New blood

S.M. Entertainment introduces the rookies

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos courtesy of S.M. True

K-pop’s big names like TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation and Exo are the brainchild of Korean record label S.M. Entertainment. To introduce their 13 new male trainees — called SM Rookies — to Thai fans, the label held a showcase on Valentine’s Day. With strong support from loyal Thai fans, every seat at GMM Live House quickly sold out.

A day before the show, the rookies held a press conference at Dusit Thani Hotel. The guys — Thai member Ten, Japanese member Yuta and Korean members Taeyong, Jaehyun, Doyoung , Johnny, Hansol, Taeil, Mark, Jeno, Donghyuck, Jaemin and Jisung — took turns to talk while Ten got special attention from the press. Here are some highlights of the interview.

Question: How would you describe SM Rookies?

Jaehyun: It’s a group of trainees who haven’t debuted as singers yet.

Question: How did you become SM Rookies?

Donghyuck: I’ve loved music since I was young. My mother suggested that I enter an audition and I was chosen to be one of SM Rookies.

Question: What do you guys like to do in your free time?

Johnny: We practice really hard, so in our free time we like to have a meal or see a movie together.

Doyoung: You can keep up with our activities with the application, SM Rookies.

Question: Which member makes you laugh the most?

Johnny: Yuta is the funniest.

Yuta: I’m not that funny, but the other members are so kind. Whatever I do or say they smile and laugh along with me.

Question: Where would you like to visit in Thailand?

Mark: I like the nice weather in Thailand. I’ve heard that Thai beaches are beautiful. I would like to see the ocean and the mountains.

Question: What advice have you had from veteran singers in S.M. Entertainment?

Taeyong: TVXQ’s U-Know told us to remember to care of other members and the crew. We shouldn’t forget to thank the crew because they do many things for us.

Question: Ten, how do you feel about being S.M. Entertainment’s first Thai singer?

Ten: I was worried and felt pressure, but the Thai fans support me and give me love. I’m very happy to perform in Thailand.

Question: Was there any difficulty while staying in Korea?

Ten: The Korean language is hard. When I was in Korea the first time, I had no idea how to speak the language and I didn’t know who I could talk to. Fortunately, Johnny could speak English, so I chatted with him. He taught me the language and culture. I learned the do’s and don’ts from him.

Question: What is your goal?

Doyoung: We hope that we will have a chance to make an official debut soon and become popular singers.

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