Woollim CEO's Interview about management, business, Infinite, and Lovelyz

[idlestar]

[interview] 150608 - woollim entertainment representative lee jungyeop  â‘ 
 
Regardless of others, we do it our way. 
 
In June 2010, Infinite, who made their debut with “Come Back Againâ€, together with the company they belong to, Woollim Entertainment, did not catch the attention of many. However on this day 5 years later, many are calling Woollim the “legend of small-medium enterprises.†From the CEO’s rundown 2-storey building in Mangwon-dong, the business begin stably and we are curious as to what was the initial motivation that kept them going and supported them these past five years. In the newly constructed building which is now the headquarters of Woollim Entertainment, we meet the man behind the legend, representative Lee Jungyeop.
 

 
Woollim Entertainment representative Lee Jungyeop
 
 
 
Let’s talk about the most recent events first. Kim Sunggyu’s 2nd album “27†has received positive feedback and achieved 1st place in music broadcast shows.
This is because we wanted it to be different from his first EP. Even though the sales have increased this time round, we were actually aiming for more so in a way it’s still lacking.
 
Seems like you had high hopes for this album.
Actually we do have high hopes for every album. Every time we release one we always hope that it would have an impact globally. But to be honest for Sunggyu’s album this time round I personally really looked forward to it. This is the first time Jongwan from Nell took on the role of producing the entire album and it’s one that is all-rounded no matter how you look at it.
 
Nell was also heavily involved in the production of his 1st album “Another Meâ€. Working with Nell again three years later for this second solo album, is it pressurizing? Have you ever considered other alternatives?
How can you try out other alternatives before confirming a performer’s own unique colour? Kim Sunggyu is using the identity of “Soloist Kim Sunggyu†when he released the two albums instead of as “Infinite’s Sunggyu†and after fumbling for a bit, he finally got a hold of his own style. Everyone’s been rushing him. Also, compared to the first album, this second album has a different feel. The title track for the first album was produced by Sweetune but this time round it’s all produced by Kim Jongwan so it’s not quite right to say that these two albums are identical. Besides, Sunggyu has matured in terms of his musicality. Previously, he was just a “singer†who simply sang what had been given to him by others but this time, it’s an album where he had channelled his feelings into it and expressed himself better through it. It’s the same for Infinite H — if their first album was just them showing themselves as rappers while using what others had written, this time it’s them having the ability to tell their own story through writing their own lyrics and for their next album, they could even be the ones doing the composing. I feel that sustained improvement as such is the most important. In other words regardless of Infinite H or Kim Sunggyu, they are both creating their own stories that have yet to be completed.
 
Even though you’re mainly promoting Infinite as an idol group now, there seems to be plans for a long term development project.
No matter what I’m a person who has worked for a long time with Epik High and Nell, so I can’t be this easily satisfied. If we’re talking about the ultimate goal, it’s probably to produce people who can surpass your average idol group from other producers.
 
So this is not just about their popularity among the general public, but also about the musicality of the producers they’ve worked with/are working with/will be working with?
In this industry, it’s like this — you have to take the effort to create their lifestyle, image, etc. Often times many feel like shedding the image of simply being an idol by showing that “I’m working with this and this artist nowâ€, “I’m a super idol (one that exceeds your expectations of the average idol) nowâ€. Why are you trying to erase your roots? You are originally an idol, so you have to keep to what you initially started out as. I don’t like having to do anything intentionally just for the sake of changing this original identity of being an idol.
 
This production seems like one that can be sustained in the long run.
None of those who have worked with me have thoughts along the lines of “I don’t want to be responsible for this idol (group) againâ€. It’s not that I’m intentionally trying to prolong the time I get to work with certain producers, but it’s more of sustaining my goal of working towards the direction I want to head to. Even if they tell me “I’ll only work with this group for 2 yearsâ€, I won’t give them any other option. Even if they want to break off the contract tomorrow, they’ll still have to finish what they are supposed to finish today. You can say it’s a grand long term goal, but I just don’t want to face any obstacles before actually attaining the goal, I don’t want to exaggerate and attempt to exceed boundaries that I’m not capable of.
 
Do you harbour any ambitions for artistic quality or do you have any strong opinions pertaining to management of their images?
Not at all. Every producer I’ve worked with in the past are like that. Because I’ve learnt by watching those people, those training under this company are now like that as well. “If you want to become a musician, you have to follow this and this…†is a thought that I’ve never had.
 
Is this attitude of Woollim/representative Lee Jungyeop also something that has been sustained from the past? Your (company’s) quality of being “a man of his words†is seen through a famous pact that has been followed up by your company when Infinite H released an MV as promised to the fans when they won 1st place on music shows. In Kim Sunggyu’s case you guys promised a solo concert and this brought up much discussions. Is there a possibility of this happening?
They got a hold of my weakness. We did say this jokingly, but the fans know clearly that once it’s been said, the company has no choice but to follow through in action. As a matter of fact holding a concert is nothing but beneficial to the company, but every plan we make has to be thoroughly assessed in terms of fairness because no matter what they are still a group. The promise will definitely be fulfilled, but we will have to think further about the ways in which it will be carried out, about how to strike a balance between it and the activities of the group.
 
 

 
“When planning anything we first think about balancing it out between all of the members, no matter what they are still a group before anythingâ€
 
 
 
On a more serious note, merger between entertainment companies are something that’s in trend recently. Is Woollim the first company to do this?
I wouldn’t have done it if we weren’t the first. If there had been cases of as such prior to ours then perhaps I wouldn’t have gone ahead with it.
 
As someone who is directly involved in the management, what is your view of the recent trends of merger?
About this, other than the fact that I personally signed the merging contract, I can’t tell you anything else, not even the rest know of the contents of the contract. Merging is like the relationship between a man and his wife, we can’t have any relationships with others anymore and others should not be criticising us or making assumptions. One thing clear about it, though, is that in this day and age you can’t do anything without funds. The traditional way of thinking — “regardless of what happens I’ll go ahead with it and just make the best of what happens after†— is no longer applicable in the current market.
 
Infinite seems to have been one of the last few batches who were part of this dangerous trend.
Exactly.
 
After the debut of Lovelyz, the company has matured into one with a boy group and a girl group and constructed a new office building. Are all of your plans accomplished?
No, this is just a result of going with the natural flow of events. From starting out as a small company to becoming one actively in charge of grooming idols, there has to be huge emphasis placed on moulding a system in place in this period of time. In my opinion, systems as such, as compared to special methods or techniques, values connections between individuals more. If we have our office and practice rooms scattered all over the place at different locations without a main office building, there’s no way we can get a hold of the situation. Only now I understand that with all of these facilities side by side in the same building, it is the best system which brings out the highest level of cooperation and connection. Having the producers on one side and the trainees and idols practising in the floor below is then something that has come true with the construction of this new building. This is why we feel that to continue this business, there is a need for a main office building. It would serve as the basis and core of our working system.
 
If you see it this way, Woollim seems to be an interesting one, slowly upgrading themselves together with their artistes. 
In this case it seems like the fans would like us more too as they feel like they have contributed to the development of Woollim down to the last tile used in the construction of this building.
 
What is your opinion to their reaction as such?
I can only laugh. (Not in a sarcastic tone)
 
We talked about working with the same people earlier. Five years after Infinite’s debut, MV director Hwang Soo-Ah, stage director Kim Daeshik, choreographer ADDM are still the ones who’ve been working with them from the start. One can feel the effort put into this, which is a rare occurrence in this entertainment industry that is evolving day by day. Are there any special intentions?
There aren’t any intentions behind this. But if you bring this up then I have to say that our stylists and the salon we send them to have never changed either. ADDM is now officially employed by our company. Director Kim Daeshik is someone I became acquainted with during the production of Epik High and Nell’s concerts. At that time stage directors all belonged to the older generation, and those who are really recognised for their abilities as a stage director are pretty rare. When I saw the few of them putting in so much effort, it left an impression on me. Even later during Infinite’s first showcase, they were the ones we called for to help out too and this partnership has continued all the way up till now. About repeatedly working with the same people, if I really must cite a reason, it would be because they are the ones who have been there to witness the growth of our artistes, because they are the ones who are close enough to the extent of understanding the preferences and dislikes of each member. Also, by working with them, the kids would feel more comfortable as well.
 
It seems that the company is really one that prioritises their artistes over everything then.
It’s because we want to avoid any potential problems. If there is someone who can understand the kids’ preferences it saves me from having more things to fret over.
 
So you play the role of the middleman right? There’s a feeling of one big family.
ADDM has also been working with the kids since their debut till now and the kids, too, feel that it’s convenient working with them. Hairstyles and concepts (stylists and coordis) are something of a more sensitive nature, but till now it has not caused much problems, so we hope to be able to continue working with them. They are still working with us now only because they are doing their jobs well, it’s not because they want to continue working with me.
 
So as a representative of the management, to what extent are you able to speak on behalf of the company and exercise authority over them? Different companies definitely have different ways of deciding this. 
My authority? Of course it’s unchallenged.
 
Do you have to personally attend to every single detail?
Even though I’m now doing much lesser than I used to, I still check the details often enough. The representatives of entertainment companies are mostly the ones with absolute power.
 
 
 
The evolution of the success story of Infinite-Woollim relationship
 

 
Infinite, who has become synonymous with Woollim within three years of their debut, remains as close as ever to Woollim, and representative Lee Jungyeop.
 
 
 
I heard that Infinite’s comeback date is pushed back to July?
As of now we have there’s no definite answer to this yet.
 
Earlier in March, it’s been told to fans who attended the fan meeting that a comeback is scheduled in May. There must be fans who are disappointed with the lack of news after the long wait.
Kim Sunggyu’s album is actually already delayed as well. The initial plan was to release it last year so all activities were rescheduled. We’ve thought of releasing Sunggyu’s album only after everything too, but now we have no choice but to bring it forward. There have been similar occurrences before where while carrying out preplanned activities, there is a deadline to meet for another project all of a sudden so we can only wrap things up as soon as possible. There have also been times when our plans are suddenly foiled due to some problems that surface when the project is near completion which forces us to push back the release date. In fact we have always been closely following our planned schedules and it’s just this time that something went wrong. The company is now operating on a larger scale so problems as such are inevitable. In the past the company’s plans are mostly decided based on Infinite but this time, there are other schedules that we have to take into consideration, on top of the fact that there are unresolved problems pertaining to the album production as well. This is why things turned out like that.
 
There have been rumours going around that this delay in comeback is a result of trying to avoid other popular groups.
We have never thought of avoiding anyone. When Infinite released their 2nd full-length album last year they went at it head to head with other groups that were really popular too. Even when they made their debut it coincided with some of the top groups a few times as well. Since I’ve said it already I’ll just make it clearer — to ensure that we are continuously in touch with the entertainment industry, there is really no room to stall time just to avoid other popular groups. As long as we give it our best shot it’s good enough. Why should we care about others? We just do what we have to do and show our best.
 
Are you perhaps not concerned about the number of wins they can get?
It would be best to win 1st place of course, but even though it would be nice, it’s not something within my power but something decided by the heavens. Making sure they achieve a 2nd place is the best I can do but if we’re talking about the 1st place, it’s definitely something that has more to do with fate.
 
If we’re talking about subunit activities, every member of Infinite is involved in either a subunit or solo activities. What is the reason behind placing so much emphasis on this?
It’s to satisfy their individual desires. We think along the lines of “if this member is not doing activities as an Infinite member, XXX would be something he would be able to do well in†before deciding what they would each focus on and it must be something that they cannot show when promoting as a group. Infinite F is able to show a bright and refreshing image which is something that they were not able to show when promoting with Infinite. In Kim Sunggyu’s case he is trying to show a new side of himself as soloist Kim Sunggyu instead of Infinite’s main vocal Kim Sunggyu by showcasing his ability to express himself perfectly through his songs. For Infinite H it’s similar to “Hyde and Jekyll†— they can perform a much more powerful style of music that Infinite isn’t able to do and Toheart’s funky feel is even more so a quality that Infinite most definitely lacks in. Infinite’s subunits are not just a smaller clone of the original group but they are independent subgroups that are entirely different when you consider every aspect.
 
In this case it seems like your motivation behind producing each subunit is to give them a brand new image and concept. But haven’t you mentioned before in past interviews that to prolong the lifespan of the group the seven of them must always be together?
This is why we are very cautious with our subunit activities. If I did not have this (the idea of keeping the seven of the members closely together to lengthen as much as possible the group’s lifespan) in mind, I would have just let the most popular Infinite H continue their promotions, but it should not be this way. Popularity is not the most important thing.
 
Infinite F’s debut in Korea shocked many.
The fact that we initially planned for them to only promote as a subunit in Japan is true. After we wrapped up promotions in Japan, the kids said that they really wanted to promote in Korea. Adding to the fact that they have worked really hard during promotions in Japan, watching their performances made be feel much more at ease. I have been overly worried.
 
I am pleasantly surprised with the positive feedback following their debut. With Infinite F, it finally feels like all seven of them have matured as a whole. 
We were actually really worried at first because our plans were full of ups and downs. Our original plan was to release "ê°€ìŠ´ì´ ë›´ë‹¤â€ as the official soundtrack of <High School Love On> during their concert, not have any promotions in Korea, and only release albums in Japan. However, the company producing the soundtrack said we could release it only as an original soundtrack and not for any other purposes so from then on, problems started to arise. The release of the original soundtrack is very much like organising an event, it does not come without the burden of stress. We initially thought that it would be the best way for Infinite F to promote in Korea, but in the end it felt like everything had started out on a wrong note. After that we could only release an album in Japan first but thankfully the reviews were positive so upon return to Korea, they were ready to make their debut.
 
No matter what you can’t deny that subunit activities places more emphasis on their individual developments, which will eventually serve as the basis for the direction the group will head towards in the future.
I don’t know if I can say it this way but the purpose of having subunit activities is to provide a greater leeway for each of the members to be able to have a long term plan that will allow them to stay in this industry for as long as possible. It’s not about the results but about the process and the effort they put into it.
 
It’s already been five years since Infinite’s debut, and there have always been talks about the “5-year crisis†many idol groups face. Have you prepared anything to counter this?
There isn’t a need for counteraction when there’s no such crisis. We have to be facing a crisis before we can strategise a plan in reaction to it. Why fret so much about problems that have not yet happened?  
 
This is actually something that is the most difficult from the producer’s point of view. Compared to those who have always been leading, it is much harder to catch up when you have lagged behind once.
First and foremost you must have the determination and willpower to not lag behind.
 
Do you feel that there’s no more room for improvement?
I’ve said this before earlier as well, it’s not something that can be decided by me alone. Everybody has to put in the utmost effort in all that they are doing in order to maximise the level of cooperation between us. I pave the way, the kids make it happen, the fans help by supporting and positive results would then naturally follow. “We’ll start to work harder (only) from now on!†is an impulsive thought that we have never had.
 

 
Infinite, who recently Dilemma and 24 Hours in Japan
 
 
 
There has been an obvious change in this period of time in how you are starting to work with famous producers from all over the world. Infinite started to work with Tomoyasu Hotei, Kiyoshi Matsuo whereas Lovelyz was able to work with Yoonsang right from their debut. 
This is because.. we have a bit more money now. Just kidding. As a matter of fact when Infinite made their debut, it was the period of time where many other companies were rapidly debuting idol groups and the composers for each album were fixed. Shinsadong Tiger, Brave Brothers and E-Tribe were quickly contacted and signed on with the most popular groups. But personally, I’ve aways been the type to not like/follow what majority of the general population tends to go after. One such example is the really popular movie <명량> which I am not intending to watch. I’ve always had a slight rebellious streak since young and prefer to understand what most people would not know.
 
I see you’re a classic otaku.
That’s right, I’m an otaku, but then again, I do not like what otakus generally like. I prefer “things that exclusively belong to meâ€. This is why I do not like working with producers who have worked with and written songs for other groups before. Sweetune does not have a wide public recognition, but after speaking to them I felt like we could match up in several areas so I hoped that they would only be responsible for Infinite and that is how we started to work together. In fact Infinite’s first title track was not written by Sweetune too.
 
It’s produced by Rollercoaster.
Yes. The same goes for Yoonsang. He’s an older brother figure that I’ve known for a long while. Many people don’t know about this or have forgotten about this but everyone started to remember us when we started working with Sweetune.
 
I’m not sure if this is because of a stereotype but it feels like you’re starting to work with many topnotch artistes since last year.
I’ve said it once in an interview before that I want Infinite to become a localised act in Japan but fans seem to be interpreting this idea wrongly and were upset about it. Even though you could call it localisation if a singer promotes in just a certain country for a really long period of time, this was not what I had in mind. If we want to release albums in Japan, we have to work with the famous local musicians and production teams and this is my idea of localisation.  Many seem to have been understanding it wrongly though, thinking that we’re sending the group there to promote for a long period of time.
 
So they thought that localisation referred to sending the group to Japan to start all over again, picking up the basics and eventually promoting there, just like Hallyu idols from the past? 
Yes it’s written like this in many of the online posts.
 
The fans generally perceive the idea of localisation as learning the Japanese language, having the ultimate purpose of appearing on Japanese variety shows and having arena tours to increase their public recognition. However, your clarification on the idea of localisation — to work with local producers — created a fresh new perspective. Have you always been a fan of Tomoyasu Hotei and Kiyoshi Matsuo’s music?
I did not have any special preference for Hotei’s music but it’s just that he’s masterfully skilled with the guitar and I thought that it would be nice if I could work with him, on top of the fact that it would definitely bring a fresh experience. On the other hand, the producer for 24 Hours, Kiyoshi Matuso, is someone I went out of my way to speak to. I personally really like Hirai Ken’s <瞳を閉ã˜ã¦> and kept thinking about how to invite over the person who had written this song and it was with this thought that I eventually sent out my love call.
 
 
 
original article in korean; chinese translations credits to: LoveSungKyuâ¤æˆ€ä¸Šè–圭ã€ç¿»è¯‘：å—瓜】
reposted from cr

 
 
 
[TRANS] LEE JUNGYEOP CEO INTERVIEW WITH IDOLOGY - LOVELYZ

 

 

Q. Lets change the subject to Lovelyz. Its a team that needed a lot of time for debut.
A. They were prepared with Infinite
 
Q. Yes. The member Yoo Jiae appeared on Infinite’s first reality program Mnet <You Are My Oppa>. Is there a particular reason why it took so long?
A. Actually, I didn’t have much confidence, and had been busy working on Infinite
 
Q. Was it too much growing your company and debuting a new group?
A. Yes. And I had a thought that it wasn’t the right time. If you do this kind or work you get this feeling that ‘Ah its now’. However, as you know the situations then, I didn’t have the confidence to survive in that girl group battlefield
 
Q. So the debut last year is the result of getting that ‘feeling’?
A. I thought we could go ahead with the innocent concept about now. There were none then. There was A-Pink but they now have a bit of maturity in them to call them completely innocent so I thought ‘we can do it about now’ and worked on it accordingly.
 
Q. I don’t know if the ‘feeling’ came simultaneously to other people too, several other girl groups with a similar concept debuted around the same time.
A. I wouldn’t know what they were thinking when they were made those groups.
 
Q. Are you not that interested in that trend?
A. I do care. But like I’ve said before, whats the point of thinking so much about what others think. I don’t listen to new music a lot because I don’t think its ideal to adjust or shrink because of things like that.
 
Q. So you don’t particularly check things like Melon Top 100?
A. Melon? I have an account but don’t really listen to it.
 
Q. I think the position Lovelyz occupies amongst all the other innocent concept girl groups is quite unique. Most of the innocent concept girl groups take the boys’ view, that is looking at the girl from the boy’s point of view; view from the opposite sex, however in Lovelyz’s case, its like a girl’s world that an innocent girl dreams herself.
A. I talked about the same thing with my A&R staff when making Lovelyz. Lets make a team with a fandom, in order to do that we need target female fans.
 
Q. Infinite is a boy group with not so few male fans, and looking at things this way, it feels like ‘girls’ girl’ and ‘boys’ boy’ is a common factor. Can this be seen as Woolim’s unique color?
A. Yes I think so, I would think things like those are tendencies.
 
Q. I’ve been to the Korean Forces Network’s  <K-Force Special TV> recording which Lovelyz recently appeared on, the soldiers were singing along absolutely loud to Lovelyz’s song. It seems like the male fandom growth is proportionate and steady considering that targeting the female fans was the main focus.
A. If girls seek them, the boys will follow naturally.
 
Q. Looking at things from the current idol scene, isn’t the approach too maniac?
A. Idol is fundamentally maniac. People who buy the CDs buy 100s of CDs, and for concerts the same people come repeatedly to the concert. Manias are the start of this business anyway.
 
Q. Isn’t it difficult to break through the digital music charts with only the manias?
A. I don’t care much about the digital chart. Before, if you liked someone it was natural to spend and buy CDs and what; therefore popular interest was directly related to profits but now? Its free for the general public to consume music and artists. I don’t think it has a big meaning.
 
Q. But the public who will influx into the fandom is important too. Such as appearing on entertainment TV programs unrelated to music in order to secure mass popularity.
A. There are so many outlets such as SNS and internet nowadays
 
Q. If so, is there a particular plan that can appeal to such outlet?
A. Firstly, we have tried different ways of approach other than TV by making web variety show <Lovelyz Diary> on Naver TV Starcast, and I think there are many things can be done, that doesn’t have to be on terrestrial TV channel, so we are continuing to plan more ideas. Of course, we can’t be sure how much of an influence they can make. As I’ve said before, the most important thing in this business is mania, not public. Those people buy 20, 50 CDs. And I think when that flow stands out and becomes noticeable, the public will follow naturally. The best example is Seo Tae Ji. It was a manic music in the beginning but the number of fans increased and eventually the general public followed.
 
Q. Will you continue to work on Lovelyz with Yoon Sang in the future?
A. There isn’t a particular “Must work with Yoon Sang!’ but I have asked him to write a song. I will go for anything that fits with the image and the plan.

 

 
Q. Could be a little sensitive question, when would returning to an 8 member system be possible?
A. It would be possible when the atmosphere is right or when it feels right. There isn’t a  concrete plan of what to do when. The atmosphere that gives you the feeling that “Ah, will easily make a soft landing around this time†is the most important. It may seem a little indecisive but I think its important not to overdo things.
 
Q. The debut song CJL starts with line in pairs. It is a shame that unexpected change led to 7 member system and such set up broken.
A. To be honest, yes. You can say it collapsed. Sometimes I think about how it would have been if that event didn’t happen. Would it have been better? or would it have been worse since there were no issues. I think they would have done well regardless. I think they would have been a hot team regardless of issues as such. But even that, its something I can’t control with my powers
 
Q. There was a post written by Ideology previously about this, there are many Japanese Kpop fans that are very interested in Lovelyz debut in Japan. Do you have any plans?
A. None yet. However, we are always preparing for it. It would be great to fix ‘debut will be on which month, which day’ for these things, but in reality its always difficult in this business. Continually being prepared and going ahead with it when I get that ‘feeling’ and sense the timing, of course we are always preparing for it. I think its all luck.
 
Q. Then what is next for Lovelyz?
A. To make the next album well. Make the album well and show the fans the better Lovelyz. That is all. Im not saying this just for the sake of saying but really we are a company that doesn’t have great plans to make progress. But of course if you are in the position of reading this you would want to hear those great things.
 
Q. Most of your answers seem to be ‘feeling’ and luck (laughs)
A. Would be difficult to organise this interview. ‘LJY does it when he gets the ‘feeling’, ‘What plans do you have?’, ‘I don’t have the ‘feeling’ yet’ (laughs)

 

 
Source: http://idology.kr/4584
Trans by  ohhyangjangyook for Lovelyz8.net

[yeokdae]

but where's Seo Jisoo?

[ICETERO]

He talks well

[SLY]

He is my ultimate bias tbh.

 

Lee Sungjong who? I only know Lee Jungyeop. ♡♥♡♥

[black_miri]

Lee Jungyeop..talking and trolling like a boss since 2003 

[A Boy Like Troy]

Very interesting interview. I really like him. He is very direct and straightforward.

but where's Seo Jisoo?

There was an interview with him about Lovelyz, including Jisoo. This is more about Infinite. As far as Jisoo goes, he said something along the lines of "when the time is right".

[Deviandrepepe]

This is because.. we have a bit more money now. Just kidding.

 

no...your not kidding 

[pinkghost]

He was my ultimate bias after Kim Sunggyu. 

 

Everything was well said, so proud of CEO-nim! I'm glad my babies are under this company. Now I know why Infinite F's promotions were rushed and it really surprised me that they'll promote in Korea too. 

However, I'm still waiting for Jisoo's comeback 

[memejae]

good interview, I always like having insight on how companies work and what their motives and goals are. I especially like how LJY talks about his artists.

[dopamine]

I'm gonna post the Lovelyz section because some people might be curious about it.

 

 

but where's Seo Jisoo?

 

 

[TRANS] LEE JUNGYEOP CEO INTERVIEW WITH IDOLOGY - LOVELYZ

 

Q. Lets change the subject to Lovelyz. Its a team that needed a lot of time for debut.

A. They were prepared with Infinite

Q. Yes. The member Yoo Jiae appeared on Infinite’s first reality program Mnet <You Are My Oppa>. Is there a particular reason why it took so long?

A. Actually, I didn’t have much confidence, and had been busy working on Infinite

Q. Was it too much growing your company and debuting a new group?

A. Yes. And I had a thought that it wasn’t the right time. If you do this kind or work you get this feeling that ‘Ah its now’. However, as you know the situations then, I didn’t have the confidence to survive in that girl group battlefield

Q. So the debut last year is the result of getting that ‘feeling’?

A. I thought we could go ahead with the innocent concept about now. There were none then. There was A-Pink but they now have a bit of maturity in them to call them completely innocent so I thought ‘we can do it about now’ and worked on it accordingly.

Q. I don’t know if the ‘feeling’ came simultaneously to other people too, several other girl groups with a similar concept debuted around the same time.

A. I wouldn’t know what they were thinking when they were made those groups.

Q. Are you not that interested in that trend?

A. I do care. But like I’ve said before, whats the point of thinking so much about what others think. I don’t listen to new music a lot because I don’t think its ideal to adjust or shrink because of things like that.

Q. So you don’t particularly check things like Melon Top 100?

A. Melon? I have an account but don’t really listen to it.

Q. I think the position Lovelyz occupies amongst all the other innocent concept girl groups is quite unique. Most of the innocent concept girl groups take the boys’ view, that is looking at the girl from the boy’s point of view; view from the opposite sex, however in Lovelyz’s case, its like a girl’s world that an innocent girl dreams herself.

A. I talked about the same thing with my A&R staff when making Lovelyz. Lets make a team with a fandom, in order to do that we need target female fans.

Q. Infinite is a boy group with not so few male fans, and looking at things this way, it feels like ‘girls’ girl’ and ‘boys’ boy’ is a common factor. Can this be seen as Woolim’s unique color?

A. Yes I think so, I would think things like those are tendencies.

Q. I’ve been to the Korean Forces Network’s  <K-Force Special TV> recording which Lovelyz recently appeared on, the soldiers were singing along absolutely loud to Lovelyz’s song. It seems like the male fandom growth is proportionate and steady considering that targeting the female fans was the main focus.

A. If girls seek them, the boys will follow naturally.

Q. Looking at things from the current idol scene, isn’t the approach too maniac?

A. Idol is fundamentally maniac. People who buy the CDs buy 100s of CDs, and for concerts the same people come repeatedly to the concert. Manias are the start of this business anyway.

Q. Isn’t it difficult to break through the digital music charts with only the manias?

A. I don’t care much about the digital chart. Before, if you liked someone it was natural to spend and buy CDs and what; therefore popular interest was directly related to profits but now? Its free for the general public to consume music and artists. I don’t think it has a big meaning.

Q. But the public who will influx into the fandom is important too. Such as appearing on entertainment TV programs unrelated to music in order to secure mass popularity.

A. There are so many outlets such as SNS and internet nowadays

Q. If so, is there a particular plan that can appeal to such outlet?

A. Firstly, we have tried different ways of approach other than TV by making web variety show <Lovelyz Diary> on Naver TV Starcast, and I think there are many things can be done, that doesn’t have to be on terrestrial TV channel, so we are continuing to plan more ideas. Of course, we can’t be sure how much of an influence they can make. As I’ve said before, the most important thing in this business is mania, not public. Those people buy 20, 50 CDs. And I think when that flow stands out and becomes noticeable, the public will follow naturally. The best example is Seo Tae Ji. It was a manic music in the beginning but the number of fans increased and eventually the general public followed.

Q. Will you continue to work on Lovelyz with Yoon Sang in the future?

A. There isn’t a particular “Must work with Yoon Sang!’ but I have asked him to write a song. I will go for anything that fits with the image and the plan.

Q. Could be a little sensitive question, when would returning to an 8 member system be possible?

A. It would be possible when the atmosphere is right or when it feels right. There isn’t a  concrete plan of what to do when. The atmosphere that gives you the feeling that “Ah, will easily make a soft landing around this time†is the most important. It may seem a little indecisive but I think its important not to overdo things.

Q. The debut song CJL starts with line in pairs. It is a shame that unexpected change led to 7 member system and such set up broken.

A. To be honest, yes. You can say it collapsed. Sometimes I think about how it would have been if that event didn’t happen. Would it have been better? or would it have been worse since there were no issues. I think they would have done well regardless. I think they would have been a hot team regardless of issues as such. But even that, its something I can’t control with my powers

Q. There was a post written by Ideology previously about this, there are many Japanese Kpop fans that are very interested in Lovelyz debut in Japan. Do you have any plans?

A. None yet. However, we are always preparing for it. It would be great to fix ‘debut will be on which month, which day’ for these things, but in reality its always difficult in this business. Continually being prepared and going ahead with it when I get that ‘feeling’ and sense the timing, of course we are always preparing for it. I think its all luck.

Q. Then what is next for Lovelyz?

A. To make the next album well. Make the album well and show the fans the better Lovelyz. That is all. Im not saying this just for the sake of saying but really we are a company that doesn’t have great plans to make progress. But of course if you are in the position of reading this you would want to hear those great things.

Q. Most of your answers seem to be ‘feeling’ and luck (laughs)

A. Would be difficult to organise this interview. ‘LJY does it when he gets the ‘feeling’, ‘What plans do you have?’, ‘I don’t have the ‘feeling’ yet’ (laughs)

 

Source: http://idology.kr/4584

Trans by  ohhyangjangyook for Lovelyz8.net

 

 

[INFINITE SHOWTIME]

i think with this mindset, he can go really far ... it does seem like he's thinking for  the long term and not only instant success like some other famous companies .....

[sunggyuluver]

Good read

[idlestar]

I'm gonna post the Lovelyz section because some people might be curious about it.

 

Do you mind if I put this in the first post?

[dopamine]

Do you mind if I put this in the first post?

 

Go right ahead.

[minorus]

"I see you’re a classic otaku.
That’s right, I’m an otaku"

 

i am dead

[boxingwithsharks]

“When planning anything we first think about balancing it out between all of the members, no matter what they are still a group before anythingâ€

 

Really? Then I hope this means that when Infinite comes back they get the same amount of promo (double title track/MV), variety appearances, radio shows, etc that Sunggyu got during his album promotions.

[Boadicea]

“When planning anything we first think about balancing it out between all of the members, no matter what they are still a group before anythingâ€

 

Really? Then I hope this means that when Infinite comes back they get the same amount of promo (double title track/MV), variety appearances, radio shows, etc that Sunggyu got during his album promotions.

 

Touché.

[dragonfly0915]

Ehhh some of the things he said sound like denial, but of course I don't know what goes on in his head... the way they have promoted Infinite has always seemed to be pretty low concern when it comes to charting and trends though, so I can buy that part.

 

If they stay true to what they have done up until now and to what he said here they'll be fine.

[Nuances]

“When planning anything we first think about balancing it out between all of the members, no matter what they are still a group before anythingâ€

 

Really? Then I hope this means that when Infinite comes back they get the same amount of promo (double title track/MV), variety appearances, radio shows, etc that Sunggyu got during his album promotions.

it's funny that you're asking for the group to have the same promotion as sunggyu and not about the other subunits/soloist(pray for woohyun).

At this point it's becoming sunggyu >> infinite lol

 

He talk well. If only the facts didn't contradict it lmao.

[Hello Aya!]

That's a one good read he seems to be a very nice person. Well I guess I can expect for Lovelyz full album for the next comeback

[boxingwithsharks]

it's funny that you're asking for the group to have the same promotion as sunggyu and not about the other subunits/soloist(pray for woohyun).

At this point it's becoming sunggyu >> infinite lol

 

He talk well. If only the facts didn't contradict it lmao.

Well yeah. The flagship group SHOULDN'T have worse promotions than its subunits and solos. He can come back to me when Infinite as a whole does more than 3 weeks of promos and does more than just 2 fansigns, thanks.

 

It really is becoming Sunggyu > Infinite, but most fans are in denial there's blatant favoritism going on. >_>

[INFINITE SHOWTIME]

“When planning anything we first think about balancing it out between all of the members, no matter what they are still a group before anythingâ€

 

Really? Then I hope this means that when Infinite comes back they get the same amount of promo (double title track/MV), variety appearances, radio shows, etc that Sunggyu got during his album promotions.

am i the only inspirit who believes that supporting any of the members individually is actually helping INFINITE as a group ...whether it is INFINITE H, sunggyu's solo, hoya, myungsoo, sungyeol and woohyun dramas..INFINITE is gaining new  fans because of all those activities... i can't believe most inspirits aren't aware of that   

[MusicL]

Ehhh some of the things he said sound like denial, but of course I don't know what goes on in his head... the way they have promoted Infinite has always seemed to be pretty low concern when it comes to charting and trends though, so I can buy that part.

 

If they stay true to what they have done up until now and to what he said here they'll be fine.

Like what? What denials are you talking about?

[dragonfly0915]

Like what? What denials are you talking about?

Like saying he doesn't check Melon. Even if he isn't the one personally checking out someone in the company always checks these things. Or like saying he doesn't care what other people think about their groups--when others' perception is obviously an enormous part of managing idols.

[cunnian]

it's funny that you're asking for the group to have the same promotion as sunggyu and not about the other subunits/soloist(pray for woohyun).

At this point it's becoming sunggyu >> infinite lol

 

He talk well. If only the facts didn't contradict it lmao.

Um, the only subgroup that has been shafted is F. Woohyun's subunit with Key had 2 MVs and they did go on a few variety and radio shows and while I know you're itching for a Woohyun solo, but it's not like Sunggyu's just automatically getting more than some of the other units. H also got 2 MVs both times they were promoted and had some decent promotions both times as well (if anything H is getting the best end of the stick here, especially since both times they've gotten to work with many people for their albums.). While F had their 1 MV, 1 little single album compared to other subgroups' mini albums, and a non-unique song for their debut. So I don't see how it's just Sunggyu >> Infinite, because H was also promoting for quite a few weeks for their comeback as well. And once Woohyun gets his solo debut, he'll not only have that, but he'll also have that WooKey subunit as well if SM/Woollim decide to promote them again.