✨ 190105 - Taemin’s interview on AbemaTV Bros Magazine

He is a great success both as a member of SHINee and, of course, as a solo artist. Taemin, who succeeded in the long run tour with 32 performances in 18 venues nationwide in Japan. With his first solo tour, what is his current frank thought of growing further as an artist? We will deliver the interview that was on air on the show!

– You've reached the end of your first solo tour, how is your current feeling?
Taemin: It was a long tour, I think it passed quickly for me. Initially, although I was worried about being able to finish it safely, health management and performance, I was able to finish it well. And it was a really fun time, since it was a stage I could make with the dancers, staff members and the fans.

– What's your growth or evolution?
Taemin: I think my physical strength has improved. There were so many intense dances and rehearsals that I thought it would be hard if I didn't make adjustments but I got used to it more and more, and now I think I've gained more strength than before the tour.

– What kind of energy did the fans give you during the long tour?
Taemin: It was an “energy that helps me to push the limits”. For real. After an intense dance, I'm physically and mentally tired, but this energy everyone gives me, I can push the limits when I listen to them calling my name or cheering on me.

– Did you have any difficulties during the tour?
Taemin: The tour schedule continued, so I was careful about managing my physical condition. For example, there were days when my voice didn't come out well, but I ate a lot to overcome it! I really gain strength when I eat! I was just worried I would get swollen (laughs). During this tour, I ate properly and stood on the stage without dietary restrictions!

– How do you think this tour will help you in the future?
Taemin: I think it will help in all future activities. I felt once again that there were a lot of people who would work hard for me or for SHINee, and I thought that when I go back to Korea, I have to be aware of the feelings of the staffs. The team work is stronger right now and they understand my feelings even with just my facial expressions and so on. I'm impressed and really grateful for this.

– What would you like to try on your solo tour in the future?
Taemin: I want to show everyone a new kind of dance that was never seen before. And I want to sympathize* more with the fans. I think we need to change the atmosphere.

(*By “sympathize” he means “being able to understand how the fans feel”)

– Do you think your solo live experiences will be put good use in SHINee’s future activities?
Taemin: This time, there are no members around me to help me, so I think I can do what I couldn't do before. There have been changes throughout my solo activities, for example, I was not the type to talk very actively during MCs, but when I went on stage with SHINee after my solo activities, I became the type to talk a lot. I thought that this part has changed. I became more and more greedy and wanted to talk. Like that, I'm sure this tour will give me some power to give it back to SHINee.

– How to manage your physical condition during the tour?
Taemin: These days I go in the bathtub more often than before to relax/soften my muscles. And after all, of course, food. I used to eat food and fruits containing vitamins and take supplements and (thanks to that) I didn’t catch a cold and I’m doing very well.

– What are the 3 best things you ate during the tour?
Taemin: Everything was really good, so it's difficult to choose. The Genghis Khan and draft beer that I had in Sapporo were wonderful, although I’ve always liked it. And the Agu pork I ate in Okinawa! It's my first time eating it, but recently I've been into pork, so I've come to like it. And lastly, the tonkotsu ramen that I ate in Fukuoka.

– What kind of year was 2018 to you?
Taemin: I was really busy and it went by so quickly but I think it was a year when I was able to make a lot of memories. I had SHINee's activities and solo activities, and I had my first solo tour in Japan, and I had a lot of experience, so I think I can do my best next year as a more mature person.

– What if you could express 2018 in one word?
Taemin: “First step”. I think it was a year when I've had a lot of experiences and my personality has changed. If Taemin's new year is the first step, I'd like to show everyone where he's going from next year. I was actually an introvert and didn't go out much, but these days I’ve been going out every day. I've been to Japan a lot and the members have been out quite a bit and experienced Japanese culture but I wouldn’t come out much. But this year, I really enjoyed going to Kyoto for the first time, the festivals (matsuri) and Okinawa while touring.

– Has your feelings for your fans changed over the past 10 years since your debut?
Taemin: I used to be pretty scared. I'm afraid the fans will leave someday. But when I look back, there are a lot of fans around me, and I think: “Oh, I think I was wrong”. Recently I've gained more confidence and I'll continue to do my best to repay my fans' feelings.

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Credits: AbemaTV Bros Magazine
JPN - ENG translation: @DiamondTaem