B.A.P Interview for Japan News Magazine

Himchan

Q3. Tell us how you got started/got a chance to become a singer?

I have been fond of music since I was a child. At beginning I studied the European music.I studied the Korean traditional music for specialty too, but the person of this industry provoked me because I was interested in entertainment. I can play *JANGGU(korean traditional drum)and therefore, I’ve collaborated with the Japanese *SYAMISEN(japanese traditional stringed instrument)player. Because  japanese art school and our school are sister school, so i’m still a  student but I’ve been absent from school now.

Q4. What are your strong points and weak points?

My bad point is too obedient, and my expression is easy to be reflected on a face but I want to become an obedient human. However, when we must be with a poker face, it is serious problem.

Q5. If B.A.P were a family, what would be your role?

(Himchan was thinking..and answered in japanese) Um..ONESAN?(means “old sister”) [aha? you means old sister?(he missed japanese!)] No! I wanted say “OKA-SAN!”(means “Mom”). Because my mother is good at cooking so I’m good in this area too and I can make  basic food, ex:”JJIGAE”(korean food)and “FRIED RICE”.  I’m a FAMILIAR BOY. xD 

Daehyun

Q3. tell us how you got started/got a chance to become a singer.

Since my childhood, I always longed to become a singer when I was watching TV. When deciding on my course for high school, as I thought I wanted to aim to become a singer, thus I enrolled in practical music department. After that, I entered a music academy, while entering the music academy, I entered and passed B.A.P’s audition. Although I had been practicing at the academy, after entering the company, it took about 6 months before my debut. I was the last one to join in. Before debut I had lots to do, that is why I want to try/give my hardest. I do not have free time because of difficulty or pain/bitterness.

Q4. if b.a.p were a family, what would be your role? (I think this also been translated before)

I am oldest son. Himchan hyung is the mom and Yongguk hyung is the dad. Then in age wise, I am the oldest son but I would give an impression of being the middle son? (Interviewer: Youngjae persistently called himself the mom, laugh) That really isn’t right. Yongjae is definitely effeminate and delicate but…. I don’t think it’s enough to call him the mom (laugh).

Q5. What did you feel when other members had individual activities before debut?

I am not jealous (laugh). They work as a prelude of the team, therefore I cheered hard for them. If I were to have individual activities, I would like to have a duet with a female vocal. I was also practicing duet when I was at the academy and because I also found that it’s interesting, that’s why I would like to try it out.

Yongguk

Q3. Tell us how you got started/got a chance to become a singer?
From when i was in middle school, i did(?) indie and hip hop. Because i became an adult, my current labelmate sunbaes Untouchable introduced me to the company and i joined the company. After that, i prepared for B.A.P and solo activities. b.a.p’s preparation time was about a year. It’s taken me 6 years to debut.
Q4. What are your strong points and weak points?
I think that my good point is that i have more musical experience compared to the other members. My bad point is that i’m lacking the cuteness and kindness of my dongsaengs. 

Q5. If b.a.p were a family, what would be your role?
I would be the dad. i’m the oldest and my dongsaengs come to me for advice. We’ll talk about various things and i’ll tell them things. Therefore, i’m the dad.

Q6. B.A.P’s charm is?
We’re a group with various charms. All members possess cute sides and manly sides. Isn’t it charming that we all have blond hair? Each of the members has a strong personality, which is B.A.P’s charm.

ZELO

Q3. Tell us how you got started/got a chance to become a singer?

When i was young, i would go home and practice beat boxing and dancing in front of my mom’s dresser by myself. One day, there was a cable tv show filming in my neighborhood. My friend was able to go and after negotiations, i was able to go. After school, i dropped off my bag, didn’t say anything and left. My mom wore sunglasses and secretly followed me, watching me rap and dance on stage. It was after that she let me. I started rapping, beatboxing and dancing in 5th grade of elementary school. After a year, i was able to debut. (Interviewer: you can see videos of zelo in elementary school on youtube!) Back then, i had chubby cheeks. 

Q4. What are your strong points and weak points? 

My strong point is although i’m young, i can handle various things. I can also play instruments. My bad point is that i have really bad sleeptalking. Yes, i have a conscious. 

Q5. If B.A.P were a family, what would be your role? 

I would be the cute and pure maknaehe maknae who gets the most love from his hyungs.

Jongup

Q3. Tell us how you got started/got a chance to become a singer?

During 1st year of junior high school, I started dancing as a hobby. Although I started dancing with a carefree/comfortable feeling because I love it, eventually, I also took part in my favourite tournament/competition. By standing on the stage, I felt the charm of the stage and chosen this road. Now I passed into an art high school. As for trainee period, I have trained about 1 and a half year in this company.

Q4. If B.A.P were a family, what would be your role?

The second youngest son. According to the age order of the members (laugh).

Q5. What did you feel when other members had individual activities before debut?

During Zelo’s activities, I was impressed and happy because he was doing so well although he was still a kid/child. To start activity together with such members as B.A.P, it feels great and full of anticipation.

Youngjae

Q3. Tell us how you got started/got a chance to become a singer?

During my school trip, there was a talent showcase, at that time I sang on stage, when the cheers from my friends were amazing, it does felt scared. It’s an opportunity. I thought to become a singer in order to stand on stage as a dream to become a profession. Dreaming of becoming a singer, I started studying music and became more and more attracted to music. I love and have passion for music, and become a member of B.A.P. At first, I have prepared around 1 year at another company, when debuting was considerably hard, I got to talk with the present company(TS), in the current company, it took approximately 1 year to debut. During the time of practice, there wasn’t anything which was especially tough. Rather, to become a pro, I thought that I should be equipped with appropriate skills and personality. I feel such pressure called “I need to have the responsibility”.

Q4. What are your weak points and shortcomings?

Weak points? Hmm… I don’t have any week points (interviewer: Oh! Clapping hand together!). Shortcomings, hmm… a little shy.

Q5. If B.A.P were a family, what would be your role? (I think this has been translated before but I still translate)

Himchan hyung will probably said he is the mom, but I’m the mom. Himchan hyung is the naughty/mischievous mangnae (laugh). Yongguk hyung is the dad and I’m the mom. Daehyun is the oldest son, Jongup and Zelo are the mangnaes. Himchan hyung is the maknae that still doesn’t have a good head on his shoulder (laugh). I take care of everyone.