"SHINee's Taemin was impressive"...Sejima Shiryu's reason for visiting Korea after 'Squid Game' [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Japanese artist Sejima Shiryu shared updates on his activities and expressed anticipation for new music projects.

Shiryu recently visited Korea and is currently working on new songs. He stated, "I have been practicing with the plan to record about three songs in Korea." He further explained, "My main market is Japan, and a Korean debut is not the primary plan. However, after appearing on 'Squid Game,' I gained many Korean fans, and there are still people who are unaware of my Japanese debut, so I came."

He is also collaborating with Korean staff on new song production. Shiryu said, "I am working with Korean dancers and recently appeared on a Korean radio show. I am also preparing a collaboration track with rapper Reddy, and music video filming is underway."

Shiryu returns with his second single, "Bad Girl." The music video was released ahead of the album. "Bad Girl" is a song featuring Shiryu's sweet vocals over a sensual and groovy beat. Rapper Reddy participated in the feature, further enhancing the song's quality. Starting with this new single release, he has teased a total of three music video projects, garnering anticipation.

Regarding the song "Bad Girl," he explained, "It is not a song about a bad woman, but rather about a woman who is deceived by a bad man but chooses not to listen to that story." He added, "I translated the English lyrics into Japanese myself. Although it is a Japanese version of the song, Reddy sings in Korean, so it includes Japanese, English, and Korean. I am confident it will be a song that overseas fans can enjoy together."

Shiryu also revealed changes since his debut in Japan last year with "Steppin' Out." He said, "After my debut, I received many congratulatory messages via Instagram DMs. Friends also contacted me, and that was when I first realized it was real. Nothing has changed drastically, but I felt the debut through the reactions of those around me."

He also mentioned his experience appearing on the MBC audition program "Squid Game." Shiryu remarked, "Korea has a very strong passion to finish things no matter what. It wasn't just trainees; even the production team had that atmosphere. If Japan feels like doing your best within a set schedule, Korea was even more passionate."

When asked about the most memorable person at the time, he named MC Choi Kang-changmin. Shiryu said, "Although Changmin-sunbaenim did not appear on the broadcast, he told me, 'You dance so well. Please teach me.' He also said I was like a teacher, which was truly impressive."

He continued, "I wondered if it was true. I heard that my teacher, Sugawara Koharu, is also liked by Changmin-sunbaenim. I think he viewed me favorably because the style I learned from Teacher Koharu naturally came through."

He also introduced his connection with dance teacher Sugawara Koharu. Shiryu said, "I happened to see a dance video and wanted to learn it, so I participated in a workshop. The most memorable thing Teacher said was, 'Dance outside the box for yourself,' which still gives me great strength today."

Shiryu also shared his collaboration experiences with famous Japanese artists besides Sugawara Koharu. He revealed that he received love calls from artists like Kenshi Yonezu and MISIA. "I participated in Kenshi Yonezu's tour and music video, and Misha also wanted to work with me directly. These evaluations led to my confidence. I want to show myself and be evaluated not just by Koreans but by people all over the world," he conveyed.

He also recalled his past experience participating in the choreography work for Taemin's "Criminal." He said, "I participated as an assistant to Teacher Koharu when I was 18 or 19 years old. Senior Taemin personally called my name and made the atmosphere comfortable. Meeting him for the first time felt like a dream. He was very kind. Even though rehearsals must have been tough, his role as a mood-maker was impressive."

When asked about Korean artists he is currently paying attention to, he named the group RIIZE. Shiryu said, "Unlike existing K-pop idols, RIIZE has a lot of overseas grooves. I thought it was very cool because it feels like it breaks down the wall between a dancer's dance and an idol's dance."

Regarding his own musical direction, he said, "This song was created with a completely different atmosphere from my debut song. I even dyed my hair blue to match the song's concept. I want to receive reactions like, 'I didn't know you could do this.' I want to become an artist who can direct not only choreography but also hair," he added.

He also did not hide his ambition for future acting activities. He said, "I have signed a contract with the acting agency Freyaz. Netflix dramas and movies are also scheduled for release. I do not want to miss acting activities in addition to music. I also want to appear in Korean dramas," he conveyed.

Finally, he left a message of gratitude to his fans. Shiryu said, "I think many Korean fans got to know me through 'Squid Game.' It is an honor to work with Korean creators. Please watch my activities closely in the future," he urged.

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*This content was translated by AI.