Q: You have become busier ever since you debuted as a solo artist in Japan, right? You have garnered high popularity just like Bae Yong Jun.
JUNHO:
I have yet reached that standard (laughs). Last year, I'd released my first mini album 'Kimi no Koe'. At that time, I was at the company and wasn't sure about the outcome but the album had sold an approximate amount of 83000 copies?
Q: What has your company commented about your performance?
JUNHO:
"We have underestimated Junho!" Actually, through my solo activities in Japan and it was also my first time, it would be natural to worry about the response. If the response from the public wasn't good, it would have brought negative effects on 2PM. However, things didn't turned out to be so worrisome, I had that kind of 'reap what you sow' feeling. I was really satisfied when the album debuted at 3rd place on the Oricon Chart, without thinking much when it was released.
Q: How did you feel being recognised as a solo-artiste JUNHO, and not 2PM?
JUNHO:
It was a milestone for me, and at the same time, it was a golden opportunity. I could only magnify the strengths instead of covering each other's weaknesses while promoting in 2PM. Talking about being solo, standing on the stage alone, it felt like I was a boiled chicken being skinned. (laughs)
Q: Seems like there are some regrets while promoting as group, right?
JUNHO:
An idol group is always as a whole. It is more important to consider the group as a whole rather than just by looking at each individual. Take a football team as an example, no matter how good your football skills are, you still need a striker and defender to work in a team for it to work.
Q: How is it like to promote in Japan?
JUNHO:
Developed a lot of singer's pride. It does not mean that I did not develop such pride while promoting in Korea, it is just that in Japan, even big seniors like Arashi who have debuted for a long time, has left me a deep impression. Japan has a system that, even a person leading a normal life can be part of an idol group and still receive a lot of love.
Q: As you are becoming older, are you going to continue promoting as an idol group?
JUNHO:
I am quite distressed recently, regarding this question.
Q: What is the reason behind activities as an actor, right after being a solo-artiste?
JUNHO:
Even though I was really happy while promoting in 2PM, I hope that someone would think of 'JUNHO' while 2PM is mentioned. I want to have a 'to-be-known-by-the-public' feeling. Regardless of being a singer or an actor, the ability to attract the public's attention is the ultimate goal, isn't it? If failed to attract attention, it would be like there is no food to eat, how hungry would I be? Showing oneself to the whole world for the first time, this desire had been satisfied. I am very happy to be able to achieve the things that I desire, one by one.
Q: How did you join JYP Entertainment?
JUNHO:
I took part a competition called 'Superstar Survival', somewhat similar to 'Superstar K'. In the 6500 applicants across the globe, 12 people were selected to undergo 3 months of competition. At that time, there were friends of mine, Taecyeon, Chansung, Sunhwa and JOO.
Q: It has been 7 years since your debut in 2008, what kind of memories do you have?
JUNHO:
I hurt my shoulders while preparing for 'I'll Be Back'. I fractured my shoulder joints while doing vigorous acrobatic acts. I was a little upset that I could not function my arm at that time and so Wooyoung took over my role. I did not have the time to undergo surgery, so after one week when I felt better, we went through MV shooting right away. As it was really painful, I had 8 shots of painkilling injections (Anodyne).
Q: Is it (injury) still like before?
JUNHO:
I have gone through medical treatment for 2 years, and had undergone surgery 2 years ago. However, there are still times that my arms hurt, a painful feel was left in my mind, led to a nerve damage(?). After the surgery, my arms only have 80% of their function. If I swung my arm, I would feel the pain. I am now undergoing physiotherapy for the 2nd year.