BEAST's interviews from CEO Hong's "There'll Be No Spotlight If You Stop Now" book

[kei-enigma.livejournal.com]

YOON DOOJOON

How did you feel when you were eliminated from the show “Hot Blood”?
Being in JYP for less than three months, I had appeared in the show. So, if I had won and debut immediately after that, I would have felt guilty to my friends. I tried my best, but still, failing hurt me very much. Of course I knew only how far my abilities could go so I could have accepted it easier and withdrew myself from it. But then later on it got harder. So eventually I went to practice with my peers, Junho and Chansung, who were going to debut as 2PM members. Since they were already training and getting ready, Lee Gikwang and I dealt with a lot of hard times going through the life as ordinary trainees.

It seems that you even had the urge to just quit everything.
There were many times when I wanted to quit. However I firmly decided continuing to be a trainee and I felt it was the time to look for someone. I practiced with the purpose of finding Teacher Cheyook. But then, I suddenly stopped the preparation to be a singer. My practice wasn’t going well too. I suffered a lot so I wanted to go back to the student life again. I questioned myself, "If I keep practicing earnestly, can I, like my friends, prepare for my dreams gradually?" I regretted a lot asking myself that question. However, I continued to receive encouragements from my teachers and friends from school when preparing to be a singer. That’s why when I was eliminated from “Hot Blood”, I didn’t let my pride down like I had before. Even though I went away, I still wanted to come back with a slightly more decent performance. Making a dream come true or not is not the issue for me. I just want to show my stronger side of myself to people who have supported me.

Before debuting, what did you think when you were doing activities as AJ’s backup dancer?
As of January 2009, before deciding 4Minute members, there were Junhyung, Kikwang, Yoseob and I in CUBE. We were supposed to debut with four members at that time. But one day, I heard from the company that I would be Kikwang’s backup dancer. So Kikwang debuted alone, and we danced behind him. This situation made us so confused. I was so busy that I couldn’t even go home. I slept at a dancer hyung’s house, or sometimes even at the saunas. That was the most miserable moment in my life. When I think about it now, I can smile remembering those times because I have made many beautiful memories with the other members. Although it was so difficult that I wanted to quit, I was in the same position as the other members. It became a motivation for me because we had to fight together and hold on together. Yoseob said one time that there’s no one else with as much as determination and willingness as we had. Our parent gave us encouragement and strength, but they didn’t know our feelings and the condition we were in so they couldn’t encourage us that much. Yoseob, Kikwang, and Junhyung, really had a lot of strength.

Didn’t your failure give you the opportunity to rise up to your desired position?
Trainee life wasn’t only for two years. My friends who had been practicing for longer time had gone through their own tests then too. Despite my brief training period, I could have passed through all those tests. When I think about it now, I can still learn and feel a lot of things from that brief period. I feel very grateful for it.

Since being in JYP, Director Hong Seung Seong has believed in Yoon Doojoon, then how about yourself?
Director had thought about making me a 2AM member because he believed in me. I’m very grateful to him. I also left JYP when Director also established CUBE. Since there was no reason to reject him, I quickly held on to Director’s hand. I was sure that I wasn't wasting my time because it was a very thought out decision.

There sure would be arguments in the group. I’m curious, as a leader, how do you handle that kind of situation?
All singers can’t do whatever they want. The company put in a lot of consideration for us and Director also likes to communicate with the youngsters. However, each of us has our own preference and discontentment. There’s music we want to do and there’s a musical difference in what we find suitable to our own personality. Our first album reflects our ideas. Our preparation time was short so Director was worried about it. He encouraged us to fill our album more colorfully.

After debuting, what do you think is the most exhausting?
The tight schedule is the most tiresome to me. I want to meet my friends and rest, but we don’t have personal time at all. This is the path I’ve chosen so of course I can’t have free time. Our body and heart are tired. We do a lot of activities including acting so some of us absolutely have no personal time.

Are you content with your life now?
Actually I’m happy but I’m also suffering. Looking forward, BEAST activities now help us to develop a lot for the future. I’m also happy that we can move forward, step by step. But, seeing my days far away, I really feel tired. But in the end, I want to sincerely thank my dream for making me how I am now.

Is acting interesting?
Acting is really interesting. I can live different lives through it. As a singer, I think it really helps me to express my music. Having the foundation to act in the future is exhilarating. But as a singer, I think I still have a lot of weaknesses. That’s why I want to work harder, although I don’t even have the time to act. I know that I should focus on “BEAST's Yoon Doojoon,” but I don’t know. It’s very difficult not being able to control my own wish.

In the future, do you want to act again?
I want to be remembered as BEAST as long as I can. But if the time comes, I have to prepare for my own future. Thus, I want to act. That’s an interesting work. But right now I want to learn more and work harder as BEAST.

I want to know your plans on music.
I want to develop my skills. I want to make a more complete BEAST album. In the first album, I did not participate as much as I wanted to. If I had had the time, I could have practiced the choreography more, and could have enhanced my vocal. But I had little time to do all that. It’s really a pity. I hope in the next album I can do all that.

What makes you want to thank Director Hong Seung Sung?
I want to thank him for making me a member of BEAST until now. It wasn’t easy for him to make this decision. I also want to thank him for believing and trusting us. He will be listening to the stories of the six of us from the interview. So, I am thankful to him for encouraging us and making us another album.

What do you want to tell to those who dream to be singers?
Although skill is important, luck is also important. Compared with the others, I’m the luckiest. Trying out an open audition for the first time, I feel that I’m very lucky for passing that huge competition. I didn’t know anything at that time. I wasn’t even nervous and I did it without feeling burdened. In addition, looking at the other members, no one in the group gives up easily. Of course they gave up before, but they recovered fast to reach their dreams. To other junior singers, if you don’t give up and work hard to the end, then you will eventually get the position you want. Be satisfied with yourself and moreover, always hope for success. Right now there might be a lot of suffering, but later you will get the compensation from your sacrifices.

JANG HYUNSEUNG

You had your failure displayed to the public before. Did anything happen after?
Yes, I learned a lot from failure. Even though I know that never failing is even better. Lately, seeing the trainees preparing to be singers, I know that I have changed. I can see amazing talents drawn across the faces of the young trainees.

You are also talented, why can’t you accept that?
I’m not born with talent. What I have isn’t a talent too. Because I’m not born with talent, to improve singing and dancing skills, there’s no choice but to win by practicing.

I heard that from eating to being in the waiting room, you listen to music.
To me, there’s no way other than working hard. This is all for my skills. I have to take all the chances I get.

Director Hong Seung Seong thinks that the first challenge was to open up your heart.
When coming to CUBE, I tried to open my heart as determined who I was there. Because a lot of staffs including Director helped, I could adapt little by little.

Director Hong Seung Seong sees that you are the member with the most aegyo. This is really surprising.
Actually, I don’t do aegyo. In contrast, it is my plainness. Maybe I have something different from the other members, but Director sees it as aegyo.

In the future, what field do you want to try?
Not that I think of other kinds of activities or art negatively, but right now, I don’t think any of them suit me. Though I always want to try acting, I want to stabilize my position as a singer first. I haven’t prepared much so I hope my popularity will stay for a long time.

If you are doing individual activities, beside acting, what do you want to develop other than dancing?
Despite liking dancing, I don’t have the ability to make choreography. As a singer-dancer, to make a perfect stage act, and for that I have to learn dancing seriously. Being interested in dancing doesn’t mean I’m a dancer. As a singer, I still have to dance. I want to dance with exquisite music to show a cool stage act. Thus, I have to work harder.

With BEAST’s performance right now, are you satisfied with your performance, Jang Hyunseung?
Honestly, I am not. People like BEAST’s music and we’ve worked hard for that. Although I’m proud, my own ambition doesn’t end here. Other members also have their preference, but I like African-American music. I search for musician videos from that genre because I want to try that kind of music. If I have the chance, I want to make an African-American music album. I have to!

You don’t want to participate more in the album?
Up until now, I think I’m not capable to participate in my album yet. I consider investing my time in showing the best performance on the stage. I also listen to advices from senior singers. I used to think that I have to spend more time in dancing and singing. In order to be an idol really loved by people for a long time, I know I want to be a songwriter and make music. With that music, I have to develop into an artist showing a more of a natural music.

So, in order to participate more, you will work little by little?
I think I have to read more. That’s why I bought some essay books recently. I bought it to help writing song lyrics. I heard that experiencing a lot of things and reading books can improve my musical ability naturally.

It seems like your style is always your motivation to not quickly feel satisfied with yourself?
I’m not always like that. I understand very well how to console myself. I can also find the strength when I need to praise myself. When practicing, I check over before finishing my shot, and monitor all my broadcast. If I think it is good, then I will praise myself. Moreover, I try to introspect myself and accept my weakness to make it cooler.

What do you expect from Director Hong Seung Sung?
It would be nice if in the future he can give me more guidance so that I can improve more in music.

YONG JUNHYUNG

What did you do when Director Hong Seung Sung pointed out your weaknesses?
Director Hong didn’t like my presence. Although I am still young now, back then I was younger and I didn’t understand a lot of things. Each monthly evaluation, I wanted better results so I practiced harder. It really depressed me because I knew that Director Hong had a negative image towards me and I didn’t want him to underestimate my abilities. Honestly, I didn’t know how Director Hong told me my weaknesses, but because he saw all my weaknesses, I practiced even more.

What did you think when you were temporarily “free” of CUBE?
Since my trainee days, I thought of Shinsadong Tiger not just as a composer but as a brother. Tiger hyung also had a difficult time training as a singer. Because of that, he tried to understand my complaints and loneliness. Nevertheless, I’d seen failure. So, in the end, if I couldn’t hold on to CUBE, I might have had to give up my dream of being a singer. This matter was very important to me and I thought about “stopping right here right now” a lot. But instead of giving up, I practiced alone and sincerely asked Director Hong for another chance.

When you felt lonely, what did you do?
I went to another practice room, or I practiced at home. One day, I called Director Hong. I kept believing and practicing, and then a sudden wave hit me. Director Hong asked me to come back and gave me exactly a month. In that time, I tried to practice more seriously and earnestly. When there was an unsatisfying part, he wouldn’t let me come back or just end up calling the other members to fill in. Since then, I really practiced hard. But then you might wonder why I chose this path spending a lot of time while still remaining invisible? Back then I regretted it a lot and felt bitter. Yet, practicing with the other members allowed me to pull through those difficult times.

What did you feel when Director Hong texted you to practice more and leave the management?
I received the text when I got home. That day, I drank a lot. When one of the trainees would be eliminated, every hyung from the management team gathered together. So I was comfortable and had a good relationship with people from the office. I felt that it wasn’t fair when he had eliminated me. So I called Director Hong for the last time and it seemed that he was moved.

You had vocal training, but what did you think when you were positioned as a rapper of BEAST?
I have always been interested in rapping. In my previous company I couldn’t sing or rap. But in CUBE, I tried challenging my interest. Fortunately, many people helped and supported me. In the company, I am a shy person so I couldn't simply say, “I want to rap”. But Tiger hyung talked to the company for me. I really wanted to rap and compose. Back then. I thought that it would great if I could do that. I then told my wishes to Director Hong. Since then, I had that position. If there was anything I could do, it would be to tell people that I believe I can be a BEAST member.

What is your goal in music?
I want to be a producer. I want to be like the Director, making a team and choosing members. I don’t have the confidence to be a producer yet, but I have to try producing, making music and planning a full album. While preparing BEAST album, I felt satisfied with myself, even though it wasn’t on my own. Many great people participated in producing BEAST album. But one day I want to make it 100% my way. That’s why I have to make music that expresses my true color.

Making Yong Junhyung’s music, when do you think you can materialize that dream?
My tight schedules disables me from arranging music together with the hyungs. So, I have to do the arrangement between my schedules. Lately, I barely have time for myself. So, my work comes out slower than I plan it to be.

“I have to actively change myself”, as a BEAST member, what do you think is still lacking?
Other members have overcome my weaknesses talent wise so I don’t have to worry about that. I still have other weakness I have to fix, one of them is my pessimism. Also, suppressing feelings is not good too. When the feeling around me is peaceful, then I try to hide my anger. But I’ve been together with others for so long that they know me very well. I believe that I am the Yong Junhyung who still has to do everything sincerely and earnestly.

What do you like about CUBE?
There are so many bad memories from the previous company. I wanted to immediately stand on the stage, but I was very busy. Every day, I had to see my lawyers and went to the courts to settle things. Despite the bad condition in the previous company, I was surprised to see myself believing in people from CUBE. I want to say “Ah, there’s actually good people like this”. Now, I have a stable and comfortable life. I am really satisfied. Later, I want to keep being comfortable with these staffs.

YANG YOSEOB

When you were first in CUBE, you suffered through a lot. But after spending time there, you eventually understood. How did you survive in CUBE?
It isn’t easy to become a singer. I decided to join CUBE and I overcame a lot of difficulties before I reached the status I am in now. I knew my weaknesses. Director Hong knew them too. I used to get scolded for wearing knee-long training pants (bad style). Director Hong tried to control me as much as he could. He really wanted me to have the quality of a star. But at that time, I think he was upset and disappointed most of the time. Now, when I think about it, it seems that I was too busy and focused in building up my skills passionately and that was very important to me. That’s why I think I have to pressure myself with that repeatedly even now.

Have you ever quit in the middle of training?
Before I even thought about quitting, I tried to do everything well. I can look like a model student, but cannot match up to the work hard and seriousness. When Director Hong dismissed me, I heard that the developing team told a lot about me to Director Hong. Then, I was brought back to CUBE and I promised to work hard to show my improved qualities to Director Hong. Eventually, Director’s attitude towards me gradually changed until he eventually put his faith in me.

Did you have a mentor giving you the strength to hold on during those difficult times?
The only people I knew were BEAST members. So when I was having hard times, I would go to them and say “Ah, it’s too difficult for me” and only they really understood what I was feeling. We believe in each other and I can share everything and anything with the other members. We cheer on one another and talk about our own feelings.

It seems that you dealt with failure and frustration very well. What advice would you give to those who have to go through the same process?
I was desperate, but I naturally went through that process and got into this position eventually. I think I have strengthened my foundation to hold on for such a long time. I was trained for approximately six years. I envied my friends who got their positions early. But now when I’m introspecting myself, I think I can say that I learned a lot from those times. Now I can overcome the difficult times after debut too.

In the first studio album, I think your vocal has improved a lot. How did you change it? Did you find it a challenge?
Yes, I did. Before doing the album, I had a role in a musical. All the directors and musical seniors saw my singing. They gave me a lot of advice on how to sing sincerely and amazingly. I acted while expressing the song I sang to and so I learned a lot. Singing and acting in a musical was very interesting and I want to keep doing it.

I heard that Yoseob’s dream is to become a world star. What do you prepare to do it?
Looking at myself now, I guess I thought that it was an easy thing. But lately, I did a lot of activities abroad and I found that the path to become a world star is really difficult. I’m not too sure about it, but I think I can do it. That dream is still very much a blur to me. Despite the difficulty, if I do the best with my position right now, won’t the fans abroad eventually recognize me too?

It seems like you are the most popular among younger fans. What’s your secret?
Since debut, compared to the other members, I am the one with the most aegyo (cuteness). Fans think I'm cute and they say I look like a manga character. Younger friends also like my aegyo. To be honest, I’m grateful to whatever you like about me.

I heard your character is like a mother's.
Before asking help from others, I will do something for them first. People say that it’s good intention, but in the past, honestly, I wouldn’t be able to do it.

What can you learn from being an idol?
That we have to keep our image as a singer and an entertainer. We have to do the best, but I am always conflicted between singing practice and dancing practice. But even now, I still ask help from other staffs including the manager hyungs. To become a good model for others, shouldn’t I have more time?

What is BEAST Yoseob’s dream?
I want to do a world tour concert. I want to collaborate with other senior musicians whom I respect, like Wheesung, Rain, and international singers like Justin Timberlake.

LEE KIKWANG

I know you have been a trainee for a long time. What were you thinking during that time?
I thought to myself this was the time I've been waiting for, the time when I could realize one of my dreams, which was to stand on the stage. Whenever I wanted to give up, I always remembered my mother and I could say that it was because of her I continued to hold on.

What was your dream when you were little?
I had so many dreams when I was little. I really liked and respected Bi (Rain) Sunbae, but my dream wasn't to be a singer. But one day, I saw a JYP audition. I was fascinated and from then on I became someone who wanted to keep my dream. It seems that I was lucky too as well.

I heard that when you were a teenager you adventured a lot, what do you exactly mean by this?
When I was a trainee I troubled the director a lot. I didn't practice often, and when we practiced together, I caused more harm to my team. I felt bad about it too, but thinking back on it, I think it was a process for me to become better learner.

If you didn't become a singer, what would you be?
I'm a person who will only focus on one thing once I set my mind on it. Because I had passed the audition, I had the chance to show my ability in this field, making me a singer like I am now. Seeing Rain Sunbae, I was determined that I would only become a singer. I don't even remember my dreams before that.

It seems like you feel burdened because you were the first want to make a solo debut.
I was intended to debut together with BEAST. When I was young, I was the one who decided that I wanted to go to this music industry. But still, my heart felt heavy and burdened. My dream was to be a singer, but I didn't know about music, that's why I was worried to start it alone. Two days after debut, I realized that I could adapt to the stage eventually. However, I saw the other members dancing behind me. I felt really guilty towards them. I was sad and felt guilty but I couldn't express it.

What did you think of your solo debut?
Failure. Defeat. I could say that I wasn't satisfied with my stage experience. I think it isn't easy to be a successful singer in South Korea's music industry. Nevertheless, being on stage was still the most precious experience to me.

Park Jin Young really liked you, Lee Gikwang. Please explain why Director Hong Seung Sung was interested to recruit you too. Was it because of your hard work?
I never ever thought of myself as being very great. Until now I realize that I still have many weaknesses. But when I practice, on stage, or wherever I am, I always control my mind. I always tell myself that I can do it. Remembering that I can be the best, I gain more confidence so that I can do better on my performances. That way, I can look at myself confidently. Is that only considered as an alibi? I still lack in so many things, that's why I practice like crazy. People even think that I'm a practice bug. They even ask me to stop practicing.

During your time as a trainee, have you ever thought that you were inside an invisible tunnel (failure)?
Like others, I also thought about that. I was worried if I could debut or not. Even after debut, I spent days with worry asking myself if I could do my best. I tried thinking positively. I believed in the Director and myself. I think that's why I practiced earnestly, because I believed that if I can do my best, then, I think I can materialize my dream.

What do you think those star trainees should take into account in order to become closer to their dreams?
Anyone can say anything but we should never lose that rookie mindset. I see this in many people on television and around me who choose to be a singer. I think anyone who choose to be a singer or dancer will practice immediately hoping for good results. However, we can see that many people fail despite the practices too. But if we have the will, we will be able to materialize our dreams. I also think it is important to see the reality too so that we can practice diligently and earnestly. If anyone can do that, I believe they can see the light soon.

What is your dream now?
My dream is to be an artist. Now, people call me a singer, but I actually want to be a musician that is known worldwide. I hope I can be aligned together with famous artists like DBSK, BoA, and Rain.

Please imagine yourself in the next 10 years?
I want to be a good father at home.

Please tell the most memorable moment with Director Hong Seung Sung.
Building Cube Entertainment together with Director Hong Seung Sung. I gave him my hand because I believed in him. I also tried to keep that faith. I think that's what made me BEAST's Lee Gikwang.

SON DONGWOON

I heard that you decided to study and take a break from the trainee life. Why did you change again?
In JYP, I practiced with 2PM and 2AM hyungs, but I make it in the end. Because of that, I decided to end my trainee life. I continue to live without even imagining to come back to my past life. Then, I saw 2PM and 2AM hyungs debut and I was stimulated. In the end, Director Hong Seung Sung gave me his hand.

What was the hardest thing that made you want to stop and give up your dream?
I was very determined when I quit JYP. I started being a trainee since the first year of high school. But three years later, when I quit being a trainee, I didn't have any friends. During my years as a high school student, I would go to school and after school I would invite my friends to hang out together with me. But they always said they were so busy that they couldn't hang out with me. So I would go to the training center to practice. The trainees are always lonely and are in need of sympathy. Eventually with time, friends from my group moved and I was left alone. When I was back in school, I would sleep during classes. When I woke up, lunch time was over. No one wanted to have lunch with me. Honestly, I was very shocked because of that. There wasn't a single friend who greeted me on the road. My heart really hurt. It was really painful because at such a young age, I had to hold on to that kind of trainee life.

Then, after you quit being a trainee, you committed to studying?
Three years later, I came back to study. By studying, the recovery was surprising and delightful. Actually, after I stopped training, I saw my test results for the first time. Out of 39 students in my class, all 38 of them passed. I knew that the only student who failed the test was me. I was shocked and since then I focused on studying. After that day, on my next test, I got 5th place out the 39 students in class. I studied by myself at that time.

What dream made you study to such extent?
I didn't have any dreams. For those three years, I threw away my dream to be a singer. There was nothing I wanted to do, and there was no motivation at all. Looking back, I didn't do anything beside studying. When I saw 2PM and 2AM hyungs appear on TV, I gradually started to dream again.

What about your parentss' support, Son Dongwoon?
When I felt difficult, my parents knew all about it. That's why they respected and believed in whatever I choose and my decisions.

According to Director Hong Seung Sung, you grew and improved by studying.
It's actually hard to say it like that. Previously, I didn't have the basic foundation and experience. Since I didn't have any knowledge to begin with, I developed more. I am thankful that I could become a star because compared to others who had more abilities, I wasn't born with any talent.

If you knew that you didn't have the talent, then did you choose this path just because of curiosity?
At young age, it's a dream everyone dreams about at least once. It's people's curiosity about singers and entertainers. Director Hong said that if I work hard, I could work up to my potential.

What do you think is your weakness now?
I really can't dance. Other hyungs are really good at dancing. I can only follow them. In people's eyes, I have so many weaknesses. I don't have the talent to dance, so singing really makes me feel more dynamic.

Communicating with fans made you famous. Do you think you can live a normal life now?
It's because of the fans on Twitter. Even though I meet them only through a singer-fan relationship, I know that my fans really like me. But, like anything, some people like me and some others hate me. I consider my relationship with fans to be like a relationship a trustworthy and loving friend would have. I realized that as time passes, my communication with them is no longer just the communication between a singer and the fans, but a more personal one. I feel much more comfortable. Now my fans choose to protect me and I want to do the same. That's why I always say that. Working hard and expressing more seems to be my way of connecting with my fans.

What is the presence of a fan to Son Dongwoon?
I thought of a fan as someone who can see me on TV or meet me coincidentally, and relate with me casually. But now, I think the relationship is warmer because we can support and trust each other. Actually, no one has ever been this close to me. We are very busy sometimes and we have to suffer from the morning. When there's a schedule in the morning, we have to do make up at 4AM. We complained a lot to the make up staff and our managers making them feel even more exhausted. However, if you think about it, our fans are willing to wait for us all night only to see our short performance. When I see them, I feel guilty and worry about them. Everyday, when someone cheers me up when I feel tired, I want to give them energy. I think that is such a remarkable thing. Although I feel tired, I receive a lot of cheer from the fans' Twitter mentions. Also, ever since I debuted, I received gifts like photobooks with my photos. I was really moved by the presents. Because of the fans, I don't feel tired at all. Their presence is like energy to me.

What is Son Dongwoon's dream now?
In Korea, it seems that many people classify certain music genres calling it "idol music". They have the image that idol singers can gain popularity but not make music. However, little by little people see musicality as our color so that we can sing a song that is well received and loved. Now, we sing a lot of songs about love or separation. But later, we want to be singing songs that encourage people who aren't in good condition or are facing difficulties. Even though there is not enough time, as a singer I want my job to be meaningful. Honestly, rather than being known as BEAST, we want our presence to be more meaningful to many people.

How is your relationship with Director Hong Seung Sung?
If BEAST members and the Director meet, it's interesting. It is strange, but I feel a little awkward whenever consulting with the Director. Of course, Director always gives the best answer. However, I have seen him since my times in JYP and I think that he is a person with an eerie charisma. Some times I can't behave like a baby, but when I'm in the practice room, I often call and text him. He also comes to look for me.

How does Director Hong encourage you?
Since I'm still young, I don't want to trouble the Director. Director's words always encourage me. Recently, we've just finished our Asian Tour Fanmeeting. After the performance in Taiwan, Director came to the backstage and said, "Now, you guys can do well without me, right?" Even though it was brief, it meant a lot to us and gave us a lot of strength. In the beginning of the year, even though we accomplished BEAST's solo encore concert, I think we still lack a lot. We were happy because we're well received in Taiwan. Although it is important to be well received and loved, in the future I will try hard to improve my ability for those who have praised and guided me.

Are you satisfied in Cube?
I am satisfied. Although I have joined a bigger agency and befriended idols from other companies in the past, it is difficult to enjoy time making music and do things I want like when I'm with the Director. Unlike 4Minute members who usually call Director Father, BEAST members can't call him "Father" because we're embarrassed. Still, I feel really comfortable with Director Hong's presence.

What do you want to say to to-be-singers who wants to be a singer?
I want to tell them to not give up halfway. I have given up my dream and stopped being a JYP trainee. I regretted it very much. After spending three years practicing, I noticed that I can sing quite well compared to before. But, after resting for a long time, I started singing again and realized it had been two years. Now, everything goes by easily and I feel my past capabilities has returned. However, it's very difficult for me to ensure if the result is good or bad because I can't make sure if I have done my best. I remember people used to say that each song is like stair step. If we ascend the step one by one, we can feel the improvement anytime. Anyone's opinion can make us feel like we are nothing, but I believe in myself who can outshine others.

translated by LadyPsyche and YONGISM at B2STRISING (1 & 2)
original interviews from There'll Be No Spotlight If You Stop Now by Hong Seung Sung
large gif made by stutterflies@tumblr, individual member gifs made by wooyoung@tumblr

I can't link to the original source because it's from a book, so I hope what I have is sufficient. The individual interviews are behind spoiler tags because the post would look super lengthy otherwise.

Comments

[xxmannequin.livejournal.com]

Thanks OP for posting this.
This is an amazing interview. I'm glad we got a bigger insight in their predebut days. That recycled group issue is always mentioned but nothing really informative had been said, till now.
I like Hyunseung's interview and the way he talks and distinguishes talent and perfecting yourself. It's really inspiring and motivating..
That African-American music part was unnecessary as I believe under that term he considers Hip-Hop / rap, R'n'B.. Idols sound really bizarre talking about anything related to African-Americans.. For example, Yongguk's stage name during his under ground days ~ Jepp Blackman. o.o

[obeytheempress.livejournal.com]

I agree it sounds really awkward but I think (and I might be wrong), that in korean, the word for R&B music is literally "black music" or "african-ameican" music. there is no literal word for hip-hop or r&b in korean.

[applesncrack.livejournal.com]

I really miss Beast, they need to comeback right now T___T

[consequences.livejournal.com]

this ;O;

[cast-no-shadow0.livejournal.com]

ahhh These interviews remind me of one of the reasons they are my favorite kpop group and one of my favorite music groups in general. I love how they continue to get more popular and they've done so well for not being in one of the Big Three.

What did you think of your solo debut?
Failure. Defeat.

Even though he's clearly happy now, his solo times are still a sore spot for Kikwang and I don't like how he blames himself for not working harder. What could have he done to make himself more successful? It just seems that he works better in a group than solo.

[deerlike.livejournal.com]

Interesting interviews! I saw some parts circulated around tumblr, but it's nice to be able to read the whole thing. Their responses are very reflective of their characters/individual personalities.

[epikfailure.livejournal.com]

brace urselves for a looooooong comment

thank you so much op!!!
honestly i'm tearing up quite a bit, i would seriously kill to own this book if it ever got translated lol

but all that aside, i love this. it's really insightful, and just makes me love beast so much more. i knew they all suffered and went through so much before debut, but i didn't know all of it. ): reading maknae's issues in school broke my heart a bit, and how they all want to improve themselves wants to make me work harder myself?? idk how to explain but as some of yall may know there's been sats, school finals, etc. honestly i havent tried too much in school but i'm doing alright, but this interview really just make me want to be even better.

plus this is just wicked inspirational, it makes me want to be a better person and go after my dreams! ^O^

and gah everyone's hardships my heart bleeds for them )': and dongwoon's comment on the fans waiting all night for them just gets to me lol, sometimes i even wonder if idols know native fans/int fans honestly stay up ages just to watch them for 3 minutes (':

god i just love them so much and just miss them like hell but this makes it ok, i'll wait forever for them (':!

[we-rob-banks.livejournal.com]

dongwoon ;~;

actually, everyone ;~;

this was a super interesting read (no wonder you had to bold so much!)

[kei-enigma.livejournal.com]

lmao I was hoping no one would say anything about my bolding. I was wondering to myself whether the parts were that interesting or if it was just my stanning that took over.

[we-rob-banks.livejournal.com]

it was totally worth bolding

the whole post is beautiful tbh

[kiwilovekiwi.livejournal.com]

That large gif's amazing!*_____* And i love all their comments, so insightful. Junhyung kinda sounds like he has a daddy complex!!! XD like 'why won't he like me'? said in a little kids' voice. It's sad everyone had such a hard time during Kikwang's solo debut! Such a bad memory for them .... but for some fans like me, that's how we got to know Beast, through Kikwang's solo debut. At least I like Dancing shoes!^^

[violentiak.livejournal.com]

This was really different and interesting interview. And Dongwoon really impressed me with his thoughts about fans and communicating with them. Smart boy.

[izon-no-niwa.livejournal.com]

I heard that experiencing a lot of things and reading books can improve my musical ability naturally.

I really like this part because it's really true (and that I hear it a lot on my own work) ;~;

[weerainbow.livejournal.com]

I loved reading this. It's so personal and in some ways a bit more soul-baring than others...it showed up some of the difficulties and struggles they still have and reminded me again of how hard-working and determined they all are. Some of their comments made me want to find a way to help them see how great they really are. It's wonderful that they are so humble in many ways yet true humility is having a correct evaluation of yourself and I feel like these boys sometimes (some of them often) sell themselves short. Reading through their answers brought tears to my eyes actually and made me want to gather them all in my arms and give them a great big hug and tell them "well done" and then give them a holiday. I worry sometimes about them getting burnt out because they've been working so hard and still trying to put in more effort even when I thought they were already working at 100%. I can only hope that somewhere someone is looking out for them and that the staff in CUBE will help them to take care of themselves the best they can.