#sttsquo

“We try not to pay it any heed,” she began to say after she cleared out her throat so as to properly modulate her tone, “the case…well, we are interested in it – everyone in the company is, but no information about it is exactly being relayed to us artists. Stories through word-of-mouth from the staff to the managers are spread here and there, though.” It was true that Euijin didn’t know much. She still kept in slight contact with some of the members – after all, she spent a good chunk of her trainee life with some of them – though she was never willing to bring up the grave circumstances the group of boys were in. The CEO spoke little to nothing about what was going on behind-the-scenes – only news of further delays or new substantial information sprouted up from within the confinements of the HQ’s building. 

“Because of everything, we’re put in numerous tight situations,” she further explained, trying to be as vague as possible. A good chunk of B.A.P’s fanbase go against her own group due to the mere fact that they believed the rookie group was a ploy to get the masses’ minds off of things. Of course, it wasn’t all that successful. Boycotting happened during SONAMOO’s debut, plenty of antis popped up, hate was sent their way in every form of SNS – the girls had it rough even before their “debut” date on the last days of December. Although they did manage to nab the first place spot for the Gaon Weekly Chart once their debut album was released, the amount of people that were skeptical about them only doubled. “Yes, it is quite, as you say, a “dark shadow”, but it only drives us to work twice as hard to win all those that doubt us over.” 

The second question had her thinking; yes, she did view it as a form of distraction for a time. Their sudden need to debut happened in a flash – to think their initial debut date was often enough delayed. Why the sudden need to throw her group out into the public? The only unfortunate thing that was happening to their company was the whole case with B.A.P. Throwing a blanket – which was a new girl group – to cover a pile of mess was the obvious answer to the situation. 

She shifted in her seat, suddenly feeling discomfort upon hearing the questions. It was so subtle that it would most likely be barely noticeable, unless the cameras zoomed in on her or if one was paying close attention to every small detail about her and her actions. Crossing her legs at the ankles, she took a deep breath and let it out as a quiet sigh, pursed lips twitching in thought. How was she going to answer such questions? Moreover, how would her answers affect her group, their fans, and even their families? The topic was so sensitive that people would find a way to twist her words or add another meaning to them just to show her and her group in a bad light, so she had to be extra circumspect.

After careful thought (and hearing her manager clear his throat–as though he was snapping her out of her daze), she straightened her posture once again and parted her lips, with faint reluctance, to finally answer. “They say life has a way of changing things.. of making giving us the most unexpected surprises, and sometimes knocking us down in the process.” Her voice was soft as she spoke, hands lightly resting on her lap and gaze lingering on the floor for a moment longer before shifting it back to the interviewer’s. “In our case, life decided to make a few changes eight years after we started. Of course, it wasn’t easy at first–change is never easy. We didn’t know what to do, we didn’t know if we would be able to do what we needed to do even if we knew what it was. It was more than just about changing formations, or covering lines.” No, it was far more important than that. It was friendship; bonds and memories gathered from years of growing up and experiencing things together. She shot her manager a quick and somewhat worried glance, but he seemed to have enough trust in her that he merely gave her a nod, his stance rigid but relaxed behind one of the cameras.

She ran her tongue over her lips before speaking again, the brief pause giving her enough time to settle her nerves and organize her thoughts. “Yes, the difference is significant. But with everyone working hard and supporting each other, it also became bearable. I’m not sure if I can say so much right now, but in behalf of the girls, I want to sincerely thank our fans and those who have given–and are still giving–us continuous support and encouragement. We will work even harder to make this comeback as fun and memorable as our previous ones. Please look forward to the rest of our upcoming activities; let’s make more and more memories together.”  

The interview ended with another bow of her head, her lips still stretched into a smile that contradicted the sadness in her eyes. “Do you miss your former member? What do you say to those who blame SNSD personally for Jessica’s exit from the group?” She was well aware that there were questions which remained unanswered but she would rather not open old wounds and add fuel to the still-burning fire, so she decided that keeping her silence was the best thing to do. Her only wish was for people to see how they’re pouring their hearts and souls into their work, and how they’re doing their best to push through despite all the negative feedback thrown at them. 

Gain let out a breath as she settled back into her chair. “If I want to talk about those passions we all feel, then I should be free to do so without scrutiny. If you’re not comfortable with speaking about it, that’s fine–don’t. If you’re not comfortable with wearing things that I do. Guess what you can do? Not wear it. It’s literally that simple. Instead of attacking me for what I choose to do, why don’t these people take a step back and look at themselves for being so quick to judge without reason. People should understand that there is absolutely nothing wrong with owning your sexuality. It doesn’t mean I’m using it as a tool to seduce all of the men in Korea and take them for myself–people have to learn that. Not to mention, I’m not less talented for what I wear or the concepts I choose to take on. People think that because I wear short things or I do concepts about sex, I don’t respect myself. I fully respect myself…so shouldn’t that be the only thing that really matters?”

“I just…” She bit down on her bottom lip as she recrossed her ankles. “I’m not a child. If I wanted to still be treated like that I would have stayed home with my parents.” Her fingers combed through her hair. “I come from a very conservative home. My parents were ultraconservative, traditional, and old school–they still are til this day–but look at me now.” She threw her hands in the air, laughing lightly. “I’m Korea’s Sexy Icon! But guess what? My parents are very proud of me. My mother comes to all of my concerts, including Brown Eyed Girls’ 26+ concert, with a Gain lightstick in her hand!” She emitted a small laugh as she recalled her mother’s enthusiasm at her shows.  “I’m doing something that others before didn’t get the chance to and others after me will only have the chance to imitate–which of course I don’t mean as a bad thing or anything. I’m just saying..” The singer made sure to reiterate what she said to avoid any misconceptions. “My unnies and I have opened a lot of doors when it comes to women in the industry and owning their sexualities.”