Translation of TVXQ's Ginger November Issue Interview

[gardenintheair.livejournal.com]

A photo book capturing them the way they really are in personal life,
which they have never shown us!

In the middle of this June, Yunho and Changmin went to Spain after the concert in Paris to shoot a photo book. It was a tight schedule where they travel from Malaga via Cordoba to Madrid during 4 nights 5 days. But they say "We felt so laid back, as if we were enjoying a private vacation". They seemed to like the atmosphere of the cities and took some pictures by themselves too.




YH: While traveling from Cordoba to Madrid by train, we enjoyed the scenery from the window. The photos were shot while we were strolling the cities. The photographer Mika Minagawa-san said "Do anything that you want to do". So it was rather a vacation with a photographer snapping off-shots than a job.

CM: We rarely have such a time, so we frolicked around and enjoyed ourselves in full power, for example, rolled around on the beach getting sand all over our bodies and played Frisbee. But it was really hot. The temperature was around 36°C every day. We wore heavy clothes in such extreme heat. That was the only thing that reminded me we were doing a job. But the photo book turned out very well. Our effort is paying off!



The concept of the photo book is "Two mature men travelling together". We asked them to make out a story, then Changmin unexpectedly turned out to be a good story teller.

CM: The highlight of the photo book is like this. We are travelling together. We go to a church Yunho recommends, and have a quarrel over small matter. We separate, then I hit on a girl to feel less lonely. But suddenly I come to myself and start thinking "What am I doing?". I bitterly regret while taking a shower in clothes, like "Why did I hit on a girl?". We get over the quarrel and left Spain together saying "Let's go back to Asia". To quickly describe, another theme of this photo book is "We valued men's friendship more than girl-hunting" (laugh)

Actually, there are lots of sexy shots in the photo book which make us imagine such a story.

YH: We never showed such atmosphere and expressions before. Probably those are something only a long-term girlfriend can see (laugh).

CM: That's true. I saw Yunho making such a sexy face for the first time!

YH: While I was shooting in the shower, the staff tried to persuade me to take off more of my clothes. But I stuck with my theory "Men's sexiness comes from hiding!". I will capture the hearts of people by, so to speak, see-through sexiness (laugh).

What do you remember the most from this shooting?

CM: I was surprised to see sunflowers taller than me for the first time. And Yunho made an original song and was singing it throughout the shooting. Sunflower was the only word included in the song (laugh).

YH: I'll complete the full version of "Sunflower" song someday. Something like "I'll protect you no matter what happens" (laugh). What I remember the most from the shooting was a church. I said my prayers. I prayed for Tohoshinki, I prayed for Changmin and for me...


Wait till the photo book is released and read the special interview placed at the end of the photo book. You can see their honest feelings, such as what they thought before the comeback, how they spent after that and their future outlook.



We don't regret a thing no matter how our reputation goes down.
We put all the messages into this album.


We won't regret no matter how our reputation goes down. We put our everything into this album.

Their long-awaited new album "TONE" will be released soon. The album is stuffed full with their new charms. It is the first album since their official comeback and contains some ballads, which are Tohoshinki's true worth but they haven’t released as a single. Obviously their various feelings are summed up in the album.

Can you tell us what the title "TONE" means?

YH: The title has various meanings, for examples, new tone of Tohoshinki's voice after becoming a duo, tones of a variety of genres, and enthusiasm for finding new tones. But generally the basis of Tohoshinki remains unchanged since our debut. What has possibly changed is that we tried various attempts to positively make the most of being a duo as well as to bring out the individuality of us.

CM: We looked for and created our own tone, in consideration of straightforward strength of each of us, the balance of harmony and various factors associated with a duet. To be honest, we worried there would be a limit for a duo and it was the largest challenge for us. But such worries made us try various things, and as a result, we were able to grow.

You two have different strong points. Which song was difficult to sing with your two voices?

YH: I think "Shiawaseiro no Hana" was difficult. We re-recorded the song even after the director said okay. First we sang it wistfully, but I thought "If we contain our emotion, the song would sound more mature and have more Tohoshinki color".
This song is 6-minute and 40-second long, the longest among Tohoshinki's songs. We set our bar high for the song because we had to do our very best to satisfy listeners with only two voices. I think people can feel "Tohoshinki has grown" and our efforts are paying off...

How about you, Changmin?

CM: My largest challenge was how to go beyond myself in vocal. The atmosphere is changed by a small thing, for example, how to express my feeling in the song or the tone of the voice. I felt it especially when we were recording the first track "Introduction ~magenta~". It is the purest and most straightforward song among our songs, so I wanted to deliver it as my new charm.

YH: Changmin's expression has got much deeper. I thought many times "Is this really Changmin?". It’s amazing! Especially he sounds awesome in "Shiawaseiro no Hana".

CM: What amazed me is how persistent Yunho is. He is extremely strict with himself to the extent that staff is stunned. I want to emulate his mental toughness...

YH: I know. I say "One more time" even when the staff wants to go home (laugh).

Can I call it the first album since your comeback?

CM: I want to leave it to the listeners. If we say "Please take the album as something", some people don't think that way. Everyone has their own taste. I don't want to force anything. Actually I don't have such feelings like "Take the album as something" or "Think it as our turning point". What I have in my heart has not changed. This is one step forward on the path I’ve been walking all the time.

YH: I don't want put pressure on listeners, either. I'm happy enough if someone feels "I like this song". If someone feels "This song sounds like past Tohoshinki", that's also good.

CM: I don't care how listeners take this album. If they feel we have grown, that alone means success for us. If they feel "They are missing something", we want to work harder to fill the gap. That's all.


We are artists, so we should convey our sincere gratitude to fans through our songs.
Each track is our soul. I'm glad if people feel our seriousness.


The singles you released after the comeback were powerful and aggressive. They showed high potentials you two have. On the other hand, this album shows Tohoshinki's sincere and loving attitude towards fans. I think "Weep" represents such an attitude.

YH: I thought we can share our feelings with fans through "Weep" at concerts. Both the melody and lyrics are exactly what we were really looking for. It's not easy to find what you want. It's a miracle and I thought our hearts must be connected.

Each word in the lyrics brings tears to my eyes.

CM: Of course, that was our intention. Sorry (laugh).

Ahaha This is our sarcastic Changmin (laugh).

YH: That's such a lie. We have discussed it, "We are artists, so we should convey our sincere gratitude to fans through our songs". The order of the songs may be a little sly. But I like it very much.

When fans listen to "Weep" and "Somebody To Love 2011" in a row, they must be deeply moved. What do you think about singing a past song with two of you?

YH: We've been always Tohoshinki and still are. In this regard, it's not strange thing to sing Tohoshinki's past songs. But if you ask us if we didn't feel any hesitation or resistance to singing it with two of us, the answer is "Yes we did". But this is our most memorable song and we're going to cherish it. I only hope so.

CM: Because we're Tohoshinki and will continue to be Tohoshinki.

YH: We’ve been always doing our best and have delivered our music with confidence. If it was 100%, we must try to go beyond 100% with two of us. I think "Somebody To Love 2011" is the answer. That's why we thought "We will sing the song with pride".

CM: If people think we failed, I have no regrets.

YH: I've always been thinking we don't need any words. As an artist, we put all the messages into this album. That's all that matters.

Thank you, that's enough. I think everything is condensed into your words.

YH: The album tour will start next January. I think our true value will be evaluated based on how to deliver that stage. The album is important, but what we can show on stages is the most important. I'm looking forward to seeing you at the "TONE" concert.

CM: We sang each song earnestly and seriously, thinking that this song is our soul. I'm glad if people feel it.


In this interview, I felt each word they spoke was stronger and heartier than ever. I can't wait the tour. Their power will explode.


Ginger Spain Off-Shots



We followed them during the photo book shooting on location in the sweltering heat of Spain.

①　The 4-day shooting started at a white town Mijas. They moved from a patio, church to bullring, sweating but smiling for the shooting. They had a relaxed time in the donkey taxi.

②　Shooting on a beach in the Malaga suburb. They splashed water in the sea, rolled around on the beach. They frolicked around too much and sand got into Yunho's eye! while Changmin was playing Frisbee.

③　They moved to Cordoba on the 2nd day. Changmin was impressed by sunflowers taller than him. On the 3rd day, Yunho performed a passionate dance with a girl dancer. It's a must-see.

④　They headed for Madrid using AVE. After changing clothes, photos were taken at the terminal. The thing that impressed us was that both of them were communicating with the local people using a dictionary during the journey.

⑤　They ended the shooting at a cave restaurant and had a party. They were moved by a popular ballad played for them. Changmin repeated delicious about the restaurant's specialty, mushroom dish.

Source: Ginger November Issue
Translated by: Lisalio @ContinueTVXQ.com
Distributed by: Lisalio @ContinueTVXQ.com
Please keep the original credit intact, thank you.

Quoting Shiawase Iro no Hana, my love's spilling over, it's too infinite for words.

Comments

[laeryn.livejournal.com]

I was surprised to see sunflowers taller than me for the first time.

I find specially beautiful that he picks this as what he remembers the most.

I still can't get over the fan of so many idols coming to Spain lately. You're welcome to stay longer, you people! xDD

[laeryn.livejournal.com]

ugh, sorry: over the fact that so many*

[flame-angel88.livejournal.com]

Gorgeous perfect men! I'm destined to be single all my life because nobody can ever match up to these 2 men.

[ryukokoro-oppa.livejournal.com]

I want a proper release of this Sunflower song of yours, Yunho.

Gorgeous duo are both gorgeous and intelligent. But almost 7 minutes long O___O ....Idk man..I hope that song is as good as the teaser is throughout the entire thing.

And yes boys..You have grown. Despite some missteps along the way coughSuperstarcough, overall, proud of you for improving to the lengths that you did.

I NEED TONE IN MY LIFE!! ...SOBS why do I have no money.

[ryukokoro-oppa.livejournal.com]

Also... 'On the 3rd day, Yunho performed a passionate dance with a girl dancer. It's a must-see.' ...does not know if I should wait in anticipation or horror...

But if they're in Spain....oh gawd Yunho those hips *__*

[rosetta16.livejournal.com]

I think is great that they let the album speak for itself, it feels they read some negative comments about some songs and about singing THSK old songs and I love their answer cause it was like a “Fuck Off” but in a classy way XD
I think the album is really flawless every song was thought carefully and they put all of their souls on them and you can really feel it by how they sing and how much their voices have improve
I think they did a pretty amazing job in this album, you can feel their growth XD
“CM: I don't care how listeners take this album.” Always direct, that why I love him ♥♥
“YH: We've been always Tohoshinki and still are.
CM: Because we're Tohoshinki and will continue to be Tohoshinki.”
What I have always said when people bit their heads off for singing old songs ♥

[xxfergiexx.livejournal.com]

I love their answer cause it was like a “Fuck Off” but in a classy way

Exactly. Such a classy way to say "we honestly don't give a fuck...you'll either like it or you won't...we feel we did our best and are happy with the results."

And really that's all that matters. A fan can appreciate it and love it, or continue to bash/whine/complain about it. Either way, it doesn't matter to them.

Guh I love their answers! So direct. Yunho tries to be nice about it, but Changmin tells it how it is. Love that boy!

[samunin.livejournal.com]

Ugh need tone now!!
That is one long song
Awww thNk you homin for this interview
I need that photobook!!!
U hit on someone Changmin!? That lucky girl! Way to make it seem like ur gay lmao XD
Anyways hit on me^^ Changmin <3 come to Seattle tvxq, I will be waiting for you <3

[lee-chikin.livejournal.com]

Two mature men travelling together (remembers the photo of the 2 of them holding hands in the sand)

"We valued men's friendship more than girl-hunting"

YH: We never showed such atmosphere and expressions before. Probably those are something only a long-term girlfriend can see (laugh).
CM: That's true. I saw Yunho making such a sexy face for the first time!

Ehm. I really cannot compute. They are so. so. so. so. /fangirl swoon

"I said my prayers. I prayed for Tohoshinki, I prayed for Changmin and for me..."

"We don't regret a thing no matter how our reputation goes down.
We put all the messages into this album."

"I'm happy enough if someone feels "I like this song". If someone feels "This song sounds like past Tohoshinki", that's also good."

I'm tearing up.

[ghina93.livejournal.com]

I love them.

[gardenintheair.livejournal.com]

I doubt people are going to forget about DBSK that easily

I'm not that sure. I remember Yunho saying in one interview that he asked once a boy about what k-pop group he likes, it was during hiatus period. Child mentioned Super Junior but didn't recall TVXQ. Ok, that's only a kid, but it did say much to me.

[gardenintheair.livejournal.com]

I know they are getting bashed for singing and re-recording old songs. I understand people might be upset about it, they have the right to. But I also understand the two's point, how they feel that they still continue their path as Dong Bang Shin Ki/Tohoshinki. The complete shit would happen if they sang tracks which Yoochun or/and Jae composed, it's impossible though. I trust them.

[hibohabu.livejournal.com]

Changmin and sunflowers make a beautiful picture, but Changmin and mushrooms are a very good combination too! And that's really ninja of Yunho, hiding his sexy face from Changmin for the entire nine years they've known each other. I was touched by the part about him praying for him and Changmin. Looking forward to his passionate dance and sunflower song.

I'm so glad that they finally spoke up about 'Somebody To Love' because I've been feeling the exact same way since I heard the preview. Changmin's directness strikes again, and it's a vitamin shot to the heart. The shy yet fierce pride with which he's been talking about TONE reminds me that, like Yunho, he's matured even more as a person and an artiste and worked even harder to make it happen. Recording this album seems like it's been some sort of release for HoMin, and I want to listen to it in full to not just enjoy the songs but also understand the feelings they've carefully poured into and sealed in it. I guess music is still the best way TVXQ communicates with their fans.

[scarsluv.livejournal.com]

I love the concept of the photobook, sounds like two lovers more than men's friendship :P.

I appreciate homin singing old songs, it must be hard to do :') but still they're doing their best<3

[simplynonsense.livejournal.com]

This interview is just ♥


Jung Yunho, I demand the release of Sunflower song!

[xxfergiexx.livejournal.com]

lol what? *iz confused* Changmin didn't sing that song by himself...They both re-recorded it.

[pekojan.livejournal.com]

Sometimes I feel like, what people think about them, Yunho knows them all.

[jhj2001.livejournal.com]

true. i just hope he won't take all that to his heart thus dampen his spirit, though you can probably see it in his eyes he might be affected by it. but i am so impressed with changmin's IDGAF attitude he's like, "Bitch please stop whining your ass off just take it or leave it," in a subtle way

[walkin-siesta.livejournal.com]

seems like spain is the 'in' place to be recently..

[jhj2001.livejournal.com]

Yunho performed a passionate dance with a girl dancer.
please include a DVD of sort for this gloriousness

[simplynonsense.livejournal.com]

THIS.

[changod.livejournal.com]

I love their answers so much

Shim Changin stop doing that? you have ur girl right here, hello me! and you are playing with other, thats not nice boy¬¬

:D anyway lucky girl D:

[stylobrut.livejournal.com]

Unrelated to the interview but has anyone ever noticed Yunho's giant irises/pupils,THEY'RE SO ROUND AND BLACK >~

[dentedsky.livejournal.com]

Yeah I noticed that in the BUT pv his eyes are a dark grey.

[dentedsky.livejournal.com]

CM: That's true. I saw Yunho making such a sexy face for the first time!

*gigglesnort* /dirtymind.

[jlie-ly.livejournal.com]

where's the interview Changmin said he hit on a girl while in Spain? XD

[my-faux-pas.livejournal.com]

IDK, I'm just glad they're releasing a local version of TONE in my country. TONE is waaay too expensive for me when I ship it from Japan.

In other words, you are a good job, DBSK!