Soyeon on T-Ara and new members

After releasing their newest single Day by Day, girl group T-ARA is stirring up another fever and gaining fans of all ages. Not only are they receiving lots of interest and love from people for their music, but also for their artistic talents and fashion. The straightforward leader Soyeon, who showed strong leadership by taking care of her members' stage and photo concepts even though she was busy with her own preparations, granted an exclusive interview with bntNews.

Since when did you want to be a singer?

I wanted to be a singer since I was 5. My dream grew while watching Sunbae Namjung Park and Sunbae Sookyung Ang. The 5-year old me even begged and cried to my mom that I needed to see Sunbae Namjung Park, so she took me to a live cafe where Namjung Park sang. My memories of that moment are still vivid.

After dreaming of becoming a singer, what is your goal after receiving much love?

Just like Sunbae Junghwa Um, I want to be a well rounded entertainer who shines brightly on stage and on TV.

Lately, the internet had been filled with the news about the recruit of T-ARA's newest members. How do you feel about meeting the new members?

They're very beautiful younger sisters. Eigth member Ahreum is a practiceholic, so I don't worry about her stage performance. 14-year old maknae Dani is a cute little sister who is 12 years younger than me. Actually, I am sorry and feel bad for her. At her age, I am sure Dani wants to perform to fresh and lively music, but because she came in the middle of T-ARA's activities, she has to adjust to  T-ARA's concepts and color. That is why I am sorry. I will treat her well.

Will 14-year old Dani be able to adjust well with other members?

At first, we were worried. We have such a huge age gap. And more than anything, we should be able to get to know each other through living together but we don't live with each other anymore. That is why we worried they might feel shy and uncomfortable around us. But because our members have positive and easy-going personalities, we will be able to get along well. I don't worry about it anymore.

You're very leader-like.

No, I'm not. Before I became a leader, it was definitely due to the members' efforts. Instead of on the group as a whole, the focus was on each member individually. We thought of our opinions and our future. But as I  became a leader, my consideration and affection for the group grew. My responsibilities increased and I took care of my members more. I think this was a good opportunity for me to grow more.

T-ARA is receiving a lot of attention for their recently released Japanese album Jewelry Box. They are receiving much love and strength from international fans as well. As she maintains the Hallyu Wave, she speaks about the ‘Hally-idol’ nickname. “Honestly, we only got to where we are right now and are receiving this much love because of the path that our sunbaes have paved before us. We also received help and support from a lot of people. Every time I see the people who cherish us I feel thankful as well as apologetic. We should be able to show a better us to them, but we weren't able to because of the hectic schedules and time. We will work harder!”

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