Just like the name of his fan club, and the month of “May,” Park JiHoon was always warm and bright. But behind those smiles lies a distinct work ethic as an entertainer. He was a hard worker, who exceeds beyond himself without saying much. JiHoon had shown his efforts and work skills through the successes in his music career, as if an actor who had started at a fairly young age. He has many talents and is already loved by the people in Korea, yet Park JiHoon still works diligently and continues to excel, which further explains why May loves this man so much.
JiHoon’s hard work did pay off, and in result he’s an actor where he recently played a lead role in the drama, “Blue Spring From a Distance,” and an artist who has recently released the album, “My Collection.” But whichever one he may be, content is what matters the most for JiHoon. Regardless of how many fans he has all over the world, Park shows humility when he speaks of “growth and development,” in all of his conversations. Though this level of modesty is common in the world of K-Pop, JiHoon Park never settled for the past or the present. He always willed beyond himself. His fan club, May, is one of the fuels to what drives him.
It looks like Spring came around a little early for us here at Rolling Stone Korea. It already feels like May. Let’s meet this Springtime Gentleman.
1. [RSK] Hello Park JiHoon, it’s a pleasure to have you here at Rolling Stone Korea, and we are really looking forward to this time of interview with you. Before we begin, could you please introduce yourself, and say a couple of words?
It’s my first time here at Rolling Stone Korea.
I’m Park JiHoon, the only JiHoon for May. It’s nice to meet you all.
2. [RSK] Last July, you played a leading role in the drama, “Blue Spring From a Distance,” and also recently released your album, “My Collection.” It must’ve been extremely busy for you, yet at the sametime very rewarding. Through your music, acting, and various shows, you are a very charming, and sincere person. If you could reflect back upon your recent days during this working process, could you tell us how you feel about them now?
Wow, I worked very hard. Yes, the process was a lot of hard work, but if I think about it now, being able to learn something new was exciting, and I feel like those are the moments when I grew.
3. [RSK] On August 12th, you released “My Collection,” a new album! All of the songs, including your title track were set in a comforting tone, with a groovy vibe that only you were able to pull off. As an artist, was there anything that you wanted to express or show news changes about yourself through this album? If so, what was particularly important about it?
I wanted to show another level of what I was musically capable of doing. When I first started working on this album, I had the mindset of wanting to share my musical collection, which fitted well with the title of the album. Especially the title song, where I contributed a lot of my expressions through the lyrics and the outfits that I’ve worn. There weren’t any new changes for me to share, except for my new level of maturity and growth, which is what motivated me to work even harder.
4. [RSK] It must be very difficult to go back and forth from being an actor to a solo artist. How do you keep yourself focused when you’re working in both of these fields at the same time, and is there a button that allows for you to switch so easily?
My fan club, “May,” is the primary button that helps me to switch between my two careers. I can’t stay relaxed knowing that my Mays are out there cheering and waiting for my next work. Yes, the working process is always difficult, but it is always so rewarding to see May loving my projects knowing how hard I’ve worked on it. If it wasn’t for May, I know that I wouldn’t have made it this far. I love you May~!
5. [RSK] While working on this album, “My Collection,” did anything inspire you for your stage performances, or were you inspired by any sorts of music, movie, or other works?
Since the name of the title song was, “Gallery,” I did a lot of research on them, and tried to induce a lot of the elements from galleries from my memories, into the choreography and the music video. In some of the dance moves, I wanted to portray and express the details of how I would particularly look as a painting. That’s what I had in mind and became inspired as I looked through the gallery collections.
6. [RSK] As an artist, whether you’re busy or not, how do you prepare for your next project? How do you build up to them, or do you have some kind of a “Park JiHoon’s Routine,” for them?
I believe that it’s important for your body to be able to support whatever it is that you’re going to be doing. So that’s why I take my vitamins and exercise on a regular basis. And before I actually start working on the projects, I practice and experiment on ways of how to act and sound the best for my characters, and think a lot about what emotions to portray for them.
7. [RSK] Are there any artists that you would like to collaborate with, or recently became interested in? (Can be a company, brand, or a label. Feel free to talk about them!)
Honestly, I would be honored if any artists out there would want to work with me. I work alone for most of my time, so I am excited to be able to work with another artist, because that would bring a new synergy. I always have fun showing new sides of who I am.
8. [RSK] They say that music amplifies your emotions. For instance, listening to an upbeat song to boost up your happy day, or listening to calm songs when you need some comforting. When do you usually listen to music? What song do you listen to, and why do you listen to them?
Music is a part of my everyday life. I especially listen to a lot of music when I am by myself. In general, I like to stay relaxed, and it’s even better when I am listening to music, while lying down, and not thinking about anything at all. What I listen to changes drastically depending on how I am feeling on that day. Even on my bad days, being able to listen to music really helps me to soothe.
9. [RSK] Park JiHoon, we are excited to see how you’ll be transforming with growth and development after every new challenge that awaits you. Later in the years, what kind of an artist do you want to be remembered as?
I want to be remembered as an artist who never stopped to show improvements, and entertaining to those who’ve watched me. I am constantly thinking and learning about what it’ll take to get me there.
10. [RSK] And so this wraps up Rolling Stone Korea’s Interview with Park JiHoon, and getting to know him on a deeper level. Lastly, how did you feel about the interview? And any last works before we go?
Though this was just my first time meeting Rolling Stone Korea, I had a great time being interviewed by you today. I just want to say, I’ll always thank May for always supporting me and loving me for the way that they do. Watch me work even harder to become better! I love you!
