ELLE Japan x TAEYONG June Special Edition Interview

Brilliant yellow with black low light, he appeared in the studio with new hair that is playful, Taeyong-like! It was impressive to see him checking the monitor every time during the shoot and sharing the images with the photographer.

At the beginning, he greeted the staff who came from Japan in fluent japanese. He also spoke of his love for Ghibli, “I want to go to Ghibli Park the next time I go to Japan, but I heard that it’s hard to get a reservation. Would I be able to go?”

Taeyong says, “This outfit makes me a little shy”, but stylishly pulls off a variety of looks with a variety of facial expressions and poses. You might also see the recently tattooed Susuwatari from ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ in the Special Edition.

Q. What is your favorite look from this shoot?

A. In this shoot, there were various styles such as outfits that made me a little shy, cute ones, and edgy items. As I went on taking difficult poses while trying to internalize them one by one, I felt very happy and proud that the final outcome was so good. It’s my first time doing a Balenciaga see-through look, so I was worried if it would turn out alright because it was a bit difficult for me to pose or make facial expressions, but really I like it as it turned out so well. Also, the last Ambush Bunny Balaclava cut was the closest to my style so I enjoyed shooting it.

Q. What is the most memorable scene you’ve seen from the stage at your Dome concerts?

A. It was my dream to do a Dome concert since I was a trainee. As many fans would know, when I first stood at the Dome stage at the opening of SMTOWN LIVE, no one looked at me. At the time, I saw on stage the sight of the audience who were waiting for when their favorite artist would come out. For me, my first Dome performance was a side stage appearance, and it was my earnest hope and desire to stand on stage as a main performer someday. There were times when it was difficult even to stand on stage due to the effects of COVID-19, but I was able to overcome that and have strong passion and dreams again thanks to the energy given by the fans during this Dome tour. Now, I’m working harder to repay the fans’ hearts.

Q. How do you spend your days off during your Japan tour?

A. Even though I live in Seoul, I go out a lot more in Japan than when I’m in Seoul. Especially in Tokyo, I went to Roppongi, Shibuya and Ginza. In Osaka, I also visited Dotonbori. During the Japan tour, I was able to see NCT 127 and my advertisements. It was near my birthday, and I felt like I had received a little early present. I  love walking around Japan and going into shops that interest me without much thought, and out of the shops I went into thinking ‘this must be delicious’, not a single one was a waste. I also enjoy acting on my gut feeling like that during my visit to Japan.

Q. Items that you have to bring with you on  tour?

A. In my case, I bring aroma candles, but since they can’t be used in hotel rooms, I often use them in waiting rooms if I’m permitted to. Also, I always carry a cool glass Bluetooth speaker that I got during our fanmeeting in Japan. It’s cracked a little these days, but I’m still using it with care.

How has collaborating with female choreographers like Rino Nakasone and Rie Hata influenced you as an artist?

A. First of all, I hold heartfelt gratitude to Rino-san. It’s because when she’s with me, I’m able to reflect upon myself. Truthfully speaking, there were times when I had almost lost my passion or strength on stage. I think it’s because I’ve become used to performing in life. However, with Rino-san by my side, I realized that there is someone who can treat the stage genuinely, and realized my shortcomings. When I conveyed this feeling to Rino-san, she said, “You do well at anything and have your own color, and for you to come discuss this with me, I’m thankful” During the last tour, Rino-san was crying so I cried too. In that way, I respect Rino-san as a performer as well.”

“I think Rie Hata-san dances so overwhelmingly well to the point that I can’t easily approach her. I study her all the time because she is such a world-class choreographer, and is someone who dances better than I do and possesses skills I’d like to have. Her self-care as a dancer is also thorough and excellent, and I, as an ‘expresser’ like she is, have a lot to learn from her attitude and the way she treats her work.

Q. Taeyong-ssi also creates your own choreography, so please tell us about the creative process.

A. There are days when I suddenly want to dance. At times like that, I find a song that suits the mood, listen, and freestyle to it. Such thoughts lead to creativity flowing. When I take a business approach, I often build it up while listening to the lyrics, and when I create by myself at my own pace, I often think up the choreography after listening to the beat.

Q. What is your wish list for this summer?

A. Actually, I recently decided to stop shopping. But honestly, I might want some nice swimwear. If it’s not clothes, I want to buy some nice drinking glasses in Japan. When I came to Japan, I bought this Japanese Sake called ‘Dassai 23’, and it was so delicious… I think such a delicious drink will taste even better when you drink it in a nice glass.”

Q. A person who is good at talking vs a person who is a good listener, which is the better match?

A. I don’t know which one suits me better, but I want to become someone who can respond well both depending on the person.

Q. Lastly, tell us your thoughts about the NCT 127 members

A. I feel that each member has grown a lot. In that time, everyone has cared for, loved, and helped each other. Because of that, I think we were able to build a relationship where we could support each other without misunderstanding no matter what happens between the members.

ELLE – June 2023
Translation by @myriceball_ and @/127CENTRAL