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 } Competitive World-Class Beauty: Jiyoung

As Jiyoung transferred the center of her activities in Japan, her career has been steadily stacking up. Studying Japanese in between work, Jiyoung giving out a Japanese role became normal.

"Japanese drama and movies, as well as animes, etc., usually I watch those with Korean subtitles, but recently I watch it with Japanese subtitles. It serves as a reference for me when reading script. From the time I was with KARA, we had an interpreter, but we do our best to speak in Japanese only as much as possible."

Her leading role movie published in web "How Is The Sky Over There?" is staged in Japan and Hong Kong. Perfect for Jiyoung who's from an international country.

"The main role that I played is delicate but has a strong will, being separated with her family to reach her dreams was hard, and I find that nice. We have so much things in common, I'm also alone overseas, and I can sympathize with her in that part, so I was able to go through the role while playing it. Usually I also look up to the sky, and I think that this sky is connected everywhere overseas, so when I saw Kitagawa Eriko-san's screenplay and expressed the same thing, I was happy. It was a positive screenplay, it encourages you to think that whatever happens to you, always remember to do your best."

Starting January 13, the single drama will become a drama series "Higanbana~Keishicho sosa nana-ka~".

"Because the last time's ending have a continuation, I'm happy that now it has a sequel. During the SP drama, the shooting was less than a week, and though I want to talk to everyone, there was only a little opportunity. This time it's a drama series, and I'm glad to have lots of talk with everyone. On site there were just beautiful actresses. There's my company senior Horikita (Maki)-san, with her being the main role and go pull the work with her acting, I think she's just amazing. This time I have to say a lot of difficult words because of my role as a medical examiner, and I want to play it perfectly that's why I practice it a lot."

In 2016, for Jiyoung, it's going to be a leap year.

Source: Tokyo Calendar | Translation: Kang Jiyoung World

TRANS } Jiyoung at Kawada Hiromi's Field Of Dreams Part 2

The second part of Jiyoung at Kawada Hiromi's Field Of Dreams, from TokyoFM, was aired at October 10 and she talked about her career. Check it out:

Q: The 2nd turning point you gave is the drama "Tamiou". What's the reason behind this?
A: It's my first (japanese role). I changed bodies with a politician/father. I played an Oyaji role. Since then I'm called 'OyaJiyoung' (laughs)

Q: You must change various stuff like the way how you sit, and others except your voice.
A: The thing I changed the most is my voice. If the voice is not low, they won't think we changed bodies. *Jiyoung tried doing the OyaJiyoung voice*

Q: You played Kusakari Masao-san's role. There's a big age gap...
A: Kusakari-san gave me good advice... the time when we're reading the scripts together, I was so nervous. He said "It's okay, Jiyoung-chan!" and it made me really happy.

Q: Do you always observe Kusakari-san?
A: Yes...Kusakari-san's role has a habit of saying "Mmmmmm" before speaking, and he's naturally good with it. I had hard time with it.

Q: It was hard but do you feel rewarded?
A: There were people who said "The one who played Murano Erika's role is a Korean? I thought she's Japanese." and, "Her acting as well as her Japanese improved a lot", I was moved to see those comments. Since I didn't expect to get a Japanese role quickly, to be able to do it is fun, and I want to play more roles. It became a very important work.

Q: A book that summarizes Jiyoung's 21 years is now on sale. Title is?
A: Grow up!

Q: Did you wanted to put this kind of book?
A: I thought of it, but there are already lots of stylebooks out there. Very fashionable, full of clothes and bags. That's why I said, "I don't have those! I won't make a style book!" (laughs) So to change directions, I made a style book containing where I studied abroad, my favorite place, and private photos from my laptop.

Q: Your new movie "How Is The Sky Over There?" from Kitagawa Eriko who also wrote Orange Days and Long Vacation will be out soon. Will this also get the girls' hearts?
A: Unfortunately, it's not a love story.

Q: What kind of role will you play?
A: This time it will be a Korean girl: Ena who speaks Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean. But she's speaks more in Japanese, and the narration is also in Japanese. The setting was in Hong Kong so I have to speak Mandarin and Cantonese. It was difficult.

Q: A person who speaks 4 languages?
A: Yup. Ena went through a lot of countries due to family circumstances. She have a dream to achieve in Hong Kong. She's a nice girl chasing her dream.

Q: Jiyoung as an actress is now getting known. What kind of actress image do you aim from now on?
A: I want to be an actress who is not caught in only one frame. Also, I want to become a cool actress. Like Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson. I want to be an actress that even women love.

Q: Do you want a Hollywood debut?
A: If possible (laughs)

Q: When?
A: 10 years from now (laughs)

Host: After 10 years, you'll be 30 years old. But it's great if you could go up there on Hollywood! We are looking forward to your future success! Also, Ansatsu Kyoshitsu -Sotsugyou Hen- (Assassination Classroom: Graduation) is now announced! Everyone's looking forward to it!


Translation: Kang Jiyoung World

TRANS } Jiyoung at Kawada Hiromi's Field Of Dreams

Jiyoung went to Kawada Hiromi's Field Of Dreams, from TokyoFM, and talked about important things that happened to her and what keeps her moving on. Check it out:

Q: Did you ever thought of giving up as an actress?
A: I never thought of giving up but...I kinda had my limit with the Japanese language.

Q:Like worries and fear?
A:Yes, I had it.

 Q:But why did you keep on doing your best anyway?
A:After all, there are people who keeps on supporting me...that's why I'll work hard.

 Jiyoung: I've been really busy and there were a lot of tough times. I played a lot of roles. There were movies, dramas, and I'm even holding a radio show. I get to fans through the radio show..It's been hard but it was a very fun year. 

>>> The host praised Jiyoung and said that Jiyoung's presence in KARA was the most precious for her. The host likes Jiyoung's japanese during her days as a KARA member. She also said that Jiyoung became more older, more beautiful, and got better in Japanese.

Jiyoung: I was always cheerful when I was in KARA and everyone kept telling me to shut up. (laughs) 

Jiyoung: I spent my second half of teenage years with KARA.

Q: How was your days at that time?
A: Our Japan debut was in 2010..on our way home, I thought "Where am I and who am I?" and my ears hurt so we went to the hospital. Of course those times were fun but it was really busy.

Q: Your Japanese fans really loves you.
A: Yes...when I met them I really cried. I was so happy. It was tears of joy. At first I really didn't know what to do, it was like "Why are you crying?" "I'm sorry!" "Did I do something wrong?", But even now I still cry when I'm too happy.

>>>The host still listens to KARA songs until now. Now Jiyoung's turning point in life: Studying Abroad (London) 

Q: Why did you choose this song? (Note: the song Jiyoung chose was "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran)
A: It was 2014, like July or August..there was a poster with an X sign.. I thought "what is hat"... then my friend said "You don't know this??" "I don't know.." then when I listened to the album there were lots of great songs.

Q: Why did you choose London?
A: The original English language is in United Kingdom, and there are lots of plays to see.. I was scared at first, like "what am I going to do this day?", I even got homesick just at my first month there. I didn't knew that much of English at first, I could understand what they were saying, but when it comes to conversations, I couldn't enter easily. I thought I was a failure in English and it seemed so impossible. It was hard. After my first month, my English slowly got better and it became more fun. And in three months, I've been in a lot of places alone. Then my fourth months was over. There was a time when I went to a shop and I couldn't even make an order. I was so nervous. Though I worked hard on speaking I got the wrong thing. From that experience I really trained my ears mouth eyes everyday. It was frustrating.

 2nd turning point: The drama "Tamiou" next week!! Leon-kun is also one of the topics next week.

Translation: Kang Jiyoung World

TRANS } Jiyoung keeps to show her love and gratitude for Kara on her stylebook "Grow Up"

At August 27 Jiyoung released her first stylebook called "Grow Up". The stylebook contains profissional and personal photos of Jiyoung at London, Seoul, Okinawa and with her cat Leon. Beside the photos, there are a lot of interviews with Jiyoung. In one of the pages of "Grow Up", Jiyoung makes the following statement about Kara:

Photo by: mrk_angjji on Instagram

Read the translation bellow:

"However, the always said 'former member of KARA: Jiyoung' also, is still a very important presence for me. I'm really thankful to KARA, the 6 years of having activities with them is a precious treasure. That's why, It's not bad even though people say 'It's Jiyoung from KARA' until now. I've worked with them for 6 years, I think having that said is a usual thing...."

Don't forget to buy your copy of "Grow Up" on CDJapan, HMVBooks or YesAsia

Source and Translation: Kang Jiyoung World.

Jiyoung's Seasons } 8/04 Translation of this week's program!

When you see her, it’s like she’s smart.
A feeling of an honor student, a princess.
Personality seems to be tough.
When I think of it, she’s the type of someone who says something very directly to someone else.
But the truth is, she’s fragile.
The thing we share in common is probably “When I think of something, I say it directly”.

~

Good evening! I’m Jiyoung with the nickname of Jiyoungpyon! E~Friday night drama “Tamiou”, 2nd episode is already finished! How was it?
Uhm~ okay, I’ll read a lot of messages!

“Kaorunrun”-san from Tokyo,
“I watched Tamiou! It was really interesting, and I’m looking forward to the next episode. Jiyoungpyon, you’re cute but, a little scary too..”

Is that so! Hahaha

“Ayuri”-san from Aichi,
“Jiyoungpyon good evening! Jiyoungpyon’s role has a sharp tongue and I was shocked by that.”

“Sou desu ne~”-san from Yamagata,
“Tamiou was really interesting! The best! Of course the main roles, when they changed bodies was really interesting, but Jiyoung’s bullying was wonderful.”

Ohh~ I see. Up to this point, from the people I heard it’s like I’m “a person bullying someone···” type, doesn’t it sounds like that? So this is a drama “Tamiou” wherein I play as the girl named Murano Erika. I make fun of “Sho”, the son of the Prime Minister. She’s also interested in politics. The truth is, she is intelligent. Should I say she’s a mysterious college student.

From now on, more activities will be done, Please look forward to it! Also, I said this earlier too but.
“I was scared.” and “I was shocked by your shocked by your sharp tongue”. That’s right, the line “Looking from the top is good." was quite scary righ? Hehe. I saw the second episode on my own, Tamiou was interesting right. Not just because I’m there! I really think it’s an interesting drama. Even if I’m not there, it’s a drama that you would really recommend to everyone. That’s right, from the third episode, Murano Erika’s part will continue to increase, Everyone, please look forward to it.

Today’s song selection

"Jukenjaken”-san from Hiroshima,
“Jiyoungpyon, good evening! I’m a third year senior high student. This summer, the family travel that is supposed to happen every year will not be done. Entirely study and study! At the very least, I want to feel the feeling of travelling.”

Let’s play a travel song today! The opening was like a beach ball play. I chose it.
//Katy Perry - Roar//

~

This month, in honor of “Tamiou”, we will be doing this project: Title is “Jiyoung ga Narikiri one word”. This is things that don’t normally talk. E~ it’s like releasing the words. Funny. I wonder if this is doing well? Hahaha But, though we didn’t have much recruitment last week, we received lots of ideas! Thank you very much. Anyway, let’s start!

“Otan”-san from Fukuoka,
“Jiyoungpyon good evening! Please say something that Jiyoungpyon’s cellphone would say!”

Here you go … “Stop touching me! Or else, I’ll break again!” hahahaha. Hey, I kinda thought of this.
I think I’m touching my phone too much. Well, I have my phone for about one year. I use it properly this time but in the past I only have it for 1 year then it breaks. Sometimes it gets cracked, or sometimes it accidentally falls into water. So probably that’s what would my phone say. I’m sorry.
Next!

“Leon”-san from Osaka
Eh~ Hello Leon-san
“Good evening! Jiyoung and Jiyoung’s favorite curry conversation! By the way, it’s sweet curry.”

“Hello, I’m the sweet curry. Jiyoung-san, you like spicy curry, right? Please love the sweet curry, too”
It’s like that. Yes. I’m sorry. Sweet-san. I like spicy curry the most that’s why…I’m sorry I will love you. Ahhhh~ I want to eat curry. I want to eat~ Eaat~

Next one!

“RiKang Jiyoung”-san from Saitama,
“Jiyoung-chan, good evening! Since it’s summer, I want something summer-ish like the firework’s feelings.”

OK OK Fireworks, Fireworks, Fireworks! “Please come and see me~” Is this okay? Oh, I’ve said it before, I want to come and see fireworks. And there is “Kamakura fireworks tournament" so I asked my agency "Let’s go! Let’s go! Yes! Let’s go tomorrow!” And then the event was cancelled. The wind was amazing that day.. Cancelled… I wasn’t able to go. I want to see fireworks… Sigh, I suddenly got sad I’m so sorry! Okay!

I tried 3 things today. Phone, curry and Fireworks! It was fun! Doing this, a thing without life suddenly speak! That’s something they would definitely say… It was fun! I want to hear everyone’s idea with “Jiyoung ga narikiri one word”!

~

//Yamaguchi Momoe - Ii Hi Tabidachi//

“Ah~ somewhere in Japan~ Leon is waiting for me” This song is a journey song that’s why I chose it. How is it? Well recently, I’m listening to Yamaguchi Momoe’s songs. She have many good songs…

~

“Nao”-san from Kanagawa,
“This time, the agency I want to be in is helding auditions, only 1 minute is given. If Jiyoungpyon is going to audition, what would you say? Please tell~”

Ohhh It’s difficult, only 1 minute. Well,If I would do it, would it be helpful? I don’t know. But if I were you, I would only say “I have a lot of confidence and I think that’s the best thing”. You have no choice with that 1 minute but doing this way, is something everyone would remember. That’s why give it a try! I’ll try it.
“Nice to meet you, I’m Jiyoung. I’m 21 years old. I want to be a part of this agency and things I can do are action, comedy and love stories. I also love songs, dance, and theater. I’ll do anything! I’m still young that’s why. If you’ll believe in me, I’ll do everything with my best! Oh, only 40 seconds. Ahaha Everyone, it’s hot that’s why please smile since I would be nervous hahahahahah. Everyone, I’ll do my best.”
Okaay. 1 minute! It would be that type.

“Keeper”-san from Aichi,
“Jiyoung and Leon goods would be difficult but water bottle might be good. It is used everyday, and it’s handy.”

That’s right. It can be used on all season… I also use that..good idea!

“Chibimao”-san from Aichi,
“What about Leon costume? Surely, it will be cute.”

Ohh That would be cute! But it’s Jiyoung and Leon! Where would I be..it’s hard.. but it’s cute…. E, please let me think. With that being said I received a lot of messages, and it came to “Jiyoung & Leon goods” and there’s also illustrations of me and Leon from listeners. There were various types.

“Haruna”-san’s work… cute face!! It’s really cute! I waited for this! This is amazing. The red eyes were good. If this had the soft feeling it would be better. But, this level is amazing. Haruna-san thank you very much! Ahhh~ I’ll be waiting for everyone’s ideas!

~

“Moe”-san from Aichi,
“Jiyoungpyon annyeong! I saw Tamiou’s 1st episode. It’s a really great story. Also, congratulations on your 7th debut anniversary! I hope you’ll have a lot of success! I love you!”

Thank you very much. The other day was my debut anniversary. I received a lot of messages.Thank you! 7th annniversary, the time is really fast… I was just 14 years old when I debut…I feel like it was a long time ago.. Still, I hope to exceed everyone’s expectations.I’ll do my best!

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
See you next week.
Goodnight.
 ----
This translation belongs to Kang Jiyoung World, do not take without credits!