“I dream of directing a performance with a huge electronic display hanging off of Namsan Tower. The singer would perform at the foot of Namsan tower and everybody in Seoul would be able to see the performance through the electronic display. I get excited just thinking about it.”
Though we asked JYJ’s Kim Jaejoong(25) one simple question of “Do you find directing fun?”, he answered with an endless stream of ideas.
We recently met Kim Jaejoong at a cafe in Shinsa-dong and we could see that he was hooked on directing.
“I want to try out a performance where the stage and set are lit up by LED and lights. I also want to try out a performance where the ceiling of the venue is taken away. Though I get stressed when I direct, I have so many ideas that I want to try out on stage.”
He was appointed as the director for the ‘JYJ World Tour Concert 2011′ and since then, he has also been assigned to direct the first gala show of Sohn Yeon Jae, the ‘princess of rhythmic gymnastics’, which is to be held at the Hwajung Gymnaisum in Korea University on June 11th and 12th.
In both performances, he is in charge of stage directing, song selection, choreography and costumes. That is why JYJ members have staff have started calling him “Director Kim”.
JYJ recently completed the Asia leg of their World Tour in Thailand, Taiwan and China. Starting at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada on the 20th, JYJ will be performing in North America, visiting locations such as the Prudential Center in New Jersey, USA on the 22nd, the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on the 27th, and the San Jose State University Event Center on June 3rd.
Kim Jaejoong said, “I’m learning something new every performance because changes need to be made at each location to accommodate to the special traits and regulations of each host nation’s concert venues,” and “It’s fun to see how less I’m experiencing the trial and error process as the days go by and I can’t describe in words the sense of accomplishment I feel when we get on a stage that I have created.“
“When I direct, I feel really happy when I hit the mark when I’m thinking ‘If we perform this song this way, the fans will like it more.’ I think the members are satisfied with the blocking and the stage set-up that understands the wants and needs of a singer.”
He stated that the countless experiences he has had while performing on stage domestically and overseas during his days as a member of TVXQ helps him immensely when he’s directing.
“I heard that Jo Yong Pil used a moving stage for his latest performance. We’ve stood on a stage in Japan before which could be taken apart and put back together again like a Transformer. Though it may be costly, I want to start trying things out that I did or saw in Japan.”
Kim Jaejoong, who has already been recognized for his directing abilities through the JYJ World Tour, is currently busy directing Sohn Yeon Jae’s first gala show. This is a new challenge for him as it is the first time he is directing for someone else and as it is not a stage meant for singers. He is meticulously planning for this event in an unfamiliar genre by studying.
“I’ve been studying a lot by searching for videos of rhythm gymnastics performances in Russia. I started off by editing and producing the music into 2 minutes and 30 seconds, making sure that it will maximize the subtle movements of the body. Today, I met with the choreographers and chose a costume concept that matched with the music and choreography. Overall, I’m satisfied with the results.”
He emphasized that, “Though the items used in rhythmic gymnastics are not embellished, we’re going to integrate modern choreography such as jazz dance to focus on the transformation and growth of Sohn Yeon Jae,” and “The main focus is to listen to what Sohn Yeon Jae wants and accentuate her strong points.”
Kim Jaejong stated that his imagination keeps expanding in interesting ways as he goes through the process of making a basic rough sketch of the performance and working his way up from there.
“I want to try this some day; I want to set up a stage lit up by LED in a medium-sized theater of about 2000 seats and a total of 30 songs will be performed on that stage using lights. The cubic effect and extravagant colors of the stage will place the audience in a trance-like state, as if they’ve entered a fantasy. When I get a little older, I want to try out an acoustic live performance on a small stage.“
He, who finds joy in creating things, also composes, writes lyrics for and produces JYJ’s songs. Some of the songs he has composed and written lyrics for, such as ‘Get Out’ and ‘In Heaven’, are included in the JYJ World Tour.
He said, “I think I’m finally seeing the fruits of my labor from working on musical composition ever since my days as a rookie,” and “Because I like playing instruments, I self-taught myself how to play the piano. I recently wrote a good song and I want to sing it for our fans soon.“
But he is disappointed that he has not been able to showcase his new songs properly since leaving SM Entertainment. Broadcasting companies have been banning JYJ from appearing on their shows as the group is locked in a legal dispute with SM and even album distribution companies seemed hesitant about joining hands with JYJ. That is why JYJ have been introducing their new songs to their fans through concerts.
“Before, that would really upset me but I’ve now decided to just tolerate it as there’s nothing I can do. I’m using not one, but many mobile phones right now and one of them has a picture of the five members of TVXQ as its background image. I don’t want to live life pretending I’ve forgotten the memories from back then.“
He smiled and said, “Junsu has settled down as a musical actor and Yoochun has settled found his place as an actor,” and “Right now, I feel joy in taking up a challenge as Kim Jaejoong. Directing appeals to me as my work will make someone shine on stage. I will work hard to accomplish whatever opportunities are given to me to the best of my abilities.”
Source: [yeonhap]
Translated & Shared by: dongbangdata.net
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