[13.10.15] T-ara,

[kkyc222]

T-ara, “That incident changed the childish us.” A Tearful First Interview.

When friends or lovers get into an argument, how should you resolve it? T-ara is standing before the public with this thought in mind. When people are angry because of our actions, and when an apology cannot resolve their anger, what should we do? T-ara has chosen to silently work hard and to wait until that anger melts.

Although it is common for artists to become emotional and cry during interviews, T-ara’s tears fell carefully even when they were falling naturally. T-ara, who can’t even escape vicious criticism when they prepare snacks for their fans, ended up saying tearfully, “We will work hard.” After that “incident”, this is their first interview with the media. The questions and answers that required tissue everywhere until the end are now revealed without any changes.

Q: A comeback in a long time, how do you feel?

Hyomin: It’s been a year since a comeback as the 6 of us. We disappointed some people before, but that won’t happen this time, we will work hard. We made our comeback nervously.

Soyeon: More so than rankings, we are thankful that there are people who are waiting for our music.

Q: It seems like you had a lot of worries.

Hyomin: To be honest, we’ve never had a “blank period.” We were always running everywhere with no rest. Although it wasn't intentional this time, we had a blank period and during this time, we really lost a lot of confidence and had a lot of thoughts. We had a lot of worries too.

Eunjung: Everyone’s attitude towards us are better than we thought it would be, we are very thankful. Just like when we first debut, our thoughts are just that we must do well. To be honest, whether people would like our music, we had a lot of worries like this. Also, many singers are making their comeback in this period, and would they like our colour? We also had a lot of worries like this.

Q: A lot of other groups are making their comebacks as well.

Soyeon: The timing for releasing an album is very important, no? We thought we picked an appropriate time. It seems like this was a time appropriate for all other singers too, so we all made our comeback around the same time (laughs). We are thankful just to be discussed along with these other artists. We are really happy just to be mentioned along with SHINEE and IU etc. When we see news of that, we think “Wah, there’s actually us.”

Q: Now that you’ve made your comeback, do you feel more relaxed?

Eunjung: People’s hearts are always like that, we should be able to feel more relaxed now, but we still worry a lot about how we can maintain this. Should we keep doing the same thing next week? Should we change our dance? What about our clothes? Etc.

Hyomin: Because there are new comebacks every week, we are very nervous. Recently, there have been so many comebacks that rookies are hardly able to participate in music broadcasts. So we understand how valuable it is to be able to perform on music programmes.

Eunjung: In the past we would think that this was a given, but now we know how to be thankful. In the past, even if our managers don’t mention it, we would clear out Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for our schedules, because we have to perform on music shows. We used to think that way, but now we would ask our managers, “Do we have any schedules?”

Q: T-ara’s schedules were very full in the past.

Soyeon: We had at least 5 schedules in one day, we were very busy. We thought that they were only schedules and didn’t think much about it. We only had thoughts about wanting to look nice etc. But after experiencing this blank period, we understood that those are not just merely schedules, but is something [precious] that finds its way to us. Now, we think that every single schedule is a precious thing to us.

Hyomin: Although it is better to not have experienced bad things, during that time, we only looked at the things in front of us and kept running forward following our CEO’s instructions. But now we look around us and behind us. It is something that can’t be expressed with words, but there are things we have gained. The time we spend with our fans and the way we treat our fans also changed a lot.

Q: Your first performance was at the Gyeongju Dream Concert.

Eunjung: It rained that day. Singing while it was raining, it felt very extraordinary and profound.

Soyeon: We felt different compared to the comebacks we had before. In the past, we would know that there were a lot of people waiting for us and we had confidence. But this comeback wasn’t like that. We didn’t have confidence, and the cheers and applause for us are also different from before, but we can only work hard. So we are even more thankful for the people who have given us applause all along.

Q: Experiencing something bad together, it seems like the friendship and love between members have changed as well.

Soyeon: The atmosphere between us is like family. To be honest, there were times when we were so busy that we couldn’t take care of each other but were just there together. But this time, we had a lot of time to talk and reminisce with each other. And since we carry the same scars, the understanding and care we have for each other seem to have increased as well. We became closer.

Boram: We think that teamwork requires every single person.

Q: The leader keeps changing.

Eunjung: Even though there is a leader, generally we still make decisions together, so there is not a big difference. But things like conveying information, giving notice, gathering opinions, those are things that the leader would do.

Q: Even so, the atmosphere within the team would be different because of the leader right?

Soyeon: Boram unnie created a very relaxed and quiet atmosphere. Eunjung is really good at managing work, and she can organise things well even when things are very messy. When Hyomin was leader, we became more fashionable.

Hyomin: As a leader, the most difficult thing was to answer our CEO’s phone calls.

Eunjung: He would call at 6a.m. in the morning and ask “Are you awake?”, “Have you seen your schedule yet?” Things like that (laughs).

Q: Because of what happened last year, it seems like you are more thankful to be on stage and to the fans.

Eunjung: About things we used to think were a given in the past, we now think “We are really thankful” “Ah, this is so good”. Not just to fans, but to the general public who watch our performance, give us applause, and sing along to our songs. In the past, we just feel like it is just a comeback, but now we are very thankful for these things.

Soyeon: We did earn things [from this incident]. This happened when we were receiving a lot of love. If that hadn’t happened, we would still be kids who didn't understand a lot of things. We would think that popularity is a given. To experience something like that at that time, it seems like we found something that we had lost. The people who worked with us, those who visited us, our fans – in the past we really seemed to not understand their preciousness and didn't know to be thankful. But after that incident, we had a lot of thoughts and became more mature and responsible.

Q: The comments online, have you seen them?

Hyomin: Although we didn’t read them in detail, we browsed through them. In the past we would look for negative things, but now we would look for positive things. There are more and more support messages, and there are more and more of positive messages as well. We feel happier as well. We will read them to each other as well with the thought that “Wow, there are even these [good] messages for us.”

Boram: There are also negative criticisms that can be constructive. Paying attention to those comments, with the mindset that “We did that before, we should correct that” is not bad. Although we cried a lot before when we saw very malicious comments, now we look for comments that can be constructive. Seeing malicious comments that would give us harm, now, instead of getting hurt, we seem to learn from them more.

Q: How is each member doing recently?

Jiyeon: It’s been a long time since T-ara’s last comeback, I want to show the best side as T-ara.

Hyomin: I filmed for a Japan move “JINX!!!” in the beginning of this year. It was during one of our most difficult times, and I’m thankful that I was given this opportunity. It was a very memorable filming.

Eunjung: I filmed for MBC’s “Welcome”. Living with students from Turkey, it was the first time for me to film a variety like this. Because I had to promote Korean culture and language, I did a lot of studying myself as well. To be honest, I had wondered whether any variety programmes would ask me to participate. I’m really very thankful that they asked me to appear.

Boram: Because I had been a bit unhealthy I lost a lot of weight, but now I’ve become a lot healthier.

Qri: T-ara had a lot of overseas schedules. I prepared very hard for T-aras comeback.

Soyeon: I appeared in “Haeundae Lover” last year, but because of what happened, the drama seemed to have suffered because of me, I feel very sorry about that.

Q: Did your boyfriend Oh Jonghyuk give you a lot of support?

Soyeon: Of course he gave me a lot of support, he told me good job, and gave me a lot of trust.

Q: What is the secret to date for so long?

Soyeon: Although we started dating, we both have a very careful personality. Because of his military service and because I am an idol, we were both very careful. We began dating with a lot of trust in each other. It seemed as if waiting was very easy because the person I like went to the army. He must have had a lot of difficulties there but he still took care of me when I faced difficulties. Because we gained more trust in each other in those 2 years, so our relationship became better as well.

Q: You must have been worried when Oh Jonghyuk extended his military service.

Soyeon: Although he told me about it, I was still worried as his girlfriend. But I couldn’t express it because he is very determined. I could not express anything in particular. I just worried in my heart, but I watched him return successfully and thought that was very cool.

Q: Is there anyone else who wants to date?

Boram: It would be great if someone could like me, but there isn’t (laughs). I really want to date. I think out of all of us I’m the one who wants to date the most.

Q: Did the members know about Soyeon and Oh Jonghyuk dating?

Eunjung: We knew from the very beginning.

Q: T-ara has tried cat and Native American concepts etc, are there anymore concepts you want to try?

Soyeon: Our juniors are all so cute, pretty, and fresh. Is there this loveable concept that only girl groups can express? We want to try that too (laughs).

Eunjung: Mr CEO, please consider this (laughs).

Hyomin: It seems like our CEO is really amazing. Like a genius, he always seem to think of things that other people haven’t thought about.

Eunjung: During “Sexy Love” we were really shocked. At the time, wasn’t it very difficult for us to perform and have a natural expression on stage? But our CEO suggested that we do robot dance – our expressions were neither smiling nor crying (laughs).

Soyeon: It seems like we don’t create the trend, but we just change it (laughs). Retro and shuffle dance were something that other artists had already done, or we would only do something after something became a trend. We would ask “is it already too late”, but it always ends up becoming popular.

Q: This time, “I know the feeling” is also a trendy phrase.

Eunjung: We were worried whether we would interfere with Gag Concert.

Q: It seems like there are a lot of misunderstandings about your CEO in the public too.

Soyeon: Our CEO saw a lot of the messages and was very hurt. But if there are good messages, he would be very happy.

Eunjung: He used to be like a tractor, but his body and heart have become a lot weaker. He listened to a lot of our opinions as well.

Soyeon: It feels like he may be someone who cried the most in front of singers. He asked before “Am I difficult to get along with?” Actually we have seen the normal and private side of our CEO. We've seen him when he cried in front of those comments and when he is troubled because of us. He is someone more common and normal than people think.

Q: Lastly, is there anything you want to say to fans?

Qri: It seems like we have only received from our fans but have never given them anything. We are really thankful to our fans.

Hyomin: You’re the member who doesn’t cry even when we achieve number 1 [about Qri who teared up]. Not just to fans, but it seems like there is so much to say to the general public.

Eunjung: To be honest, for this comeback, we wondered if we would be able to receive love. But there are still people who are curious and love T-ara’s music. For that we are very thankful. Regardless of what they say, they only say it because of the appearance we present. We will accept it all and work hard.

Hyomin: More so than asking for forgiveness or apologising, it seems like it is more important to work hard and present a side of us that will make others say “They’re really working hard.” In the future, we want to express that sort of feeling no matter what we do.

Eunjung: When friends or lovers are mad at each other because of something the other person did, and even when repeated apologies cannot resolve the issue, the most important thing is to keep working hard until the other person’s anger melts away. It seems like we have to do the same thing as artists.

Original article: http://news.nate.com/view/20131015n03773

Translation via Chinese subs by TCN: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2651831149?see_lz=1

[jans]

Thanks so much for posting this interview. Appreciate it!!

T-Ara has really matured and I'll support them forever and all the way!!

T-Ara Jjang!!

[mayang]

we will always support t-ara...now n forever.. just keep going and never forget that ur fans are standing right by urside.. to go through all this pain and happy.. remember who u are and taking a good care of urself are enough for us as a fans... love t-ara soooooooooooooo much

[tomomiazhari]

tx for the translation....

i shouldn't cut onion while reading this...

BTW i think the feeling that they want to deliver reach me...

Yeah T-ara Fighting!!!

[T-4R4]

they're really pure and innocent... their answers made me cry T^T

hope that "incident" will never repeated..

Queen's always be with you...

T-ara fighting!!!

[@Eunjung4eva]

They have really matured. For Boram to say that negative criticism can be constructive is really praiseworthy. They had been through the worst ups and downs, thick and thin yet they are still going strong and more over, they have new mindset and matured mentality to approach things. Even non-fans are praising them for being able to stand strong. And Soyeon is really lucky. That guy's attitude bought me.

"To be honest, I had wondered whether any variety programmes would ask me to participate. I’m really very thankful that they asked me to appear." Jungiee, you were well-aware of your situation. You are really genuine and honest person. Always keep this attitude and you will be successful. You never fail to amaze me which is why I cant stop admiring you...

Edited October 16, 2013 by @Eunjung4eva

[tararules]

Hyomin says that they look online for 'positive' messages.

Seriously, all T-ara need to do whenever they feel down is to come visit Tiaradiadem and read the many positive and constructive comments. They will definitely feel the love and support emanating from our comments and posts.

As humans we all tend to focus on the negatives and overlook the positives which is a real shame and it is neither helpful nor is it constructive. Hope T-ara will continue to look forward work hard and at the same time learn from the past. Do not be too focus on the haters (they are just jealous of T-ara's success anyway) and remember that T-ara still has legion of fans out there. T-ara is still T-ara no matter what. Continue to make great music, which is why we fans fell in love T-ara in the first place, and the fans will naturally come back to support you all.

T-ara FIGHTING!!!

[SimonH]

The imaginary sight of Kim Kwang Soo crying triggered my smile instantaneously.

[eunjungbias]

wow was so close to tearing up, i am really glad i saw and supported t-ara through their good and bad times, for a fandom and the idols to have survive the harsh seas till now, we as fans can only be more grateful than ever that our precious girls have grown into such mature adults, from the very first song they release till now....fighting so hard to stay in the idol world.

Congrats T-ara, wishing you guys many many manyyyyyyyyyyyyy more years of music and lessons to teach from the best girl group in Korea

[htc10pjy22]

This really is a touching interview!

T-ARA really has worked hard, even at there pike of the carrier they still worked hard

and people just seems to ignore it. And I do believe that people learn from their mistakes.

People who haven't experience it won't know what it is like.

How many other girl-group have experience all this harsh criticism as T-ARA.

Even before T-ARA's debut the K-nitizen criticized them for nothing.

(don't mean to critisize but) Even most of the girl-groups don't have as harsh criticism as T-ARA,

all they have been through are like plastic surgery or some dating scandal.

No matter what T-ARA do gets bad noise from the K-nitizen and I just doesn't get why!

They have lived with this criticism in all these 4 years, but it was last year that the biggest came out

but it's not like T-ARA haven't experience it so they'll support each other and go through it.

That's why T-ARA have lived for 4 years and will LIVE LONG!!! <3<3

FOREVER T-ARA, T-ARA FIGHTING

[Emperor Ryu]

This interview hits antis and spiteful 6-aras to the core. T-ara once again proves that they are all family and every member is important as a team together. Antis and idiotic 6-aras hating on Core Contents Media and Kim Kwang Soo with all of these dumbfounded allegations are once again proved that they are nothing more than a bunch of fear-mongering, paranoid, delusional morons. Trying to guess how long they were going to last, what the current circumstances are within the company, what their public relations is trying to do, and all of the endless non-sense without any proof whatsoever to back them up, not even in the slightest bit. Time and time again, T-ara, Core Contents Media, and Kim Kwang Soo proven their innocence against these brainless allegations, and yet, antis and moronic 6-aras continue to harm them and the entire fandom in this civil war with their ongoing twisted, illogical, inhumane, messed up sense of reality and disregard what T-ara, Core Contents Media, and Kim Kwang Soo were saying all along.

For T-ara, it is still possible for Hwayoung and Areum to rejoin the group, and regain and earn back what you all lost back then, and achieve even more together, always.

Qri is doing very fine as their angelic, unbreakable leader.

Jiyeon is becoming more and more better in her tasks, and more beautifully with every smile.

Hyomin is shining very brightly and alluringly sweet in what she does, and I can't wait to see her movie too.

Eunjung is becoming more and more graceful and motherly, which is quite attractively and surprisingly good at this rate. I definitely won't mind hearing about her public announcement that she has a boyfriend too, that she's been hiding after all this time.

Boram still looks cute and adorable, and I still can't fathom why gorgeous Boram doesn't have a boyfriend yet? But I do sincerely hope she finds a very good man who loves her and will take good care of her throughout the rest of her precious life.

Soyeon is very blessed to have such a great guy as a boyfriend. I look forward to her wedding day in the near future.

Areum is working hard to debut as a solo artist with her talents, and is always welcome to rejoin T-ara.

Hwayoung seems to be doing okay, since the last time we've heard from her a while back, and she too can still rejoin T-ara, and many fans, including myself, even amongst the antis who still want her back in the group and will stop being such when she does return to T-ara, will become even more supportive and welcome her back and be reunited with her sisters.

Dani is showing lots of improvement and doing well in establishing herself even more as a T-ara member, and giving more hope to the group.

Can't wait for more fun concepts and great music from our T-ara. T-ara Fighting!

They have really matured. For Boram to say that negative criticism can be constructive is really praiseworthy. They had been through the worst ups and downs, thick and thin yet they are still going strong and more over, they have new mindset and matured mentality to approach things. Even non-fans are praising them for being able to stand strong.

Agreed, and I suppose I find Boram's answer to that question as a means and cause to vent out their frustrations, and let it all out in front of the computer, tablet, or mobile smart phone. And please note on how she phrased that, "There are also negative criticisms that can be constructive." Focus on the "that can be constructive" part. So Boram knows that negative criticisms are truly not constructive by any means. But I can guess that in Boram's case in what's she's saying in this interview, her constructive perspective is found in negative comments having a degree of something to work and build upon, rather than negative comments that doesn't offer anything but disdain and hate and full of dumb, illogical, non-sense, like going after Dani just because she's the newest member of T-ara.

[zeezee15]

I don't know if the translation played a part, but I thought that Eunjung's replies were mature, diplomatic and in short, impressive. Hyomin did quite well too but Eunjung conveyed herself very very well.

[CptFantasy]

The feels! T_T

They are so hard on themselves! That makes me feel a bit sad for them. If I could get a message to them, it would be that they have a lot of fans that love and support them all over the world and those fans want them to be successful and happy.

Clearly from before their debut, Kim Kwang Soo had the vision of T-ARA surpassing SNSD's success but I don't know if that was a realistic at the time. Instead of letting the group evolve organically, he tried to force it with crazy scheduling, personnel changes and artificially inflated hype.

I'm inspired by their recent interviews where they state their goal as continuing to develop and evolve as a group instead of merely just being #1 in sales.

Obviously the goal of any group is to be the most successful ever but maximizing individual talents and getting the most out of the team's synergy is how you get to #1 rather than mimicking what someone else is doing. I think Kim Kwang Soo might finally be understanding this.

Regarding KKS, I think this comeback is perhaps indicative of some new growth and maturity from him too. T-ARA is still promoting like crazy, but he's letting the girls get back to what made them so popular and successful in the first place.

P.S. Now I want to hug Boram. ♥

[Laura Xiong]

I'm soo happy that they have overcome through a lot and has grown from their previous scandal. I happily cried when they made their pre debut again and restart as new. As reading through this interview, boram unnie seem to talk a lot more than jiyeon now kekeke keep strong t-ara and queens cause we are coming back to snatch them wigs :DDD happy to be queens [:

[@Eunjung4eva]

Agreed, and I suppose I find Boram's answer to that question as a means and cause to vent out their frustrations, and let it all out in front of the computer, tablet, or mobile smart phone. And please note on how she phrased that, "There are also negative criticisms that can be constructive." Focus on the "that can be constructive" part. So Boram knows that negative criticisms are truly not constructive by any means. But I can guess that in Boram's case in what's she's saying in this interview, her constructive perspective is found in negative comments having a degree of something to work and build upon, rather than negative comments that doesn't offer anything but disdain and hate and full of dumb, illogical, non-sense, like going after Dani just because she's the newest member of T-ara.

Eunjung is becoming more and more graceful and motherly, which is quite attractively and surprisingly good at this rate. I definitely won't mind hearing about her public announcement that she has a boyfriend too, that she's been hiding after all this time.

Okay, I believe I can agree with the bold part without any hesitation. It fits the equation and also back up your statement. If anything, believe me you wouldnt want her to announce her relationship. First and foremost, hard-core fanboy like me would have instant heart attack and would die on the spot hence decreasing the sales of the albums and fan-support. Secondly, all the Eunji shipper would either probably die or throw fist resulting to huge Crisis in SNS and excessive use of tissues *Enough said!!

[vancew90]

Really happy that T-ara can finally step forward and attend an interview with the Korea media. They have worked hard and silently all this while, behind the shadows of other girl groups and counterparts without backing down. At some points I feel that the controversy helped T-ara see the light in many things in life, KPOP industry and as a celebrity, from the perspective of their fans and an ordinary person. Probably without the controversy, T-ara could have surpassed SNSD, but they would definitely not be as matured as they are now. They would not feel as cohesive as now and take popularity for granted, like many other random idol group out there. I think ultimately is for them to feel like they're one big family and work as one. Naturally then, #1 will come without them begging for it, and the exhilaration, euphoria and ecstacy would be relived, like the BPBP days.

T-ara 짱, 화이팅!

[wenzhouyu]

I think the incident make T-ara become better and better...

Eunjung answer always good. N like always Qri Boram Jiyeon not answer much.

Hope the best for T-ara!!!!!

[joyce_20176]

Thanks for the translation KC, wow what a wonderful interview from our girls, very thoughtful, genuine answers. Reading this brought tears to my eyes, very touching . They have been through alot and they also learned, mature alot now, I am glad that they always think about the positives and continue to work hard, give fans their best work. I am proud to love T-ara and be their fan .

T-ara hwaiting, we always love you and be there to support you. Queen's from around the world always wish you the best .

I hope to see T-ara members appear in more variety shows, dramas and will get invites to more functions & events. However, I also wish they can have some times to rest as well & won't get sick.

[xbot]

You know the silver-lining from all of the drama T-ara had to face is that you can still sense that the girls are still grateful, excited and enthusiastic about their work.

You can still feel their 'hunger' as their mind set is not of an 'overworked-popular-idols-drudging-from-schedule-to-schedule' but more like a fresh new rookie group grateful for any opportunity they can get and working hard to achieve their dreams.

[abct]

Boram: It would be great if someone could like me, but there isn’t (laughs). I really want to date. I think out of all of us I’m the one who wants to date the most.

POOR BORAM!! She's 27 and feels like no one likes her? So sad!

[starKiss00]

by reading all theirs answer, gave me really nice feeling...... all this time supporting them, really fell worth it

[arcadey]

Stunning interview. Thank you for translating this, it must have taken a long time

[Grimlock]

T-ara has bounced back from one of the biggest controversies with idol groups. It really sucks that they had to go through it but they all became better people because of it. It wouldn't be totally wild to say similar issues exists in other groups and they go unaddressed. I liked how the interview was genuine and not another one putting them on the spot and spun in a bad light. I'll never give up on these girls.

[tararules]

Okay, I believe I can agree with the bold part without any hesitation. It fits the equation and also back up your statement. If anything, believe me you wouldnt want her to announce her relationship. First and foremost, hard-core fanboy like me would have instant heart attack and would die on the spot hence decreasing the sales of the albums and fan-support. Secondly, all the Eunji shipper would either probably die or throw fist resulting to huge Crisis in SNS and excessive use of tissues *Enough said!!

I totally agree with the whole not revealing their relationships. Please allow us (more like fanboys) to live in self-denial and in our own fantasies . We really don't need to know or even want to know who the members are in a relationship with. So, please girls, be a little more discreet in your relationship, ok?

Although, deep down i suspect most of them are in a relationship. I mean just look at them. They are all so talented and gorgeous. What guy wouldnt be attracted to them. It is not such a surprise to anounce that any one of the members is in a relationship but the other way round in announcing that they are still single. I mean...seriously??? Still single???

[Ahri1969]

Yeah and we can all see how the girls have changed and they seem a lot more happy now a days which is a good thing. It worried me a lot that as fans, the fact that we cant do anything for our girls when they went through so much and were being trampled on continuosly was really heartbreaking that all we could do was to continue to silently stand by them and hoping that they realise there are still a lot of people who believe in them. And i am so so so glad that they continued to stay strong through it all and are now slowly coming back.

"we are thankful that there are people who are waiting for our music"

At least they know that we will always be waiting for them and will always support and be there for them no matter what.

STAY STRONG AND KEEP THE FAITH GIRLS ! WE LOVE YOU ~