His affection for Jeomrye and how Jeomrye was his precious pillar of support and helped healed his heart during tough times during lawsuit. Jeomrye was always waiting for him at the doorstep when he returns home late due to work. Just by listening to his footsteps, Jeomrye will know he has returned, and will then make its way to the door to receive him.
다행히 박정민이 힘들 시간에 그에게 힘이 되준건 그의 반려견 점례다. 박정민은 "이번에 내가 키우는 개 '점례'가 내 뮤직비디오에 출연했다. 점례는 내가 소송 문제로 힘들었을 때 마음을 치료해준 소중한 존재다"고 말했다.
점례는 채 1살이 되지 않은 어린 강아지다. 박정민이 '국민 옆집개'로 키우기 위해 열심히 돌고보 있다. 박정민은 "점례는 새로운 사람을 좋아하고 노는 것을 좋아하는 아이다. 집에서 하도 낑낑대길래 풀어줬다. 만약 내가 일때문에 늦게 들어가는 날이면 문 앞에서 날 기다리고 있다. 내 발소리만 듣기만 해도 어떻게 알았는지 귀신같이 따라나온다"고 자랑했다.
After his contract with former agency DSP Media ended, SS501 member Park Jungmin who had signed on with a foreigner corperation CNr Media last August has released his first mini album 'THE, PARK JUNG MIN' on April 7. Since then, he's been busy with asia tours and preparing for his Taiwanese drama, but not only did it stop at that, he's also been highly active with his solo activities.
Park Jungmin who has been busily spending his days across Thailand, China, Japan etc, met up with IBTimes recently at a cafe in Seoul Kangnam-gu Shinsadong's Garosu street as he shared candid talks with us.
In actuality, Park Jungmin actually dreamt of being an actor rather than as a singer. There were a few times where he's revealed to many media before that he was advised by his former agency's CEO to debut as a singer first while also paralleling acting on the other hand. In our interview with him, he divulged to us about him achieving his dreams and the process behind it.
"I think it'd be good if I get to do acting naturally as a process. However, acting just looked like a really vague dream. I had this thinking that actors have a totally different kind of lifestyle altogether", as Park Jungmin recalled those days of the past. He was first casted when he was in his 6th grade of elementary school but got opposed by his parents and so wasn't able to do his activities, but in fact it got to become the turning point where he realized that he can be an actor too, and that's when he really started dreaming about his dreams - officially.
It was when he was in his 2nd grade of middle school that he officially first stepped into an agency. However, it was different from the normal entertainment agencies where they won't ask for any training fee and all and yet still give training to these star trainees. It was actually a mini institute type of swindler agency which demanded for a full 4-months' payment of training fee. Despite so, it was in fact yet another turning point of development for Park Jungmin, "I met many of my actor friends then who has since turned into stars now, as we dreamt of a same dream together. That agency institute was located in Apgujeong so everyday when I returned to and fro around it, I got to receive many casting invitations", as he added.
Park Jungmin who has since transformed from an actor-wannabe into a Hanryu star now possesses a significant amount of fans across Japan, Taiwan, China, Turkey, Arab etc, "It was totally beyond my imagination to have fans from Turkey", "Turkey fans really wanted to see a performance event in their country and even written a letter of petition to their embassy and I received that invitation", as he disclosed about one such episode and felt really delighted.
Probably because he's been receiving so much love from his fans that he hadn't been able to date any girlfriends at all since his debut in 2005, "There were a few little cases but it was only that. For cases of a passionate relationship was almost zero. Seems like I've gotta go grab myself a lover already", as he laughed off lightly to that with his classic bright smile. He selected his ideal type as an interesting female who could make him laugh heartily.
"I feel that a guy who's able to courageously and decisively execute any kind of his work at all, and to be able to look after a female during her tough times is really manly", "And for me, I have the strength to guard by my family members and my biological sister", as he also talked about his inner thoughts. Especially when he has his family and his fans who are his pillar of support around him, all the more he feels really fortunate.
Park Jungmin, who focuses really hard when he works, gives off that air of charisma with his sense of responsibility. Although so, he is said to have another very mischievous yet cute profile while he's with his close and bosom buddies.
With regards to his fans who are always there supporting and rooting on for him, he expresses a true 'thank you', "Because I have a very good memory, I can remember all my fans' faces, especially those who visit often", as we see his unexceptional love for fans.
He who is taking a step by a step forward towards his dreams while also holding on to the love from his fans, Park Jungmin is, indeed -just like his words- a "beautiful youth".
Interview with JM when he was in Taiwan last month. 2nd part since last Thursday's episode.
This is a nice watch as it dissects his inner world with mini psychological tests and all that.
video copyright: channel [V] recorder: lovedream228@yoyo501.com uploaded: yoyo501@youtube.com repost with full credits
Very interesting, decided to translate abit for future reference
**From the start of questions ~ end of interview only**
(1) To test: What kind of lover will conquer you?
Question: Which type of news will you pay the most attention to when you watch the TV everyday?
A. Changes between the relationship of celebrities B. Scandals of political characters C. The lover/romance partner of famous people D. Unethical behaviours carried out by financial groups/companies
JM's Spoken Answer: D. Because to be unethical suggests doing a bad thing that's why
Host's Spoken Answer: B. Because it's related to Taiwan
Analysis for JM's answer:
D. You're a little stubborn, and loves to give preaching to others.
JM: Towards lover, or...?
Host: No...more of like a character, personality kinda
JM: Yeah, quite true, quite true... (saying to the host) (spoke in korean, not in the subtitles)
Continues Analysis...
D. While spending time with your lover, you like to give long speeches, and wants the other party to be listening beside you.
JM: Oh no...I will actually listen more to her rather than me talking
Analysis for Host's answer:
B. The more hard your lover is for you to conquer, the more you would want to conquer her. You find it hard to resist the attraction of a bad woman
JM: You pervert!
Host: You're so slutty
JM: So are you.. hahahahaha
Continues with analysis of other answers...
A. You're more bright and cheerful and bubbly. People who want to approach you are mostly attracted to you by your bright smile.
C. You tend to be picky. Not easy for you to maintain a long-term relationship with others, unless if you met an expert who is tactful enough to make you subdue totally.
Host: Not very accurate huh.. hahaha
(2) to test: How do you select your lover?
Question: If your house is flooded, what is that one thing you will rescue first?
A. Electrical appliances B. Food in the refrigerator C. Books & albums D. European-styled furniture
JM spoken answer: Because I'm recently into interior design, I'll choose D.
Host: Your answers are beyond my expectations.. You chose the answers that I didn't expect you will choose
Analysis for JM's answer
D. Your lover will be someone with attractive looks and who pays much attention to her outlook and the way she dresses, or if not she must be a beauty who attracts much envy from your friends and family.
JM: To be like that plus a little more humorous and witty will be good
Words: Beautiful + Humorous = Park Jungmin's 100% Lover
JM: Bright and interesting one
Host: Oh so she must be interesting enough so that PJM will like
JM: It was more than I expected it to be...that I like pretty girls ha ha ha
Host's answer: A
Analysis: You are very practical. You often plan in detail and very meticulously, similarly for your lover. In every area possible, she must fit your lowest requirement.
Host: Quite accurate this time huh...
Analysis for other answers...
Host: The weirdest ones will choose B I think (ode: why weird? food is so important for survival ne......)
B. You are interest-oriented. You will go for a romantic one in your lover. She/he must know some little tricks and also some delights, or else it'll be very hard for both of you to live together.
C. Your lover must be able to watch a movie with you, and a soul partner who can discuss the philosophies of life with you. She/he must also be able to catch up with your footsteps so that you won't oust him aside.
Host: I realize that even before translation, Little Min can already understand abit of it..!!
JM: Ahh, a little... can read abit of mandarin...
Host: since your mandarin is so good maybe you can read the following question by yourself
(3) to test: Between Love and Career, which is more important to you?
Question: It's your first time ALONE going abroad to a country of a different language you're not familiar with... Which of the following are you most afraid of?
Host: Wow incredible~~ please accept my bow~~~ incredi~ble~~ how come this korean celebrity can speak mandarin so well?!? wow incredible.. you're really hardworking~
A. Lost your passport B. You lost all your money you have C. You were misunderstood as a criminal and been detained overseas D. Met into a baddie and got cheated
JM: All of the options look so scary~ B C D
JM's Spoken Answer: C!
Host: Me... D
JM: D... hmm but B looks very scary too.. Ha ha ha
Host: But if you met into D, you could also lose all the other 3 right
JM: Ahhh~~~ correct correct~~~ makes sense
Host: let's see mine first this time~~
JM: Ok
Analysis for host's answer:
D. Career-minded only 20%. Romance-minded 80%. Not career-minded. Doesn't like to work, so you tend to put alot of attention on romance. You'll only realize the importance of not having money after you're married.
words: actually his money is always spent like the water~
Host: you're so slutty
JM: So are you ha ha ha ha... Low competence and efficiency (joking only)
Host: Yeah something like.. my girlfriend is waiting for me downstairs, waiting for our afternoon tea break together, so I would kinda not want to continue the interview anymore ...
words: The 'girlfriend' without a single sight of shadow!
Analysis for JM's answer
D. Career-minded 40%, romance-minded 60%. You put alot of attention on relationships. Sometimes you rather give up your career that you hardworkingly built from scratch in order to fulfil your romance.
JM: Hmm... Possibly...
words: Even he agrees himself
Host: What if you fall for a Taiwanese girl someday, will you move to reside in Taiwan??
JM: Possibly...
words: Taiwanese girls have a chance~~
Host: So what if the girl says it's too tough for you to be a celebrity, and asks you not to be a celebrity anymore, will it be OK for you?
JM: If she can tell me not to be a celebrity, I guess she'll also ask me to go do other jobs
JM: Maybe hotel managing?
JM: Or perhaps, the president ha ha ha
Analysis of other answers...
B. More career-minded, 60%. Romance-minded 40%. A very sweet and blessed pair with your lover. Both of you can overcome and solve many matters together, rather rare!
A. Career-minded 80%, Romance-minded 20%. For the sake of your bright future, you'll be on a sprint every day to work hard. Even when talking about your relationship, you don't like it when the other party sticks to you too much.
-end-
Host: So how do you feel?
JM: Not bad.
Host: do you hope for like, when you come to Taiwan in future you can converse with them in full Mandarin? without any Korean at all?
JM: I look forward, and it's one of my targets
Host: We're rooting on for you~~
JM: Fighting~ Teach me~
JM: Power~ Fighting~ Yeahyay!
Host: thank you PJM for this psychological test today~~
He's now on himself as aside from the five like before.
Park Jungmin who has stood forth in his solo activities for the first time outside of SS501. Because of the burden from going 'alone', he even developed insomnia; despite that, he embraces the excitement with regards to a 'brand new start' with his stepping forth alone.
That is why his song title is named 'Not Alone', too. To analyse into it, it could be interpreted as "I'm not alone", and of course, lyrics of all three songs from within this album have been written by himself personally.
"For a singer, it is the most important thing for him to put in all his heart and sing a song. And so for my case, I put in all my heart and experiences into writing the lyrics word by word. Hahaha. We're all not alone, and 'are as one'. Though I may be alone for now, SS501 is Forever - such a meaning exists too".
For the sake of showing an individual like Park Jung Min instead of as a member of SS501, he's ripped off his soft image of the past's.
"I want to show a sharper image than before, and so I lost weight of about 12kg. In the gym that I attend includes many body-fit singers like Kim Jong-gook hyung, Super Junior, SHINee etc. I cannot possibly lose to them if compared, can I".
Though he changed in terms of outlook, his preposterous side and straight-forwardness couldn't be hidden. He revealed his dieting secrets such as 'hot creams', 'thigh trimming', 'blood-vessel massages' etc.
Although other team members are all now doing activities in each of their agencies, their tenacious affinity still goes on.
"We're apart for now but we don't use the term 'disbandment'. We made a few priority conditions that although we're dispersed here and there for now, when we gather back as one SS501, we will turn down all personal schedules and be prepared to re-unite. Rather than it being forced, we'll make it happen au naturel as we shall emit illumination on each of our own when we stand together on one stage in chances to come. We're preparing to lash on that opportunity when it's here".
Park Jungmin who's been actively appearing in all kinds of music programmes and variety programmes these days has already filled his work schedules to the brim for the entire of this year.
"After May, I'll be doing Asia tours in 5 countries, after which I'll be starring in a trendy Taiwan drama in around July~August. In about Fall or Winter, I'll be back in Korea to do a drama for I want to let people know about an actor called Park Jung Min".
interview photos uploaded only on 7 Feb. Taken on 26 Jan
The about-the-same interview was published on http://news.nate.com/view/20110204n02381 (4 Feb)
The above interview was published few days ago. Content is about the same as past interviews. Perhaps just some 'essence' from the interview which, is actually interesting :
His target for this year is to get a house!
2011 to him, is very special in many ways. 2011 is the Year of Rabbit, which happens to be his year as he was born in year 1987, which is why his anticipation for the year turns out unusually high. And seemingly, he has had taken a pry into fortune with Tiger-Fate and Tarot cards. According to the Tiger-Fate, it was predicted that his cash-flow status will be a big jackpot this year.
If so, what about his love-life fortune? We asked about that question carefully. Instead of Jungmin answering, it was the people around him who complained to that, "Because of Jungmin we can't even date a lover".
"I don't have a girlfriend that's why people around me can't date too. I'll feel jealous since they're beside me all the time isn't it. Very selfish right? (laughs)"
So, what is his ideal type like, as we asked.
"I like one who's fond of me. I'm very coward by nature, so I can't make dashes (confessions) easily because I often think 'What if I get rejected???'... That's why if she likes me, I'll then grow to have concern and liking for her as time goes by. I don't start liking someone first".
There's another target that Park Jungmin has for the year, and that is to move to a good home. He's thinking of moving out from where he's living in now; an apartment located near Kangnam-gu. And because of that, his hobby recently is to go shopping for interior home-items.
"The tenant of the house asked for the rental deposits first so I might as well just move out. That explains why I recently develop interest for interior items, especially things like furnitures, I have alot of desire for those. I just like those kinda pleasant items these days".
Last but not least, we asked him about his dream.
"I want to become an true, genuine artist who is able to act with his heart, and sings with his heart. Please just anticipate Park Jungmin's dynamic moves for the year".
Interview ① : I Will Break That Record With an Unconventional Stage!
Park Jungmin has now stood on his own feet where he leaves SS501 for just a moment. He found his way to the interview venue looking a little haggard as we wonder if he's just too tired from digesting all the busy schedules alone by himself. However, as usual, he tackles to the interviews with smiles whether or not the interview was 1.5 hours and even later.
To be honest, he looked a little unfamiliar. He found his way to the interview location without his members as he opened to the door and showing his very much different outlook and style from before; it wasn't the SS501's Park Jungmin like last time. He is now thinner with deeper and manlier eyes.
For the sake of his first solo album 'NOT ALONE', Park Jungmin has had shed 10kg of weight, "There is image transformation attached with this time, and because the song itself is a strong-themed one, I tried hard to train my body and of course dieted as well. I thought it'd be a good try for the sake of a better impact on my 're-challenge' for this time", as he revealed the reason to why he carried out dieting.
However, "I went to look at the DVDs when we were doing group activities back then, and I thought I looked like a huge bear jumping around everywhere; I then began to take on diet controlling where I only eat chicken breasts. I also worked out two times per day", "But these days, fans have been complaining highly that I should just really stop losing weight", as he tossed nostrils to that statement.
To this soon, he changed the look in his eyes, "I want to show people a different side of Park Jungmin through this time's solo album. Serious and yet genuine. I worked really hard for that", as he delivered his extraordinary affection for his album.
With regards to the performances for this time's album, Park Jungmin can be said to have put in a lot of blood and time. "As compared to other singers whose skills are outstanding in terms of dancing or vocals, I admit that I still pale to them. That's why I wanted to stand out with the difference in my songs where they will have this musical feel and a cheoreography with a storyline to it", as he divulged.
An honest singer like Park Jungmin has admitted to what he needs to admit and also tried his very best to magnify and prove to people about his greatest forth-comings. In his album this time round, his genuinity from deep within him rises and surfaces outwards as it fills the album to the brim. Let's just anticipate Park Jungmin's activities for the future.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Interview ② : Thoughts like 'I will feel lonely' is a No-No!!!
Singer Park Jungmin from SS501 has returned to his fans with 'NOT ALONE'. With his more matured musculine beauty, it's difficult to find the feel of a 'kkap' idol in him.
As compared to what we thought it was, he showed an extremely serenaded side of his when we thought it was tough for him to stand on his own feet now; and with that, he washed away the concerns of his fans and other members', "At first, because of the burden, I became very worried and nervous, but with the inevitable incident that happened, the album was delayed and instead I found relaxation. Now, to spend time alone has become very natural for me", as Park Jungmin said.
"Even loneliness has turned to be a natural thing to deal with. For me now, everything has turned to become familiar, and days without the members have turned into normal, ordinary days", "When we were doing activities as a group, it was so noisy like city markets, so on stages and backstage, it was so fun. But now, instead of the members, I'm dealing enjoyingly well with the staff", as he confessed to his own method of carrying out activities without his members.
However, he did not exclude plans for activities with his members, "It'll be great if our members could re-unite together. It's the hopes of all our members, but because we are all in different agencies now, it looks a little difficult and there's no concrete specifics set right now".
"We don't want to cause disturbance and conflicts to each agency and so we thought that by getting to a fair agreement right from the start, we could then be able to adjust our schedules in advance and thus stand on the stage together", as he divulged his peculiar understanding of economy concept.
In his album this time round, Park Jungmin tended to every single matter in it. Besides participating in the lyrics writing for all the songs, he also gave many of his personal suggestions like in certain parts of the performing stages so as to insert vibrancy, etc. He indeed possesses the responsibility to perfectly deliver his personal stage without his members, and of course to also show to audiences a refreshing side of his as he re-challenges forward.
'NOT ALONE' that consists of beads and beads of sweat of Park Jungmin, let's just give our attention to how he will influence in future.
Interview ③ : "Overseas+Domestic fans are in the control of my hand"* -- 【Country-Citizen Mindset】*
Isn't it just so true that celebrities survive onwards and forward with the love from fans. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Park Jungmin is now so slated with all these love from his domestic and, of course, foreign fans.
He's well-known for his unusually good relation with his fans.
To this, Park Jungmin explains, "It's a way to show my gratitude to my fans. Shall I put it as 'the country-citizen mindset' then?", as he tossed a nostril to that. "I don't think I'm the kind of celebrity who tends to every single fan out there. However I really work hard to show my gratitude to fans who like me as a sole individual".
"I don't find it a need to show formalities towards fans. It's a must to express my thanks to people who have come to see me. Though there are also somewhat less-pleasant fans at times too, I come to think of it as another form of fans' love", as he flaunted his extraordinary love for fans.
However... "Anti-fans are but simply anti-fans. I do monitoring, and sometimes when I look at comments and sees the comments of anti-fans, I feel stressed. But now, I no longer find a need to think too much about these comments". With that, he shows his seasoned efforts in tackling with such issues.
The infinite affection for Park Jungmin isn't domestically only but also in overseas, and that's quite something. He has plans to release an album in Japan soon and also do a drama in Taiwan and also release an album there, as he will soon find his way to overseas fans.
Indeed, the Jack-of-all-trades Park Jungmin is obviously going to capture the hearts of all overseas fans with his attempts to challenge acting over the seas. He may have experience in musicals already and so worries for acting will be less crude but still, he has his worries. We all hope to transform into hanryu star Park Jungmin who has broken through SS501's corral and does his country proud.
Singer Park Jungmin feels melancholic. It's a lonely February. The dates on his calendar are in black. Dates that are in red, which consists of Seol holidays, are only 7 of them. It's been an illusion that was formed since 5 years ago. Life in showbiz is, as usual, harsh.
This year's New Year, too, will be separation from his family. He has to do recording in the studios for the Japanese version of his recently released single 'Not Alone', "Last year's new year was spent as I prepare for album", "And again, this year's new year is the same, seems like will be spending it with my agency's staff", as he showed sadness.
It's been 6 years since such happened, including the visiting of graves. The place where his ancestors are buried at is Kyungsangnam-do's Hapcheon-gun, and that is approximately 320km and further from where he's residing now - Seoul. Jungmin expressed sadness, "I couldn't even bear to have the thought of dropping down", "Even the faces of my relatives feels blurry"...
Longingness is just as deep; he can't get to see his family often. And it's because of his busy schedules. He's always greeted by the fresh of dawn air whenever on the roads back home, as well as the gloomy, dull silhouette of the illuminated star up in the high skies.
Right before he debuted, his New Year was just like no ordinary. Like anyone else, he anticipated eagerly for his holidays. They will all come to gather and excitingly share their food. The food that he loved the most is the wheat sweet (yak-gwa), "It's sweet and tasty, its taste stimulates my buds", "When I was young, when my friends ate sweets, they also enjoyed eating wheat sweets".
But now, it's just but memories. The main components in wheat sweets is the amount of sugar. Just 30g of wheat sweets consist of almost 100 kilocaleries, "I stayed away from it because I may put on weight with those", "I forgot the taste already because it's been more than 5 years since I last ate it", as Jungmin revealed.
There's also another food that he misses, and that is seafood kimchi. The first and foremost ingredient that he needs to add is oyster and cuttlefishes. "Mom gave me alot of those when I was young", "Her skills could be called as expert already", as he said.
Whenever he thinks of his mom, his heart turns heavy. His mother has recently retired, "She looks really lonely at home", "I feel so sad that I'm not able to be with her", and so he's suggested also to "go on a holiday with his dad" because he feels apologetic that he can't render his help to change his mother's mood even with that little bit.
With this family love that has enriched his life as an entertainer, life in showbiz for Park Jungmin will never be harsher, but instead much more heart-warming than ever.
Reporter: Nice to meet you. You've now returned as a solo singer Park Jungmin apart from SS501, how have you been all these while?
JM: I've prepared alot in return of this time's solo comeback. Since I'm coming back as solo and not as a part of the group, there are many things for me to show to everybody, and so I've took up vocal lessons and also did fanmeets in Japan; I've to show a much more refined side of mine as compared to before - I've prepared alot in many different areas.
Reporter: There were 5 members during SS501's activity period, but now you're doing these alone, I'm sure pressure on your part will be equally huge...?
JM: When 5 of us were doing activities together, there were many insufficiency on my part that the other members could cover up for, but now no matter what, I'm standing on my own feet...no matter where I may go to, there are just many things for me to do. Not long ago when I was doing recording for a show programme, I really realized that I have got no special talents... Which is why I need to do that kind of matter by myself as well. Generally when there are 5 of us, we could just say "Ya you're better at this so you do it", but now I have to do that kind of thing by myself, so it's really surprising for me. I really do not have any special talents so if I attempt to show my special talents to everyone by standing like that with my toes here, people would start feeling, 'Ah Jungmin has gotta really work harder. There's still alot for him to prepare for', etc isn't it.
Reporter: If you were to introduce the solo singer Park Jungmin's album?
JM: Though you would be able to see it as a kind of SS501's continuation of music, it would become the more refined and impressive kind of music. For myself to see it, this time's "NOT ALONE" concept is something like the feeling of a General director though, it's like I'm controlling somebody and that somebody is always beside me, which is why I'm definitely not alone - yeah that kind of lyrics and concept. I personally like straight-band music too, so I had put in some band parts to boom up the choruses etc. There were many perplexes over the album production, and I feel that the album has turned out in the way it should.
Reporter: Please let us know in abit on how the other members are faring.
JM: I heard that Kyujong will be doing acting in either a drama or a movie, while for Youngsaeng, he's preparing for an album to be released in the beginning of this year. Hope that everybody will continue to give your attention to each of our member.
Reporter: Fans are all eagerly awaiting, is it possible for SS501 to re-unite again?
JM: There is ample of possibility for that, but as for when it will be, we're still in the stage of arranging, so I can't tell you when exactly it will be during. But if it were to be my personal hopes, I hope that it would be anytime at all, like for instance to "set time for these days to these days for a few months", and probably to be about 2 months or so. It'll be lovely if we can just do activities together for let's say 2 months.
Reporter: Speak a little about your new year wish?
JM: My schedules until the end of year have already been fully filled. My wish is for these schedules to be successfully completed. It'll be good to be healtheir and with better matters to come. The tiger-fate told me that my ability and capacity for this year will be 120%. I broke into laughter learning that, but it seems like I've gotta wait in anticipation of what this tiger-fate that will have me breaking out hugely in this year tells.
Reporter: Thank you for your interview today.
JM: Beginning with my solo album for 2011, I'll move on to dramas and overseas activities. I wish to complete those schedules as per scheduled. Hopefully all of you will watch your health ya. Do fulfil all your wishes you have for the year. It's been Park Jungmin here speaking. Thank you......Be blessed.