This is a 3-part interview from ISplus. Most of it had been translated by Malpabo in previous articles. These are some extra bits.

Shinhwa (Eric, Shin Hyesyung, Kim Dongwan, Lee Minwoo, Junjin, Andy) is the living fossil of the idol history. Nineteen years ago when they first debuted in 1998 with ‘Resolver’, their average age was 19.5 years. Twenty years later, as the oldest idols, Shinhwa is standing shoulders to shoulders with much younger idols.  

The group has released the most number of albums among all other groups, establishing themselves as the oldest idols with all original members. Along with the titles ‘ani-dol’, ‘dance-dol’, and ‘variety-dol’, they opened up the gate for individual career exploration. In the backdrop of the first generations regrouping like H.O.T, SechsKies, god.. Shinhwa members are also busy as actors, entertainers, and producers.

Now in their mid-30’s, Shinhwa still touches the hearts of female fans with their Homme-Fatal moves. Their new 13th album ‘UNCHANGING-TOUCH’ released on January 2nd was the most sold for the 4 consecutive days, according to Hanteo chart. The title single ‘TOUCH’ is the first introduction of Future Bass genre to Kpop. Lee Min-woo explained, “For 20 years, we’ve been playing with different ideas. Now we focus on expressing the sexy masculinity from our current position.”

• How do the members treat each other? Eric: There are times when we want to take a break from group/individual schedules. Sacrificing those times for Shinhwa members is the best you can do. On top of your personal tasks, you also follow Shinhwa’s schedule. Hyesung takes care of some concert coordination. Junjin is good at taking care of the staffs, who are easy to look over. He buys them drinks and treats them lunch or dinner here and there. Dongwan helps us when we get sick. He’s the medic. He knows things from his own experience. Hyesung: Call Dongwan first if you get sick Minwoo: Even for interviews like this, we know each other’s conditions and try to put extra effort for other members if needed. I think such attitude led to Shinhwa as we know it now.

• Eric was popular on ‘Three Meals A Day’ Eric: I honestly thought it might be a bit boring to watch. I often go to an island when I have my own free time. I love places like that, so the location was perfect for me. I enjoyed it but I was not sure what the viewers would make out of it.

• You’ve been in entertainment scene with JTBC ‘Shinhwa Broadcast’ Eric: It had all of us as a group but me alone, this was the first time. I did feel like I had to crack a joke or something. Other members would’ve done something to crack everybody up, but “3 Meals A Day” didn’t put any pressure. It was enjoyable and comfortable. If they want another season with the same members, I am willing to.

• Did the other members know about your cooking skills? Junjin & Hyesung: It was really good. We tried Dongchimi (white radish kimchi) before. Don’t know how he did it but it was incredible.

• Have you ever tried running a restaurant? Eric: I had, a couple times. But it didn’t work out. So I concluded it’s better to cook at home for myself. Junjin: Not everyone knows this.

• S.E.S lately got back together. What are your thoughts? Hyesung: They were the closest friends we had. We are truly happy for them. We hope we get to see them. Eric: They are our senior. We’ve been receiving greetings from younger idols. It’s our turn to go and greet them. We’re rooting for them.

• Some of S.E.S members are married now. Do you envy them? Eric: We have the album out right now, better be solitary. There is no plan for marriage yet.

• How do you find that balance between Shinhwa and your personal schedules? Eric: Shinhwa is the center of gravity. It is a big force for my profession and friendship. As a man in his 30s, Shinhwa members are the ones I can fully rely on when life hands out unpleasant circumstances.

• What is your goal, as the group Shinhwa. Eric: How about 150 years old idols? Relentless like the sea turtles (t/n: turtle is symblolic for longevity, patience, and blessing) Hyesung: Every encouraging word from the fans or other idols make us feel better. We are working hard to better ourselves. New records will be set as the time passes. Just watch.

Korea longest running Idols' Shinhwa, Interview For  their 13th New Album

[Gang Su-ji, TheFact] The “Korea’s longest running idols”, Shinhwa is returning with their official 13th album.

Shinhwa released their new official 13th album ‘13th UNCHANGING - TOUCH’ on January 2nd. Before their album release, The Fact interviewed them on December 27th lat year at a cafe in Gangnam, Seoul.

The six members seemed excited with their new album after the 2 years of absence. They expressed their love for the fans, who waited, by announcing their plans for interactive activities.

2018 next year will be their 20th Anniversary since debut. Shinhwa truly has a family-like atmosphere. Their every word brought to the surface their passion and affection towards each other. The Shinhwa members playfully gave a humorous yet honest interview.

- What are your thoughts on the new album? Minwoo: It’s been a while, definitely excited. We put a lot of effort into every each song. Hope you enjoy them.

Andy: It’s meaningful as we’re coming back at the end of the year. It usually has been in the summers we release a new album, but this time it’s winter, which feels heavier. The album contains songs from many different genres, but the title song contains our unique color. The thought of the interactive stage and the versatile schedule makes me excited, and passionate.

Eric: Not really stressful, we are more focusing on activities that are fun for both us and the fans.

Junjin: I enjoy working with Eric and Dongwan who worked on their solo for some time. I look forward to my first stage appearance, and I want to make appearances for the fans in 2017. I like the interactive aspect of the concert, which I think the fans will love.

Hyesung: We have a long gap this time. We apologize for that. We are now ready. 2017 will be the year of Shinhwa.

Dongwan: Finally we get to dance. We are ready.

- What would you say is the magic of the title song ‘TOUCH’ Eric: Definitely the speed. As a rapper, I have to create rougher music, but I love listening to songs like this. Future Bass genre is a powerful medium that gives it the sharp oomph, while not too strong for the title song. When we first listened to the song, we realized it had Future Bass for its backbone. We had to overhaul all our roles. Nonetheless, we decided to honor the song writer’s intention unconditionally. After the recording, we liked it. The choreography turned out great as well.

Hyesung: First thing that hit me was its potential to bring something refreshing, something different from previous moves if we record the voices and put on the costumes. Love at first sight? (laugh). A charm without an exit?

Dongwan: Choi Young-jun designed the choreography for this song, and his style jibes well with ‘TOUCH’

Eric: Like the ‘Lizard’ move in ‘Sniper’, we have ‘Electric Eel’ move this time (laugh)

Junjin: Minwoo has an amazing solo move, since ‘Hey, Come on’. It will deliver lots to see. It will be cool.

- Do you have any other songs other than ‘TOUCH’ you want to recommend? Eric & Junjin: ’Heaven’

Dongwan: ‘Tonight’

Eric: ‘Heaven’ is a balad-ish RnB, with additional melodies. I like it right from the begining but the new mix re-recorded sounds even better. (laugh)

Hyesung: Eric is totally into ‘Heaven’.  Once I was about to go to bed and Eric sent me a text ‘There’s something important. Can come to your house?’. I replied ‘Can we meet tomorrow if it’s not urgent?’ but Eric came anyway (laugh). He must have had some drinking while listening to the songs. He replayed the first part of ‘Heaven’ at least 20 times saying ‘This is it Hyesung’ before going back to his home. He must really have fallen in love with it (laugh).

- What makes this album Shinhwa? Is there anything that has changed? Minwoo: ‘UNCHANGING PART1’ has that sweet and gift-like feel to it. It’s unusual for us, but nonetheless this is different. The songs are all Shinhwa. Of course, there are aspects that have changed since. We worked hard. If you listen to the five songs from ‘UNCHANGING PART1’ and the five songs from this new album, you may be able to pick out what’s different. But if we mix them up, it will be well-balanced. It doesn’t matter the title song or not, they are all well-produced.

Eric: If ‘UNCHANGING PART 1’ mainly had sweet and bouncy dance/ballad songs, the new songs (in PART 2) have stronger dance and heart-aching ballads, quite deeper if you will.

- How do you feel working together with singers from the 90’s in 2017 Andy: Hope 2017 is a year for the Roosters (Chinese zodiac). It’s been awhile, we want to bring positive energy with this 13th album in 2017. I definitely enjoy working with S.E.S and Sechs Kies. We’ve been always greeted first as we are the seniors, but this time the table is turned (laugh).  We used to have separate locker rooms for men and women, and we had locker room talks. Wish we had continued working together. I am enjoying it and this year will be a good year.

- You are about to record for ‘Weekly Idol’. Are you ready for the ‘Random Play Dance’? Shinhwa: Not really. Hyesung: I tried but doesn’t look good (laugh). I sense someone will freeze up. Andy: Hyesung went at it quite a lot and I was surprised at how he remembered it all. Junjin: If this was our 7th or 8th year, we might give it a go, but now it’s over 10th year. Dongwan: I will just stand still. Eric: I learn quickly but forget quickly too. Hyesung: I can see Junjin and Minwoo do well. Minwoo: I can give you an advice. Focus on Junjin. He remembers most of the old moves. Hyesung: Sounds fun (laugh)

- What are your thoughts, returning after a long absence? Dongwan: I might have a menopause. My body feels hot.

Hyesung: We are bolder trying new things. Unlike before, we go outside of Seoul, to other areas. We think to ourselves ‘This will make the fans happy’ and make it come true.

Eric: At the beginning of this year, we all agreed to focus on expressing our gratitude towards our fans, instead of chasing the external success. We’re planning many different ways to interact with the fans, such as fan-signing, fan-meeting, concert, etc. The fan-signing gave us some encouragement and it was fun also, both for us and for the fans (laugh)

Hyesung: Not everyone is happy we are doing this entertainment show. People want us to do it as a group, all six of us, so we did a program where just six of us spend 2 days without MCs. We showed a short trailer for it, and people seemed to like it. We’re looking forward to it as well.

- It’s your 20th Anniversary since debut in 2018. What’s your secret to holding up this far? Dongwan: We are like a family

Hyesung: I’ll smack if I’m irritated (laugh)

Andy: You think we are smiling.

Junjin: I think we hold no grudges. We are all very honest. We wouldn’t have made it this far without such honesty.

Eric: We argue a lot but also good with reconciliation.

Minwoo: We are a couple of six. (everyone cracks up)