STAYC Yoon and Jae-i's Sincere Words: "Exhausted from being busy, but I endured because I was busy" [★22nd Anniversary Interview ③]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

-Continuing from Interview ②.

How does the energy STAYC exudes on stage today at age 22 differ from the 'TEENFRESH' they showed shortly after their debut?

Yoon recalled, "When we first debuted, we didn't know much. Being only 17 or 18 back then, we didn't place much significance on each song. But at some point, I reached a time when the lyrics of these songs really resonated with me. From that moment on, I began to pour my own self into the songs."

She continued, "When comparing our early TEENFRESH era to now, I feel there's a difference because back then, there was a bit less soul. We had a form, but we didn't know exactly what each song was saying. However, today's TEENFRESH feels different; listening to '2 L0VE' makes me want to cry. Recently, even our own songs sometimes bring tears to my eyes. Although it's still called TEENFRESH, the depth of STAYC as a team has deepened, and I feel we can now convey our intended messages more effectively to people." She confessed about her matured inner self.

Jae-i also added, "In the past, we were faithful only to the concept, but now my understanding of music has deepened, and I've started thinking about how best to express myself so that it resonates well with the public. As a result, I think our songs now carry more meaning."

At age 22, when asked which classic songs suit them best, both members unanimously named 'SO BAD' and 'BEAUTIFUL MONSTER'. Yoon expressed her affection by saying, "I think we could perform them even better now. We can pour more soul into them, and it feels like we've finally understood the meaning of these songs. I hope listeners feel, 'Wow, they can do it this way!' That's why these songs are so precious to us."

Jae-i also remarked, "Definitely, those songs could have been even more poignant back then. Since we were just at our debut stage, there was so much on our minds that perhaps we didn't express ourselves as fully as we could have. Those songs still leave a bit of regret. But if we performed them now, I think we'd do even better." Yoon further elaborated, "However, 'SO BAD' was sung with pure innocence back then, which might be why people liked it so much. That kind of heartfelt intention may have made it even more special."

Known for her unique energetic vibe and nicknamed the 'Human Vitamin', Yoon cited 'having a lot to do' as the driving force behind her tireless energy despite grueling schedules. She shared, "Having a lot of work was my motivation. Being busy is tough, but it also gave me strength. Last year, I went through incredibly difficult days. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or wondering how to handle things, I focused on what was right in front of me. Regardless, being busy is good, so I tried my best to concentrate."

She added, "Sometimes, during breaks between schedules, if I had just one day off or only practice sessions, I suddenly felt extremely depressed. Even though I wanted a break because I was so busy, once I actually rested, it felt like everyone on Earth except me was working, and I felt like I had stepped away from the world. Paradoxically, I think I was exhausted from being busy but endured precisely because I was busy."

So, what are the small yet certain happinesses of 22-year-old 'Human Sim Ja-yoon' and 'Human Jang Ye-eun' on a complete day off without any schedules? Yoon said, "Usually, when I get a day off, I schedule lessons, so I rarely have truly free days. If my teacher isn't available, that becomes my rest day, and normally I practice singing at home. Recently, I've found the Marvel series' world fascinating. I'm watching everything from 'Iron Man' (2008) to 'The Hulk'. When I get a full day off, I want to watch all the 'Avengers' movies and then specifically go see 'Spider-Man'."

Jae-i, who loves cute things, revealed, "I've been really into Labubu lately. At home, they're displayed everywhere — on my bed and in the living room. Recently, I went to a botanical garden to enjoy flowers, and I also watch many videos about making miniatures." Yoon chimed in, "Since I like making things myself, I have so many at home, and I'm working on them one by one."

They also shared personal bucket list items they want to accomplish before the year ends. Yoon stated, "This year, I want to be more active in variety shows. Last year, I focused heavily on acting, but I really wanted to appear on variety programs. When I watch TV, I think, 'I could do that too; I'd love to join in and have fun.' As STAYC's Yoon, my range feels somewhat limited, but when I step out as 'Sim Ja-yoon' from the workplace, people say, 'We saw you on 'Office Workers'; your personality completely changes!' I want to show more of that side of myself."

Jae-i pledged, "I also have a strong desire to let people know more about the person named Jae-i. Perhaps because of that, I feel like I'm searching for my own unique color. I want to learn what suits me best so that I can showcase myself even better on stage."

Finally, both members left warm messages for their global fans and readers. Yoon said, "Thank you to STAYC 04s, the 'Heartz,' for listening to our stories. We hope you find joy in your own lives. StarNews has always brought interesting and fresh topics over its 22 years of existence. We hope that in each of your lives, things remain consistently fresh and enjoyable." Jae-i warmly concluded, "I hope all those born in 2004 achieve great success in the future. Please continue to follow our journey. Stay healthy."

-End of Interview.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original