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omonatheydidMore Hyungwon for Arena Homme+
Today is the 2467th day since Monsta X’s debut
Gosh, is that right?
You’ve done a lot during that time. Last year you also took a shot at acting with Fly, Again.
That’s right. I’m sure fans most appreciate when I’m on stage but I personally want to show them a lot of different things like acting or DJing. Maybe they can see the person Chae Hyungwon in a lot of different lights.
You’ve also been writing songs and lyrics. What was the toughest song that you’ve worked on?
“Nobody Else.” That one took a long time. It was my first self-composed song so I had very high expectations for myself. There are a lot of people that write their own songs but I wanted mine to be as uniquely good as possible so I revised it over and over. I hoped my song would leave a lasting impression. It was actually supposed to be on an earlier album but I wasn’t happy with it yet so I worked on it more and it ended up going on Fatal Love.
Do you draw from your own experiences for lyrics?
Rather than my experiences or vague imagination, I get a lot of inspiration from movies. I examine the feeling of a scene and try to imagine it. And then atmosphere, imagery, words, sentences, start coming to me bit by bit. I write those down or record voice notes. Then I look at those later to inspire my lyrics.
When were you most satisfied doing promotions as Monsta X?
When we did “Shoot Out.” That one was the most memorable for me. It’s a meaningful song to us since it got us our first win on a major network show. We put a lot of work into it and Monbebe responded really well to it so that was satisfying.
Watching you perform, it’s hard to imagine that you’re actually shy in real life.
I was a lot shyer when I was younger. I struggled to talk to people I’d just met. When I was a student, all I did was play soccer or practice Taekwondo. At one point I dreamed of being a Taekwondo professional. I practiced seriously during elementary school but I switched back to full-time academics when I went to middle school. I could tell I wasn’t going to make it as a pro.
But you’re more extroverted now?
So much that sometimes I wonder if I’m even the same person. Sometimes I'm still very introverted but then sometimes I’m so talkative and sociable it makes me wonder ‘when did I become this outgoing?’ And I’ve been living with Jooheon, who’s extremely outgoing, for 10 years so I think it’s naturally rubbed off on me. Jooheon says that too sometimes, “hyung, you seem like a different person.” I’m really not sure what kind of person I am anymore.
But everyone has different dimensions within them.
That’s true. After debuting, I felt really uncomfortable putting on a personality that didn’t feel like mine. I kept thinking, ‘but this isn’t really me.’ But now I’ve come to accept it as another side of me. I mean, it’s not like being extroverted is a bad thing.
What do you think you would have been if you weren’t a member of Monsta X?
Probably just someone really average? But I really don’t think I could’ve been an office worker. I guess I would’ve gone to college? I don’t know. I’d probably still be trying to find a career.
What place makes you feel the most comfortable?
The gym. I overthink a lot and worry too much. When I’m at home alone, I usually can’t stop overthinking. But at the gym I can focus on working out and it’s easy to let go of all my stray thoughts.
Would you say you’re a contemplative, cautious type?
I think so. That seems right, I’m pretty cautious. Especially when I’m faced with a decision, I try my best to make a choice that I won’t regret later. As a result I end up brooding and worrying about things a lot.
Who do you share your worries with?
I usually don’t share them with anyone. I used to complain a lot to others. And then one day a friend of mine said, “every time I see you, you’re always whining.” It was like I got hit over the head. I realized I was becoming someone who only shared negative things with the people I liked. And also I came to realize - if all I say are negative things then all the things around me are naturally going to be negative. So from then on, I tend to keep to myself about the problems that I can handle alone.
Sounds like you’re someone who says it like it is and not much else
I really don’t care about trying to sound smart or put-together all the time. I just don’t like saying things that don’t have a point. I feel like I only want to say things that actually matter. I’m not sure if this is a good or bad thing, though. Someone else might want to talk with me about something at more depth but if I just cut to the point and wrap things up it might be fine for me but not for them. But there’s no one right answer either way so I guess I just have to be who I am (smiles).
Can you tell us more about what the person that you are likes?
I have pretty simple tastes, I like plain colors. I really like people who aren’t too greedy. Of course everyone has things they want for themselves but I don’t like people who want to take from others. I like people who are considerate and thoughtful.
We heard you’ve been going to art exhibits lately.
I have. Oh, and I like learning new things. I’ve discovered the joy of learning about the history of certain pictures or artists by going to photography exhibits.
What have you been learning lately?
Golf. I learned how to swing a driver yesterday! It’s fun how you can’t always predict where the ball is going to go and sometimes it goes just where you want it to when you least expect it and it’s really satisfying. It’s changing my lifestyle too. I’m sleeping less and getting up earlier to go to golf lessons in the morning (laughs). I go to lessons in the morning and then I’m wide awake and able to use the rest of the afternoon however I want. And one thing I’m terrible at but can’t work up the courage to try is painting/drawing.
You seem like you’d be good at drawing/painting.
No, I’m awful. We’re still really busy so I don’t have the time now but at some point later on I want to learn how to do it properly. I want to try creating some art in a quiet place all by myself.
Are you someone who enjoys trying and learning new things?
Very much so. That’s another part of my personality that’s changed. Previously, when I was accustomed to or absorbed in one thing, I didn’t want to try anything else. Maybe I didn’t want to try things that I thought I’d be bad at. But starting a couple years ago, learning and acquiring new skills has become a lot of fun for me. Songwriting, golf, working out as well. These days, learning new things is one of the highlights of my daily life.
I’m sure there are many new challenges you’ll have to take on in the future, how would you want to approach them?
I want to be someone who can handle them well. Whether it’s doing new things or improving at things I’ve always done, I want to be able to look back and be proud of how I did them. That’s part of why I started working out at 28. I realized I wanted to be proud of how I looked by the time I was 30.
What kind of person is impressive to you?
Someone who does things as ‘well’ as they can. And someone with good character. Someone who’s maybe not perfect but just feels human. That’s what I want to be. That’s why it makes me happy when people tell me, ‘you don’t really seem like a celebrity.’
Is there anything you’re afraid of?
Afraid of… becoming distant from my people as time passes. Fans, and the people closest to me. I start thinking about that every so often. ‘What happens when we grow apart.’ I’m not afraid of goodbyes per se but I do dread them. That’s it.
You receive so much love from your fans, but how much do you love yourself?
I’m trying to love myself. I never really thought about it in those terms when I was young. But as time went by, I realized ‘I have to love myself in order to love others.’ I still don’t compliment myself on doing a good job but I try to take care of myself. You know how some people just have high self-esteem. I look at those people around me and try to apply what they do and find a method that works for me.
You’ve spent your 20s with Monsta X - what has that time left behind for you?
The fullness and substance of my twenties. I’m happy with how I spent my teens too. I had a lot of fun when I was a student but your twenties are the peak of your youth. I spent my twenties as Monsta X and it did not go to waste. And I’m thankful for that.
Do you still use wired headphones to listen to music?
I do. I think analog is cooler. I’ve tried Airpods but I couldn’t get used to them. And wired headphones are much better looking.
And it’s already time for the photoshoot. How are you feeling?
It’s been a while since I’ve done a shoot, I’ll try my best. I hope a lot of people will like it.
You’ve done a lot during that time. Last year you also took a shot at acting with Fly, Again.
That’s right. I’m sure fans most appreciate when I’m on stage but I personally want to show them a lot of different things like acting or DJing. Maybe they can see the person Chae Hyungwon in a lot of different lights.
You’ve also been writing songs and lyrics. What was the toughest song that you’ve worked on?
“Nobody Else.” That one took a long time. It was my first self-composed song so I had very high expectations for myself. There are a lot of people that write their own songs but I wanted mine to be as uniquely good as possible so I revised it over and over. I hoped my song would leave a lasting impression. It was actually supposed to be on an earlier album but I wasn’t happy with it yet so I worked on it more and it ended up going on Fatal Love.
Do you draw from your own experiences for lyrics?
Rather than my experiences or vague imagination, I get a lot of inspiration from movies. I examine the feeling of a scene and try to imagine it. And then atmosphere, imagery, words, sentences, start coming to me bit by bit. I write those down or record voice notes. Then I look at those later to inspire my lyrics.
When were you most satisfied doing promotions as Monsta X?
When we did “Shoot Out.” That one was the most memorable for me. It’s a meaningful song to us since it got us our first win on a major network show. We put a lot of work into it and Monbebe responded really well to it so that was satisfying.
Watching you perform, it’s hard to imagine that you’re actually shy in real life.
I was a lot shyer when I was younger. I struggled to talk to people I’d just met. When I was a student, all I did was play soccer or practice Taekwondo. At one point I dreamed of being a Taekwondo professional. I practiced seriously during elementary school but I switched back to full-time academics when I went to middle school. I could tell I wasn’t going to make it as a pro.
But you’re more extroverted now?
So much that sometimes I wonder if I’m even the same person. Sometimes I'm still very introverted but then sometimes I’m so talkative and sociable it makes me wonder ‘when did I become this outgoing?’ And I’ve been living with Jooheon, who’s extremely outgoing, for 10 years so I think it’s naturally rubbed off on me. Jooheon says that too sometimes, “hyung, you seem like a different person.” I’m really not sure what kind of person I am anymore.
But everyone has different dimensions within them.
That’s true. After debuting, I felt really uncomfortable putting on a personality that didn’t feel like mine. I kept thinking, ‘but this isn’t really me.’ But now I’ve come to accept it as another side of me. I mean, it’s not like being extroverted is a bad thing.
What do you think you would have been if you weren’t a member of Monsta X?
Probably just someone really average? But I really don’t think I could’ve been an office worker. I guess I would’ve gone to college? I don’t know. I’d probably still be trying to find a career.
What place makes you feel the most comfortable?
The gym. I overthink a lot and worry too much. When I’m at home alone, I usually can’t stop overthinking. But at the gym I can focus on working out and it’s easy to let go of all my stray thoughts.
Would you say you’re a contemplative, cautious type?
I think so. That seems right, I’m pretty cautious. Especially when I’m faced with a decision, I try my best to make a choice that I won’t regret later. As a result I end up brooding and worrying about things a lot.
Who do you share your worries with?
I usually don’t share them with anyone. I used to complain a lot to others. And then one day a friend of mine said, “every time I see you, you’re always whining.” It was like I got hit over the head. I realized I was becoming someone who only shared negative things with the people I liked. And also I came to realize - if all I say are negative things then all the things around me are naturally going to be negative. So from then on, I tend to keep to myself about the problems that I can handle alone.
Sounds like you’re someone who says it like it is and not much else
I really don’t care about trying to sound smart or put-together all the time. I just don’t like saying things that don’t have a point. I feel like I only want to say things that actually matter. I’m not sure if this is a good or bad thing, though. Someone else might want to talk with me about something at more depth but if I just cut to the point and wrap things up it might be fine for me but not for them. But there’s no one right answer either way so I guess I just have to be who I am (smiles).
Can you tell us more about what the person that you are likes?
I have pretty simple tastes, I like plain colors. I really like people who aren’t too greedy. Of course everyone has things they want for themselves but I don’t like people who want to take from others. I like people who are considerate and thoughtful.
We heard you’ve been going to art exhibits lately.
I have. Oh, and I like learning new things. I’ve discovered the joy of learning about the history of certain pictures or artists by going to photography exhibits.
What have you been learning lately?
Golf. I learned how to swing a driver yesterday! It’s fun how you can’t always predict where the ball is going to go and sometimes it goes just where you want it to when you least expect it and it’s really satisfying. It’s changing my lifestyle too. I’m sleeping less and getting up earlier to go to golf lessons in the morning (laughs). I go to lessons in the morning and then I’m wide awake and able to use the rest of the afternoon however I want. And one thing I’m terrible at but can’t work up the courage to try is painting/drawing.
You seem like you’d be good at drawing/painting.
No, I’m awful. We’re still really busy so I don’t have the time now but at some point later on I want to learn how to do it properly. I want to try creating some art in a quiet place all by myself.
Are you someone who enjoys trying and learning new things?
Very much so. That’s another part of my personality that’s changed. Previously, when I was accustomed to or absorbed in one thing, I didn’t want to try anything else. Maybe I didn’t want to try things that I thought I’d be bad at. But starting a couple years ago, learning and acquiring new skills has become a lot of fun for me. Songwriting, golf, working out as well. These days, learning new things is one of the highlights of my daily life.
I’m sure there are many new challenges you’ll have to take on in the future, how would you want to approach them?
I want to be someone who can handle them well. Whether it’s doing new things or improving at things I’ve always done, I want to be able to look back and be proud of how I did them. That’s part of why I started working out at 28. I realized I wanted to be proud of how I looked by the time I was 30.
What kind of person is impressive to you?
Someone who does things as ‘well’ as they can. And someone with good character. Someone who’s maybe not perfect but just feels human. That’s what I want to be. That’s why it makes me happy when people tell me, ‘you don’t really seem like a celebrity.’
Is there anything you’re afraid of?
Afraid of… becoming distant from my people as time passes. Fans, and the people closest to me. I start thinking about that every so often. ‘What happens when we grow apart.’ I’m not afraid of goodbyes per se but I do dread them. That’s it.
You receive so much love from your fans, but how much do you love yourself?
I’m trying to love myself. I never really thought about it in those terms when I was young. But as time went by, I realized ‘I have to love myself in order to love others.’ I still don’t compliment myself on doing a good job but I try to take care of myself. You know how some people just have high self-esteem. I look at those people around me and try to apply what they do and find a method that works for me.
You’ve spent your 20s with Monsta X - what has that time left behind for you?
The fullness and substance of my twenties. I’m happy with how I spent my teens too. I had a lot of fun when I was a student but your twenties are the peak of your youth. I spent my twenties as Monsta X and it did not go to waste. And I’m thankful for that.
Do you still use wired headphones to listen to music?
I do. I think analog is cooler. I’ve tried Airpods but I couldn’t get used to them. And wired headphones are much better looking.
And it’s already time for the photoshoot. How are you feeling?
It’s been a while since I’ve done a shoot, I’ll try my best. I hope a lot of people will like it.
Teasers for MX's new Universe series - Kiss or Death: Cold Sleep
Universe has finally caught up to the era of no Shownu ( ꒦ິㅂ꒦ີ)
MONSTA X on their Sexiest Body Parts
Changkyun: my brain 🙄
MONCHANNEL - Minhyuk & Jooheon x Olive Young Vegan Beauty
IDOL RADIO
full episode w/ Jinjin & Rocky
episodes with their friends are always the best <3
see also: Learning "Dilemma" w/ Apink
+ Jooheon doing the voiceover for Bomi's aegyo
Learning "Run2U" with StayC
Learning "Jikjin" with Treasure
(Jooheon crushes this one)
OnlyOneOf's full MX choreo medley
Kihyun on Baby Cloud
Kihyun made a guest appearance on The Return of Superman’s Youtube spinoff to “redeem himself” after placing last on the other spinoff Rockstone Party. He visited the stars of Baby Cloud, Korean-based American model/actor Kevin Dockry and his son Kylo (and their gorgeous dog Namu), equipped with toys and Kylo’s favorite snack of tangerines.
(Kihyun appears just after 8:00 -no subs yet nvm subs are already up!)
lmao they broke the dog
+ Kylo and Changkyun have the same Muzik Tiger pajamas helppp
(Only tangentially related to MX but it’s great)
(As helpfully illustrated by the first 1:30 of this video lol)
Kim Ye-lim ended up finishing in ninth place overall in women’s figure skating.
Universe has finally caught up to the era of no Shownu ( ꒦ິㅂ꒦ີ)
MONSTA X on their Sexiest Body Part
Changkyun: my brain 🙄
MONCHANNEL - Minhyuk & Jooheon x Olive Young Vegan Beauty
IDOL RADIO
full episode w/ Jinjin & Rocky
episodes with their friends are always the best <3
see also: Learning "Dilemma" w/ Apink
+ Jooheon doing the voiceover for Bomi's aegyo
Learning "Run2U" with StayC
Learning "Jikjin" with Treasure
(Jooheon crushes this one)
OnlyOneOf's full MX choreo medley
Kihyun on Baby Cloud
Kihyun made a guest appearance on The Return of Superman’s Youtube spinoff to “redeem himself” after placing last on the other spinoff Rockstone Party. He visited the stars of Baby Cloud, Korean-based American model/actor Kevin Dockry and his son Kylo (and their gorgeous dog Namu), equipped with toys and Kylo’s favorite snack of tangerines.
(Kihyun appears just after 8:00 -
lmao they broke the dog
+ Kylo and Changkyun have the same Muzik Tiger pajamas helppp
카일로 같은 잠옷인 거 창균이가 알았어 ㅋㅋㅋ 기현이형 슈돌 챙겨봤나봐 ㅋㅋㅎㅎㅋ pic.twitter.com/MczZvVhXcb
— 얀이 (@FROM_HW) March 4, 2022
(Only tangentially related to MX but it’s great)
Figure skater Kim Ye-lim made her Olympics debut at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and immediately became a fan favorite amongst home audiences for the contrast between her elegant performances and her swaggering exits off the ice. Several comments and reaction memes about her went viral with tens of thousands of upvotes, including one nicknaming her the ‘Figure General’ due to her resemblance to sageuk general characters (such as Lee Jungjae in the movie The Face Reader). Another popular comment said, “She went from Oh My Girl to Monsta X.”
(As helpfully illustrated by the first 1:30 of this video lol)
Kim Ye-lim ended up finishing in ninth place overall in women’s figure skating.
Sources: Arena Homme+ (OP translation), UNIVERSE_OFFICIAL 1 2, AskAnythingChat, MONSTA X, 아이돌라디오 1 2 3 4 5 6, 슈돌, @FROM_HW, KLAB
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no subject
Date: 2022-03-04 06:10 pm (UTC)KH: Did you see the concept film
CK: I did
KH: What did you think?
CK: *reenactment* that’s what you looked like
KH: Wait, that's imitating me?! That’s incredibly offensive
(Kiki, bb, my son, my good child, I love you but it’s okay to close your mouth in some of these, I promise. I’m super excited for the album and he looks amazing overall but it has to be said lol)
Mr. Yoo: Hello listeners, this is Monsta X Kihyun’s father
KH: Do you think he’ll still be awake?
Professor Im: Hi son~ 💜💜
CK: Hi dad, we’re live on the radio right now
KH: How old is your little sister?
MBB: She’s seven (six intl age)
CK & KH: Is the baby asleep by now? Can we talk to her? You don’t have to wake her up if she’s sleeping!
MBB: (to her sister) Kaeun~ come here a sec!
CK: She’s got a really pretty voice
MBB: Kaeun, do you remember how unni sang that song Shoot Out for you? These guys are Monsta X and it’s their song, can you say hello?
BBMBB: Annyeonghaseyo~~~<3
CK & KH: *meltinggggg*
KH: What's your name?
MBB: Can you tell them your name?
BBMBB: *&^Ka*&@
CK & KH: Kawon? Kaeun?
MBB: I think she’s feeling a little shy..
CK: *having a mental breakdown*
KH: Oh that’s okay if she’s feeling shy, she doesn’t have to. She's adorable though
MBB: Isn't she cute?
no subject
Date: 2022-03-04 06:11 pm (UTC)(After his shirtless concept photos) I, Yoo Kihyun, officially announce that I am no longer leader of the Bosu Brothers, a private organization within Monsta X also known as the BoBu, as of 2021 March 1st
We’re turning thirty now, so yeah…
Retro Pokemon roll cakes with collectible stickers are back in Korea and people have been buying them like crazy, including Jooheon. Kihyun opened one and got a Charizard, which are apparently super rare and called Jooheon to brag. He opens another one and immediately gets another Charizard
KH: Once, we - one time Monsta X all burst in tears at once, you know why? Shownu hyung started crying. Shownu hyung doesn’t cry - (what a rarity) It is a rarity! But at one concert he started crying and all of a sudden, we’re ALL crying. He just went like *herk* and we were like…. (Jinjin: when you see that next to you - ) and we just lost it, we were all wrecked.
+ oh just cause ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ
no subject
Date: 2022-03-04 10:34 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-03-07 08:07 pm (UTC)I'm so happy he's grown more confident into himself, and that talk about being more open to learning new skills at his age 🥺 it's such an eye-opener when they compare themselves with their younger, debut years and see how much they've grown.
OnlyOneOf is my fave nugu group, and was happy that their episode was great. I wish they would go to midnight idol because i want to listen more about Yoojung's story in which Changkyun lent him his shoes for his test 🥺
no subject
Date: 2022-03-09 12:08 pm (UTC)Yeah I thought that part would ruffle some feathers lol. But IA it’s harsh but just true, people who are always complaining/negative are a chore to be around and can often end up alone, that’s something you should be aware of in your relationships with others but it can be tough to see yourself objectively with stuff like that. But I also agree that I hope he has a healthier way of dealing with serious stress.
I usually don’t watch the idol radio episodes with nugus or other guests I don’t know/care about but I saw clips of OnlyOneOf and they looked so excited to be there so I checked it out and the episode was so cute. One of MX’s many gen 4 fanboy groups lol. I hope they show up on Midnight Idol soon (and Midnight Idol has been sooo good lately, I was lmao @ the book club with Inseong and Daehwi)