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

*This content was translated by AI.

-Continuing from Interview ②.

How does the energy STAYC projects 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 attach great significance to 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 pouring my own self into the songs."

She continued, "When comparing the TEENFRESH from our debut days 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 group has deepened, and I feel we can now convey our intended messages more effectively to people." She confessed about her matured inner self.

Jaei 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 we're showing more meaning in our songs."

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 these even better now. We can pour more soul into them. It feels like we've finally understood the meaning of these songs, and I hope listeners feel, 'Wow, they can do it this way too.' These are songs we truly cherish."

Jaei also remarked, "Definitely, we could have been even more emotional back then. Since we were just at our debut stage, there was so much to worry about, and I think we may not have expressed as much as we could have. Those are the songs that still leave me with some regret. But if we performed them now, I believe we could do them even better." Yoon further elaborated, "However, 'SO BAD' was sung with a pure heart without knowing much, which might be why people liked it so much. Perhaps that innocent mindset made it even more special."

Known for her unique energetic vibe and nicknamed the 'Human Vitamin', Yoon cited 'having many tasks' 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 being busy gave me strength. Last year, I went through incredibly difficult days, but instead of feeling lost 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. Although I wanted to rest because I was so busy, once I actually rested, it felt like everyone on Earth except me was working, and I felt a step away from the world. Paradoxically, I think I was exhausted from being busy but endured because I was busy." She shared her honest feelings.

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 a truly free day. 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 universe interesting, so I'm watching from 'Iron Man' (2008) up to 'The Hulk.' When I get a full day off, I want to watch all the 'Avengers' series and then specifically go see 'Spider-Man.'"

Jaei, who loves cute things, revealed, "I've been enjoying Labubu recently. 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, there are 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 on acting, but I really wanted to appear on variety programs. When I watch TV, I think, 'I could do that too; I want to join in and have fun.' As STAYC's Yoon, my range feels limited, but when I step out as 'Sim Ja-yoon' from the workplace, people say, 'We saw Sim Ja-yoon on "Office Workers"!' and my identity completely changes. I want to show more of that side of myself."

Jaei pledged, "I also have a strong desire to let people know more about the person named Jaei. Perhaps because of that, I feel like I'm searching for my own 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 everyone's life remains equally fresh and enjoyable." Jaei also warmly concluded with, "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.