[TRANS] 200820 Marie Claire Korea (Hyojin & E-TION)

5th mini album <SPIN OFF> has been released. ONF's music has been gaining more attention after placing 2nd on Mnet <Road To Kingdom>
E-TION: After the show, a lot of my friends from my hometown Jeonju contacted me so I felt happy. (laughs) Actually, on the face-to-face of <Road To Kingdom> we placed 5th out of seven groups. At that time, we were so shocked that I remember us thinking hard on what to do for the next competition as soon as the recording ended. Thankfully, as much as we worked hard, our rank rose every episode and we're grateful even if we ended up in 2nd place. It was an opportunity for everyone to grow.
HYOJIN: Compared to the previous album promotions, we definitely have more schedules and more people liking us now. All of the stages of <Road To Kingdom> participants were like work of art so there's something to learn anywhere you look. This new album of ONF shows a different charm from what we have shown through <Road To Kingdom> stages. It's just a shame that we couldn't perform in front of our fans.

Instead, you are communicating with your fans almost everyday through VLIVE broadcasts.
HYOJIN: We couldn't communicate often in the past. After doing it a couple of times, it was a lot of fun. I never thought of doing it out of obligation. I go live when I'm taking a break or when I thought of our fans. On days when I'm feeling down, I feel better and my stress gets relieved after talking to our fans through VLIVE. It's my own way of getting healing.
E-TION: I'm the type to be shy in a place with a lot of people so it was a bit hard for me to hold VLIVE broadcasts when we debuted. As time passed by, I became close with the fans and we were able to naturally communicate. It's like talking with friends.

Beautiful lyrics from ONF songs are impressive. If you would pick your favorite lyrics from a song in your new album, what would it be?
HYOJIN: This line 'Is this what the God that made you did' from our side track "Geppeto" is memorable.
E-TION: There's this line 'As much as it took us a long time, we will become more passionate' from our song Message. We have long periods of hiatus in between our albums so we are always worried, this song seems to tell our story so it touched my heart.

When you feel worried or tired, how do you overcome it?
HYOJIN: We are making a comeback with this new album after 11 months. During that time, we consistently practiced with everything we got. The members are really close so we overcome it by encouraging each other.
E-TION: When we make a comeback after our hiatus, I wish that I don't regret the times that had passed. That's why I always ponder on how to utilize those times, I become less impatient when I focus on that.

What is the most important value for HYOJIN and E-TION who are 27 years old?
HYOJIN: Doing something meaningful and being happy even if given a short period of time. Comparatively, ONF debuted late so I feel a little bit impatient, but I do everything that I can do. If I accumulate all the times I worked hard everyday, I believe that greater happiness will come someday.
E-TION: Knowing myself. Getting a good grip of what I like and dislike. I have to know myself so I can overcome whatever happens. That's why I keep on finding myself. My stamina seems to be weakening these days so I have a lot of interest on health care. I'm taking care of my health by drinking red ginseng, somehow I feel like a real adult now. (laughs)

HYOJIN is ONF's leader and main vocal. You must be under a huge pressure.
HYOJIN: I'm the type that is harsh to myself so I also often hear that I'm a perfectionist. When my singing doesn't go well, I become sensitive to the point that I get angry, and I'm in that situation right now. So these days I get embarassed when I say that I'm the main vocal. Other people may think that I shouldn't feel that way, but there are moments where I couldn't accept that for myself. It's tough but I know that I'l overcome this difficulty so in the end I gain something from it. Not giving up easily is my strength.

E-TION seems to have a lot of ideas. You are the first idol to make dalgona coffee on broadcast and you showed off your planning skills on <Road To Kingdom> stages.
E-TION: All of my inspiration come from our fans. I think of what to show to the people who likes us. While doing it, I spend time with our fans which makes it more fun. The ideas for stages come from watching Youtube videos or movies, and reading books.

HYOJIN listened to a lot of ballad songs in the past, what kind of influence did the emotions from ballads give to your current self?
HYOJIN: When I listen to a song from a certain period, I clearly remember memories from that time. I listened to a lot of ballads in the past. Memories of going to school, memories of singing ballads with friends in a karaoke... that's how I reminisce. Ballad that needs sensitive emotions is a very hard genre. The emotions I got from listening to ballads is a big help to being expressive as a vocalist.

You two have been dorming together since you were young and now you are roommates. What are new things you have learned about each other?
E-TION: We became roommates after we moved dorms, and Hyojin is sensitive when he is sleeping. I'm like that too so we are considerate of each other. We mostly get along since we both keep the room clean.
HYOJIN: We are alike so we didn't put up any special rules. I heard that we have a member who grinds his teeth in his sleep, at first I didn't believe it but turns out it was E-TION. (laughs)
E-TION: One day, I went to the dentist because my tooth was hurting so bad but they didn't find anything. That's probably the reason. I know now. (laughs)

Finally, you are showing your coneback stage tomorrow. What are your words of encouragement for yourself for this new start?
HYOJIN: Not getting sick is most important so let's stay healthy. I hope you have a fun and safe promotions with the ONF members.
E-TION: You may get a bit sensitive because you have to go on a diet while busy promoting, don't let this affect you. I hope you enjoy every moment of it.

Translations by etionman