eyes온유

Translation of Jinki’s excerpt in (Military Manpower Administration Magazine) Vol 94 pages 10 - 11

The leader of [the] global group SHINee who has crossed many diverse fields like drama, variety shows, musicals etc and was active in many ways, Private Lee Jinki.  As somebody who has led a team for a long time with a character that’s mature and full of thoughtfulness, even in the military he likewise showed his unchanging sincerity in personally preparing his answers for the interview. Private Lee Jinki calmly conveys that when faced with any work or situation, he is managing life in the military by carrying a positive and relaxed attitude (with thoughts) like “so that could have been the case too”. In addition, he says at first like many other youths before enlistment, he was nervous and worried about what kind of experience it would be. After enlisting last December and spending half a year in the military, what is Private Lee Jinki’s answer?

As soon as you enlisted, you appeared in a musical?

Serving in the military is a duty. My ultimate objective was “If there are duties I can do here, let’s do them well and return healthily”. So with a mindset of “let’s try doing something I can do well” I joined the musical, and the best part to me was through it meeting other enlisted actors, talking and sharing with them and being able to lead a play with them.

How is life in the military?

I am moving based on a fixed routine, and because within that we are given personal time, I’m getting on better than when I was in society when things were irregular.

You played the role of General Ji Cheong Cheon?

Because he was a historical figure, I thought a lot about how I should play him. I wanted to express a bit more things like the little points in the way he speaks, but there are limitations to what can be expressed in a play so it was a pity. However, whenever we were on stage as I contemplated ways to convey an impactful image or how more to express a determined will etc, I think I got immersed int eh character. In particular, in a play where these emotions were well warmed up, it would be good if people listened well (enjoyed) the solo song ‘Stolen Spring’ which has the line ‘I will not forget until that day’. In addition, although it is likewise while being in society, with the thought that as a soldier I should have more sense of responsibility, I am taking great care too on the health side which is something that can be easily controlled by a minor injury.

Something to say to the youths out there?

To me, I think [the] military is a ‘break’. While doing my best for the role I am given, the life now of eating, sleeping and training with other soldiers like a family is enjoyable and interesting. Up till now[,] my life was running continuously without a break, I think it’s time for a ‘comma’. Before enlisting honestly there is no way you will not be afraid. But although you are separated from your family and can’t communicate much, it is now possible to use your personal handphone after hours and I think a lot has changed. The military is also a ‘society’, it’s a place where people gather and live together. It is a short time and if you put your mind at ease, it will not be that difficult.

Something to say to your members and fans?

To Mino (Private Choi Minho) who applied to the marines, I want to say that is a very cool decision, and to Key (Private Kim Kibum) who is active in the military band, I hope you don’t get hurt and come back safely. Also, I am receiving training well and doing well healthily. I’m reading all the letter from fans as well and I am thankful and happy that many little avenues have appeared where we can communicate like this. As compared to when I was doing activities in [the] society, I was happy during the musical that there were more opportunities fo us to see each other, directly. Please look forward to the future too.

Speech bubble

“It was a performance that could convey the determined will of the patriotic martyrs”

Division 2 Military Band, Private Lee Jinki (Role as Ji Cheong Cheon)

Ji Cheong Cheon