The Official Joy (조이) of Red Velvet Thread "I am Your Joy, You Are My Joy"

Chuan · December 21, 2019

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Edited January 9, 2020 by Chuan

Chuan · December 22, 2019

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Chuan · February 7, 2020

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(Source: Allure Korea)

Chuan · December 23, 2020

Interview component for Allure Korea:

Quote

It's still December 2020 but we finished shooting for the January 2021 issue. Since magazines live a month ahead.

Living a month ahead, the way that's phrased sounds cool. This year, ah, should I be referring to it as last year? (laughs) 2020 was the year I was 25. I don't think I was able to make memorable memories due to COVID-19. It might be because I feel regret or maybe it's because I got to live a month ahead through today's photoshoot (laughs) but I'm not ready to be 26 yet. I don't think I've ever though about 2021 either.

It's the age when you start to think that you need to become an adult.

I think it's the same as before. I entered the real world earlier than my peers after all. It's been about 7 years but I'm still running forward, and I can keep working hard. But htere are times when I get asked if I'm tired. I'm a bit taken aback in those moments. Should I say that it surprised me, I suddenly started to worry about things I haven't before.

Usually when you've been working for 7 years, you'd feel tired, that's why.

Rather than feeling tired, I thought I knew myself well but I didn't. I wasn't sure if I've been going in the right direction either. Since then, I started to practise living a life that is completely mine. What I mean is working on thinking for myself and making judgments without the help of my company, managers, or family members.

It sounds like you've been looking back on yourself.

That's right. I started to think about what I really like. As well as what I can do well. While learing and trying different things.

Have you ever thought that you grew up too fast? Aren't you sad about that?

When feeling sad/disappointed, there's a subject that is attributable to those feelings. When I think about it, there isn't one quite like that. I think you just become an adult naturally. It's not like it was forced by anyone either. I tend to think quite positively. Rather than thinking about what saddened me, I think it's much better to invest my time and efforts on self-development.

How wise. It must be a given that you like doing photoshoots?

It's one of the things I do because I really enjoy it. (laughs) In 2020, the area I have taken the biggest interest in is fashion. I realized that there's no better way to express yourself than through fashion. Even if they're similar looking clothes, all clothes have their own individuality and story. Depending on what I wear in that moment I can become a completely different character, someone different from the usual me, and I find that fascinating and fun.

There's that joy that you can only feel through photoshoots, right?

That's right. It also differs depending on the team of staff that I'm working with. I'm in the middle of finding my own style by experimenting various things, without limiting myself. Actually, the time I spend getting my hair and makeup done and picking out an outfit is much longer than the time I'm in front of the camera. When everything works out and there's a perfect result, I forget about everything I went through that day and I feel proud. When I see the staff who worked so hard with me to create that moment, I can't put into words the emotions I'm overcome with. I think I really like the energy that you can only feel on the set.

There must be a similar feeling of excitement when standing on stage as a singer, but indeed it's different.

That's right. In a way, you can say that standing on stage is stricter. However, for a photoshoot like the one today, it's all about what I like, I can try things that I normally wouldn't have though tof doing, so it's very different in that aspect.

Today's photoshoot could feel a bit more special. The entire staff was female besides me, the editor.

Besides the stylist, I met everyone for the first time. It was the first time I worked with this many new faces. Honestly, at first I was scared. I received the concept, closed my eyes, and I just decided to have faith. I was really touched, you know. (laughs) The style and image that had been floating around inside my head these days, they were all there. So I thought I can trust the experts.

What was it about the concept that moved you to that extent?

I really liked this short phrase. Hold on. I need to look at it again. '96er Joy who will wear what she wants, regardless of the times or trends. Boldly and elegantly, sensually and passionately. I'll do whatever I want!' I really liked this part. (laughs) I got a hunch. Something great is in store for today.

There's that face people often expect of you. The face like the name 'Joy'. I kind of wanted to go against that.

I liked that too. In a way, it might be the appearance I want to have. SInce I receive a lot of love from standing on stage, there have been times where I've been lost in thought without me realizing it, where I'd think I've become some amazing person. I thought I was a really captivating person. (laughs) There was a time I lived like that. Thankfully, it didn't get too far, I came to my senses, and I worked on finding my original routine.

You can do whatever you want. It's your face. How are you these days?

I've been into exercising. Exercising is the first thing I do when I wake up. I'm diligently doing pilates and strength training. I've started horseback riding. I'm still taking acting lessons as well. It's great for the body and mind. It helps a lot.

Do you think you know your face well?

When I had just debuted, I had a complex about my looks. I don't have a pretty doll-like face, you know. Skills are skills, but in reality, appearances are what catches the eye first and what people focus on. I've been hurt before too. I think I worked really hard to become prettier. But when I started to let go of the obsession of meeting other people's standards, I ended up not disliking my face. I like it now. Me, my face. I think it's very very important not to hate yourself.

Among the pictures that were taken today, there was an insane closeup shot. It's very eye-catching.

Haha. Thank you. The most important facial features are the yes. If my imperfect face looks beautiful to someone else, I would think that's because of my eyes. I have confidence in my eyes.

Having deep eyes could mean you have a scar within yourself. So those nice eyes might even be a scar.

Are there people who don't have scars? I believe everyone lives with one somewhere deep inside their hearts. The director I worked with said this. To go through as many different experiences as I can. To receive scars through those experiences. That scar will remain in my heart and form a calm texture/grain. Like tree rings. The more I have, the more it would help me become an even better artist regardless of whether I'm acting or singing.

What's the biggest thing that changed after you became Red Velvet's Joy?

What changed? A lot has changed. I think the most meaningful change is having the ability to act on my own will. I can enjoy doing the things I want to do with the money that I earned. I can take care of my family. I've gotten a lot stronger.

What stayed the same?

My heart. The aspiration I have towards my dream. There was a time when all I waited for was to debut, and there was also a time when I worked hard to make Red Velvet known. Now I'm spending a lot of time and effort on introspection. What I really like, what I want to show people, what people expect from me, I constantly think about things like that. Those feelings and aspirations are still the same even though time has passed.

The photographer who worked with us today said this as soon as she saw you. "Joy seems like someone who diligently exercises." She said she could feel that aura from you.

Exercising is a must. Up until last year, I wasn't diligent about it. Since I looked fine if I just managed what I ate. I can feel it right when we perform. After a certain point, my legs start to shake. (laughs) If I regularly do strength training, the energy that I feel is different even when I'm just standing. More than anything, it's the best for mental health. Even on days when I'm not doing anything, just coming back from working out makes me feel so satisfied about the day. 'I lived diligently today' I'd have thoughts like that. (laughs)

I said I like your face when you're not smiling, but as expected, seeing you smile brightly like this is nice.

Through the media, I think I'm seen as someone who has a bright image with a lot of confidence. The real me has a lot of concerns and worries. I work even ahrder to overcome that fear. I used to constantly criticize myself over everything like "Is that all you can do?" That's not a good thing to do, you know. I want to better understand myself and become someone who treasures and takes care of myself. I'm like that now. (laughs)

(Source: Allure Korea; translated by softjoygi)

Edited December 23, 2020 by Lee

Chuan · February 23, 2021

Spoiler

Chuan · April 5, 2021

(Source: Twitter)

On the song <Best Friend>, Wendy said, “It was originally a solo song, but I asked Seulgi if she could do it with me and made it into a duet song. It’s a song for best friends. It’s a song that conveys what it feels like to have a friend and how grateful it is to have one." In response, Wendy said, “I saved a song that fits your style.” and proposed to do a duet with Joy the next time.

(Source: Joongang Ilbo; translated by warmblue0221)

Edited April 5, 2021 by Lee

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