Kim's post-TVXQ career hits stride

JYJ member Kim Hero Jae-joong talks about a wide range of issues, from his future plans to a recent concert in Thailand, during an interview with Ilgan Sports. [JoongAng Ilbo]
Between defecting from TVXQ and hitting the stage for his first show with new band JYJ, Kim Hero Jae-joong has been on a long and trying road. Kim and his bandmates kicked off their first tour together, 2011 World Tour Concert, at Impact Arena in Thailand earlier this month.

Jun-su, Micky Yoochun and Kim's run in TVXQ came to an abrupt end in 2010 when they filed a lawsuit against their entertainment company, SM Entertainment, over its unfair profit distribution and their 13-year contract.

As the legal dispute dragged on, Jae-joong, Jun-su and Micky Yoochun resumed their career under the new name JYJ in 2009, leaving behind TVXQ's two remaining members, U-Know and Max.

TVXQ's official fan club, Cassiopeia, was named by the Guinness World Records as the biggest in the world in 2008 with 800,000 members.

It hasn't been easy for the young singers to endure the legal dispute. They have also had to cope with emotional challenges as some TVXQ fans remain bitter about their departure.

JYJ's Asian tour will take them to Taiwan and China in the coming months.

Ilgan Sports sat down with Kim to talk over some beer.


Q. Are you a serious drinker? When do you like drinking?

A. I enjoy drinking alcohol but try not to drink too much, because my face turns red. When I'm home alone and can't sleep, I drink beer or sake.

What was it like to work both as a stage director and singer at the same time?

It wasn't easy to balance the two, but I'd like to keep working as a stage director in future concerts.

How was the concert in Thailand?

I really appreciate Thai fans. It was quite emotional.

What does TVXQ mean to you?

There are still hard feelings (between me and TVXQ). It was not a problem among the five members, but there were some misunderstandings. The main picture of my mobile phone is a picture of the old TVXQ.

Did you miss the two other members when you had the concert in Thailand?

Yes. I thought it could be better for us to hit the stage with two other members.

It's been years since you've worked in Japan. Do you have many celebrity friends there?

Most of my Japanese friends came to watch my concert and that's how we got closer. I'm kind of straightforward. If I think some of my friends need more practice, I give advice and they accept it.

What interests you other than dancing and singing these days?

I love to decorate homes. I recently moved to a new place and I handpicked most interior goods and items myself. I purchased most of them from Internet shopping malls.

Living as an idol star, how do you find time for romance?

I've had four girlfriends since debuting in 2004. They were all celebrities.

Who is your Ms. Right?

A first impression was important when I was young, but now I like a person who can understand me and whom I can understand.

Why do you use six mobile phones?

Because I receive a lot of prank calls. It's better to use six mobile phones rather than changing numbers on a regular basis.

What are your goals for the near future?

After working as a stage director, I developed an interest in acting and musicals. If fate allows me, I want to act.