I think that variety shows comes out better when I do them comfortably.
I heard that you have tried out in countless singing contests since you were young. I thought maybe that your desperateness from constantly ‘knocking on the door’ to become a singer was showing in your songs and variety shows.
It also does have some effect on it. It’s not that I like challenges but instead I didn’t want to waste time.
That sounds like the ‘tension’ I talked about.
You have to do it when you have to do it but also let go when you need to let go. You can only hold tight if you let go before. I’m tolerant to myself when I let go.
Without regarding noon or night, does it mean that you have sleeping times when you’re tired?
I usually can’t take afternoon naps. Occasionally, when I get to have personal time in the car, I like to do whatever I want to do.
What kind of things do you do?
I can’t dance and I can’t sing since the members are there too so practicing facial expressions for music video filming seems to be the best. Doing from playful and cute songs to dark songs with my earphones on, it’s practicing to express using my face quickly according to the situation.
You could explain ‘tension’ this way too. Something that shows not through someone who hasn’t practiced and is not ready but through someone who’s ready.
That must be good ‘tension’, right? Haha.
Have you thought about why especially you slipped and fell a lot during the stage (falling accident)?
We all went with the same amount of practice and I thought I had great balance but I was surprised. Probably because the movements were so intense, right?
Yea. This connects to what we talked about but you were just putting so much strength in your body. It showed because you met such a bad condition. Why you were putting in so much strength is because that’s how much you practiced.
There is actually something that I get from practicing. Practicing singing gets me to sing better and even if i don’t dance well after practicing with my dancing, there are things I earn from trial-and-error. Those things seem priceless.
Did you know that you open your eyes wide on stage?
Haha. Yes, my fans say that a lot.
Even that appearance seems like you’re trying to show some will.
It seemed like that even to me. My eyes don’t even come out prettily. In my own way, I’m trying to send some kind of message with my look/stare even in the shortest cuts taken in the camera.
When someone says GFriend’s song, I think of your vocalization.
That’s the first time hearing that. It’s cool.
Is it because your voice is abundant? For example, in GFriend’s songs, your parts seem to catch my ear, sounding like my actual girlfriend. In other words, only your ‘tension’ seems to be high. In fact, the other parts are just pretty and loveable.
Because I’m showing the appearance of a bright and healthy girl, I remember the times I used to run around the playground. It also seems like my personality shows when I sing.
What kind of personality would that be. Your first impression seems calm but something new seems to come out when someone just touches you.
I heart that a lot when I was in school. My first impression seems to be hard to reach out to but after getting close, I’m actually the complete opposite. That they feel sorry for me cause I look so desperate. Stepping stones in in
I heard that you have tried out in countless singing contests since you were young. I thought maybe that your desperateness from constantly ‘knocking on the door’ to become a singer was showing in your songs and variety shows.
It also does have some effect on it. It’s not that I like challenges but instead I didn’t want to waste time.
That sounds like the ‘tension’ I talked about.
You have to do it when you have to do it but also let go when you need to let go. You can only hold tight if you let go before. I’m tolerant to myself when I let go.
Without regarding noon or night, does it mean that you have sleeping times when you’re tired?
I usually can’t take afternoon naps. Occasionally, when I get to have personal time in the car, I like to do whatever I want to do.
What kind of things do you do?
I can’t dance and I can’t sing since the members are there too so practicing facial expressions for music video filming seems to be the best. Doing from playful and cute songs to dark songs with my earphones on, it’s practicing to express using my face quickly according to the situation.
You could explain ‘tension’ this way too. Something that shows not through someone who hasn’t practiced and is not ready but through someone who’s ready.
That must be good ‘tension’, right? Haha.
Have you thought about why especially you slipped and fell a lot during the stage (falling accident)?
We all went with the same amount of practice and I thought I had great balance but I was surprised. Probably because the movements were so intense, right?
Yea. This connects to what we talked about but you were just putting so much strength in your body. It showed because you met such a bad condition. Why you were putting in so much strength is because that’s how much you practiced.
There is actually something that I get from practicing. Practicing singing gets me to sing better and even if i don’t dance well after practicing with my dancing, there are things I earn from trial-and-error. Those things seem priceless.
Did you know that you open your eyes wide on stage?
Haha. Yes, my fans say that a lot.
Even that appearance seems like you’re trying to show some will.
It seemed like that even to me. My eyes don’t even come out prettily. In my own way, I’m trying to send some kind of message with my look/stare even in the shortest cuts taken in the camera.
THE REAL GIRLFRIEND, SINB
It’s cute when you suffer after having to do something cringing.
Really? Haha. I got better at it though.
Is it because you got to appear in the children’s show?
That’s right. First, we had to adjust to the children’s level and after following what the unnies and oppas were doing, it got more comfortable.
I saw you in and saw lots of notes on the bottom of the bed. What are they?
My diary, books my fans have given me, foreign language books my mom bought for me, etc.
I asked because it seemed like the place for your diary?
Even if it’s not frequently, my dad told me that it’ll be good to write in my diary so I can remember it later so I’ve been writing little by little.
What is it mainly about?
It’s a secret. haha. If I were to do bad on a recording day, then I would write it in my diary so I can remember it later so I’ve been writing little by little.
The member said that SinB-ssi is like a dad. Pretending to not be interested in front but taking care of them without anyone noticing. Because you’re not the type to make a fuss and show off, which is why you probably don’t like being acting cute too. However, GFriend is “girly”, isn’t it hard?
I think there has been a “girly” side of me too. Before, people said I’m manly so I just thought so too, but as we keep going, I don’t think it’s like that either. I can see it as a work with my members. Haha.
GFriend is famous for their dance that’s so orderly to the point that it’s scary. Let me ask you as the one in charge of the dance. Can you dance like that just though lots of practice?
Practice is practice, but your hearts have to fit well. We can proudly say that we have great teamwork. While practicing, even if we point out the mistakes of each other, we don’t have any notice and just accept it. Also, because all the members are so hardworking, they ask first if they feel like they made a mistake.
Then I’ll ask this way, how can you dance so well?
I’m not sure because I’ve just been dancing since I was young. Maybe by liking it and working hard?
GFriend’s dance doesn’t end after the rainy stage. All the dances done on variety shows were famous also but, the x2 speed dance was the main. When working with the next song, are you going to do a x4 speed dance?
It wasn’t like we practiced the x2 speed dance separately, but it seemed to work out. It was really cool. However, we’re more about doing something fun rather than doing something more.
What is important for GFriend when they dance? Is it strength?
Strength is needed too but your endurance needs to be good. If you try it, you’ll know but it’s really hard. We’re able to do it because we’ve done it a lot and got comfortable but normally, people wouldn’t be able to dance to it more than twice. Your fitness has to be really good.
In order to challenge, should I raise my fitness first?
Yes, it’ll be great for diet dancing. Haha.
Isn’t it hard to maintain a pretty face while dancing with full strength?
Our fans said that t’s hard to make GIFs because we more so harshly and fast. Haha. At first, I didn’t know but now, I know a trick. Doing my part prettily and the rest of the parts lively! And also, I like things that are hard.
Huh?
I like our team because I like doing hard things.
It’s cute when you suffer after having to do something cringing.
Really? Haha. I got better at it though.
Is it because you got to appear in the children’s show
That’s right. First, we had to adjust to the children’s level and after following what the unnies and oppas were doing, it got more comfortable.
I saw you in
My diary, books my fans have given me, foreign language books my mom bought for me, etc.
I asked because it seemed like the place for your diary?
Even if it’s not frequently, my dad told me that it’ll be good to write in my diary so I can remember it later so I’ve been writing little by little.
What is it mainly about?
It’s a secret. haha. If I were to do bad on a recording day, then I would write it in my diary so I can remember it later so I’ve been writing little by little.
The member said that SinB-ssi is like a dad. Pretending to not be interested in front but taking care of them without anyone noticing. Because you’re not the type to make a fuss and show off, which is why you probably don’t like being acting cute too. However, GFriend is “girly”, isn’t it hard?
I think there has been a “girly” side of me too. Before, people said I’m manly so I just thought so too, but as we keep going, I don’t think it’s like that either. I can see it as a work with my members. Haha.
GFriend is famous for their dance that’s so orderly to the point that it’s scary. Let me ask you as the one in charge of the dance. Can you dance like that just though lots of practice?
Practice is practice, but your hearts have to fit well. We can proudly say that we have great teamwork. While practicing, even if we point out the mistakes of each other, we don’t have any notice and just accept it. Also, because all the members are so hardworking, they ask first if they feel like they made a mistake.
Then I’ll ask this way, how can you dance so well?
I’m not sure because I’ve just been dancing since I was young. Maybe by liking it and working hard?
GFriend’s dance doesn’t end after the rainy stage. All the dances done on variety shows were famous also but, the x2 speed dance was the main. When working with the next song, are you going to do a x4 speed dance?
It wasn’t like we practiced the x2 speed dance separately, but it seemed to work out. It was really cool. However, we’re more about doing something fun rather than doing something more.
What is important for GFriend when they dance? Is it strength?
Strength is needed too but your endurance needs to be good. If you try it, you’ll know but it’s really hard. We’re able to do it because we’ve done it a lot and got comfortable but normally, people wouldn’t be able to dance to it more than twice. Your fitness has to be really good.
In order to challenge, should I raise my fitness first?
Yes, it’ll be great for diet dancing. Haha.
Isn’t it hard to maintain a pretty face while dancing with full strength?
Our fans said that t’s hard to make GIFs because we more so harshly and fast. Haha. At first, I didn’t know but now, I know a trick. Doing my part prettily and the rest of the parts lively! And also, I like things that are hard.
Huh?
I like our team because I like doing hard things.
THE REAL GIRLFRIEND, UMJI
I can see that you're the youngest just from your clothes.
They gave me this to wear. Hehe.
How do you feel about people just seeing you in the image of the youngest?
I'm the youngest at home too so I feel comfortable.
In fact, you're the same age as SinB but you seem younger. It seems that in related searches, your names come up and there are some words about how you guys don't get along?
I saw that too. That's a complete rumor. Broken and I, we have something. You know how you don't usually try to look close if you're not just close but really close. That's why. But people seem to misunderstand. If you look at it one way, SinB is like a securing and reassuring that I can talk to a lot and get along well.
The other members said that they learn a lot rather from your perfective personality even though you're the youngest.
I'm really thankful that they said that. Instead of having a perfective personality, I think I just matured earlier while growing up with my sister and brother who have a big age gap with me.
What do you think is your role in GFriend?
Maybe just the maknae?
Ai. Maknae is just relevant to the age.
That's why my words are an advantage I guess. Am. I think I'm the mediation role. For example, if there is a problem between two people, then I see the situation first, trying to consider how they feel. That one is like this and the other one is like that and tell them that they should talk about this. Being the mediation role has become a habit since I was young.
What's important about the mediation role?
The most important is talking to them without getting both people upset. So I first make then then tell them what's wrong. If I understand the position and tell them what's wrong, the opposite person listens well.
It seems like an answer that would come out in the book. I can see why people say you have a perfective personality.
Thank you.
But honestly, I thought you would say that your cute voice is your advantage. Don't you have pride in that too?
You know how people say that visiting their own voice and listening to a recording of your voice is different? When I was young, I didn't like hearing my voice being recorded. But then after I David, fans were saying that I have a pretty voice. I have never thought that my voice was pretty before. Thanks to them, I change my mind and develop confidence in my voice. I am thinking about testing my voice out yo see what I can do.
You mean animation dubbing?
Right. It's one of the things that I really want to do. Really.
I heard you like Disney animations?
I really like Rapunzel, The Little Mermaid, and Winnie the Pooh. I also like all the Disney princess series.
Which role would you like to do?
Rapunzel. I think I’ve watched Rapunzel about 5 times.
They probably have Umji Princess too? (There is actually a Warner animation called Thumbelina, Umji is thumb in Korean)
Ah, I should try looking for it.
You probably heard this numerous times but the name Umji is now okay for you, right?
I got used to it now and I’m satisfied with it too. I think the name really leaves an impression.
You match that name really well.
Yea, I like it because people don’t forget it easily.
I can see that you're the youngest just from your clothes.
They gave me this to wear. Hehe.
How do you feel about people just seeing you in the image of the youngest?
I'm the youngest at home too so I feel comfortable.
In fact, you're the same age as SinB but you seem younger. It seems that in related searches, your names come up and there are some words about how you guys don't get along?
I saw that too. That's a complete rumor. Broken and I, we have something. You know how you don't usually try to look close if you're not just close but really close. That's why. But people seem to misunderstand. If you look at it one way, SinB is like a securing and reassuring that I can talk to a lot and get along well.
The other members said that they learn a lot rather from your perfective personality even though you're the youngest.
I'm really thankful that they said that. Instead of having a perfective personality, I think I just matured earlier while growing up with my sister and brother who have a big age gap with me.
What do you think is your role in GFriend?
Maybe just the maknae?
Ai. Maknae is just relevant to the age.
That's why my words are an advantage I guess. Am. I think I'm the mediation role. For example, if there is a problem between two people, then I see the situation first, trying to consider how they feel. That one is like this and the other one is like that and tell them that they should talk about this. Being the mediation role has become a habit since I was young.
What's important about the mediation role?
The most important is talking to them without getting both people upset. So I first make then then tell them what's wrong. If I understand the position and tell them what's wrong, the opposite person listens well.
It seems like an answer that would come out in the book
Thank you.
But honestly, I thought you would say that your cute voice is your advantage. Don't you have pride in that too?
You know how people say that visiting their own voice and listening to a recording of your voice is different? When I was young, I didn't like hearing my voice being recorded. But then after I David, fans were saying that I have a pretty voice. I have never thought that my voice was pretty before. Thanks to them, I change my mind and develop confidence in my voice. I am thinking about testing my voice out yo see what I can do.
You mean animation dubbing?
Right. It's one of the things that I really want to do. Really.
I heard you like Disney animations?
I really like Rapunzel, The Little Mermaid, and Winnie the Pooh. I also like all the Disney princess series.
Which role would you like to do?
Rapunzel. I think I’ve watched Rapunzel about 5 times.
They probably have Umji Princess too? (There is actually a Warner animation called Thumbelina, Umji is thumb in Korean)
Ah, I should try looking for it.
You probably heard this numerous times but the name Umji is now okay for you, right?
I got used to it now and I’m satisfied with it too. I think the name really leaves an impression.
You match that name really well.
Yea, I like it because people don’t forget it easily.
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Date: 2016-06-26 07:20 pm (UTC)I think they could be the future of kpop once they get new and adventurous concepts.
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Date: 2016-06-26 07:54 pm (UTC)i'm really looking forward to their comeback bc i'm curious what comes next after the school trilogy. rough was my least favorite of their releases so i hope it's something different
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Date: 2016-06-27 04:53 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-06-27 05:47 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-06-27 08:11 am (UTC)I really loved this answer from Sowon:
Do you think you are leading GFriend well?
There is this synergy that comes out whenever each of us are doing their own parts well. If I think that we succeeded/did well because of me, then I should have gone solo. Everyone’s little flaws have gathered together and isn’t tat why “GFriend” is formed?
goddd i can't wait for their next comeback
please be good w/ less school uniformsno subject
Date: 2016-06-27 05:41 pm (UTC)that was my favorite part too GAHHH CANT WAIT
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Date: 2016-06-28 04:00 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-06-27 08:13 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2016-07-06 05:07 pm (UTC)