Phoenix
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Joined: 29 Oct 2007
Posts: 19477
Location: Germany
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 Posted:
04.02.2008 12:34 |
15 June 2007 - Rain aspires to take America by storm
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| Quote: | Rain aspires to take America by storm
Rain,South Korea's reigning megastar, respects Michael Jackson, loves actingand doesn't consider himself sexy. That's what he told us in an e-mailinterview in advance of his now-canceled concert, once scheduled fortoday at Aloha Stadium.
At 24, Rain, whose real name is JungJi-hoon, is a major face and form of hallyu, that wave of Korean dramaand music. Thanks to his youthful looks, lean frame and smooth moves onstage, he's become a hot commodity in concerts, in films, on TV and onrecordings.
He said he is hungry for success in America.
Our questions, and his (translated) answers:
Q.You've been quoted as saying you want to break down barriers and buildcultural bridges en route to becoming the first Asian pop star inAmerica. So what's your vision?
A. I believe that whatever I domust begin with a solid foundation — always, just as your buildingwould last long if it stands on a solid base. Whenever I startsomething, I want it to be small and yet strong at the outset because Ihave no doubt that then it will eventually lead to a big mountainsitting on a rock foundation. As for recording my music, I'm talkingwith a few good people. This calls for some serious thinking on my partbecause I'd like to work with a fine producer. I agonized a great dealwhen I first had talks going about the U.S. market. I was so lucky,though, as I got an offer from the Wachowski brothers to play in "SpeedRacer" which they were to direct personally. I'll keep you posted offurther details on this when I get them.
Q. You've become apotent export of South Korea. Your first reaction when you wereincluded as one of Time magazine's most 100 influential people in theworld?
A. Being on Time's list made me think that maybe that'swhat success means. For me, it was something like a miracle because Iwas used to seeing only political figures featured on TV making such alist. This is real for me now as it has begun to fetch me opportunitiesand a lot of propositions from America. I think I'm a lucky guy, andthat's why I will work harder now ...
Q. You're also a sex symbol, one of People's magazine's most beautiful people. What's sexy to you?
A.I never, ever think I'm sexy. Whatever I do, I just work with a senseof competence. Perhaps that's what people find attractive about me.
Q. What memories do you have about your early years dancing hip-hop? Name a role model.
A. My idol has always been Michael Jackson. I've always respected him and I do still.
Q. You also were a member of a boy band, Fanclub. Who did you try to emulate?
A. Back then I wasn't so much competing with someone as I was trying to overcome hunger, which was most urgent for me.
Q. Which do you prefer, acting, singing or dancing — or a combination of all? And why?
A. I like them all. Can't say which one I like more than the other.
Q. How do you stay fit?
A. I just eat well and work hard. That's all. Being human, I put on some weight at times. Ha ha!
Q. What do you like best about acting?
A.I like acting because it enables me to live someone else's life,pretend to be a rich man even if I'm not in reality, be a businessmaneven though I don't have a business, be an athlete even if I am not one.
Q. With music, do you link up with melody or lyrics?
A.This question is a contradiction in terms. It's like you are asking meto tell you if I like my mother better than my father or the other wayaround.
Q. What do you assess as your best feature and why?
A. Well, maybe it's my big smile. Ha ha!
Q. They call you the Justin Timberlake of Asia. Why?
A.When Time put me on its 100 list, I think they likened me to "theJustin Timberlake of Asia" for want of a better comparison. That seemsto be on everybody's mouth now.
Q. There's been a buzz that you might record with Christina Aguilera. Look forward to this union?
A. I once did a song with her for a Pepsi ad. At the moment nothing's in the works to involve me and her in any joint project.
Q. Who's your favorite American pop singer now?
A. ... Michael Jackson. I think he is the best artist there is today, although he has been plagued by all sorts of rumors.
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
source: honoluluadvertiser.com Posted on: Friday, June 15, 2007 |
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