Yoseob Elle Girl Translations

Elle Girl (EG): Just yesterday, the track for your solo album has been released right. Were you following closely on the fans' comments online and music charts? YS: That's for sure. (laughs) I check the music charts every hour. It's an extension (part) to Beast's promotions and I need to do well in order for Beast to also do well. Right now, more than the fluttering (feeling), I'm more worried and there's more pressure. Although once the promotions start I'll be enjoying and having fun doing the activities.

EG: When did you start preparing the solo album project? What's the feeling for having received and released the first solo album under your name?
YS: I've been preparing for this since summer this year. When I first heard that I'll be releasing a solo album, it didn't feel real. Because I still felt like I was lacking in many areas. I didn't imagine/wasn't able to have the thought that I'll be standing on stage alone. But I did stand on stage singing a ballad by myself at the concert. That time, personally, I felt that I was lacking. But everything continued to progress, and if that's so, I decided that I'll have to work harder to be even more suave.

EG: This year, Beast released a new album and toured overseas as well so you must have been busy... Was there enough time to prepare?
YS: As (you've) said, it was prepared in the spare time. Though that, (we) made good use of the remaining time and seems to have been prepared well for.

EG: While making the album, were many of your ideas captured/reflected? It must have been important deciding the concept of the music.
YS: At first, the company said that it’ll be good if I did a ballad that could reflect my vocal abilities. Actually, I’m not the type who stands still and sings. So, I said, let’s do something that is able to reflect emotions as well as create/show a performance, and “Caffeine” was produced. Because I shared a lot of conversations with Junhyung-gun, seems like that’s why a good song was produced.

EG: Beast’s member Yong Junhyung was in-charge of the production of this album right. How is he as a producer?
YS: Although it’s the first time, he was/seemed really professional. He was very responsible for the work that he was entrusted with. I think that he’s one who has a very bright future as a producer in future!

EG: Because he’s a member of your team, during production it must have been easier to communicate, but there may be times when it’s also inconvenient instead?
YS: I don’t think there were any times when we could not be straightforward/frank with each other. Also, what Junhyung thinks and says, I agree with it majority (of the time) as well. Of course, during recording, there were times when we had differing opinions on minor points. Such as, even though when my throat condition wasn’t too great, as a producer he was hoping for more/something else.

EG: Amongst all the tracks in the album, which track are you inclined point out as the song that was the most difficult to digest/assimilate?
YS: They are all similar. If I had to pick one, it’ll be the 4th track, “Even though, I”. Actually, I’m not able to/good at singing smooth/gentle falsettos. I guess it’s because while doing Beast’s music, (I) often use sharp/impactful voice that fits (with Beast). However, this song requires thin/intricate voice/falsetto so it was a little difficult.

EG: Honestly, were there any regrets that you’ve had for not being able to display your capabilities as a vocalist during Beast’s activities?
YS: Nope. I think I’ve sufficiently shown it. It’s only that the parts have been divided into six portions. Because it’s not very different from the music that I want to do. Amongst the comments that have been made about Beast, the comment that I liked the most is that, “This is a group that has no holes.***”. The pride of being the main vocal of a group that has no holes, I did the activities with confidence.

***T/N: Literally translated, it means that there are no holes in the group. However, for e.g. when they say “XX is a hole to this group.” means that “XX is the aspect that holds back the entire group.”. So the comment actually means that there are no loopholes/faults/imperfections.

EG: Instead, there will be more pressure for being regarded as an idol that is able to sing well.
YS: That’s right, and perhaps because of that, there was a slump too… In whatever I do, be it the fans or the public, there’s a certain level of expectation. I have thoughts that I need to be able to satisfy these expectations. However, since I’m entrusted with the high notes/pitch parts of every song, whenever there’s a performance stage, sometimes (I) can’t help but to become sensitive/edgy.

EG: Usually, what do you think of your voice? As a vocalist, what is your charm point or strength?
YS: As a strength, the ability to be able to sing/produce different types of voices? My voice range isn’t extremely high nor very low. I have the voice range of an average guy and giving various colors to songs. That’s my position/role and also can be regarded as a point of confidence.

EG: As a singer, if you had to pick out a voice of a person that you really want?
YS: Dongwoon. Although it’s a little regretful, but Dongwoonie isn’t shown the light yet. His voice resonance is good, and (his voice has) substance/(is) solid, and he sings really well. Sometimes when I listen to Dongwoonie’s song, he has the tone that I’m not able to have. At times I have thoughts that, “Ah, I’d like to be able to try and sing once with that kind of voice resonance and heavy tone.”

EG: Regarding this solo album, what are the other members’ reactions towards it?
YS: They feel really great about it. Doojoonie is in Hungary filming right now, but he still waited until 5am over there, checked the online charts and even supported me by writing on his SNS account. The members have given me their support and think greatly of it so I gain strength from it further.

EG: Amongst the members, are you guys the kind who gives each other (straightforward) comments without adjustment, regarding the others’ activities?
YS: For individual activities, we usually do not touch on that. In terms of acting, Doojoonie is far more experienced that I am, what could I possibly say. Except when it’s Beast’s stage, when Beast is seen as one, we give each other compliments and also suggestions.

EG: Beast has officially debut for more than 3 years. What do you think is the greatest achievement that Beast has obtained from that?
YS: That we are able to stand on stage regularly?

EG: Is there no change regarding the urge/fluttering feeling of performance stages even after three years has passed?
YS: That’s right, it’s the same. As we go on, the stages become bigger/greater. It’s a good feeling. At first during the showcase, we performed in front of a 30-odd pax crowd. Now we stand on a concert stage of a10-20 thousand audience. It’s a good feeling to see that we’ve grown this much.

EG: What’s is the feeling of receiving so much attention and love as an idol star? Do you feel the love you receive from them?
YS: Sometime ago, I had this thought. The love from the fans, it’s like the love from our parents. Both are unconditional love. I say that I’ll repay that, but it’s ridiculously insufficient. I’ve a sorry heart everyday because I’m not able to repay as much as the fans have thought for us.

EG: Amongst the fans, you’re regarded as the star who communicates the most with fans?
YS: You can consider that as fan service as well… It’s interesting/fun whenever I do something and the fans like it and give reaction to it. I think that’s why I continued doing it.

EG: As a star, what/which point do you think you’re born with?
YS: I do well in terms of making fans curious and giving them the fluttering feeling. Many ideas come to my mind. While preparing this album, I mulled over how the spoilers should be released. If you consider that an in-borne ability, it seems like it. In this case, to borrow a word used in the fandom, it could be considered “training”. I don’t really like that word. Anyway, the communication with fans, sometimes even when I see it, I think I do pretty well. (laughs)
: Are there any points that have changed in terms of habits or character ever since the formation of Beast? YS: Firstly, I’ve become more serious about everything. When I was a trainee, I had the thought that I was alone. However, now, when on stage, any mistake that I make, not just me alone, it affects the image of the other five of them as well. On the other hand, if I do well, Beast can shine brightly as a whole. From then, an action or a word, everything subsequently became serious.

EG: Besides singing practice, what else do you do in your free time? Sports, electronic/video games, alcohol etc. Is it similar to that of guys of your age are interested in?
YS: Well… Firstly, I can’t drink well. It’s not that I can’t drink well, but because I don’t drink, so seems like it became that way. Hmm… What do I do for play(time)? Just meeting with friends or the dance team sometimes to talk… I think I play/hang out pretty healthily. I don’t do much/other stuff.

EG: What about self-maintenance? You seem the kind to be strict with yourself.
YS: It seems that way. While doing this job, and the performance stages are of top priority, I’m accustomed to maintaining my condition, even if there’s no schedule the following day.

EG: Do you not want to try just leaving and pushing everything back and try having lots of fun?
YS: Of course there’s a time when I’ve had such fun. It’s not that we are like that every day since we’ve debut three years ago until now. I’ve had alcohol together with Beast, and we’ve also gone to a holiday house and had fun together before.

EG: Amidst your busy lifestyle, how do you spend time with your family? Like as you are towards your fans, are you also such an affectionate son towards your parents?
YS: Though I say I’ve tried my best, from my parents’ point of view, it’s insufficient. Everytime they call, they say, “I’m hurt/sad, it’s disappointing.” My mom is pretty straightforward. (laughs) During the concerts when our parents visit, I outrightly hug my mom and give pecks/kisses. It’s the same as when in the past, when she visited me at school. Although I act cute/do aegyo as much, I guess to my family I seem like a curt son.

EG: I’m curious with what kind of people do you make friends with in general.
YS: Likes music or sports, and have the same interests, I’ll be interested. And also, although I take care of those around me, if I get busy, it’s not possible. So instead of those who harden due to lack of contact, those who go “oh? You’re here?” whenever I look for them, those are the friends who are still by me right now. If I meet my friends from middle school, it feels like we’re still middle schoolers. We have fun and play together.

EG: In your profession, you hear things from everywhere. Do the suggestions or warnings from others continually ring in your ears?
YS: Aspects in which I’m really lacking in or those that I’m really sensitive about, I receive help, but those aspects which I’m really adamant about I try not to listen to those. Actually I’m kind of stubborn.

EG: Is there anything such as rules that you keep in your heart/live by during activities?
YS: I don’t know if this is an actual sentence, but “If I rest for a day, I know it; if I rest for two days, my colleagues know it; if I rest for three days, everyone gets to know it.” I’ve heard such words before. I try to live by keeping such an attitude/heart. Today, if I don’t practice, I’ll know it; if I rest for a week, the fans know it; if I don’t do it for a month, the public knows it. It’s entrenched in my mind and heart everyday.

EG: If anyone says, “Yang Yoseob is someone like that.”, what will you like to hear?
YS: He’s a really faithful/sincere and hardworking/diligent man. Actually, I am not/can’t be that sincere and diligent. There are aspects in which I try my best. It will be good if people can see that.

EG: It can be said that you’ve 100% accomplished your younger days’ dream of being a singer, right?
YS: That's right. I’ve become a singer, and I’m making the music I want to, and Beast has debut, and for the past three years, towards the direction that I’ve wanted to, it has materialised/come true the way I’ve drawn the picture.

EG: Then, what’s next? What else will you like to fulfill?
YS: What I’d like to fulfill… Tokyo Dome. (laughs) Sometime ago, we performed for the artiste baseball team at Tokyo Dome, it’s really huge. Usually, I’m not the type to be so eager to go forward/futuristic, but Tokyo Dome is really amazing. If I see the suave senior (artistes) filling up the entire place with their lightsticks, “so will we be able to do that in the end?” I have such thoughts and really want to fulfill it.

EG: In 2012, is it a year that you’ve achieved as much as you’ve been busy?
YS: In one line, it’s like “having itchy feet”, and it has been a really fulfilling year. I’ve changed to a new passport again. We’ve been on a world tour, we’ve spent three weeks in Japan doing concerts, and gained lots of experience. In 2013, hope to create the foundation that enables Beast leap/take off and become a world(wide) group.

EG: So, personally, in the past year, what meaningful events were there for you?
YS: Personally… I don’t want to phrase it as a slump, but in the past year I did quite a bit of worrying. The fans may have seen through it. Last year end, at a certain place/situation, I said that, “The singing capability shown today seems like that of middle school days.” The words became a reality, and since then I wasn’t able to sing the way I wanted to. “Did my voice come out alright/good?” and with a heavy heart, there were times that I’ve stand on the stage that way. But having experienced those times, I’ve become slightly more adapted to practicing mind control.

EG: To what extent have you managed to wrap up/manage those worries and thoughts?
YS: The worrying will probably continue. I’ve heard that one out of the ten ways to overcome a slump is, “do not judge yourself”, but I still continue to do so. Through this solo album promotions, I’ve learnt and grown a lot.

EG: Next year, you’ll be 24. Are you spending your 20s without regrets? You’re not feeling the pressure from aging or disliking it right?
YS: Yes. I’m spending it really meaningfully. I don't feel like I’m aging, but I seem to feel it in terms of body strenght/stamina. I debut at 20, that time, when I think about it, I was moving around really quickly/flying/zooming around. (laughs) In the past three years, there are times I get tired of it, but right now the body seems a little heavy and there are times the legs have been wind down.

EG: In the coming year 2013, what kind of year do you hope it to be?
YS: In 2013, I hope we’ll be able to fill up Tokyo dome and also release many albums. It seems like Beast wasn’t able to show/release many albums in Korea. And this year we only released just one album. I’m sorry towards the fans on that point. It’ll be good if next year we can release at least two or three albums.

EG: You’re a workaholic. Aren’t you living it up too tightly?
YS: I think it’s good to be able to do it while you can. I want to work hard and earn now, and play/enjoy later on. Haha.

EG: It’s definite that you’ll want to be a better singer in future, so what kind of man do you want to be? What kind of man do you think is a really suave/attractive guy?
YS: Isn’t a guy who’s concentrated on his work an attractive/suave one? Work hard at his job/work and upkeep himself well. It’ll be good if I don’t change too much. ♥

Credit to: xiangie0105, HongKongXD