ELLE JAPON December 2023 Issue | Taeyong’s interview

Q: Taeyong’s first solo album “SHALALA”, which was released in June this year, has seven self-written compositions. Looking back at the production, how did it go?

Ty:  Strangely, the songs I wrote recently were not on the album and I feel like the songs I wrote with more pure feelings are now included. Not my intention, but that’s how the story of this album ends. Until now, I always thought that I was tied to the past, but after releasing this album, that part is gone and I feel refreshed.

Q: Title song “Shalala” was a very “NEO” choice. It was a really cool song.

Ty: I think this song is challenging and good. There was a bit of a willingness to accept the risk. Although it’s not a popular song or one that accurately expresses myself

Q: You always appear confident, but do you sometimes feel anxious?

Ty: I worry that I don’t practice enough. During “NCT 127 2nd Tour ‘NEO CITY’: SEOUL – THE LINK+” last October, I felt unwell and could not participate in rehearsals. I arrived at the actual performance without being able to do a thorough practice, but the members helped me. I was nervous right before the event, but it became a beautiful memory that strengthened our trust in each other.

Q: Taeyong can easily perform even the most difficult performances, did you ever have to do any difficult choreography?

Ty: There is no specific choreography. I am confident that I can perform any choreography. However, “Zoo” from the winter album “2021 Winter SMTOWN: SMCU EXPRESS” overlapped with the group’s activities, so it was difficult.

When I appeared as a judge on “Street Woman Fighter”! Dancing should be fun, but it was heartbreaking to see dancers suffering in competition. I also know that dancing isn’t always fun, so I sometimes found it similar to how I was during those times.

Q: What if one day you run out of ideas and inspiration to create?

Ty: I actually had such an experience several times. At times like these, I make small changes, such as trying out a different genre or changing the direction of the song. Inspiration itself doesn’t go away, but how to express it is difficult. When I want to convey to others what I feel, I have to take into consideration whether or not I can convey it in the way I want.

Q: The results agreed that “I think it’s more realistic than being creative”

Ty: I am realistic and planned, although I can let my imagination run wild. I think now a lot has changed during the life of a trainee. I have become more constructive, or rather, I believe that only by facing reality we can imagine the future.

Q: How do you look back on your past activities, from album production to promotional activities such as appearances on variety shows?

Ty: I had a good experience, but there were times when I regretted it. Why go this far when you can still show yourself off on SoundCould or YouTube. I thought. Maybe somewhere in my heart I had the hope that if I released an album, I would be recognized a little more as an artist. However, one thing is certain: thanks to this experience, I was able to take the next step successfully. I want to be able to successfully complete my future work and what I’m currently planning.

Q: How have you been influenced by encountering various worlds through tours?

Ty: I feel blessed! As an artist, it’s a really good experience to undergo the culture of another country. When I see the colors, scents and scenery unique to that country, the range of music in my head expands, and I lose the fear of trying new things. I feel like my ability to empathize has improved as a result of being exposed to diversity. Originally, I was a “Super T” (the third judgment function of the MBTI is a calm and collected “thinking type”)

Q: Following last year when you visited Gwangju, Daejeon, Daegu and Busan with the members of NCT 127, this time you held a fansign event in the province alone.

Ty: The reason is that I have fond memories of going with the members last year, and I think it’s a good time to visit my fans. I think it’s a bit lacking to meet fans only to communicate through bubbles or games.

Q: What are you most confident about?

Ty: The thing I am most confident in is perseverance. I think I definitely have that. It’s hard to start, but if you have to do something, you dig to the end.

Q: If you could express Taeyong’s condition in words these days?

Ty: hmm. Warm? I’m rather happy these days. There is warmth in my heart. In the past, I always worried about tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, but now I think I’ve learned how to enjoy the given day.

2023/10/26

Eng Trans: @/elsplstrtyong

Source:  elle.com