On July 8 2011, Jay Park’s fan meeting and concert was held at the Nakano Sun Plaza. Previously a member (leader) of K-Pop group 2PM, popular even in Japan, he is now pursuing solo activities. On this occasion we were able to conduct an interview, before the execution of his first fan meeting and concert in Japan. Here’s the report on the contents of the press conference:

 
At the dressing room of Nakano Sun Plaza, the reporters waited for the arrival of Jay Park. Freshly dressed in a white shirt and jacket, indigo blue jeans, and white hi-cut sneakers, he made his appearance slightly behind schedule. Without delay, he began responding to reporters’ questions.

Q: This year in April you resumed your singer activities, this time as a solo artist. Please tell us your impression with regards to returning to stand in front of your fans again after a long time.
A: Firstly, I’m am grateful to be able to return to my fans with a style of music that I myself want to present. And the fact that my fans received my efforts with approval made me so happy.

Q: Immediately after its release, your mini-album soared up to no.1 in the charts. What are your feelings on this?
A: To some extent I really didn’t think in my wildest dreams that it would become like this (so successful). I’m really grateful to my fans.
 
Q: Who was the happiest about you achieving 1st place honors?
A: Of course it would be my family, right? Straight away I received a phone call from my parents saying “congratulations!”
 
Q: You will soon begin your first formal solo event in Japan. What preparations have you made, and what sort of image do you plan to display?
A: Up until a little while ago, we have been very busy with B-boy battle* preparations, but as soon as we finished that we were able to begin preparations for a whole new dance performance to show the Japanese fans. Of course, I will also perform some of my songs.
 
*On July 2, Jay – as a member of Art of Movement – participated in a dance battle event in Korea.
 

 
Q: What is it about breakdancing that fascinates you?
A: To me, dance is something fun, something I can do with my closest friends, and something I can enjoy with a sense of freedom.
 
Q: What do you think of Japanese B-boys?
A: I think it was since 2003? From that time I started watching Japanese B-boys regularly. I love lots of crews from here.
 
Q: Coming this time, what is your impression of Japan?
A: I really wanted to come here, and I really wanted to meet the Japanese fans. I’m so happy that I am able to do this sort of event here.
 
Q: Last time, you came here as a solo artist to participate in the We Love Japan charity event, among many other artists. Please describe your feelings of that time.
A: To be honest, I was really surprised at everyone’s reaction. Even though I hadn’t done any solo activities in Japan, I was surprised to be supported by so many people, and was extremely thankful. The Japanese fans were so enthusiastic while also being very polite.
 
Q: Please provide details of your up and coming activities in Japan and Korea.
A: My movie is being released in Korea in November. Apart from that, I’m preparing to release a single at the end of this month or beginning of next month. I haven’t really made any steadfast plans for activities in Japan yet. First of all, I need to find a business partner (company) in Japan to work with, then I can make more concrete plans from there. So right now, nothing’s decided.
 
Q: You’re writing/composing your own songs. What sort of moments bring about inspiration for you? How many songs have you written?
A: I can’t pinpoint any specific time when that sort of thing clicks. Just if I hear a good song or a rap, or maybe see some good dancing, it moves me to the point of influencing my own work. Right now I have about 10 songs, but I don’t know if I’ll record them all. Sometimes while I’m making songs, I have ideas for even better ones.
 
Q: What sort of artist do you aim to become?
A: It’s something I’m constantly thinking about, but I’d like to become a firm Hip Hop and R&B artist.
 

 
Q: You’ve recently acted in a movie. Do you have any thoughts or comments on it, and do you plan to continue acting in movies?
A: Because it was my first time acting, and I haven’t had prior experience, it was very difficult. But I believe it was a positive experience for me. Even so, I want to focus my efforts on music. But I think if the right role was offered to me and I was in the position to accept it, I would probably take it on.
 
Q: What do you think about onstage?
A: Of course, the songs. I’ve been dancing and rapping for about 8 years, but as for singing, it’s only been about 5 years so I still lack the experience (for it to come naturally without thinking).
 
Q: Please explain in detail about your collaborations with Korean artists.
A: It’s so much fun. I can choose who I want to work with, and I think to be mutually compelled to create something is a great thing.
 
Q: Aside from your songs, what else do you think about onstage? What is your favourite song out of the ones you’ve written?
A: I often wonder if I can go out on the stage with self-confidence, and whether I can enjoy it. As for my favourite song, it’s gotta be “Neo eopsido andwae”. It’s a mellow R&B song, and I really like the music and lyrics.
 
Q: Please provide any thoughts on Japan, or any interesting anecdotes concerning your arrival here.
A: Firstly, I love Japanese food. I’ve liked it from a long time ago, and even eat it when I’m in Seattle. Also, from when I was in Seattle, I became interested in and came to know a lot about Japanese dancers. I also heard the Hip Hop scene in Japan has been undergoing growth recently. As for an interesting anecdote… the last time I came to Japan I ate about 30 pieces of sushi in one go. After I had the worst stomach ache… ah, this isn’t very interesting, is it? (laughs).
 
Q: Finally, please direct a message to your Japanese fans.
A: I am so grateful that you have waited so long for me. Everyday I saw messages on twitter and thought I had to go to Japan. I’m really happy to have the opportunity to be here now, and want to meet you all. Please look upon me favourably.
 
The time for questions ended, and the photo session began. Countless times he stood up and sat back down, changed his pose, and met every demand of the reporters in a pleasant interaction. He progressed through this part of the press conference, start to finish, with an unwavering smile.
 
SOURCE: Slownet KStar News Japan ; TRANSLATOR: Briar@JAYPARK.NET
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