ARTICLE } Why did Jiyoung pursue acting in japan?

To understand Jiyoung's love for Japan, let's start with her fluency in the Japanese language. Her language skills shined way back in the KARA era. "When our Japanese debut was decided, at first we took lessons from our Japanese teacher, but halfway the lessons we became busy so the classes were stopped. But I absolutely want to remember(the lessons), so I watched Japanese dramas and studied by myself.", she recalled. "Even when taking interviews, though we had interpreters, I desperately pulled out words I know and I made an effort to answer in Japanese as much as possible.", she added.

They surely talk actively in Japanese when in variety shows, and we surely laugh at the cuteness of their imperfect Japanese, with Jiyoung being the center of it, as I remember. But still, why does she love Japan so much? "Since I was a kid, I love Japanese movies, dramas, music, and tv shows so much that I often watch it.", said Jiyoung. With KARA going back and forth to Japan and South Korea for their activities, they are making their own personality, and there they got attracted more and more with the beauty of the town. "I want to try challenging myself here, in my own.", that desire went growing day by day.

About being an actress, "I haven't thought of it at all since debut, while KARA's acting activities increased, the feeling just came to me.", and then it naturally flows, now hardened by her determination to be a professional. "Ever since I was in KARA, if there's a word I don't know, I'd find out it's meaning right away. If I wanted to hear something, I'd listen to it right away. Since pronunciation and intonation is also important, it is where I studied thoroughly."

With her latest drama "Higanbana ~Keishicho sosa nana ka~" (NTV) starred by her company senior Horikita Maki, where she learned a lot about the importance of acting and reading. When asked about actresses she wanted to be like, "Beautiful, good in acting and those who can also do actions like Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johansson.". Full-scale on being an actress and singer as JY, so far the tag "Kara" now broke away from Jiyoung, and finally people's eyes are no longer tied to it.
(Interview・Statement・Photography: Sakata Masaki)

Source: CinemaToday | Translation: Kang Jiyoung World

INTERVIEW } Jiyoung as official supporter of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo

The actress Jiyoung was appointed to be an official supporter of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week TOKYO 2016 A/W. Appearing in dramas, movies, and commercials in Japan. This time, it was just announced that she'll start to have singer activities as JY. Aside from Japanese, she can also speak English, Chinese and Korean, and is active globally. In order to send Tokyo's Fashion to the world, and to liven up MBFWT, she was invited to the venue.

Q. What was your actual impression when you came to the MBFWT venue?
J: There are lots of fashionable people in the visitors, their hair style and make-up is also unique, I think there are many fashion people. It gave me the impression that the people who really like fashion come here.

Q. What's your impression as an appointed supporter?
J: I feel honored. Fashion is freedom, that's why I like it because you can express yourself any way you want. This time, as I watched the show and I think that from now on I want to know more about Japanese brands. Also, I think it's a great opportunity to meet new brands. Recently shows can be viewed in the web, and can even be saved. Though it increases the chances to show it to the public, I always want to go to show itself, but when I can't go, I'll watch it in the web.

Q. What do you feel is the difference and similarities of Korean and Japanese street fashion?
J: For example, be it sneakers, or wide pants, these items become trends at the same time. With the overall style, including the hair and make-up, I think that people from Japan are more unique.

Q. Lastly, what are you expecting from MBFWT?
J: If this place will push a lot of people to be active around the world, then it's good! For a place to be known in the world, I'll give it lots of attention! Though there's still time remaining for this season, I'm already looking forward to the next one (laughs).

Outfit: KEITA MARUYAMA (blousse, skirt, corset) Swarovski Jewelry (jewelry) JIMMY CHOO (shoes)

Source: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo | Translation: Kang Jiyoung World

INTERVIEW } Jiyoung's solo debut as JY

― Please tell us your feelings when you heard you were going to debut as JY.
Jiyoung: At first I was very scared. I was really troubled when deciding it. But I was pleased by the fact that I would be able to sing again, and I wanted to tell to everyone soon my real intentions. So far, this mysterious artist's information is given little by little, and after all, many fans had their instincts, a fan even asked me in an event "JY is Jiyoung-san, right?", and I answered "No, I'm not" innocently (laughs). It was a secret even to my co-stars in the drama. To those who noticed, I'd say "It's a secret. Please wait until March 15." and I'd run away (laughs). I'm glad I can finally announce this to everyone.

― Your field as an actress is now wide, do you have anticipations on working again as a singer?
Jiyoung: It's something that I really want to do. Not being in a group and doing it solo, I think there will be a lot of hard times, but on the other hand I'll be more free to do the things I want to do. The things I want to express in a song and the feelings I want to convey will be strongly there.

― Before "JY=Jiyoung" became apparent, The views of music video (JY 『最後のサヨナラ』-Short Ver.-) on YouTube was more than 210,000. I think it's not an exaggeration to say that the people were fascinated by the song and the voice.
Jiyoung: Honestly, I'm happy. There is pressure, there will be events from now on as JY, and I'm very excited on how will they react. Recording was hard, I did it a couple of times. There were times when I'm not satisfied, the staff were also expecting, and saying "If it's Jiyoung then you can do it better!". Especially since "Saigo no Sayonara" is a ballad, I'm thinking on what emotion I should convey while recording.

― Do you have worries on promoting activities as JY?
Jiyoung: Saigo no Sayonara is ballad and RADIO is EDM with its dance tune, so it was really opposite to each other. At first, I think it's better to decide on what direction should I be, and I consulted for an advice with the staff. With our talk, they said "Let's make JY an artist who can sing, dance, who can do anything.", and so we decided to make a lot of good songs.

― On your coupling song "Sayonara Watashi no Shoujo", you challenged to write the lyrics, right?
Jiyoung: There's always a limit with my Japanese, although the words I used to express my emotion my not come out as expected, everyone in the staff helped me, and somehow we did it completely. The title "Sayonara Watashi no Shoujo" (Goodbye, my girl) may contain a lot of meanings. But above all it shows a story of a girl growing up. Strong women were expressed with the lyrics "For you, I might look like a girl, but I have a different side, too. And I can do anything alone"

― Is there something intentionally divided with JY and Jiyoung?
Jiyoung: That's a very hard question. Because I'm one person (laughs). So I'm finally free to talk about JY, and from now on perhaps you'll see JY's personality coming little by little. "Am I JY now? or Jiyoung?" so that you'll not be confused, JY as a singer and Jiyoung as an actress, I would like to continue working sincerely with my job.

― Please tell us the goals of JY.
Jiyoung: First is to release a lot of singles for an album. If I made an album, I thought earlier that there will be a concert, and someday I think I want to do a concert alone. Just thinking it makes my heart pounding. I'll work hard from now on so I'll be standing in a stage soon.

― Finally, your message to your fans.
Jiyoung: I myself feels it weird to be singing as JY. Since there's a chance given to me, if you can't tell your feelings to someone else, I would like to share my feelings. Though one dream came true, if I won't put my effort here, it would just end. For my future growth, I'll work hard to say my feelings to everyone, thank you and please keep on supporting me. Thank you very much.

Source: ModelPress | Translation: Kang Jiyoung World

TRANS } Jiyoung comments about her new side as solo singer

"Unexpectedly this time, I was also given the chance to be able to sing. I love singing, and it makes me happy knowing that I'll be able to sing in front of everyone again. By singing again, there are a lot of expectations by the past fans and the new fans that I need to meet. Speaking of JY, I want people to think it's an artist where you can listen to different kinds of songs, like pop and rock, dance music and popular music. I want to deliver various genres of music to everyone. Also, I think I want to challenge composing and writing songs. As always, I will continue to do my best as an actress Jiyoung, and artist JY will also do her job energetically, so please keep on supporting."

Source: ModelPress | Translation: Kang Jiyoung World

ARTICLE } Jiyoung challenges her first male role

Jiyoung will be starring in the movie "Kataomoi Spiral" (Unrequited Love Spiral) which will be published on July 2. In the movie, Jiyoung will challenge her first male role who has a Gender Identity Disorder (GID), and the painful love and struggle of a man with GID will be performed enthusiastically. A role with a woman's body, but with a man's heart.

The story is centered in Jiyoung's role, an international student: Soyoung, who has an unrequited love with Yuki, whom she lives with in a share house. Yuki likes Soyoung's guy friend, and there unfolds the story of a love triangle relationship between the three. 

It is Jiyoung's first time to smoke cigarette and muscle trainings were done for the fight and action scenes. Not only the appearance but also the mind of a man was expressed admirably in the acting. That handsome captivated the site, as well as the co-stars and staff are being in love with Soyoung.

In this time's appearance, Jiyoung said, "I was allowed to do a difficult role who has a GID, and challenged myself to study and research about the role". She commented, "To do the smoking scene, I have to observe the gestures of a man.", "For the role-making from the heart, I'm supervised and there are in-depth meetings". Though she was challenged, "Coming with a man's appearance, it was surely strange, and the gestures were awkward but initially it comes naturally nice, and I can forget that I'm a woman.", she said with fulfillment.

Also, "When I sent the photo to my family, they said, "Oh, we've got a son.", "For you all to see me in a new side, I'm happy."

As for her co-stars Yuki will be played by Satsukawa Aimi, and the guy friend will be TAKUYA of CROSS GENE, who is recently gaining attention in Korea.

Source: ModelPress | Translation: Kang Jiyoung World

ARTICLE } Jiyoung achieves her musical dream with "Sweet Charity"

Actress Jiyoung was announced to appear in the broadway musical "Sweet Charity" (September 23-October 2) staged in Tokyo, Tennoz Galaxy Theatre. It's Jiyoung's first play, first musical, and first starring. She confessed that her dream to be in a musical was achieved.

♢ "Sweet Charity" as a broadway musical masterpiece

The musical is a love-comedy premiered on broadway in January 1966 directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. In 1969, it became a movie starred by Shirley MacLaine. Working as a hostess in a dance hall, even with heartbreaks, she still keeps on walking, still bright, powerful and not discouraged. She's the main character: Charity, which is the role played by Jiyoung.

♢ Jiyoung is filled with deep emotions now that her dream came true

Jiyoung who loves singing, dancing, and acting recalled, "Being in a musical is my greatest dream and I always talk about it in various places". With deep emotions, Jiyoung said, "Now that my dream came true, I'm immersed in joy." Besides happiness, the nervous feeling is also there, "The charm of Charity is "Everything's Positive!" so everyone who will come to watch, even alone, will surely smile a lot. I want to do my best to deliver the bright and cheerful Charity.", she told with enthusiasm.

♢Fascinated by the performance & beauty

The producer said, "I think that the pure and straightforward charm of Jiyoung is very fit, so we were able to cast her.". Also commented, "We are expecting that no doubt, the her transcendent performance and beauty will surely attract the audience." This time, beyond the boundaries of the genre, Yukio Ueshima will be responsible for the directing and choreography. Other performers will be announced at a later date.

Source: ModelPress | Translation: Kang Jiyoung World

INTERVIEW } Jiyoung's progress with the Japanese language and her secret for good looks

Q: Your Japanese became so much better compared to the time when you just started your career here in Japan. How do you practice?
A: You will really learn Japanese when you're here in Japan. My studying habit is just within my daily life. In the car, I talk with my manager, and I get to know the meaning of the words the staff use in site, also in variety shows, I get to learn words I don't know. It became a day-to-day learning process.

Q: What's the reaction of your co-stars and the staff towards you?
A: Everyone said, "I'm surprised that your Japanese got better". In particular, the producer and the director together, from the time of the SP drama, gave me a big compliment. But, on the contrary, when they say "No more problem with the dialogue?", they will increase the difficult words (laughs). Even in today's shooting, my dialogues increased a little. Though I'm memorizing, I feel troubled, I'm impatient and it's hard. But when I finished it in the real take, I feel very happy. I clear them one by one, and I can feel the progress, it's hard but it's fun.

Q: Since we think that you're busy with the continuous shooting, can you tell us your relaxation method?
A: When I get home, I slowly take a bath, then I play with my cat. Just seeing my cat makes me feel relaxed.

Q: In your previous interview, you said, "In 2016, I want to have more cats"……
A: That's right! But when I looked, I can't see the right one. My criteria when choosing is "a cat that is cuter than my cat now", but my cat now is just too cute…… It's difficult (laughs).

Q: Though you have a costume in your work like a white coat and such, usually what kind of fashion do you have?
A: Recently, it's been very cold, so the best thing I have is a warm long bench coat. People around might think it's strangely big and long (laughs). The truth is, I have a poor circulation, and I get chilled easily, so it's hard. That's why even if I look strange, I'll give up fashion (laughs).

Q: You're active as an actress-model. Since you're very beautiful, do you have any recommended beauty tips?
A: This is a thought from the old days, the most important thing is to "sleep well, eat well, move well". I think that having that balance is a good thing. At the same time, try to not stress yourself too much. I'm the type of person who moves too much, and I go to the gym or run. When the stress builds up, I feel tired, so after running, I feel refreshed. From last winter, I started to drink plain hot water. In work, it's hard to carry a large pot, but it's worth it. Before that, I felt that it will be hard if it's cold, and skin troubles may also come, that's why I recommend drinking plain hot water.

Q: Lastly, for the Episode 5 (of Higanbana), what is your message?
A: Until now Kaoruko has been lively, a character with high spirits. On the fifth episode, her sister will be revealed. And with her younger sister, Kaoruko will appear in a side you haven't seen yet, thoughtful of her family. Also, Nagisa, the role played by Maki-san, will have a great collision scene. In addition, the past of Nagisa will be revealed, and the story will become more interesting. The mystery will also deepen. Kaoruko will still be with the 7th division to solve the cases together, and I want people to give an eye to that.

Source: Dogatch | Translation: Kang Jiyoung World