#tr: interview

180201 Instagram Update @news_ade / INFINITE’s Teamwork Test

Translation

1. What was the first thing you said when you woke up this morning? I’m up

2. The name of your closest friend? Ko Dae Hyun, Kim Hyuk Joon

3. The members you want to go on a trip with and reason? Sungyeol, Dongwoo No reason.

4. Some of the hobbies, activities or food you have an interest in recently? None… Hamburger

5. If you had to date one person among your members, who would you date and why? Don’t want to date all of them.

6. What do you do when you have budding feelings towards someone? Contact them

7. The happiest / toughest moment post-debut First concert / Last year

8. What are three items in your bag right now? I don’t have a bag…

9. The last person you called? Manager

10. Something you want to say to the fans Thank you. I love you

(all personal opinions interjected into original account will be placed in parentheses in the translated account as ‘a/n’)

Mini Interview

Q1. What is your favourite song?

MC: Not just your own song, but among all the songs out there, which is your favourite?

GYU: Although there are many songs that I like, my favourite is still my own song, ‘Daydream’, as it is a song that was produced together with artistes that I have idolised since young. I feel very honoured that this song was produced just for me by Epik High’s Tablo and Nell’s Jongwan. It felt like a dream. My voice is slightly similarly to Jongwan-sunbae’s as well so I’m happy~

FAN: I like ‘This is my World’! (a/n: it is a song Sunggyu once sang during Girl Spirit)

GYU: Then you can listen to that on your way home~

(a/n: He later sang a part of the song too but burst out laughing halfway through~)

Q2. When you are singing, which moments do you find yourself the happiest?

GYU: I am always happy when I sing, but if we are talking about the happiest moment, it should be when I go to practice rooms to sing together with my close friends. To me, although singing is a profession and I do enjoy singing for work, sometimes it feels really great to be able to sing without any pressure to perform at my best, without the stress of having to fulfil any of the high standards I set up for myself. During moments like this I feel really happy~

Q3. Can you recommend some of the famous food and sights from your hometown, Jeonju?

GYU: My hometown, Jeonju, is famous for traditional Korean hanok and bibimbap so I’ll recommend these to everyone. Jeonju’s dialect is rather interesting too. (a/n: he gave a few examples)

Mini Questionnaire

* The mini questionnaire was an activity in the fanmeet whereby fans will answer a questionnaire about Sunggyu and Sunggyu will unveil the correct answers during the fanmeet. For fans who scored a 100%, they can participate in a lucky draw to win a poster signed by Sunggyu himself.

Q1. What did Sunggyu wear when he came to Japan this time round?

① Black hoodie & sweats ② Shirt & jeans ③ Black sweater & jeans

GYU: ③ (a/n: the mc showed fans a photo, and it was a selfie by Sunggyu that only showed his thighs and waist area)

GYU: Yes, that’s me.

Q2. Which member would Sunggyu choose to be for a day?

① Dongwoo ② Woohyun ③ Sungyeol ④ Myungsoo ⑤ Sungjong ⑥ None

GYU: ⑥

GYU: I treasure myself a lot so to this day, I have never had the thought of wanting to be someone else or switching identities with another person~

Q3. Which of Sunggyu’s body parts is he most satisfied with?

① Whole body ② Hands ③ Eyes

GYU: ①

GYU: /turned a full round and spread his palms wide while backfacing fans for them to have a good look/

Q4. What is a habitual action that Sunggyu unconsciously does a lot?

① Resting your chin on your hands ② Drinking water ③ Crossing your legs

GYU: ②

GYU: Don’t you think it makes me look handsome? (a/n: After this, the MC would tease him every time he drank water. He even put a straw into his bottle, I find it more cute than handsome!)

Q5: Which fruit does Sunggyu like?

① Apples ② Tangerines ③ Strawberries

GYU: ③ (a/n: a collective “kawaii~~~” was heard)

GYU: I heard that strawberries are very good for health, everyone do eat it too~ I really like it~

INFINITE for INROCK BOY6 August 2017 scans by meilife // do not edit, crop or remove watermark

Translation 1. Name Sunggyu 2. Things you like to do recently (Hobbies etc.) Playing the guitar, writing songs 3. If you were allowed a break of 3 days, what do you want to do with it? Travel!! To outer space 4. If you had to go to an uninhabited island alone for a week, what are three things that you must bring along with you? Music CD, CD player, alcohol 5. Your favorite place/store in Japan Ginza Dover Street Market. There isn’t one in Korea…

170623 KPOP monster Interview / Interviewer: Yuka Kuwabata

Boy group INFINITE from South Korea came to Japan to promote their new album ‘AIR’.

In 2010, INFINITE made their debut in South Korea with their album ‘First Invasion’. The title track ‘Come Back Again’ holds a musical quality far above that of the average idol’s, and along with the neat knife-like choreography, it earned INFINITE the reputation of 99% synchronisation, allowing them to become top idols in the industry. Ever since, they have achieved immense popularity in North America, South America, Asia and many other regions. In the entertainment scene of Japan as well, they have definitely made a place for themselves that is not easily shaken.

On 24th May, one and a half years after their last Japanese release, INFINITE made a comeback with their new album ‘AIR’. This time, with three new songs added to the Japanese album alongside the remixed versions of their hit songs ‘Be Mine’ and ‘Man in Love’, it is a compilation album of their most popular works from debut till now.

The interview this time round was specially prepared just for INFINITE. Being seven years into their debut, they will be setting off for their next goal. While busy with producing their new album, what was it with that unexpected barefaced selfie on Instagram!?

— First of all, please introduce yourselves. Please also let us know what are some of the nicknames that fans address you by.

Myungsoo: I am everyone’s eternal boyfriend, L. Why do I say this, it is because there is you that there is me. Thank you everyone.

Hoya: I am Hoya. Fans call me dance machine because dancing is my specialty.

Dongwoo: I am the source of charisma Dongwoo. My nickname is Donu (ドヌ). (laughs) Japanese fans think it is cute to address me this way. Dong-jjang.

Woohyun: I am heart prince Woohyun. I often send hearts to fans. (blows a kiss) Eyes are lovely, heart is lovely. Chu chu! Love you all (laughs)

Sunggyu: I am leader Sunggyu. My nickname is strawberry. One time I ate lots of strawberries on a show hence they call me this (laughs)

Sungyeol: I am Sungyeol. I have no nickname. Everyone calls me Yeollie. (laughs)

Sungjong: I am maknae Sungjong. Fans call me Jongjong. Thank you~

— Please tell us why the album is named ‘AIR’ and recommend us a few of the songs that you like.

Hoya: Air means air (t/n: Hoya translated it from English to Japanese). An album that is like air, songs that are like air. This album has lots of songs that everyone can bring into their daily lives. Just like how everyone needs air every minute and every second, this albums gives people the feeling of wanting to listen to it every minute and every second. This is the meaning of it.

Myungsoo: I like the title track ‘Air’. Once you listen to the enjoyable tune you will be addicted to it. I feel that this is a song that showcases all seven of our vocals well.

Hoya: I personally like ‘One Day’ more. I really like the Korean version of this song. Compared to the Korean version, the Japanese version brings a new perspective. Before our interview today, I have been listening to this song repeatedly.

Dongwoo: I like the song ‘Zero’. “If I do not have you, however much I achieve might as well be zero.” I really like the way numerical values are used in the expression of the song.

Woohyun: I like ‘Waiting for the Moment’. One might end up crying when listening to this song. It is a song that is really great. Really, absolutely great.

Sunggyu: I like ‘Waiting for the Moment’ as well. Japanese fans really must listen to this song.

Sungyeol: I like ‘Thanks’. “Live with appreciation for everything you have” is one of our family values. Because I always treat everything around me with a heart full of appreciation, I feel like I can relate especially well with the song ‘Thanks’.

Sungjong: This album has the remixed version of ‘Man in Love’, listening to this song I feel like I am 21 again……

(Sunggyu whispered something to Sungjong, whose facial expression suddenly froze. Everyone bursts out laughing.)

— What was it that you whispered to him, Sunggyu?

Woohyun: He played a prank on Sungjong and gave him a scare. He told him that ‘Man in Love’ was not recorded in this album. (laughs)

— Does everyone use Instagram?

Sungjong: Yes. All of us use it.

— In that case, we will be asking some questions about Instagram. L’s Instagram is full of his favourite pet cat, similarly Sungyeol’s Instagram has photos of his dog. Do the members feel they are more like cats or dogs?

Woohyun: I’m like a dog! Woof woof~ (laughs) My facial features look like a dog’s.

Sungyeol: I’m like a dog too. My face is like that of a dog wearing a wig. (laughs)

Woohyun: Sungyeol’s a dog!

Sungyeol: Sunggyu’s like a cat.

Sunggyu, No no, I’m like a pig.

(All members erupt into laughter)

Sungyeol: L is a cat.

Myungsoo: My face, heart, eyes, ears and lips all resemble that of a cat’s.

Woohyun: His voice too.

Myungsoo: Yes. Meow~

Hoya: As for me, dog? When I drink in Sapporo, I become a Sapporo dog. (laughs)

Dongwoo: Sometimes I’m like a cat, other times like a dog.

Sungyeol: Dongwoo is like a leader at the start but after time one will realise they do not want to be close to him. (laughs)

(All members burst out laughing)

Sunggyu: I am a cat.

— There's a photo of Dongwoo playing golf in his Instagram.

Dongwoo: I tried playing golf three times but it was really too difficult. When playing golf, your left thumb is really important. Holding the golf club like this with both hands…… (stands up and demonstrates golfing posture)

Sunggyu: Ohh….. butt! (smacking Dongwoo’s butt repeatedly while saying this)

Dongwoo: (in a serious tone) You cannot move both of your feet, your body has to be posed like this. You hit it like this.

Sunggyu: Wow…… a perfect shot!

— What about the other members? What are your favourite sports?

Sungjong: I really like cycling. I often cycle by the Han River. I fall down pretty often too. (laughs) When I cycle I will wear a mask so fans will not recognise me.

Sungyeol: I like fishing and body-building. Waterskiing as well, I’ve tried it at the Han River too.

— It seems like one can bump into the members exercising if they were to go to the Han River.

Woohyun: If everyone comes to Korea, please come by the Han River to play!

Sunggyu: I like playing basketball. When I played basketball with two of my members before, I am the best player.

Woohyun: I like soccer. I am a member of South Korean celebrity football club FC MEN. I even received a call from FC MEN yesterday, asking me how do they play if I am not there as their striker.

Hoya: I haven’t tried it before, but I like boxing. I frequently watch movies about boxing. There are many stories like that often. Just when a very strong boxer gets knocked down and everyone thinks he’s out, he gets up again. I like stories like this.

Myungsoo: There’s a sport I like that I have been actively engaged in all this time. Rock-climbing. One time after an indoor challenge, I found it really interesting. I often practise rock-climbing indoors. If given a chance, I would like to try it outdoors too.

— In Sunggyu’s Instagram there is a photo from the movie《Your Name》.

Sunggyu: I felt very touched after watching this movie so I posted this onto my Instagram. I believe in fate.

— In this case, I would like to ask, which member believes in a predestined love?

(Woohyun raises his hand)

Woohyun: I really do believe in it.

Myungsoo: I do not have any experience so I am not too sure.

Woohyun: There is really something like fate! I experienced something like this in my second year of middle school…… I will always believe in a predestined meeting. The question is where will it be?

Hoya: I believe that there is something such as fate but not fated love. This is what I feel.

Sunggyu: Although I really want to believe it……

Sungjong: I want to live out my life in line with what fate has in store for me. I feel that regardless of what you want to change nothing is able to change it.

— When you made your debut, you also made a name for yourselves with your 99% synchronised dance moves. Recently, each of the members have headed in different directions, some are starring in television dramas whereas some actively participate in variety shows. What are some of the impacts of individual schedules on the group?

Woohyun: Our dance synchronisation is 99%. It’s not perfect and we make up for the remaining 1% through our individual activities so right now we are 100%.

— Lastly, please share some of your goals for the second half of this year.

Woohyun: No matter how you look at it I am a flower boy. But compared to an ideal flower boy I am still a little too chubby (laughs) so my goal is to lose weight.

Sungjong: I hope that in the second half of the year we can successfully release our new album. My personal goal is to lose weight as well. This aside, I want to look into playing a new sport or gaining a new hobby.

Sungyeol: I want to continue living blissfully as a member of INFINITE.

Sunggyu: We must approach the second half of the year with a heart of gratitude as well in order to have a year full of satisfaction. Apart from this I want to work hard on basketball.

Dongwoo: Recently I am learning how to play the piano, I hope I will play better.

Hoya: I want to go on a trip. I went on a trip for the first time in my life last year to Sapporo and it was a really blissful and adventurous experience.

Myungsoo: Firstly, I hope that all of our members will be in good health. Next, my goal is to practise rock-climbing and work out more. All the best!

— Please do a final greeting for the readers of KPOP Monster.

Hello to everyone and the readers of KPOP Monster, we are INFINITE! We have released a new album. We will work even harder, please continue to root for us. Please listen to our album. Thank you everyone.

170622 Hanryu Pia July 2017 Individual Interview: Sunggyu / Scan © MerryAlex

PROFILE

○ Sunggyu

DOB: 28 April 1989

Leader, main vocal. A voice that adds colour to INFINITE’s. Entered the same agency as his much adored idols, NELL, as he aspired to be a rockstar. Yet, before he realised, he became an idol. With his beautiful voice, he performed in ‘In The Heights’ and many other musicals. Apart from these, he is also active in variety shows where he is often portrayed as a character that is bullied. He is the kind of person that receives a lot of love from seniors in the industry, notably Heechul of Super Junior.

HIS GREATEST WORRIES AS THE LEADER

— Sunggyu’s voice is the core of INFINITE. No matter as a solo artist or a musical actor, he is one that has took on various types of roles in the industry as a singer.

Hmm~ I feel that there are still many areas where I am still lacking. Even till now, simply standing on stage makes me nervous to the point my legs tremble. (laughs) As a singer, I have to gain more experiences and keep an open mind.

— You have released two solo albums. Your second solo album is personally produced by NELL’s Kim Jongwan whom you adore a lot and can be said to be the reason you entered the entertainment industry.

Branching out as a solo artist was truly a dream-like experience. It allowed me to sing really great songs and become closer with someone I adore a lot. In fact, after our promotions here end, I was allowed to take a break in Japan and I want to meet Jongwan-hyung. I'm looking forward to it~ (laughs) If I could have a solo again? Of course, as much as I like rock, I cannot possibly focus only on rock. I am open to any viable possibilities.

— As mentioned, you have portrayed various roles from Elvis to Count Dracula and sang various genres of songs.

I have performed in 100 musicals to date. As a K-pop idol, it was not easy to be able to appear in musicals. I have worked hard researching on it as the pronunciation of words and singing styles varied a lot. But the truth is that I could actually bring this experience over and apply it to INFINITE and my personal life. It was a fruitful experience and if given the chance, I would like to challenge myself in other fields as well.

(When I mentioned “After all, there are kiss scenes right?”, Sunggyu recoiled and got flustered, saying “That was not my idea! It was for the show!”)

— Although often portraying the role of the bullied, Sunggyu is in fact an outstanding leader of the group. Had there been any instances where the group could not have pulled through without Sunggyu’s role as the leader?

Although I have been the leader of seven years, there were still many times where I worried. ‘Have I been a strong enough pillar of support when the members were plagued with troubles? Did I provide them with enough assistance?’ When I think back to the promises I have made and goals I have set for myself and of them all, exactly how much I have accomplished… all I have are regrets. (sighs)

— Don’t worry about that. Sungjong has given us the answer.

(When we asked Sunggyu what he would like to do now that he has a break after a long time, it seems that even in his personal life, he is unable to shake off any ties with music.)

— Are you into guitar now?

After a long time, I dusted off my guitar and took it out again. I am starting all over from the basics with the very same people I formed a band with before. I live alone now and on a daily basis, my day begins with taking a walk for two hours. When I get home, I eat and do some composing. On weekends I do not go for walks, but instead, I will spend the day out eating or drinking with my friends. Just little things here and there everyday to pass the time. (laughs)

170622 Hanryu Pia July 2017 Group Interview (Pages 2~5, 14~15) / Scans © La Esperanca

OVERCOMING CRISES AND THE SEVEN YEAR CURSE WITH TRUST

INFINITE made their debut on 9th June 2010 with the mini album ‘First Invasion’ (title track ‘Come Back Again’) and are welcoming their 7th anniversary this year. Many idol groups in South Korea - most commonly as a result of member changes, enlistment and inability to gain enough popularity - face issues regarding future development as they are unable to break past the seven year curse. INFINITE’s first time on Hanryu Pia was after the release of their second album and another time was during promotional activities for ‘She’s back’. After rising to fame, the INFINITE members branched out separately from simply producing music as a group to each participating in various fields such as drama, variety and musicals. They grew to become individuals who could feature on huge billboards or the cover page of magazines even if they were all by themselves without the backing of the group. Although our chances to interview them gradually diminished as they grew into hugely popular acts over the years, being able to sit down with them now even after a long period of time has passed is more than what we could wish for. They are familiar with our staff members by now. This time, too, “Ah~ it’s the Hanryu Pia interview today. It’s been a while,” L greeted us as we arrived at the photo studio. It is exactly because of our close ties dating back to before that today, we are able to reminisce INFINITE’s seven years together as well as the seven years of the seven members.

Sungyeol: (flipping through pages of our past interviews) What’s this? We- everyone was so ugly! This is hilarious. (laughs) Back to my point, we really looked so ruffled back then. Everyone, we all grew up right?

Hoya: After all, it’s been seven years. If we still don’t grow up, it’ll be difficult in the future.

Dongwoo: Although everyone went through some changes here and there, I feel that I have changed the most, right? I was very cautious and careful at the start but now I’m bolder, running all over the place.

Sunggyu: As for me, I changed into a totally different person. Not just my personality but everything else as well. Just like the Super Saiyan race from Dragon Ball.

Sungyeol: Speaking of this, we must have had a discussion before on the “crises” of the group. Personally speaking, I don’t feel any of such crisis but of course, each member has different thoughts.

Dongwoo: Yeah, there are none. It’s because no matter the situation, we are always in a state of preparation and grit to endure whatever we face.

Sunggyu: Right now, I can feel a very huge crisis.

All members: Huh? What is it?

Sunggyu: Whenever Dongwoo dyes his hair, the crisis his scalp is facing..

Dongwoo: Hahaha, (laughs) about that, it’s a mega-crisis. I already have wounds from it. (laughs)

Sungjong: Ah~ please stop fooling around, hyungs! When we come across any problems, we get it out immediately and clearly. After that, all of us will come together to discuss it or have a 1-on-1 dialogue session. We definitely do not throw tantrums by ourselves or be stubborn about it. Instead, we will get straight to the point and solve the problem right then. Isn’t this way of doing things better?

Yes, this is the kind of atmosphere. Even if seven years have passed, it has not changed. Always happily and wholeheartedly giving their everything for their jobs.

WHAT IS NEEDED FROM NOW ON AFTER ATTAINING 99.9% SYNCHRONISATION

Idol groups from prominent entertainment companies who made their debut in the same period as INFINITE achieved their first music show trophies barely a month into debut. However, it took INFINITE 450 days (‘Be Mine’) to achieve a win on a cable TV channel and another month totalling 488 days to achieve a win on a national TV channel (‘Paradise’). That was quite some time spent. The members cited “receiving our immensely cherished first win” as the greatest turning point for the group.

Dongwoo: We were really anxious before that. It was only when we got our first win that we finally gained the confidence. It was a really momentous milestone.

Myungsoo: Prior to receiving our first win, we really went through so many difficulties…… For the very first time when we heard our group name called for ‘Be Mine’, we were absolutely thrilled!

Hoya: We cried so awfully, everyone’s crying face then was so terrible. (laughs)

Woohyun: Even if I wanted to forget I could never~ My eyeliner was smudged and black tears were running down my face. (laughs)

After achieving their very first music show win, they made their debut in Japan. Ever since then, they have been winning first place on music shows consistently during every round of comeback. Even the goal they set for their Japanese debut - to top the Oricon charts - has been achieved. Having been through showcases all over Asia and two rounds of world tours, INFINITE have masterfully leapt onto the world’s stage.

Sunggyu: The world tour was another turning point too. Being able to show to fans in every corner of the world our capability as live performers, which we were unable to show through television shows, was an opportunity that propelled our growth as well.

Dongwoo: Speaking from my own perspective, it seems our views towards music and our understanding of it has changed ever since kicking off our world tour and the release of ‘Destiny’. We begin to have our own style of interpretation towards love songs that leans towards a sorrowful tone. When we released ‘Back’, that was when we really brought this style and our performance of it to a whole new level. What does everyone think?

Woohyun: That is indeed the case. Our producers changed from Sweetune to Rphabet and the impression left by our songs thus changed substantially as well.

Myungsoo: If we were to determine from the whole picture, didn’t INFINITE’s second season come about since the release of ‘Season 2’? The second season was this period of huge progress that included songs such as ‘Back’ and ‘The Eye’, songs that are full of a manly aura. Our songs from now on are likely to be even more grown-up and mature compared to before.

Speaking of INFINITE’s synonym, it has to be “99.9% synchronisation”. Regardless of which point in the song it is, the sharp, knife-like dances of the seven members are in sync right down to the angle of a lifted arm. That is also a mark of their youth. In this case, to the INFINITE members who have matured into grown men, what is it that is needed from now on? 

Sunggyu: Before, we focused on how to sharpen and synchronise our dance moves as best as we could because that was the only thing we could arm ourselves with in this industry. But as compared to before, we now place greater focus on how to communicate with and reach out to fans through our live performances. That is a kind of synchronisation that we can achieve only with our fans who know us and our music the best. Hopefully, we can become celebrities that will be able to stay in everyone’s memories in the future.

Sungyeol: Although I didn’t think of anything we particularly need, being able to grow suavely with time, maintaining our team spirit that has lasted us till now, standing together with my members facing the audiences on stage, I guess these are to me is what I really need. In other words, our personal will is what we really need. Between the members, we often discuss which sides of us we want to show to everyone in the future. Team spirit, regardless of past or present, will never change.

Woohyun: Yup! The feeling of trust and confidence is the most important. The mutual trust between our members.

THE LOVE FOR INSPIRITS THAT SEEPS THROUGH WORDS AND SONGS

Even though they have released a compilation album, the release of an actual album was still a year and a half after ‘For You’ came out. To INFINITE and their fans, this album can be said to be one that conveys the message “INFINITE is back!”

Sungyeol: Ah~ the hiatus in between was really long that even we ourselves got nervous. (laughs) Last year, we only held ‘That Summer 3’ concerts in Japan without any promotional activities for our albums so it’s really been a while since we’ve met our fans face to face when promoting our album. Although there are many fans who specially make the trip to South Korea to see us, it’s more meaningful if we fly over to meet them instead, isn’t it? I’ve been looking forward to the handshake events where I can meet our fans up close. Being able to share the feeling of happiness with every single one of them, how awesome is that~

Sunggyu: This is really an album that came out after a long time. It has songs from our Korean release of ‘Infinite Only’, three original compositions as well as remixed versions of songs that everyone is already familiar with. I’m really sorry that it took us such a long time. During all this time we’ve made you wait, we were working really hard on recording and filming the MV. The album contains feelings of our sorriness and worry and it would be great if it could become a beautiful present for Japanese fans who have waited to so long for us.

Sungjong: It’s a really awesome album. Instead of us talking about how great this album is, I think it’d be better if we let our fans hear it for themselves instead. Those who have yet to listen to it, please make sure you do, hm?

The title track ‘Air’ is exactly as Woohyun described earlier - a combination of strong melodies and INFINITE’s powerful vocals. It is the product of an impactful fusion between INFINITE’s sorrowful style of songs together with their fiery passion.

Sungyeol: A line in the song goes “yearning for the light and going towards it”. There was a scene in the music video where I was climbing the steps heading in the direction of the lights but when we were filming it, the set was actually pretty dark and the steps were really high. It was actually really scary when I couldn’t see clearly yet had to move up to a higher spot. I even thought to myself “I am definitely going to die once I step out!” as filming went on. My legs were shaking so much. Although I said to the staff not to film my legs, I am not sure how the music video will turn out? As a result of this, I am starting to have a fear of heights. (laughs)

Myungsoo: ‘Air’ is a song that packs a stronger punch. It has a very different feel compared to the other songs and it is one that shows a different side of us to fans. Regrettably, we were unable to show you INFINITE’s knife choreography due to Sunggyu-hyung’s injury so please anticipate it the next time.

In the song ‘Air’, Sunggyu sings “show it to me, that incredible radiance” during the chorus. This particular line left a pretty strong impression on us. Hence, we would like to ask the members this: what would everyone see if we were to request, “Please show something precious of yours to everyone!”

Woohyun: My mobile phone, probably. Ah, no, there’s something more important. The members! The important thing, our members!

Dongwoo: Hmm… air. I guess it’s air. It’s something the living can’t do without isn’t it? And it just so happens it’s called “air” too. (referring to the album’s title) Ahaha. (laughs)

Sungyeol: For me, it’s my body.

Sungjong: Muscles? Recently you’ve been working out a lot right?

Sungyeol: I didn’t mean muscles, what I meant was that what’s important is the issue of maintaining our health. If we are not healthy, doesn’t that mean we would not be able to be with our fans? That’s the reason why these days, I’ve been leading a lifestyle that revolves around exercising by working out at least four hours a day. For Sungjong, the important thing should be your throat, right?

Sungjong: Yup, that is very important. As one grows older, the body becomes weaker so we have to start taking care of it as well as we value our treasure-like vocals. (laughs) Normally, I would either roll my lips to train and relax my mouth or do some throat-stretching exercises.

Sungyeol: Even when sleeping, he wears a custom special protective sleeve around his throat. Says it’s because he doesn’t want to risk his throat and neck hurting and wants to protect them properly.

Sunggyu: Hmm~ If I had to single out just one, I would say it’s probably the albums we released in the past. Although my thoughts, memories and efforts can’t be outwardly shown to audiences live, the one thing that encompasses all of these together in one package have got to be our albums. They are invaluable gems that we only achieved after putting in so much hard work.

Myungsoo: As for me, what is important isn’t really any physical thing but time. Regardless of whether it’s something brand new or something important, it is all because there’s time for me to prepare for it that I can present it well. Be it singing or dancing, time is definitely important in order for us to be able to show different sides of us to everyone.

Hoya: Everyone, did you forget it because it’s right in front of you? The most precious thing has got to be Inspirits of course!

All members: Oh, right! Of course, as expected of Hoya!

Hoya: Indeed, as expected of Hoya. (laughs) There are times when I cannot help but think “Is there any value in my existence? Where do I stand exactly?” During times like these, it is our fans, who are witness to the value of my existence, that assure me telling me “It’s alright!”. I am really grateful and thankful.

INFINITE’s path to solidifying their position in the present day was definitely not a comfortable and easy one. Stumbling into various obstacles throughout the way and pumping in so much hard work it seems as if their blood could physically seep out from an intangibility as such, they finally have the glory they deserve. It was Inspirits who have been with them for the past seven years through thick and thin. The song ‘Thank You’ is dedicated to Inspirits, who can be described as half of the wings that hold and support INFINITE.

Dongwoo: Up till today, so many things have happened, no? There are the good and also the bad. With Inspirits, it feels like there is a tug-of-war going on between us? You can say it’s like a mutually dependent relationship. Even though we had travelled across the globe to greet and deliver our gratitude to Inspirits from every corner of the world, this song isn’t as simple as a few words and phrases strung together. It contains our heartfelt feelings. Being able to express a message coming from the bottom of our hearts makes us happy as well.

Woohyun: As of today, it has been more than seven years since our debut. From the past, and even in the future, it isn’t a “happy ending” for Inspirits and INFINITE but a “never ending”.

There is another new song, ‘Waiting For The Moment’, that we hope fans can listen to while reading the lyrics. This song is one that really tells the story of INFINITE. A line in the song goes “try and take a step out towards the goal that still seems far away”. What are some of the goals that INFINITE have for the future?

Sunggyu: Yes, this song is a song about our story. I really like it and even suggested to use it as the title track although this didn’t work out in the end. (laughs) Goals can be a certain place or a certain moment in time. While recording this song, I’ve been thinking to myself “Is this referring to the present? Or the future? When exactly?” Right then, what was running through my head was that when our fans are listening to our music regardless of whether they hear it live or at home, which is to say, that one moment when our music is able to reach out to our fans, I guess that is the goal that is implied.

Myungsoo: There is a feeling of hope in the song. It awakens not only our memories but also serves as a reminder of the memories shared between Inspirits and us. The song contains our gratitude towards our fans as well. It is a song that holds many meanings. Right now, this song also encompasses all of my feelings.

Hanryu Pia’s【Basketball Finals】— There was a basketball court in the courtyard of the venue where we set up our photo studio and held the interview. Sungyeol and Woohyun played rounds of shooting goals very happily. However, their game was stuck in a deadlock that was won easily by the manager as soon as he entered the game. Sungyeol, who earlier mentioned he’s been consistently exercising all this while, stated “I must have over-exercised, my legs are aching!”