✨ 190327 - Taemin’s interview for his photo collection 「PORTRAIT」

In November 2018, Taemin had landed on the mainland of Okinawa, which was blessed with a good weather. During the first national solo tour TAEMIN Japan 1st TOUR ~SIRIUS~ which gathered approximately 100,000 people, he got out of his everyday life for a while, about 2 days in Okinawa for a shooting. 10 years after his debut, what kind of “portrait” the 25-years-old artist who gets busy with activities as SHINee (member) and solo Taemin would like to leave? We talked to Taemin, who came back to Tokyo after finishing his performance ‘SMTOWN SPECIAL STAGE in SANTIAGO’ held in Chile, South America.

- You’re spending intense days, aren’t you? I heard that you just returned from Chile today.
Taemin: That’s right. The travel time is long, also waited for about 8 hours for a stopover in Los Angeles... And since there was 12 hour time difference, I'm a little sleepy now. (laughs) - For today's interview for the photo book, do you remember something about the shooting time?
Taemin: (*Looking at the photos*) This shooting is... (I guess it's) from half a year ago.

- It's from only 2 months ago.
Taemin: What? Only two months have passed. I'm surprised. Is it jet lag? (laughs) I feel nostalgic, Okinawa.

- Then let's hear the story while remembering (laughs). First of all, tell us why you chose the offshore location.
Taemin: I didn't know much about Okinawa, I had this image of "a place where your mind can relax". So when the staff told about the location, I decided that I absolutely wanted to go to Okinawa. If you actually go, it's the best comfort beyond imagination. The sunshine unique to Okinawa remains in the impression.

- How many times have you been to Okinawa?
Taemin: This is my 2nd time. It's been since the MV shooting of SHINee's 8th single "Boys Meet U" (2013). The air I felt at the time of shooting was left in the impression, the feeling of being a nice place, I thought that maybe I could express my present form more straightly. Actually I was able to shoot with a very good tension (relaxed).

- I heard that there was 1 day off before shooting.
Taemin: That's right. During the tour "SIRIUS", I flew to Okinawa right after the performance... The next day I slept until noon, I did scuba diving, I went to Churaumi Aquarium despite being last minute before it was closed. I also ate Agu Pork steak at night. The Agu Pork was really delicious so I also ate an Agu Pork shabu-shabu for a night meal in the location (laughs).

(T/N: Shabu-shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish with thin sliced beef or, in this case, pork meat.)

– You really enjoyed it (laughs). Did you actually want to dive?
Taemin: I actually don't like to set up plans, I'm not good at it. Even if I make plans, since I often chance my mind during the day, all in the heat of the moment, I'm the type who decides as an improvisation. So I went to Okinawa without making a schedule this time. I got up in the morning, took a quick look at a pamphlet to see what I could do, and (decided that) this was it! And an Agu Pork restaurant, here too! (laughs). The restaurant that I happened to find by chance seemed delicious, so I entered it intuitively. It was all right. Fun and delicious, it was a great day. I did dive in Bali before but the sea in Okinawa was more beautiful. – The sea of Okinawa seems to be popular among divers in the the world. You like it (the sea), right?
Taemin: Since I go to many places with SHINee or solo, it wasn't a long time since last saw the sea, I could see the sea from the balcony in the hotel room this time and it was really beautiful, I could see the emerald green sea in the morning. I think it's important to take a time to look at such sceneries. Feeling refreshed, I think I can organize my mind and my heart. - Where was the most memorable place for shooting?
Taemin: The place of the first page of the photo book. Huh, it was a little above a cliff. It looks like l'm going to fall if I slide my leg. And it's impressive because it started from the location on that sea scene. The morning light is beautiful, I think it's a good photo (laughs). - If there was a Japanese word you didn't know that appeared during the shooting, it was impressive how you would always confirm the meaning and pronunciation with the staff.
Taemin: Really? Actually, even if I hear words that I usually don't know, I spend some time pretending that I know (laughs). Then I try to confirm later by asking "What did you say earlier?" (laughs).

- It's great if you can confirm later. Is that how Taemin improves in Japanese?
Taemin: When I'm in Japan, I'm always being careful when picking all the words (I say) as much as possible. But I think, I'm still 30~40 points on my level (in Japanese). I haven't made any effort at all... (*wry smile*) I don't have enough time to read books and study at the desk. For when the tour is over and I go back to Korea, I made these 3 promises to a Japanese staff: "I'll study Japanese", "I'll have voical trainings", "I'll practice piano". I didn't do anything yet (laughs). I'm sorry. I'm thinking of starting with buying a piano first (laughs). - A piano that you can carry around?
Taemin: No, it's... I don't have to practice to the point of carrying it around, right? (*Looks scarily at the staff*) That's a little too hard... (laughs).

- In this photo book, you have been dressed in many outfits in each scene, do you have a particular interest in clothes?
Taemin: My knowledge about fashion is poor and l'm not confident, so at each place, after understanding what was required, I would convey my opinion firmly to the stylist. (I would) Take a look at places and clothes and from this, create a view of the world inside my mind and changing the clothes. This time too, as I often changed clothes after arriving at each shooting location, (I would) look at the place first and decide the outfit after thinking about the colors and atmosphere that fit there. Also, not increasing the number of similar costumes in the whole book, even in performances, even on TV, I think that I always stick with it. (*Turning over the pages of the photo book*) Wow, maybe l'm a genius. It went quite well. There are many outfits (laughs).

- What does it feel like to see your own photos like this?
Taemin: To be honest, it's still embarrassing. It's also different from looking at a mirror at home or in the hotel.

– Over 10 years have passed after your debut. You've done countless shots already, right?
Taemin: When shooting, I don't think of anything because I'm concentrated and working hard, if you look at it when it becomes raw, I think it's cool (laughs). That is expression and it's my job.

– Comparing to the photos of when you were a teenager, how do you see yourself now? (Do you think) Maybe your face has changed, or something like that?
Taemin: Something like this, l'm worried that the wrinkles in my eyes have increased. The resilience (of my skin) seems to have disappeared (laughs). Maybe I ate a little too much delicious foods while on tour. My face is slightly round in this photo collection. It's reflection.

– What is your first memory from birth?
Taemin: Everyone may think that this is absolutely a lie but I have a memory of when I was 1 year old. My parents moved home when I was 1 year old, (I have) the memory of the house before moving. There was a slide there, I still have this image, probably seen while being held by my mother.

– What kind of child were you?
Taemin: I was a child who never cried at all. And (I was) shy and introverted, I liked to always hide behind my mother, I felt safe there.

– When going out, you liked to grab on her skirt to walk?
Taemin: That's right, exactly. I really didn't like to have other people seeing me.

– Why is that?
Taemin: (laughs) Maybe it was a bit of pride, I was pretty cute when I was a kid (laughs). I was a child that was getting bored to people around me looking at me and saying "Oh, what a cute boy" (laughs). I think it would have been nice to remain at that time. – (laughs) As an introverted, you were indoors? Like playing in your room?
Taemin: When I became an elementary school student, I started to go out to the park to play but rather than meeting up with my friends, I was asked by the children in the place (to play with them). Hide and seek, soccer... I liked moving my body and by going to the park I was able to join nature and the children who were there. It may have changed socially little by little. – What are the memories that you have of your parents?
Taemin: (*Thinking for a while*) I think it was a very ordinary family. No episodes come out at all. – Isn't there a memory of anger?
Taemin: Usual things, like having a fight with my brother, lying, in moments like these there was a moment of anger, but... I was the type to run away when someone was angry, my brother was the type to apologize. That's it. But I think no matter what I've done, I grew up really loved. - With no big incidents, everyone is loved.
Taemin: Ah, there is this case that my mother still talks about. It was about when I was in kindergarten. Because I was introverted, I didn't like kindergarten very much. One day, as usual, I left the house saying "I'm going~", but instead I went to a nearby park alone without going to the kindergarten. When I was hungry, I ate the lunch and played a little until I thought it was almost time for kindergarten to be over and I went home. Since I didn't go to the kindergarten, they contacted (my parents) and asked: "Is Taemin absent?". I suppose I left everyone worried because I became a kindergarten child missing. But came back home with the feeling that it was noon already but apparently it hasn't been an hour since I left home (laughs). But because of that, I was able to quit kindergarten (laughs).

– You have very understanding parents.
Taemin: Even from such a small age, (they) already had that much respect for me. My mother is a very emotional person, I remember that I was treated with much love.

- Are you good friends with your father?
Taemin: We are good friends. We don't talk so much but I understand that he is always cheering (on me). I'm grateful. But after my 20 years old, I barely have time to be with my parents.

– Being part of such a normal family, how did you get into singing and dancing?
Taemin: When I was around 8 years old. I watched Michael Jackson's performance on internet, that was the first shock I received. Maybe it was too early... Precocious. Then I would hide in the house, watch it repeatedly and try to imitate the dance. I did my best and danced. Then, some people around me recommended me: "If you like dancing so much, there is an audition for SM ENTERTAINMENT". So I was able to get into SM. It's hard and fun to practice with friends who have the same dream, it was a good experience.

– When you started to dance, did you approach the artists you dreamed of when you were 8 years old?
Taemin: Not yet, but I think I could get close to it. I was actually a great fan of Michael Jackson at that time, I dreamed of (being) a solo singer. Even when I was an SM trainee I worked hard aiming to become a solo artist. The chance came up quickly, I made my debut with SHINee and furthermore, I also had the opportunity of solo debut earlier than I thought, I think I'm happy.

– While working with SHINee, did you have any aspirations as the solo artist Taemin?
Taemin: Yes I had. The images of my childhood are very strong and remain in my head but now I can do both SHINee's activities and solo activities, very rewarding, I think I have a good balance in myself. More than trying the solo more strongly, I understand the greatness of a stage that shows teamwork in a group. After all, the fact that the other members always come together may make me feel stronger. I think that previously I was greedy or still too young. During SHINee's activities, there were moments when I was quite individual. Prioritizing myself when I should work for SHINee. It might have been annoying to the members too. – How did you feel when you were on a solo performance?
Taemin: Of course there was pressure to go up to the stage on my own, it would be always like this but, of course, I could feel the team work of the members. When I don't know (how to do something), I can leave it for the others (to do it). When I am as a solo singer, I have to communicate with staff and fans a lot. But of course, since I was introverted, I wasn't good at speaking properly. I think now I can do something about it.

– Did you keep in touch with the members while on a solo tour?
Taemin: Yes. Ah, but... The members contacted me first. They would support me by saying things like "congratulations" or "good luck". Of course, because I'm the younger (laughs). Everyone is worried and will take care of me. – It's your image of "cute maknae" but there is no such thing in fact! What do you think about this?
Taemin: No... I think that is probably my honest appearance. I don't dislike it. Maknae... (laughs). I overdo it and put it cool, I don't do anything to deceive my appearance. If you can see that, you will understand that.

– Then, even for such a young boy like Taemin, there is actually a place for a manly person. What do you do if there is something to appeal?
Taemin: I don't want to do much appealing things... (laughs) I think masculinity is kindness. I want to be kind to everyone and I want to be able to smile.

- When there are painful things or sad things, how do you deal with them?
Taemin: I most often meet and chat with my friends. Drink some alcohol. I talk to my friends about a good subject. But I have to be with someone. If l'm with my friends, I don't worry about my problems at that moment. I can forget it. I try to prevent myself from feeling depressed. Then, if time passes, the troubles will be solved well before they happen.

– When you analyze yourself, what kind of person is Taemin? Optimistic or pessimistic?
Taemin: This question is asked often but it's really difficult to answer no matter when you ask. People, of course myself included, don't always have the same form and mind. Sometimes l'm noisy and sometimes l'm quiet, sometimes I smile or have a sad and painful face. Same as everyone, I'm a man who has all kinds of emotions. It's difficult to express (with words) this kind of personality.

- Do you like yourself?
Taemin: Sometimes I might dislike myself. Same as the previous answer, my mind is always moving like a pendulum. But I think it's not good to dislike yourself, so I try to imagine that I like myself. If you dislike yourself, you will lose your confidence, this is the worst. If I lose my confidence, I will have a negative impact on my surroundings. Members, staff and my family. And even all the fans. No one wants to see a performance without confidence, so I try to control myself in order to get better quickly. – This is great. It seemed like the strength was visible beyond the amazing smile of Taemin. Is that what you have been trying since then?
Taemin: I feel that I didn't have such capacity or strength in the past. Maybe it could be the place where I grew up most since I had my debut. It's all about experience. I think you shouln't waste a failed experience as you head in a better direction. I would work while I was nervous, but now I have come to think that it may be possible to work while enjoying more. Failures, bad things, I will try to experience anything. (laughs) I think that's important.

– Now, it's said that it's a time for a big change, how do you see yourself many years ahead from now?
Taemin: How is it... I have 2 images. In one I'm married and in the other one l'm alone without getting married.

– These 2?! I guess usually there's only one of them. How old is this Taemin?
Taemin: Around 50 years old (laughs).

- Would you like to get married?
Taemin: I don't think about this at all for now. There is a mountain of things for me to do now. I'm 25 years old. To be honest, I feel that marriage doesn't suit me. Will I be able to live the same life forever? I'm sure I will seek for change. Change, freedom.

- What is the image of Taemin's future as an artist?
Taemin: I think I will be able to dance the same way up to the age of 35... But after that, I don't know. It will be difficult to dance just as it is now. I think I'll grow and prepare for that time. However, it's important to think about the future, but I cherish the things one by one in front of me now.

– Can the fans expect more from this Taemin coming?
Taemin: (*Grinning*) Yes. I think maybe it's good. I always think about showing a new side of myself, the staff around me also cooperates on it, so I think that it will surely be delighted by all the fans. If they can't... well, it's inevitable. (laughs)

– (laughs) But are you confident?
Taemin: Yes, l'm confident!

– Well then l'll wait to see the "new Taemin" next time.
Taemin: Thank you very much. Please come and see the "new Taemin" by all means! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Credits: Taemin’s 「PORTRAIT」 photobook
JPN - ENG translation: @DiamondTaem