Saturday, July 28, 2012

[12.07.28] ShinCom Twitter update: (Minwoo) Thank you everyone for the many birthday wishes ♥



[Min Woo] Happy birthday boy Minwoo has been drinking his congratulatory wine since midnight struck! to 28th July~ Attended a wedding in the morning~ Now here at the 2NE1 concert at Sandara’s invitation! Thank you everyone for the many birthday wishes ♥


credit: ShinCom Twitter acct + Absolut Shinhwa

[12.07.27] Minwoo’s Facebook photo update: Eric Facebook-ing with Minwoo’s phone

This is Eric using Minwoo’s phone to get on Facebook. I came to see Do-hyun but why is Minwoo here!




credit: Minwoo FB acct + Absolut Shinwa

[12.07.26] Dongwan’s Naver blog: 2012 (main page updated)


A lot of people who like Arashi also like Shinhwa… Why? I’m curious…
Although I also really like Ohno Satoshi in the film version of ‘Kaibutsu-kun’… Kekeke
Standing with his legs apart, screaming noisily~ He really looks like a little devil, cool..
Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa

[12.07.25] Eric’s Facebook photo update: 20s Eric Mun vs 30s Eric Mun

20s Eric Mun. In an embarrassing pose…

30s Eric Mun. In a pool-playing pose…

credit: Eric FB acct + Absolut Shinhwa

[12.07.25] Minwoo’s Facebook update: Eric ah, buy me this for me~

Eric ah, buy this for me~ As my birthday present^^ Songs for Shinhwa have to be written with a MacBook Pro Retina!~.^ For your information I didn’t receive any songwriting fees ㅎㅎ


credit: Minwoo FB acct + Absolut Shinhwa

[12.07.25] Promo pics: Shinhwa for Redele sunglasses





5 guys doing some promotional services for the brand^^

see picture for credit

[12.07.25] “Oppas are back!” The reason why we wait for ‘Shinhwa Broadcast’





"Oppas are Back"
But now we can finally bid a long overdue farewell to this ‘loneliness’. Because the ‘oppas’ of the viewers are back. From MBC’s ‘Infinity Challenge’ that has finally returned after a 6-month hiatus, to KBS’ ’1 Night 2 Days’ that has experienced changes to the member lineup, and jTBC’s ‘Shinhwa Broadcast’ starring the original idols themselves. What in particular is there to look out for about these returning oppas? Let’s look at the reasons why viewers simply have no choice but to wait for them.
■ Really! They’ve really appeared! The return of the original idols – jTBC ‘Shinhwa Broadcast’

Really. The real ‘oppas’ have appeared. Even mountains and rivers can change in 10 years, but Shinhwa continue to demonstrate their majestic presence as ‘idol stars’. In the past 14 years, the government has already changed hands three times, rookie singers have already become veteran singers, and original idols have already become fathers. In the midst of the many changes that have taken place, Shinhwa has still returned as ‘Shinhwa’.
Upon their return, Shinhwa has chosen to go with variety programs. ‘Real variety’ that features current programme formats. Disregarding concerns whether they are lifting directly off current programme formats, Shinhwa is creating a new type of ‘real variety’ with their unique sense of variety.
The slipshod and trivial missions assigned to the members are the distinctive features of ‘Shinhwa Broadcast’, and being able to draw the maximum value of laughter with their outstanding variety sense is Shinhwa’s specialty. But what’s the reason behind their success in variety with these seemingly common elements?


The Shinhwa members have been together for 14 years, and the group is the longest-running and oldest idol group. Viewers, while looking at Shinhwa now, are bound to reminisce about past memories too. When the viewers were watching Shinhwa competing against Shinee in a vaulting competition, surely they would have recalled Junjin in ‘Dream Team’ 10 years ago, Kim Dongwan as part of the ‘Embarrassing Brothers’ in ‘Love Mansae’, and ‘Kiwi Prince’ Andy, when they were all around the same age as the Shinee members now.
The Shinhwa members don’t try to forcibly create new characters. They have moved the viewers’ hearts with their own personalities and characters that have naturally been formed over the past 14 years. In this respect, ‘Shinhwa Broadcast’ is just like an old friend. They have used their own ‘dark history’ as a laughter code and to get viewers to think about their memories. This is the best kind of harmony that can only be seen between old friends.
But the interesting part of ‘Shinhwa Broadcast’ does not lie in Shinhwa fulfilling these entertainment missions. They may choose to embarrass themselves without any reservations, but they still retain their unchanging ‘idol-ness’ and their boyish innocence. At the end of the day, what makes ‘Shinhwa Broadcast’ complete is not their mature variety skills, but is perhaps the memories they share with the viewers and their unchanging youthful spirit.
Credits: news2day + absolut shinhwa

[12.07.25] Dongwan’s Naver blog: 2012 (main page updated)


“I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out.
I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich.
I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts.
I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes.
And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night.
And it’s not because I’m lonely, and it’s not because it’s New Year’s Eve.
I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody,
You want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”
-
‘When Harry Met Sally’, 1989
Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa
====================================
If you’re old enough to remember this movie (like me…), here’s the part where this quote comes from:

[12.07.24] Baby Shinhwa vs Adult Shinhwa: Same features on grown-up bodies

Recently a post with the subject ‘Baby Shinhwa, Adult Shinhwa’ has surfaced on an online community portal. The post featured a photo montage comparing the Shinhwa members’ childhood photos and photos of their current selves.
What’s surprising is that the Shinhwa members don’t look too different from their childhood selves. In particular, Eric and Andy seem to have possessed their exceptional looks since they were young. Netizens commented, “Their expressions look exactly the same”, “You can tell who’s who even if you mix the pictures up”, “Only their bodies have grown”, “How come they are so adorable”.



Credits: Newsen + Absolut Shinhwa

[12.07.23] Junjin on the 14-year relationship between Shinhwa and their fans, “It’s like savings and interest”


The 22nd July edition of MBC’s ‘Section TV’ brought viewers on location to Shinhwa’s CF filming for a suit brand. This has garnered much attention as Shinhwa is the first idol group to be endorsing a suit brand.

Shinhwa, who celebrated their 14th anniversary earlier this year, stayed true to their playful and mischievous selves as they demonstrated the charm that is uniquely Shinhwa.
During the interview, Kim Dongwan said that Junjin is the root of Shinhwa’s popularity for the past 14 years, further complimenting his team-mate by saying, “everyone who sees us knows that”,
When asked, “What do the fans mean to Shinhwa”, Andy replied, “If the Shinhwa members are brothers, then the fans are family.” After thinking hard, Junjin answered, much to the amusement of the members, “Savings and interest”. However, Junjin was caught speechless when the members further prodded him to explain exactly who ‘savings’ refers to and who ‘interest’ refers to.
During the same interview, viewers were also treated to a laugh when Kim Dongwan called Shin Hyesung out for his bad drinking habits.
The members were asked about the special skills listed on their profiles during their early days, and when it came to Shin Hyesung, whose special skill was listed as Taekwondo, Kim Dongwan said, “Perhaps because he got hurt somewhere along the line, whenever he drinks he’d do a low line side kick.”
Known for his fair and delicate features, Shin Hyesung was initially dubbed the ‘Little Prince’ when Shinhwa made their debut. Faced with Kim Dongwan’s revelation of his drinking habits, Shin Hyesung gave in to despair and added, “Please add ‘drunkard’ to my current profile.”
As a parting shot, Junjin expressed, “We’d like to remain as idols when the 6 of us are together, please help us (to make that happen).”
Credits: Newsen + TV Report + Absolut Shinhwa

[12.07.23] Eric’s Facebook photo update: End of filming for Shinhwa Broadcast

End of filming for Shinhwa Broadcast~ Everyone went straight home~~



Lee Minwoo: You’ve worked hard, pabo (fool) Sir Mun Jung Hyuk! We’ll go to the sauna next time.
Eric Mun: I said I’m not a pabo.


credit: Eric FB Acct + Absolut Shinhwa

[12.07.22] Minwoo’s Facebook photo update: Samgyetang from fans

You’ve got to have samgyetang in the summer indeed~!! Thank you to the fans^^




credit: Minwoo's FB acct + Absolut Shinhwa

[12.07.21] Dongwan’s Naver blog: 2012 (main page updated)


I received a letter from a fan who’s a first-year high school student.
The main message was, “Our Math teacher is 28 years old. Our form teacher (homeroom teacher) is 33 years old. Oppa you’re 34 years old.”

RIGHT. ㅎ

p.s.
My friend’s son is 14 years old..! Wahahaheeheeheeheek..
Heek…ㅜㅠ

credit: Dongwan's Naver Blog + Absolut Shinhwa

Minwoo’s Facebook status update: Have I turned into an ahjumma?


People look at me and call me an ahjumma.. I’ve been hooked on dramas lately.. Ah.. ‘The Chaser’ is the best drama.. Ah.. What should I do? It ended today ㅠ It’s my number one dramaㅜㅜ It’s the end! No…ㅠ A big round of applause for the whole cast, they’re indeed the best.. You’ve all worked hard~ Kim Sang Joong* sunbaenim I really miss you^^ But… What should I do to entertain myself.. Oh ho~ ‘Golden Time’ is interesting^^ When I search for ‘Lee Minwoo’, a lot of search results show Lee Seon Kyun** so I was curious.. It feels like this drama’s going to be a hit!! It’s nteresting~ ‘Gentlemen’s Dignity’ that everyone likes is really very interesting too~^^ But I’ve never really watched dramas hehe Have I turned into an ahjumma? Keke
*Minwoo worked with Kim Sang Joong in the film ‘Wontak’s Angel’
**Lee Seon Kyun’s character in ‘Golden Time’ is also called Lee Minwoo

credit Minwoo FB acct + Absolut Shinhwa

Dongwan’s Naver blog: 2012 (main page updated)


Don’t expect that you can practice hard and not experience demons (temptations).
A lack of demons (temptations) will only soften your resolve.
See demons as friends who have come to help you along the Way.
-
The Samadhi Treatise of the Treasure King
寶王三昧論

Dongwan’s Naver blog: 2012 (main page updated)


When I read the advertisement copy for a mirrorless camera saying,
“It may be small and light but it performs like a DSLR..”
Somehow..
A tagline like, “You can lose weight without exercising or going on a diet…” comes to mind.
Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Shinhwa’s Eric is one of T-ara’s ‘uncle fans’


Comedian Jang Dong-hyuk (he’s the guy who’s been MCing a few eps of Shinhwa Broadcast, eg the Olympics Channel and the School Channel) has revealed that Shinhwa member Eric is a fan of girl group T-ara.
Jang Dong-hyuk was the MC for T-ara’s commemorative fanmeeting for the inauguration of their official fanclub QUEEN’S held on 14 July, where he said, “I uploaded a photo that I took with T-ara in the waiting room on my Facebook page and Eric left a message telling me to tell Jiyeon that he’s a fan of hers.”
To that, Jiyeon replied, “Uncle Eric, please show lots of love to T-ara, and keep watching out for and support our activities. Thank you.”
Jang Dong-hyuk then tried to prompt Jiyeon to say one of Eric’s famous lines from the drama ‘Phoenix’, “Eric-oppa, because of you my heart is burning”, but Jiyeon deflected the request and in a show of love for her fans, said that she had to get permission from QUEEN’S before she could do that.
(unrelated info omitted)
Credits: Mydaily + Absolut Shinhwa
For reference, this is the Facebook post from Jang Dong-hyuk ^^:

credit: Absolut Shinhwa

Shinhwa in Premiere of Kim Dongwan's Movie Yeongasi


Jun Jin: I’m here to support Kim Myung Min…
Min Woo: I heard that Dong Wan’s role is a parasite? Is that right?
(Members killing Dong Wan twice)
(by khj528)

Shinhwa Broadcast - Episode 18 Screenshot (DongMinJin)






Min Woo: Oy Gentleman Kim Dong Wan what’s with the white socks with black shoes?
(Till the toes is White Team)
Dong Wan: Doesn’t it resembles Michael Jackson?

credit: FallenAngels

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Minwoo "Hot Summer Party"

 함쩨 하는 'Hot summer Party'



credit: M RIZING Entertainment FB

Eric’s Facebook photo updates: Eric goes on a trip with BFF Youngbae!


Off to the East Sea with my friend. I always see families or the elderly folks at Sol Beach… We want to see young ladies. Gotta come here to get a good rest~



Assa~ Wanted to go to the beach but it’s raining~ We’ll have to stay in the room and play Diablo~~~




Traffic is really bad so we took our own plane here, shooook~


credit: Eric FB + Absolut Shinhwa

Minwoo’s Facebook photo update: Lonely self-discipline (+ Eric’s comment)

Lonely self-discipline can sometimes bring about mental breakdown~ㅡ..ㅡ;;;



Eric Mun: Get started on your next set right away. Don’t be lazy.


credit: Minwoo FB + Absolut SHinhwa

Eric turns down ‘Law of the Jungle 2′ invitation, but who’s hurling rocks at him?


there's a difference between thinking about accepting and accepting... please don't put too much malice on something that doesn't even meant to be one...


Shinhwa leader Eric is experiencing a great deal of stress these days. A variety show went ahead to release news of his participation to the press when the final decision had yet to be made, and as such Eric is now having a rough time because of this.
On the morning of 9 July, a newspaper article reported that Eric had agreed to participate in the Madagascar edition of SBS variety show ‘Law of the Jungle 2′.
Once the article was published, the media scrambled to report on this as well. But at that point in time, Eric had not confirmed his participation in the show and was due to meet the production team that very afternoon for final discussions. 
In fact, Eric was in a meeting with the producers until the early hours of the morning to try to come to a consensus, but in the end he had to decline.
When news got out that Eric will not be appearing on the show after all, most netizens were understanding about Eric’s decision and expressed their disappointment.
But there were also criticisms coming from some netizens as well, “Why did he decide to go and then change his mind not to go now”, “Is he using scheduling conflicts as an excuse so that he can take part in other activities”. In particular, some netizens even posted some quotes from the production team, which were almost personal attacks. (Me: Netizens.... get a life.)
Eric had expressed that he had been very positive about joining ‘Law of the Jungle’. But apparently as he had prior schedule commitments such as jTBC’s ‘Shinhwa Broadcast’ and commercials, if he were to join the show, there would be pressure on everyone else to have to change their schedules, and he didn’t want that.
Even if Eric took up the show, he also wouldn’t have been able to set off together with Kim Byung-man and the rest of the cast, and could only join them later. As such, overall plans for the show could be affected and after considering in detail, he decided to turn down the opportunity.
Eric himself is most disappointed about not being able to participate in the programme. Although ‘Law of the Jungle’ is a popular show that anyone would have wanted to join, Eric chose to honor his prior obligations instead of going with his personal interests. There’s no reason to fault him for that.
In particular, casting negotiations were leaked to the media when it should have been handled confidentially. Instead of criticizing Eric who racked his brains before arriving at a decision, shouldn’t we be applauding him for honoring his promises?
Credits: Asiatoday + Absolut Shinhwa

Dongwan’s Naver blog: 2012 (main page updated)


I can’t get a good start to studying Chinese.
If I get in front of a computer I’d be checking out this and that, and forget about the books…
Then should I go to the reading room that I used to go to?
No no. These days because of Shinhwa Broadcast even young students can recognize me
What should I do.. Ah….
Ah! Should I try creating a study room?
A room that’s only meant for studying. When I enter the room, I won’t have other thoughts, a room where it’s just books and me.
Let’s make a room where the walls are made of wood, like a library right out of Harry Potter.
Since I can feel the humanistic atmosphere, I’ll read more books,
And I can concentrate well too… Yes that sounds great!!!
Let’s make one!
ㅎㅎㅎ
But…
The reality is…
-_-;
This..!



A Finnish sauna.ㅜㅠ
Somehow
It feels hot.
Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa

Minwoo’s Facebook photo update: At the dentist



It doesn’t hurt at all but I’m pretending that it does~ Lucia Dental’s indeed the best!! ♥Highly recommended


Credits: Minwoo FB + Absolut Shinhwa

News pics: RicMinJin attending a musical featuring Charlie Park








credit: Absolut Shinhwa

No-go for Eric to join ‘Law of the Jungle 2′



According to a rep from Shinhwa Company, “In the midst of Shinhwa’s Asia tour, we received a proposal for Eric to join ‘Law of the Jungle 2′. After sharing views and going through the schedule with the producers, we mulled over this but after considering possible obstacles such as the filming schedule for Shinhwa Broadcast, commercials and other unavoidable circumstances, we decided against it.”
“Eric, who was unable to conceal his excitement at the possibility of joining the ‘Byung-man Tribe’, is the most disappointed about this. Eric is very grateful and sorry to SBS for giving him the opportunity to join the most popular program right now, and though he’s unable to participate due to scheduling conflicts, if the opportunity comes along, he would like to join the ‘Byung-man Tribe’ to form the great dream team.”
Eric has just ended Shinhwa’s Asia tour and comeback activities on 7 July. At the moment, he is now considering various drama and film proposals, and also taking a well-deserved rest.
Credits: OSEN + Absolut Shinhwa

Minwoo’s Facebook update: There’s nothing that can’t be done in this world.

Woke up, did some light stretching and by chance saw Kim Young-chul’s English lecture on TVN’s ‘Star Lecture Show’. The new look of my beloved and close Hyung! I applauded after seeing how my fine Hyung looked. Hyung’s theory that people have to live with a thirst for the work they want to do and their goals.. Something struck me deep inside my heart^^ During this whole time, I’ve always felt troubled in the face of responsibility, to me I only felt weary but Hyung’s lecture turned things around for me and I felt thirst instead of weariness, and I applauded. Life is good when we can learn, and it was a lecture that made me realize what I’ve learnt and what I have to learn. Thank you Hyung~^^ I was moved by Hyung’s hard work and I’m even more surprised by Hyung’s various skills, and though nothing is easy in this world, if we keep thinking about how difficult it is then it will become more difficult. Looking at Hyung who faces difficulties even more confidently, I’m happy that I’m able to gain another kind of confidence. Please face your difficulties more confidently~ There’s nothing that can’t be done in this world. To everyone who thirsts for everything you dream of, fighting!!


credit: Absolut Shinhwa

Shinhwa to parody ‘Gentlemen’s Class’ with ‘Shinhwa’s Class’




The men of Shinhwa will be parodying the popular drama series ‘Gentlemen’s Class‘ with ‘Shinhwa’s Class’ on July 14th’s episode of ‘Shinhwa Broadcast‘.

The Shinhwa members will come out decked in black suits and tried to imitate the look of Jang Dong Gun‘s expensive designer brooch with band-aids and cheap brooches that costs 100 won (0.08 USD). Shinhwa will also be mimicking Jang Dong Gun’s popular speech patterns from ‘Gentlemen’s Class’, which is sure to bring much laughter.

‘Shinhwa’s Class’ will be a battle between the members to determine who can be the finest gentleman and the members will point out the member who is not acting like a gentleman like by saying, “You are not a gentlemen.“ Since Shinhwa knows each other better than anyone else, they will be revealing who among their members is the most and least like a gentleman.

Source & Image: Star Today via Nate


Monday, July 09, 2012

Eric Wants Shinhwa to Become the ‘Nation’s Idol’

Shinhwa’s leader Eric said he’s aiming to make Shinhwa the ‘Nation’s idol’.
The Shinhwa members appeared at the press roundtable held on July 6 for its Beijing concert to talk about its past, present and future.




They especially opened up on how they felt about their 2012 Shinhwa Grand Tour – The Return, the group’s first tour in five years since its last in 2007.

When asked about plans to go to countries other than Asia, Eric answered, “Shinhwa is an idol that’s never been seen before in K-Pop as it’s continued to stay active without any member replacements for 14 years. It would be great to venture to other areas overseas, but we decided we should put settling down with our Asia fans first as it was our first comeback in four years.”

He added, “Like Cho Yong Pil sunbaenim is called the ‘Nation’s singer’, I believe Shinhwa can aim [for other overseas markets] after it’s gained the title of the ‘Nation’s idol’. Korea and the Asia we’re active in now come first in order. Please show us your support.”

Shinhwa wrapped up its comeback tour with its Beijing concert, and soon plans to start preparing for its 15th anniversary concert and 11th album for 2013.

Photo credit: Shinhwa Company

Translation Credit : Erika Kim  
source: enewsworld

Eric’s Facebook update: Will anyone notice when I fall down at the back?

Am I just over analyzing what Eric is saying.... hmmmmm....
Is what he wants to say is what he is really saying.... aishhhhhhh :)


There are a lot of people around me. If I were to listen to all of their problems, my own grievances and problems just become insignificant. I’ve never been the type to stand in front to pave the way and lead the pack. More of standing behind as the Maginot Line of defense, to guarantee practical gains and watching from the back of the pack to make sure that no one falls behind? But often I wonder if anyone notices when I, who’s walking behind, falls down. It’s right for Minwoo to walk in front and for me to walk behind, we can’t have both of us walking in front or walking behind, but lately things have been really messy. It’ll be good if things are put in order and I want to get things in order but because I’ve already experienced and understood that ‘only time can give the answer’, there’s nothing else I can do but to believe and wait. When will they realize that we’re not fools who put in hard work and then can’t calculate our gains and losses?


Eric FB + Absolut Shinhwa

Eric to join ‘Law of the Jungle 2′? “Will decide after meeting the producers”


Eric’s reps have clarfied that “nothing is confirmed yet” with regards to him joining SBS variety show ‘Law of the Jungle 2′.
Top Class Entertainment told Joynews24 on the morning of 9 July, “It’s true that he’s currently considering joining the show but nothing has been firmed up yet.


Eric is reportedly considering to join the Madagascar edition of SBS variety show ‘Law of the Jungle 2′. The rep added, “We’ll be meeting the producers again today. We’ll discuss the details of the schedule before making a decision. We will make a decision after careful consideration, because ‘Law of the Jungle 2′ requires commitment over an extended period of time.”
The producer of the show Lee Ji-won told Newsen, “It’s true that we’re still in discussions with Eric about him joining the show but nothing has been confirmed yet. He will probably make a final decision by tomorrow after we meet him this afternoon.”
The ‘Law of the Jungle’ team has recently decided on Madagascar as their next location after visiting Vanuatu and the Siberian Tundra. New members include Ryu Dam from Season 1 and Jeon Hyebin as the new female member.
The team is expected to depart on 20 July but Producer Lee Ji-won said, “The team that has gone for the site survey has not returned yet. As flights are not readily available, the dates will be confirmed after assessing the local condition and flight status.”
Credits: Joynews24 + Newsen + Absolut Shinhwa

Shinhwa: We’re not in the past tense, we’re idols in the present tense!


- If we were to ask you to rate your promotional activities for the 10th album?
“We were very troubled over what kind of songs to sing for our comeback after such a long hiatus. We decided on going the trendy way and pitting ourselves against the idols. That’s why we chose ‘Venus’ (as our title track). We thought we wanted to shed the feel of Shinhwa from before and try out a more casual round of promotions. Through ‘Shinhwa Broadcast’, we’re able to show our natural selves in variety which we haven’t been able to show before, and also show our more personal sides. Judging from what we see now, I think we have been successful. If we say that Shinhwa had been more focused on showing off the individual members in the past, we are now showing the harmony that has been achieved through our experience.” (Eric)
“This has been a round of activities with even more trust among the members. Even though individual activities are tough, we find time to take care of one another and gave it our all for Shinhwa activities. This was possible because of the trust among the six of us, and we found strength from Shinhwa Changjo. We found confidence because the members are all very competitive.” (Andy)
- You’re now having activities under the name of Shinhwa Company, which was established with investments from the members. What’s different now?
“Honestly, when we were under a management company, we moved like robots according to our schedule, and we threw tantrums when our bodies were worn out. But with the Shinhwa members being part of the company, of course we have a much greater sense of responsibility when it comes to our work. Every member carries out his role faithfully. Junjin leads the variety part with ‘Shinhwa Broadcast’, Hyesungie leads the performances with his vocals. While Dongwannie works on his acting projects, he often cheers everyone on by shouting ‘Shinhwa is the best when we have six’. Maknae Andy has achieved success as a producer, and has grown in many ways. In particular, Eric has done the best job with his role as team leader.” (Minwoo)
- How is Eric as a CEO?
“He’s an objective and level-headed CEO. In fact Eric and Minwoo are the most passionate when it comes to Shinhwa activities, and they put in the most effort. There was even once when the three of us were supposed to hang out to play but the two of them spent 6 hours just listening to music, and I got angry and went back home. Minwoo and Eric had an argument due to their conflicting views on music, but in the midst of that they achieved objective resolutions. I hope he continues to be a level-headed CEO next year too.” (Dongwan)
- Your proudest moment during Shinhwa activities?
“Although before we released our album, we were labeled as the longest-running idols, and the oldest idols, we didn’t want to give the impression that we’re idols who are stuck in the past. We didn’t want people to listen to Shinhwa songs by themselves as they think about the past memories; instead we felt that we want to be a group that makes music that’s relevant in the present. But seeing our fans who have already become mothers attending our concert with their kids in tow, we get goosebumps. It’s something that we couldn’t have imagined when we made our debut in 1998. The members are really awesome and they look great.” (Eric)
-The secret to your longevity?
“The six of us often argue. It’s important how we resolve that. Until we resolve our problems among ourselves, we don’t get out.” (Minwoo)
“Actually idol groups can also be unsustainable. LSM Entertainment’s Lee Sang Min apparently has a 20-year contract but to be able to go on as long as Shinhwa did without signing a long-term contract, realistically speaking it seems impossible. Haha. We’re really amazing. We’ve had our share of conflicts but we’ve never ever talked about disbanding before. The members are kind and soft-hearted. At the crucial moment, we’d think about our cause, our honor, our affection and loyalty.” (Eric)
- Your upcoming plans?
“The big picture is to release a Shinhwa album every year. Hyesung will be releasing a solo album, Dongwan will be involved in acting, Andy will be introducing a new 7-member group. Minwoo will be working hard in his role as Shinhwa’s producer while preparing for his individual activities. Junjin continues to bring laughter to viewers as an entertainer through ‘Shinhwa Broadcast’. If we say that this round of activities is to tell everyone that we’re still in existence with our comeback, then perhaps the next round of activities is when we will have to really give it a good shot and pit ourselves against other singers. We’re confident that we’ll show you an even better side of ourselves.” (Eric)

Credits: Joongang Daily + Absolut Shinhwa