"As the oldest hyung, I want to be a dependable figure." When someone hears this, they might think this is an obvious promise, but Kim Jiwoong is exercising tight control over himself with this one thought. The joy that took over his body the day he was called during the final broadcast has now become a serious consideration. As the oldest of ZEROBASEONE, which now stands at the starting line, this is the moment where he wonders what kind of existence he has to be for his dongsaengs. "As the oldest hyung, should I say I have a sense of duty? I now have a considerable responsibility. Of course, this is my share that I have to handle. It's a given that I have to be a dependable hyung to my dongsaengs. If I do that, then won't I become a trustworthy figure to fans as well?"
In <BOYS PLANET>, too, Jiwoong was someone who said sometimes bitter, sometimes warm things to his colleagues depending on the occasion. "I try to listen when my dongsaengs speak, to allow them to continue talking. Once they've told enough of their story, then that's when I start to talk." However, even though Jiwoong is this kind of a person, he felt gratitude as he depended on his dongsaengs, too. "They are all more mature and adult-like than their age. When I say that I'm having a hard time, they embrace me better than I do." Truly, age is not always an important characteristic in every aspect of life. Now Jiwoong may be realizing that in his life, too, the sharing of hearts is more important than that number.
"I think I have a rather cute side, actually." (He laughs). "So I was thinking of how I should take that (part of me) out and express myself, and I ended up thinking it could all be done on stage. Through 'Say My Name,' I found a new charm to myself." He's usually the type without aegyo, and according to his own words, he says he's "like a hyung," but also thinks that he's "rather cute." If you get to know him, Jiwoong has infinite charms. During the sports festival when he dressed up as a princess, he just said "when else would I be able to do something like that?" and that "he enjoyed it enough," while laughing. He knows how to show and express himself wisely more than anyone else. "During every stage, I didn't have a lot of parts. But whether it was 1 second or 3 seconds, I think how you do it is [more] important. I wonder which motions I should show hundreds of times, and while rehearsing I practice the gestures that suit that the most so that I can find the most suitable but also the one that spotlights me the most as well." Whether he has to do aegyo, show a tough side, or dress up as a princess, those were all results of Jiwoong's process of consideration. "I think the interpretation is really important." These are the words that made the Jiwoong of today.
"'You're so pretty that I might die,' this part." This is part of the song 'Say My Name.' Jiwoong referred to his own killing part as these lyrics, saying that this was because "every time I sang this, I was really so very happy." There's only one reason, because of his fans. "I hope they know the fact that I really love them." And thinking of the fans, he also brings to mind the ZEROBASEONE members. "I will become an existence like the tree of the team. There are fruits on trees as well. So then I can gift them to my dongsaengs, and to the public as well, right? I can be shade on a hot day, too." On Jiwoong's ankle, there is lettering. "'I will turn my footprint into greatness,' is what is inscribed there. Like these words on his ankle, it feels as though my footprints are only starting now. Until I achieve greatness, step by step, I will not fall and will steadily keep moving forward. Also, as I receive so much love, I want to be a person that loves [a lot], too." With his characteristically slow way of speaking, Jiwoong answered with intent attention to continue his solid promise with a shy smile. His time is going at his own pace, his methodical and clear tempo.
scan by @S2ovemorenow
scan by @S2ovemorenow
translation by @julyhours
Do not use without credit.
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