[21st KKBOX Music Awards Media Interview] Donghae
#DONGHAE#동해
🐯: Hello everyone, I am Donghae from Super Junior. I am very happy to see you all.
Q: This is your second consecutive year appearing at KKBOX—last year as part of a unit, and this year as a solo artist. Is there anything that feels different for you?
🐯: Ah... if I were to talk about what's different, I think it's really... really a big difference. It feels very different. First, I appeared at KKBOX as part of Super Junior, then I appeared as D&E. And now, for the first time in my life, I've released a solo album, and being able to stand on the KKBOX stage with that solo album is such an honor for me. It's something that makes me very happy, and today I've been feeling very excited and nervous..
Q: You mentioned your first full-length solo album. Could you introduce the album for us? Also, today you've selected the song '约好 (Promise)'. Could you tell us why you chose that song?
🐯: Yes. First of all, after deciding to appear at KKBOX, coming here with my first solo album, Alive was already an incredibly exciting beginning for me.
And since it's the first album of my life, while preparing it, I honestly went through a very difficult time emotionally and mentally. But because I had our ELFs and ANNIEs, who helped me overcome all of that, I think I was able to make the album well.
And while producing this album, I included many lyrics that I wanted to write for our Annies and ELFs. There are many songs in the album that contain those feelings.
And today, of course, RACE and HAERISE were songs that you all wanted to hear.
The song 'Promise' was originally meant to be a song gifted to the fans. Why is this song called 'Promise'? It's because whenever we meet and when we are about to part ways, we always make a promise saying we will see each other next time. I wanted to carry this exact meaning, the promise that we will meet again and with this meaning, I wanted to sing this song together with the fans. Did I speak a bit too long? I'm so sorry.
Q: Fans often say, 'Super Junior equals KKBOX.' Super Junior has remained on the rankings for around 400 weeks. Do you think you have the confidence to break that record yourself?
🐯: Ah.. Well, if our fans listen to it a lot, then I... Actually, just like today, where I participated in an award ceremony and performed on stage alone for the first time, if I get opportunities like that again, I would be grateful. And I'll continue to work even harder.
And recently, after I held my concert, fans told me, 'Could you do a solo concert here at Taipei Arena by yourself?' But Super Junior has already held concerts here, so I thought, 'How could I possibly hold a concert here alone?' Of course, if I were given such an honor, I would be extremely thankful. But if I can work hard enough to one day hold a concert here by myself, just as you all said, then I want to bring you good songs.
Q: You mentioned there are many songs in the album. In the future, perhaps as a commemorative release or through another opportunity, would it be possible for those songs to be released?
🐯: Actually, even now, I go to the office every day and write songs. I also have a lot of songs that I worked on in the past. And since D&E is celebrating its 15th anniversary, I'm working hard on D&E music as well. So I'm writing a lot of songs, and many good songs too. If you look forward to it, I think I may be able to return with an even better side of myself.
Q: As a solo artist standing on this stage, what is the most enjoyable thing and what is the most frightening thing?
🐯: Honestly, I don't think there's anything I'm afraid of. Even today, when I went up on stage and not just today, but every time I go on stage I feel excited, but I also feel very nervous. I think that nervousness comes from wanting to do well on stage. I always want to do well. Rather than fear, because our fans are there waiting for us and cheering us on, I always go on stage with a certain amount of nervousness and excitement.
And lastly, this is something I always say. In some ways, I have many shortcomings. But the thing I'm most confident in, the thing I do best is working hard. More than anyone... I want to thank you all for always supporting and encouraging me. Moving forward, I'll become a harder-working Donghae, so that I can continue appearing at KKBOX, and so that D&E and Super Junior can continue appearing here as well. Thank you.
Q: Last year, you took photos together with the reporters. Would it be possible to do that again today?
🐯: I was actually planning to! (Showing his phone 🤣)
Q: Following this year, do you think there will be another opportunity for you to come to KKBOX next year as well?
🐯: I'd love to come, but KKBOX would have to invite me first. If they invite me, then of course, anytime!
[Photo time with the Repoters]