Interviewer: What kind of atmosphere were you trying to express through today’s photoshoot?

Taeyong: I tried to give off a neat yet sexy vibe. Surprisingly, I felt more comfortable when my hair was black rather than when I had them bleached. I think I took advantage of that and captured good shots.

Interviewer: Before the interview, I listened to the last song ‘Back to the Past’ from your solo album a lot. I had many thoughts while listening to the lyrics. Is the ‘rusty gate’ mentioned in the lyrics real or imaginary?

Taeyong: It’s real. When I wrote my story, I tried my best to capture what I felt and what I thought. Although that house is no longer there, that neighborhood gave me a lot.

Interviewer: After spending your childhood in that neighborhood, did SM become the catalyst that sparked your dreams and made you realize ‘I can do it too’?

Taeyong: That’s right. At SM, there were people who would correct me or praise me when I made an effort. In a way, those people were my goals. I can say that I worked hard for those people. I practiced for a long time to make someone happy, thinking “I should receive compliments from that person” and “If I work hard like this, that person will be pleased”. That was one of the good aspects within me. Feeling joy when others are happy. That was another one of my passions.

Interviewer: You seem to have a deep inner drive. When did you think that you could debut and become a singer at SM after going through the training period?

Taeyong: I didn’t do it while thinking about that. The place I belong to is still highly competitive even after my debut. That’s why even after 7 years since my debut, I still haven’t lost the feeling of being like a trainee. As a leader, I often heard the phrase ‘set a good example’. I spent time thinking about how to become a good leader.

Interviewer: It seems like SM played a positive role in Taeyong’s life, not just in his artist career, by promoting personal growth and contemplation about what it means to be a leader.

Taeyong: They did a lot. As an adult, I felt that I received a lot of protection for young teenagers from SM. It was a company that gave me a great sense of relief in that way. Director Tak Young-jun, Director Lee Seong-soo, and all the other individuals in management, including Byung-jun hyung, guided me into a good and righteous path. They always strive to set a good example for me and I am grateful for that.

Interviewer: What is the reason for having a hobby of raising fish among various hobbies?

Taeyong: I felt lonely. It was a burden, but I couldn’t talk to anyone, and even if I did, it wouldn’t be resolved, so I tried to find something to fill the void. First, I had plants, then I had fish, and now I even raise axolotls. Taking care of them gives me something to do every day and having these creatures to look after helps alleviate my loneliness. When I clean the tank or change the water, I have a lot of thoughts running through my mind. That’s how my hobbies became diverse. I draw pictures or play with Legos, but my biggest hobby is making music. It brings me happiness.

Interviewer: Your dream solo album, which you had been working on, was released in 2023. How do you feel about it?

Taeyong: There are people who shared stories about how a certain song touched their hearts, so I ended up thinking, ‘This is why I make music.’ It made me feel really good. It was a feeling of being acknowledged for creating something.

Interviewer: Actually, you have already received international recognition before. It seems like the feeling of being recognized as a solo artist was different.

Taeyong: Yes, it’s completely different. For this solo project, I didn’t receive much help from others in terms of music. I wanted to do everything on my own. I think this album was a great signal to announce my debut. I believe I made good use of my career.

Interviewer: How are NCT leader Taeyong and solo artist Taeyong different? Are they not very different?

Taeyong: It’s quite different. Solo activities are just beginning and it’s another chapter, so I have to pay attention to every detail. If team activities were based on one ambition, I think I need to know more about myself when it comes to solo activities. I realized that I need to understand myself in order to explain myself to others. As a result, members or other people come to me when they have concerns. Going through this process, I have become a trustworthy person for others and I consider it one of the meaningful things that happened this year.

Interviewer: Does becoming that kind of person have any connection with your solo album?

Taeyong: I think it does. While releasing my solo album, I realized that my impatience disappeared. Thoughts like ‘I have to be cool, I have to do well, I have to do this’ vanished after trying it. When you rush, expect results, or feel anxious while working, you cannot be satisfied whether the outcome is good or bad. Releasing this solo album made me realize the meaninglessness of such concerns. I said “Let’s just do my best according to my standards and even if things don’t turn out well, they become good memories”. By working this way, I have learned to let go of a lot of pressure. The NCT members are really talented, but they always feel a thirst for improvement. They want to do better, so they keep making efforts. Seeing the hard work of the members motivates me to work harder too.

Interviewer: If it’s a thirst for improvement, then it’s a very healthy thirst.

Taeyong: That’s right. Passion seems to flow better when many people have it

Interviewer: Fans are very curious about the meaning of Taeyong’s tattoos.

Taeyong: I got a lot of water-related tattoos because my fortune-teller said I need a lot of water elements, like water or all in blue. When I go to a tattoo artist, it’s not just about getting a tattoo, but sometimes we have deep conversations about life. Since they are artists too, it’s interesting to talk about the future with them.

Interviewer: Do you also create designs with them?

Taeyong: I do it that way most of the time. There are rarely cases where I do something just because I say ‘I want to do this.’ I usually do things that I want to try (while discussing them). However, I didn’t expect to have so many tattoos.

Interviewer: I think I understand that feeling because I also got piercings when I was young. You never know that it will become so many when you start getting piercings. I think you have a belief that you should give a positive influence to fans fundamentally.

Taeyong: That’s right. Because I believe in it. There is something similar between artists and fans. People who have a similar personality or perspective as me will like me. That’s why when I write something negative or melancholic in lyrics, I don’t expose it much. When I create a song, I express ‘Even though I did it this way, I’m trying to change a lot, trying to bring positive energy’.

Interviewer: When did you know that? When did you start thinking that? 

Taeyong: I realized that after writing ‘404 File Not Found’ for my first album. When I composed this song, and within it, when I stopped listening to it. It feels like I’ve listened to this song thousands of times. But at some point, I stopped listening. That’s how I progressed. I tried to convey the message to the fans that there are enough parts they can overcome.

Interviewer: That song was also mentioned in an interview with <Arena> last year. As you said, you have improved once again.

Taeyong: That seems to be the case. Thank you

Interviewer: In the interview with <Arena> last year, you said that ‘having a driver’s license is on your bucket list.’

Taeyong: I passed. However, I’m still always scared when driving. Every time I drive, my mom tells me, ‘Be careful, 5 minutes is the most accident-prone time when you leave and come back’. Even though my mom doesn’t have a driver’s license (laughs), I understand the meaning of her words well enough to be cautious. On the other hand, I bought a car for my father. I replaced his old car because it was too old. It’s one of the good things I did in 2023.

Interviewer: All the songs and lyrics in your solo album must be precious, but if you were to introduce one song in this interview, which song would you choose?

Taeyong: I like all the lyrics that are included in it and following the 404 File Not Found version, there is a next-level song called ‘404 Loading.’ If 404 File Not Found gives the feeling of ‘I did my best but it didn’t work out,’ 404 Loading gives the feeling of ‘I’m always happy because I always do my best.’ I like this progressive content.

Interviewer: What is currently motivating you, Taeyong?

Taeyong: As I mentioned earlier, the things that motivate us are often quite simple. When I work on solo projects, it’s just a single word of encouragement from my staff. In this album, there is a song called ‘Move Mood Mode,’ and someone from the company told me, “I listen to this every morning.” That made me feel acknowledged. I receive a lot of compliments, but they rarely reach deep into my heart. It has been like that since I was a trainee. However, a single word from people about this solo album motivates me and gives me strength.

Interviewer: I think idol members always have a special feeling towards their fans. It’s a feeling of gratitude and positivity, but it can also change over time. When you think about your fans, what kind of feelings do you have, Taeyong?

Taeyong: I think I went through a period of being talkative and mischievous. It was the fans who made such a positive change in me. That’s why I recently wrote a letter to the fans. I wanted to thank them for making me feel loved and for bringing out my passion. Now, I feel like I can tell people that I am a good person. I want to express my gratitude to the fans for making me into a better person.

Interviewer: Even though you can’t sit face-to-face and talk with all your fans like I’m talking with you right now, can you still feel how they all feel?

Taeyong: Of course. I feel it a lot during concerts. I also tend to monitor my own performances and there are moments when I truly get moved because I can feel the songs I’ve written. When I read messages from fans, when I read letters, that’s why I feel really happy no matter where I am in the world.

Interviewer: Since I haven’t been an idol, I don’t know, but when you think about it, being an idol itself seems like a quite unique profession. Who do you share those unique concerns with? Do you share them with your fish?

Taeyong: Usually, when I have something going on, I already know the answer. However, it takes me some time to acknowledge and accept that answer. During that time, I spend time drinking with my members or working with my composer friends, and so on. I don’t spend time alone. It feels like things have changed because I have people around me to talk to and rely on.

Interviewer: When did you feel a sense of fulfillment while doing this job?

Taeyong: there was a moment during a recent concert when almost all the members cried. It was when they were expressing their thoughts to the fans. Since then, the members have been sharing many heartfelt words with each other. As someone who has been with the members for over 10 years, it was so nice to see them let go of themselves and show their sincere side. I felt a sense of fulfillment, realizing that the members have become more comfortable and familiar with expressing themselves to the fans.

Interviewer: Among NCT and Taeyong’s fans, there are also young fans, right? Have you ever thought about setting a good example for those fans?

Taeyong: There are so many. That’s why I’ve also thought about creating many songs that can be helpful to those friends. Although I’m still lacking, if there are areas where I can continue to help after further growth, I want to keep helping. 

Interviewer: That’s why I liked ‘Back to the Past.’ I think many young people will be able to gain strength from that song. What is your goal for 2024?

Taeyong: Starting with good news, I am currently preparing for a solo album. I want to show my growth through this album. It would make me very happy if fans accept and understand what I want to express about myself. 

Interviewer: What kind of person do you want to be remembered as in the future?

Taeyong: As a good adult. That’s my dream. I want to become a person like a wonderful adult who helps. I want to become an adult who can be a role model for children. 

Interviewer: Your words are really cool and mature. Since you’re still young, I’ll end with a refreshing question. I heard that you like ice cream, what flavor do you like?

Taeyong: I like rice gelato. Ice cream with carbohydrates mixed is tastes delicious.

Translation @tyong_bbl on Twitter