KCrush Interview With Teen Top

Start Now! Hello. We are Teen Top, an emotional teen pop band.

Teen Top captivates many people with their dazzling performances and powerful vocals, receiving love from fans both domestically and internationally through hit songs like “Rocking,” “No More Perfume On You,” and “Crazy.” They are a four-member (Chunji, Niel, Ricky, Changjo) boy group under the T.O.P Media agency that debuted on July 10, 2010. At the time of their debut, the average age of the members was only 16.3 years old, earning them the title of the youngest boy group. As of 2023, they are a 14-year active idol group with a relatively young age range compared to their years of experience. They have never halted their activities since their debut, making them a 14-year active group.

English

You are about to make a comeback in July. Can you give me a spoiler on what songs will be included in the album and what kind of image you will show?

Chunji: We made efforts to fully capture Teen Top’s colors in this album as well. Especially this time, Teen Top’s beloved song “니가 아니라서 (Missing You)” selected by the fans will be included as the 2023 version. All the members are passionately preparing for the album, so please look forward to it.

Niel: I believe that the symbol of Teen Top is energy and performance. I think many people are eagerly anticipating this part of us. Through our new song, we plan to show everyone a song that can be enjoyed and a powerful performance that remains unchanged.

How did you prepare for the new music coming out? For example, how did you come up with the concept and feel?

Ricky: I think we can say that this album showcases Teen Top’s distinctive energy. It’s a perfect song for July when the weather starts to get hotter. I guarantee that you’ll enjoy listening to it while driving or working out. As we’re preparing diligently, I hope this summer becomes Teen Top’s season.

Changjo: This album was created through a lot of communication among the members and the company. All the members, including myself, were actively involved in every detail, from discussing the direction of the album to the smallest aspects. We paid attention not only to the songs but also to the performance aspect, and we are looking forward to delivering a great stage.

You are resuming your activities after a long hiatus of 3 years. What are the differences between TEEN TOP 3 years ago and now? 

Niel: The biggest change, in my opinion, is that the members who were in their 20s have now entered their 30s, while the youngest members are approaching their late 20s. However, our passion and desire for the stage remain unchanged, regardless of age. I think about how we can come back to our fans with good music and performances every day.

Ricky: With some of the members entering their 30s, I think we can show a more mature side of Teen Top. While we were just cheerful and upbeat when we were young, now all of us have become respectable adults. It would be great if people could recognize this transformation.

Can you tell me an episode of your military life? What was the hardest part and what was the best part? 

Chunji: It was challenging for me to feel less free and restricted compared to society. After becoming an adult, it felt awkward to return to group life after freely trying out things I wanted to do. However, having a more disciplined lifestyle has brought about significant changes in me. During our active years, schedules often caused day and night to switch frequently. Going to the military and living a more disciplined life has helped improve both my physical and mental health.

Ricky: Training camp life was a bit challenging for me. Initially, it felt unfamiliar to eat, sleep, and live with people I had just met. However, during my military service, I had the opportunity to meet various people and gain new experiences that I wouldn’t have had in society. It was a time of learning and acquiring valuable lessons.

Do you have any plans to perform for overseas fans after your comeback? And if you have a specific country you want to have a concert, which one is it? 

Niel: We are still in ongoing discussions to meet many international fans. Actually, I want to visit every country we have been to. I want to have time to repay the love and support from fans who show their love for Teen Top by visiting as many countries as possible.

Changjo: We are already preparing for performances and various events starting with Macau. Due to COVID-19 and military service, we couldn’t meet fans actively. But with this opportunity, we want to meet many fans. We are considering what fans will like, so please wait a little longer.

You have gained attention again with some of the famous songs as ‘the songs to listen to alone’. And you recently announced to perform one of the previously famous songs “Missing You” through the poll. What is your favorite TEEN TOP song that you choose? 

Chunji: My favorite Teen Top song is “장난아냐 (Rocking).” I think the melody itself is exciting and it best represents Teen Top’s identity.

Niel: I would like to choose the ballad song “가지마 (Please, don’t go).” When people think of Teen Top, they often think of intense and fast-paced songs. I hope you give this song a listen as it allows you to glimpse Teen Top’s emotional side.

Ricky: My favorite song is “우린 문제 없어 (I’m Sorry).” Even now, it’s a really sophisticated song that never gets old. We didn’t perform “우린 문제 없어 (I’m Sorry)” on stage as much, so it’s a song that I feel a bit regretful about. I hope many people give it a listen.

Changjo: I would recommend “비 그친 밤 (That Night).” It’s a song I produced. It’s a great song to listen to these days when it’s raining a lot. The melody is easy to sing along to, so once you hear it, you’ll find yourself humming along.

As the idol who has led the popularity of K-pop, what do you think is the golden age of K-pop in the history from the 1990s to 2023? 

Changjo: From the 1990s until now, I believe every era has been the golden age of K-pop. I have no doubt that K-pop culture will continue to grow even more. There are both senior and junior artists who constantly create new things, going beyond good music. I think all the artists who shine in the K-pop genre are amazing, and I feel grateful as well. We will also work hard to contribute to the development of the K-pop culture.

Ricky: I also feel like every era is a golden age. The K-pop genre has never stood still. Every time, many groups showcase good music and their growth is consistent. With all artists making efforts, I think we can say that every era is the golden age of K-pop.

If you choose your own “song to listen to alone”? Excluding TEEN TOP songs. Recommend a representative K-pop song that is not well-known but I love very much. 

Chunji: Although you asked me to exclude Teen Top songs, I would really appreciate it if you could listen to our Teen Top songs. There’s not a single song in our albums that we consider disposable. Apart from the songs that have been loved so far, there are many great songs. I would love to see those songs highlighted and talked about as a “treasure trove of B-side tracks.”

Niel: I hope you give the song “DAY” a listen. It’s a song that Changjo personally participated in writing and composing. Perhaps because of his direct involvement, Changjo’s sweet vocals really shine in the song. I hope you give it a listen.

What is TEEN TOP like when you have a lot of personal time? Are you a homebody or a free spirit? For example, when I meet with my members or friends, I usually go to ㅇㅇ and eat ㅇㅇ and do ㅇㅇ!

Changjo: I mainly spend my time at home. From my childhood to becoming an adult, I was constantly busy both domestically and internationally. As a result, I realized the importance of personal time and rest. I’m discovering how to truly relax during my free time, what activities to engage in, and how to recharge my energy in my own unique way.

Ricky: I enjoy meeting up with friends for a cup of coffee. Even during my personal time, I also meet up with the members. I often meet Chunji and we enjoy delicious meals together while having deep conversations. With Niel, we sometimes play golf. And I frequently meet and spend a lot of time with Changjo. When I have personal time, I make an effort to meet people and spend time with them.

I heard that all TEEN TOP members love games. If you hadn’t become TEEN TOP and worked at a normal game company, what position would you be in? Ex. Programmer, graphic designer, animator, planner, marketer? Or a pro-gamer? 

Chunji: I think I would be a professional gamer. I really enjoy gaming and I’m quite good at it. It would be a role that allows me to best utilize my skills.

Niel: I also think I would be a professional gamer. Although I enjoy gaming, I’m not sure if I’m realistically good enough to pursue it professionally.

Ricky: I think I would become a programmer. I love gaming and I’m good at it. I would like to use my high gaming skills to contribute to game development. It’s interesting to think about how to create fun games.

Changjo: I think I would be a graphic designer. I enjoy designing more than playing games. Even now, while running my YouTube channel, I personally shoot, edit, and decorate it. I believe I could excel as a graphic designer by infusing it with my passion.

If you spend a day in a country where no one knows you, what would you like to do? / What is the goal that each member wants to deepen in their career? Ex. Composing, vocal, dance, acting, talk, directing, business? 

Chunji: I’ve already started my business. I plan to take more interest and work hard in it. Sometimes, I feel a lack of expertise in the business aspect. I think it’s because I haven’t professionally studied it, so I have a strong desire to learn more and fill those gaps to further develop. I’m determined to do my best to gain specialized knowledge and skills in the future.

Niel: Of course, it’s great to develop my vocals and dance skills for my career, but I also want to take a deep rest. Since I’ve been active since a young age, it would be nice to relax without any particular thoughts or worries.

Did you have ever done any part time job before joining TEEN TOP? What was it? 

All the members have been trainees since they were young, so they have never had part-time jobs.

As a young generation who is going through a time of anxiety and struggle, please introduce your own stress relief and mind control methods. 

Cheonji: I meet with friends and have conversations to relieve stress, and sometimes I go camping alone to organize my thoughts. When I immerse myself in one thing, my mind naturally becomes peaceful. Just like how I go camping alone, I recommend that all of you try to find a hobby.

Niels: It would be great if we could live happily and only do things we want to do, but that’s actually quite difficult, isn’t it? So, when I have concerns or difficult times, I tend to recall happy memories. Even in tough situations, I try to remember that I was happy at that time and it brings a smile to my face. I recommend that all of you, too, recall your happiest memories when you have concerns or face difficult times.

Ricky: In everything we do, there are hardships and happiness. I believe that in order to find happiness, we should be willing to endure hardships. I believe that if I endure and overcome these hardships, greater happiness will come to me in the future.

Changjo: It would be good to have the mindset that not everything can be smooth and good. When we adopt this mindset, we can understand the tasks given to us better. I am also striving to live according to what I’ve just mentioned. If we approach life with the mindset of “let’s live our best even in difficult times” and “let’s try things we haven’t tried before,” we will discover a more mature version of ourselves.

—-Jiyoung Lee

Korean

<Teen Top Interview>

이번 7 월 컴백을 앞두고 있다. 이번 앨범에는 어떤 곡들이 담겨 있고, 어떤 모습을 보여줄 건지 스포 부탁한다.

천지: 이번 앨범 역시 틴탑의 색을 가득 담으려고 노력했습니다. 특히 이번에는 팬분들이 직접 선정한 틴탑의 명곡 ‘니가 아니라서’가 2023 버전으로 함께 수록될 예정입니다. 멤버 모두 앨범에 애정을 담아 열심히 준비하고 있으니 많은 기대 부탁드립니다.

니엘: 틴탑의 상징은 에너지와 퍼포먼스라고 생각합니다. 많은 분이 이 부분을 가장 기대하고 기다리고 있다고 생각하고요. 모두가 신나게 즐길 수 있는 노래와 변함없이 파워풀한 퍼포먼스를 이번 신곡을 통해 보여드릴 예정입니다.

이번 앨범은 어떻게 준비하셨는지 궁금하다. 예를 들어 컨셉이나 분위기는 어떻게 구상한 것인지?

리키: 틴탑표 에너지가 돋보이는 앨범이라고 말할 수 있을 것 같습니다. 7 월, 슬슬 더워지기 시작하는 지금과 정말 찰떡인 곡입니다. 드라이브를 가거나 운동을 할 때 신나게 들으실 수 있을 거라고 장담해요. 열심히 준비하고 있는 만큼, 이번 여름은 틴탑의 계절이 됐으면 좋겠습니다.

창조: 멤버들과 회사와 많은 소통을 거쳐 만들어진 앨범입니다. 저를 비롯한 멤버 모두 앨범이 어떤 방향으로 흘러가면 좋을지 하나부터 열까지 세세하게 참여했습니다. 노래는 물론 퍼포먼스적인 부분까지도 신경을 많이 써서 좋은 무대 보여드릴 수 있을 거라고 기대하고 있습니다.

년의 군백기 이후 오랜만에 활동을 재개한다. 3년 전의 틴탑과 지금의 틴탑은 어떤 점이 다른가?

니엘: 20대였던 멤버들이 30대가 되고, 막내들이 20대 후반에 접어들었다는 점이 가장 큰 변화라고 생각합니다. 하지만, 나이 외 무대를 향한 열정과 갈망은 멤버 모두 변함없습니다. 어떻게 하면 팬분들께 좋은 음악과 무대로 돌아올 수 있을까를 매일 생각해요.

리키: 아무래도 30대에 접어든 형들이 있다 보니, 성숙해서 돌아온 틴탑의 모습을 보여드릴 수 있을 것 같습니다. 어릴 때는 그저 개구쟁이 같았다면, 지금은 모두가 어엿한 어른이 됐다는 점을 주목해 주면 좋을 것 같습니다.

군생활 에피소드 부탁한다. 가장 힘들었던 점은 무엇이고 좋았던 점은 무엇인가?

천지: 사회보다 자유롭지 못하고 제한적이라는 점이 힘들었어요. 성인이 된 후, 제가 하고 싶은 것들을 마음껏 시도하다 오랜만에 단체생활은 어색하게 다가왔던 거죠. 하지만, 규칙적인 생활을 한다는 점은 저를 많이 변화시켰어요. 아무래도 활동기에 스케줄을 소화하다 보면 밤, 낮이 바뀌는 경우가 많거든요. 군대에 가서 규칙적으로 생활하면서 몸과 마음 모두 건강해졌어요.

리키: 저는 훈련소 생활이 조금 힘들었습니다. 처음에는 초면인 사람들과 함께 밥을 먹고, 잠을 자고 생활한다는 게 낯설게 느껴졌어요. 군 복무 기간 동안 다양한 사람을 만나고, 사회에서는 하지 못하는 새로운 경험을 하면서 많은 배운 것들을 배우는 시간이었습니다.

컴백 후 해외 팬들과 만날 수 있는 공연 계획이 있나? 그리고 투어 하고 싶은 나라가 있다면?

니엘: 많은 해외 팬들과 만날 수 있도록 지금도 계속 논의 중입니다. 사실 저는 저희가 방문했던 모든 나라를 다 방문하고 싶어요. 최대한 많은 국가를 찾아 틴탑을 사랑해 주고 응원해 주는 팬분들께 보답하는 시간을 가지고 싶습니다.

창조: 이미 마카오를 시작으로 공연과 다양한 이벤트를 준비하고 있습니다. 코로나와 군백기로 팬들과 활발히 만날 수 없었는데요. 이번 기회로 많은 팬을 만나려고 해요. 어떤 걸 하면 팬들이 좋아할지 고민하고 있으니 조금만 기다려 주세요.

숨듣명으로 다시 주목을 받고 또 최근 폴을 통해 ‘니가 아니라서’로 다시 활동한다고 발표했다. 팬 말고 틴탑이 고르는 최애곡은?

천지: 제가 고른 틴탑의 최애곡은 ‘장난아냐(Rocking)’입니다. 멜로디 자체가 신나고 틴탑의 정체성을 가장 잘 표현할 수 있는 곡이라고 생각하거든요.

니엘: 저는 ‘가지마(Please, don’t go)라는 발라드곡을 선택하고 싶습니다. 틴탑하면 강렬하고 빠른 비트의 곡들을 많이 생각하잖아요. 이 곡은 틴탑의 감성적인 모습을 엿볼 수 있는 곡이라 꼭 들어보셨으면 좋겠습니다.

리키: 제 최애곡은 ‘우린 문제 없어(I’m Sorry)’입니다. 지금 들어도 정말 세련된 노래라 질리지 않아요. 활동 당시 ‘우린 문제 없어’ 무대를 보여드린 적이 많지 않아서 더욱 아쉬운 곡이기도 합니다. 많은 분이 꼭 들어줬으면 좋겠습니다.

창조: 저는 ‘비 그친 밤(That Night)’을 추천하고 싶어요. 제가 프로듀싱한 곡인데요. 비가 많이 내리고 있는 요즘 듣기 좋은 노래라 바로 생각나더라고요. 멜로디도 따라 부르기 쉬워서 한번 듣게 되면 바로 흥얼거릴 수 있을 거예요.

케이팝 인기를 선도한 선배 아이돌로서, 1990 년대부터 2023 년 현재까지 케이팝의 역사 중 황금기는 언제라고 생각하나?

창조: 1990 년대부터 지금까지 모든 시대가 케이팝 황금기 아닐까요? 저는 케이팝 문화가 앞으로 더욱 성장할 거라고 믿어 의심치 않아요. 좋은 음악을 넘어 새로운 것들을 매번 창조해 내는 선, 후배 아티스트가 있기 때문에요. 케이팝 장르를 빛내는 모든 아티스트가 대단하다고 생각하고 한편으로는 감사하다는 생각도 들어요. 저희도 케이팝이라는 문화를 발전시킬 수 있도록 열심히 활동할 예정입니다.

리키: 저도 모든 시간이 황금기인 것 같습니다. 케이팝이라는 장르는 제자리걸음 한 적이 없어요. 매번 많은 그룹이 좋은 음악과 모습을 보여주면서 꾸준히 성장하고 있다고 느껴요. 모든 아티스트가 노력하고 있기에 모든 시대가 케이팝의 황금기라고 말할 수 있을 것 같습니다.

나만의 숨듣명을 고른다면? 틴탑 노래는 제외하고. 주목받지 못했지만 너무 좋아하는 대표 케이팝 노래를 추천해 달라.

천지: 틴탑 노래를 제외하라고 했지만, 저는 틴탑 노래를 많이 들어줬으면 좋겠습니다. 저희 앨범에는 버릴 곡이 하나도 없어요. 지금까지 사랑해 주는 곡들 외에도 좋은 노래가 정말 많아요. 그런 곡들이 많이 조명돼서 ‘수록곡 맛집’이라는 이야기도 들어보고 싶습니다.

니엘: ‘DAY’라는 노래를 꼭 들어봤으면 합니다. 창조가 직접 작사, 작곡에 참여한 노래이기도 한데요. 직접 참여해서 그런지, 창조의 감미로운 목소리가 매우 돋보여요. 꼭 한번 들어봤으면 좋겠습니다.

개인 시간이 많을 때 틴탑은 어떤가? 집돌이인지 자유로운 영혼인지?

Ex. 나는 멤버들이나 친구들과 만나면 주로 ᄋᄋ에 가서 ᄋᄋ를 먹고 ᄋᄋ를 한다!

창조: 저는 주로 집에 있습니다. 어린 시절은 물론 성인이 되서도 국내, 해외할 것 없이 바쁘게 움직였어요. 그러다 보니 개인 시간과 쉼이라는 게 중요해지더라고요. 쉴 때 어떻게 쉬어야 하는지, 무엇을 하면서 보내야 하는지 저만의 시간을 지키는 법 그리고 에너지를 충전하는 법을 터특해 가고 있어요.

리키: 친구들과 커피 한잔하기도 하고요. 개인 시간에도 멤버들을 만나기도 해요. 천지형과 만나서 맛있는 것도 먹고 깊은 이야기를 나누고, 니엘 형과는 골프도 치기도 하고요. 창조도 자주 만나 오래 같이 있는 편이에요. 개인 시간이 생기면 사람들을 자주 만나려고 노력하는 것 같습니다. 

틴탑 멤버들 모두 게임을 좋아한다고 들었다. 만일 팁탑이 되지 않았고 평범한 게임회사에 다니고 있었다면 어떤 직무를 맡고 있을까? Ex. 프로그래머, 그래픽 디자이너, 애니메이터, 기획자, 마케터 중? 아니면 프로게이머?

천지: 프로게이머를 맡고 있을 것 같아요. 게임을 워낙 좋아하기도 하고 잘하거든요. 제 특기를 가장 잘 살린 직무가 될 것 같습니다.

니엘: 저도 프로게이머가 됐을 것 같아요. 게임을 좋아하긴 하지만 사실 잘하는 편은 아니여서 현실적으로 가능할지는 모르겠어요.

리키: 저는 프로그래머가 돼 있을 것 같아요. 저는 게임을 좋아하고 잘해요. 이 높은 게임 능력을 개발하는 데 써보고 싶어요. 어떻게 하면 재밌는 게임을 탄생시킬지 고민해 본다고 생각하니 흥미로워요.

창조: 저는 그래픽 디자이너이지 않을까 싶어요. 저는 게임하는 것보다 디자인하는 걸 더 좋아해요. 지금도 유튜브 채널은 운영하면서 제가 직접 촬영하고 편집하면서 꾸며가고 있거든요. 그래픽 디자이너를 맡으면 애정을 담아 잘 해낼 수 있을 것 같습니다.

멤버 각자 커리어에서 좀 더 심화시키고 싶은 목표는? Ex. 작곡, 보컬, 댄스, 연기, 토크, 디렉팅, 사업?

천지: 저는 이미 사업을 하고 있습니다. 앞으로 조금 더 관심을 가지고 열심히 해볼 계획이고요. 한 번씩 비즈니스적인 부분에서 부족함을 느낄 때가 있어요. 아무래도 제가 전문적으로 배우지 않았다 보니 더 배워서 부족함을 채우고 발전시키고 싶다는 생각이 많이 들었습니다. 앞으로 관심을 가지고 전문적인 지식을 쌓기 위해 최선을 다할 예정입니다.

니엘: 물론 제 커리어를 위해 보컬과 댄스를 발전시키는 것도 좋지만 저는 푹 쉬어보고 싶어요. 아무래도 어렸을 때부터 활동을 해와서 아무 생각 없이 편하게 쉬어보는 것도 좋을 것 같습니다.

틴탑으로 데뷔하기 전에 아르바이트를 해 본 적이 있나? 있다면 어떤 일을 해봤나?

멤버들 모두 어렸을 때부터 연습생이었기에 아르바이트는 해본 적 없습니다.

한참 고민이 많은 젊은 세대의 한 사람으로서 나만의 스트레스 해소법, 마인드 컨트롤 비법을 소개해 달라.

천지: 저는 친구들과 만나서 이야기를 떠들며 스트레스를 풀기도 하고요. 혼자 캠핑을 다니면서 생각을 정리하기도 해요. 어떤 것 하나에 몰두하다 보면 자연스럽게 마음이 평온해지더라고요. 제가 혼자 캠핑을 다니는 것처럼 여러분들도 취미를 만들어 보는 것을 추천해 드립니다.

니엘: 행복하고 하고 싶은 일만 하고 살면 제일 좋지만 사실 그게 정말 어렵잖아요? 그래서 저는 고민이 있거나 힘든 일이 있을 때 행복했던 기억을 되새겨보는 편입니다. 힘들더라도 그땐 그랬지라고 생각하며 잠시나마 웃을 수 있거든요. 여러분들도 고민이 있거나 힘든 일이 생긴다면 가장 행복했던 추억을 떠올려 보는 걸 추천해 드려요.

리키: 모든 일엔 힘듦이 있고 행복이 있습니다. 저는 행복을 위해서는 힘듦 또한 감수할 수 있어야 한다고 생각해요. 저는 이렇게 고통을 감수하고 견디다 보면 미래에 더 큰 행복이 찾아올 거라고 믿거든요.

창조: 모든 일이 순탄하고 좋을 수는 없다는 생각을 가져보면 좋을 것 같습니다. 이런 생각 후에 주어진 일을 바라보게 되면 조금 더 이해되는 경우가 많더라고요. 저도 제가 말한 대로 살아가려고 노력 중이에요. 힘든 일이 있을 때마다 열심히 살자, 해보지 않았으면 까짓것 해보자고 생각하면서 지낸다면 한층 성숙해진 나를 발견할 수 있을 거예요.

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