TREASURE Arena Homme Plus Interview [English Translation]

A record of TREASURE’s dazzling presence and splendid youth. Under the clear autumn sky, the members shine brightly. In the ‘Special Edition’ pictorial, TREASURE members encapsulate Celine Homme 2022 winter collection. In the interview that followed the filming, individual member talked on the topic of ‘my strength, my colleague’. TREASURE’s brilliant pictorial and full interview can be found in the November issue of ARENA.

TREASURE CHOI HYUN SUK ARENA HOMME PLUS

• CHOI HYUN SUK

  Choi Hyunsuk embraces the weight of a leader of Treasure, sometimes strict, sometimes warm. He is proud of his YG home-ground and expresses his will to strive to be better for the future.

  New Family

  When I came down from the debut stage and looked at my smartphone, my younger sister was the first to contact me. It was a message from a cute little kid who told me to work harder in the future and she will watch over me. It's still a good motivator. On the other hand, the TREASURE members feel like family just as much as she is. It's like a new family? When we are sad, we are one another’s shoulders to cry on, when we are enjoying something, we laugh hard together, they are friends who are like family.

• Will of a Leader

  I'm not good at sharing my worries. Because it's my problem, I believe that I can solve it on my own through hard work. Rather than talking about my worries, I’d be working hard without much fuss and then members or the people around me would say “You’ve worked hard”, I’d feel energised, it’s like a small blessing.

  Source of Inspiration

  When I'm working on a song, I get most of my inspiration from movies. Not only famous masterpieces, but also works that fans of the genre rave about, I don't distinguish between the classics and the latest when I look for them. I don't just get inspiration from movies, but hints too. I'm also interested in fashion, so I get inspired looking at the cool clothes in movies. Fashion goes beyond simply looking cool, because it also contains a message. In the past, I was compulsive about making one song a day. I used to stick to this idea, but these days, if I take a breather, dig into the music, cool my head, and start over again, a better idea usually comes to mind.

  Seniors I Respect

  I often watch videos of Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, Playboy Carti, and our seniors Bigbang, and I listen to music often. Each musician is good at different things, and I get inspiration from observing them, I want to work hard and become like them. Not only the message in the music, the styling and outfits are inspiration and stimulus too.

  A Leader who Communicates

  I am the oldest and the leader in TREASURE. I always want to take responsibility, lead the members well, and get along well. If anyone has a problem, I will listen at any time, and if it’s helpful, I will run to do so. If there is something the members couldn't say because I'm older, I hope they can tell me about it comfortably. If I had made a mistake, I want to correct it immediately and become a leader who communicates. Like I said before debut, I wish I could be like a mother. Sometimes strict, sometimes warm, I want to be a role model and I hope they can be proud that I am their leader.

  Members’ Synergy

  If any of the members have a problem, we tend to help one another out. When things don't work out the way we want, we roll up our sleeves to cheer and help each other. When that happens, I feel like, 'Oh, we trust each other that much.' Because we have schedules together everyday, even when it's hard, I want to laugh at least one bit more in front of the members and say, “Let’s do this!”

  YG - a Nest I’m proud of

  The fact that I belong to YG also has a big influence on my growth. It’s a company with seniors I have admired since childhood; I am proud to be able to work with the best people in their respective fields, from producers to dancers. I have to work hard and grow more so they can be proud of us too.

Jihoon in Arena Homme Plus

• JIHOON

  Jihoon is vocalist and one of TREASURE’s two leaders. Despite the difficulties of setting goals and striving to reach them, he tries to enjoy the process so he has neither fear nor hesitation. He is the embodiment of the drive for TREASURE to grow and be stronger.

  2 Years

  It was really fast. As soon as we debuted, we released a total of four albums, including a single album and a full-length album, and continued to prepare for awards shows and comebacks. A year passed by working hard on various contents, and in the year of our second anniversary, we made a comeback with 'Jikjin'. When I think about it, it feels like time has passed really quickly, but It didn't. During the hiatus of TREASURE, I learned a lot working on <Inkigayo> as MC while watching the performances of seniors and juniors, and I learned a lot through our promotions. Because I was able to develop myself like that, it did not pass quickly, it was a time for the development of myself and TREASURE, so it’s a very rewarding period.

  Have a Goal

  I love designing plans for the future and setting goals. Something I've always told my fans is that my dream has come true. I achieved my dream at a really young age and I am truly happy. But dreams are dreams, and within them there are detailed goals. I repeat the process of setting and revising a plan in my twenties, and I don't forget to set the small goals first. So, accomplishing those goals one by one is a sense of achievement that I can feel while promoting as TREASURE, and isn't that what I have to do? I often say this to the members as well.

  I want to show who I am

  As our team is a big group, I think each of our individual capability needs to be recognised by the public. That's the goal. Previously, I focused on developing my personal ability, but now I want to show it to the world. Since we are in a position to be evaluated as an artist, past our rookie stage, we need something unique for us to stand out. I think it's faster to show that something through the media or a channel that the public can easily access.

  Prior to being a Leader

  It would be a lie to say that there is nothing difficult as a leader. We have members from other countries, and there can be problems when there are many different kinds of people living together as a team. Troubles are expected to happen. But I'm really fortunate that all the members are kind. Being “kind” is a word with an all-encompassing meaning, but to be precise, I'm so glad that our members follow well and are willing. A good team atmosphere is our team's strength, and it's something I don’t have to worry about as a leader.

  Most Pleasant Member Chosen by the Leader

  Asahi is surprisingly funny. While I tend to be funny with words, Asahi is funny with his body language and expressions. To outsiders, he looks calm and shy, but when he's with the members, he's a completely different person. He writes a lot of positive songs. He looks quiet, but often presents us dance songs. The song that Asahi and Haruto released as a unit this time is also a song from a rock session. When you create something, you need a variety of sensibilities. In that regard, Asahi is a pleasant and admirable friend. He is someone who can feel many emotions, and I think he is able to express that well through his compositions.

  Failure is My Strength

  I think personal failures make me stronger. It gives me the strength to solve things well in the future. Even if there are moments of setbacks, I think of it as an experience to flexibly deal with future events without falling too deeply into them. If you are afraid of failures and setbacks, your confidence will disappear and you will be reluctant to take on challenges. You continue to only think and act within the framework of what you see. When I say this, my parents say I'm old, but I like this kind of me. I don't want to live a naive romanticist life.

  Goals as TREASURE

  Following the exemplars of my seniors, I want to become a singer that’s befitting of the precedents they have set. I love this moment very much. I'm currently doing a photo shoot, releasing an album, and getting satisfactory feedback. It is a moment in the process of becoming more successful, and I believe that a bigger and better future awaits from now. I have to think this way for my body to move. A bright future awaits!

Yoshi in Arena Homme Plus

• YOSHI

  Yoshi is a boy from Kobe, Japan. He speaks Korean slowly with his sentences packed with confidence and certainty for his goals.

  Process of setting his dream

  When I was young, I dreamed of various jobs. I dreamed of being a car racer, and I also liked babies, so I hoped for a job where I could spend time with them. I like painting, so I dreamed of becoming a painter. Then, when I graduated from elementary school, my older sister played me songs from all the YG artists. With her influence, I was greatly inspired by the music I listened to at that time, and I started to pursue my dream of becoming a singer.

  “Satisfaction” does not exist

  When I got on the debut stage, I didn't feel it. Because of COVID, there were only empty seats and staff in front of the stage. However, it was very interesting because they sent encouraging messages or good feedback through social media. Then, at last year's fan meeting, I was able to properly face the fans for the first time, and that's when I realized it. My dreams came true, but I'm not satisfied. Even when I turn 40 or 50, I still want to do music, since this is my plan, I think I’ve only just taken the first step. There are many hurdles to overcome in the future, so I can't be satisfied, but I'm always happy. It’s because I am part of TREASURE, there are many things I can do.

  What I have realized from our younger members

  I can't pinpoint one person, but I feel there are many points to learn from like Jeongwoo and Junghwan. They go through the same schedule as us while attending school. It must be really hard, their energy is great. Although I am young too, in their young age, I am grateful for the way we enjoy through our shared love for music.

  Arrow of Love

  The first thing that shocked me was G-Dragon sunbaenim's <Heartbreaker> album. It was the first album I bought with money I saved when I was in elementary school. I looked up all the lyrics translations, and each song had a story. I listen to a lot of different kinds of music these days. Not only hip-hop, but I also listen to jazz a lot. I especially like Frank Sinatra’s jazz.

  Music - A Balancing Act

  I have a dilemma that I feel while working on music these days. How do I strike a balance between what the public wants and what I want? I mostly listen to popular hip-hop music, but there are times when I want to incorporate my own style as well. Rather than chasing after an alternative style of music, I'm studying how to melt it well and release it to the public. While listening to the music of various artists. I'm trying to figure out a way to blur the boundaries.

  From Movies to Music

  The lines from old movies are interesting. It's a big inspiration when I'm working on a song. For example, if there is a line in a movie that says, 'Let's be together for 24 hours,' I’d take the inspiration from that line and work on a song titled '24 hours'. I get inspired by seeing the worldview and colors of famous movies, the acting of actors, and the clothes they wear. My favorite movie is the <Back to the Future> series. I like movies from the 1970s and 1980s. I like the mood of that era. Just as movies are different for each generation, I hope the way of me growing over the years will be colorful too.

  Lyrics in Korean

  I use Korean when I write lyrics. I don’t write in Japanese and translate. It is difficult, but the reason is there are feelings that can only be expressed in Korean. It has a taste that cannot be found in other languages. I often thought of this while making this album.

  My Motivation and Goals

  My priority is my family. Although the driving force behind my hard work is passion, the reason for that passion is my family. I have to repay them. And the goal is, wherever it is, to the question 'Do you know Treasure?', the response is “I know them”, “they are cool’, we will work hard towards that goal. I hope that Treasure gets recognized like that. And my next goal is to make songs that resonate with the world. I hope that the scene where humans disappear completely from Earth and alien-like creatures appear, hear my song and go ‘what is this’ while searching will never remain in my dreams. I want to leave behind great works like this in my life.

  Interesting right? (laughs)

Junkyu in Arena Homme Plus

• JUNKYU

  Junkyu, who is interested in current affairs, economics and philosophy, is a vocalist in TREASURE. Once he plunges in, he digs to the end to reach his goal of perfection. He thinks of the proverb “chiljeonpalgi” and gets back on his feet. ( chiljeonpalgi / 칠전팔기/ 七轉八起/ "tumbling seven times and standing up eight times")

  When You Fall Seven Times

  I've been looking forward to it for several years as a trainee, so I'll never forget the day of my debut. However, there were hardships in the two years since debut. It was difficult because there were areas where I wanted to improve in terms of my skills. According to the philosophy books I’ve read, people cannot be perfect. It is said that the moment you seek perfection, you become unhappy. But I want to be perfect. I really like <Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called: The Adult Empire Strikes Back>, and there is a scene where Shin-chan falls down seven times and eventually stands up at the 8th try. When I saw the personification of 칠전팔기, I thought, 'if he can do it, so can i”, and got a lot of comfort. I think, when I look back later on, wouldn’t those times when I strive to grow be really meaningful moments in my life.

  What is Happiness

  Sometimes I wonder if we are pursuing happiness that is too close to us. Maybe our view is too narrow. So when things get difficult I want to have a broader perspective. Then positive energy springs up. If we pursue only what is right in front of us, we may miss the things that are far away, the things that are really meaningful in life to us. But I'm not really sure too. So I try to study more, talk and find out more.

  Alone Time is Important

  Alone time that comes after having fun chatting with the members. I can organise my thoughts on my own, and I think it heals me. I guess it's because I'm an introverted INFJ. (Laughs) However, without thinking deeply, I get everything organised in a short time. I take action immediately and try to solve it. It wasn't like that before. I used to only make decisions but didn't execute them, and when I thought about the reason carefully, seems that I wasn’t confident in my decision. So, I am trying to change into a personality that thinks, decides, and solves right away.

  From Improvisation to Planning

  If you act on impulse, you lose a lot. Previously, I was a spontaneous person. I thought I'd just do it this way, if it doesn’t work out, I’d deal with it then. There was no framework at all. But I realised that it wouldn’t work if there isn’t even a slightest outline. I guess I don't want to miss out on either way but there needs to be a plan.

  Home Alone

  I am a homebody. I just spend my time watching TV or YouTube on the economy. I'm obsessed with economics these days. The flow of the economy is really fascinating. I also like mystery. Overall, I am curious about the world and find it interesting. So, I look up a lot of current affairs and economic news. When I’m alone, I listen to my favorite music loudly, and do my work while engross in the music. I even set up a soundproof booth in the room. My room is like a laboratory. A laboratory where I think, enjoy my hobbies, and work. Whatever it is, I’d rather do it in that lab first. Will it grow like a mountain as things pile up?

  Moment of Trust

  TREASURE often have meals together. So there’s time for everyone to get together, actually, it helps a lot in building trust. Because we each grew up in different environments, we sometimes disagree. But we don't just shut our mouths, we make time to get together. Thanks to the fact that everyone has the mindset to 'Let's solve the problem!', I think trust has gradually built up. During these meal gatherings, everyone, without exception, is the mood maker. Everyone is cheerful. When we fall so deeply and become too immersed, unexpectedly someone shouts 'I love you', and the mood is quickly relaxed again.

  Spending our Youth like Youths

  The goal is to complete TREASURE. The goal is for Treasure Makers and our members to be satisfied in every way. That's why I'm working hard with the members right now. In the future, when I look back on these spirited days, I guess I will think that I have spent my youth in a youthful way. I hope we only accumulate happy memories.

Yon Jae Hyuk in Arena Homme Plus

• YOON JAE HYUK

  Isn't there a quote that says hard work doesn't lie? The boy did not stop practicing, and he has grown up to where he is now. Yoon Jae-hyuk said that he now wants to show something more of his own, and moving forward, he will not stop working hard.

  The First Time

  When I was young, there were times when I was afraid of being photographed, but today's filming was especially invigorating. Is it because it’s the first fashion pictorial since debut? The atmosphere was warm, it made me more brave. I have an introverted side too, so when I was younger, I didn’t think I would become an idol. Then my friends told me about the appeal of idols, and it became my dream. It started when I was in high school, I got casted in my current company YG.

  Hard Work Doesn't Lie

  When I first started as a trainee, I was a mess. Compared to now, I was so bad at dancing and singing. So, I decided to practice twice as much as everyone else and spent everyday fully. At that time, I was also worried if anyone would like me because I was so lacking. I was on the debut stage like that, and when the fans cheered and praised me, it was a feeling like I was being rewarded for the time and effort I had put in. How can I best explain this?

  TREASURE’s Decision Maker

  I am the decision maker among our members. It's not like I’m the leader who can do whatever I want, but strangely, at decisive moments, the members always ask me. (Laughs) For example, "What shall we have for lunch?" “What shall we play during our break?” I don’t seem like one, but I’m quite a planner; I feel quite proud because it means that I can consolidate the members' opinions well. Sometimes I play the role of listening to the members' concerns. I want to be thought of as a TREASURE member who brings in positivity.

  An Introverted Boy’ Driving Force

  I am a very shy person. So it seems that even as a trainee, I judged myself harshly. At that time, instead of through comfort and praises, I wanted to become a better person by training hard. Then, after debut, I received consolation, praise, and encouragement, I felt so grateful and happy. The words that were particularly touching were ‘this is good enough, you are doing well Jaehyuk-ah’. I guess it was what I had always really wanted to hear.

  My Role Model is My Family, My Brother

  My role model is my older brother. I think hyung is a person who started from the bottom to become the best. I watched him from the sides, he endured and overcame hardships alone, and it is admirable to see him come so far. So, when I was having a hard time, there were times when I leaned on my hyung. My brother always cheered me on that I was doing well. I also want to be a warm older brother to my younger brothers like how he has taught me.

  <The Second Step: Chapter Two>

  If I were to pick one thing to look forward to during this album's promotions, it would be the many chances to meet our fans? Through music shows, of course, and other various ways. I won't tell you what it is yet. If I say everything, I might spoil it. (Laughs) I felt a lot of things while preparing for this comeback. As usual, there are still obvious shortcomings. There is one thing I realised though; that I am a person who never stops trying. I have a little imagination of wanting to start farming in the faraway future and making something of my own. What doesn't change though is, don’t blame the circumstances, work hard for a better tomorrow.

Asahi in Arena Homme Plus

• ASAHI

  Asahi has a lot of songs he wants to write. The simple experiences of everyday life are made into music by combining beats, melodies, and various instruments. He is grateful for the considerate and small actions of the members.

  Members are his Motivation

  I am very shy. Even at work, I have a quiet personality. My trainee period was also short. Even so, the members treated me comfortably. I learned Korean while starting our activities, and my Korean skills improved a little as I talked a lot with the members. As I gained confidence in Korean, practice became easier. Needless to say, practice is hard, but when I see the members who are always working hard, I think I should work hard too. The members are my motivation. And they are very fun. It was fun when I was a trainee and it’s fun now. I am working with the goal of having fun while making music.

  Different Humor Codes

  I don't think there's anything special about being a celebrity. How we play is no different from our peers. It's like playing with friends at school. What do you want to eat? We each talk about what we want to eat. When we find something pretty, we tell each other and buy it. We have normal conversation topics too. What's special is that we talk a lot about music, and it's natural because music is our job. We usually talk a lot about trivial topics. And all the members are funny. Everyone’s funny but how can I say it, like the gag styles are different? So it's all different types of funny. There are those who are funny just by talking, and there are those who have funny reactions. The members who have a good humor code with me are Jeongwoo and Jaehyuk. Jeongwoo and I match well when we banter.

  Heartwarming Small Acts of Considerations

  Our members have strong personalities. What everyone is good at is different. It's like Jeongwoo being good at singing. So there is something from each member that I’m envious of. And we care for and help each other a lot. It is difficult for me when I have to say something during a broadcast. Unexpectedly, “Asahi, please comment now”. Then the members give me attention so that I can present myself well. I am grateful for such small considerations. Also, although we don't say it to each other, I can feel the trust among the members through their small and considerate actions.

  Songwriting Process

  When I make music, I think about the subject first. And roughly decide on a genre or a feeling. I make music with Haruto. I say what kind of feeling I want to do, and suggest that we mix this feeling with that feeling. I go through the process of assembling thoughts and feelings by exchanging various opinions with Haruto. In our dorm and in the studio, we continue to talk and work. What kind of man is the protagonist of this song, it’d be good if the feel is like that. That way we create a very detailed setting. Then, Haruto can write for the rap parts. Haruto always asks me about the song’s concept. We create songs through conversations and sharing our opinions.

  TREASURE’s Weapon

  I'm looking for my own color. Gathering my thoughts and opinions around me, I think I'm somewhere between J-pop and K-pop because I was born in Japan, grew up listening to J-pop but I also listen to K-pop. I also want to make music that mixes the two. I'm looking forward to whether that kind of music can become our own weapon.

  Family is the Driving Force

  It's probably family. We have a family chat group, so they congratulated me on my debut. They told me to tell them whenever I am having a hard time, they continue to say that now. Because my parents are concerned. Even when things are difficult, I think I am careful with my words. I just say that I am working hard and that I will go home on vacation. Recently I went home on vacation for two weeks. At that time in Japan, I had to quarantine for a week, so I only stayed home for two weeks. I couldn't even go to Osaka city and just stayed at home, but I was very happy.

  Peace-Loving Asahi

  I want to be a presence that members are comfortable with. I want the members to be able to feel comfortable with me when they are having a hard time. I hate fighting because I have a slow and introverted personality. So, I want them to think of me as a comfortable older brother and a comfortable friend.

  Asahi's Power

  I work in Korea, but I always feel that my family is watching over me. Thinking about it gives me strength. And the fact that the members are beside me together gives me strength. When I first came to Korea, I didn't know anything, and it was difficult to even go to a convenience store. The members helped with every little thing. Such actions mean a lot. It is also an opportunity to learn and grow. Likewise, it helps to correct my pronunciation or improve my vocalisation. I am self-taught in music. Music is fun, so I kept going. I do music when I want to.

  Story Behind the Birth of 'Clap!' and 'Thank you'

  ''Clap!'' is a song that was completed in just two days. At first, it didn't even have a title. Haruto and I played with the idea of trying bossa nova. We talked and did a lot of arrangements, and it became a song. At first, I just wanted to make a bossa nova song. It was probably last April, but I had the idea to listen to chill bossa nova music in the summer. I decided on the genre as bossa nova and did the beat right away. And I repeated the chord. Because the same code progression is repeated. I just used guitar, piano, drums, so on to make melodies easily. Verse, sub, bridge and the rest. were completed quickly. In contrast, ‘Thank you' originally had another chord that I had wanted to use. I decided to write a song with it, so I set up the process in a big framework and created a melody that matched it.

  Be Healthy and Happy

  There is no set goal that must be achieved. I want the members to be healthy and happy. I hope that our fans will enjoy listening to good songs, our good activities, and the fans share the same feelings as us with enjoyment. I just like to be happy and healthy together. It may be difficult at times, but I think that it is also a part of life. Without overdoing it, if we get good results while keeping our own pace, that's good. The first wish is to live a healthy and happy life.

Doyoung in Arena Homme Plus

• DOYOUNG

  Doyoung, a boy who enjoyed dancing and singing, as time passed, he became an idol who shines on stage. Now, he is not only doing well alone, but is proud as part of TREASURE and dreams of a tomorrow where he grows with the audience.

  Following the Path of the Seniors I Respect

  I've been dreaming of becoming an idol since I was in 3rd grade. At that time, I started to like dancing and singing. I worked so hard to make my debut, and I became interested in pictorials while filming our profiles and album jackets. Then one day, looking at a magazine, I thought about what it would be like if I was in there, and it finally came true. (Laughs) The timing is right that I had just colored my hair, filming outdoors with the blue skies, the styling seemed to work well together. My role model is Bigbang. I was impressed when I saw their recent pictorial and interviews, but it's even more amazing that I have the same opportunity like them. I am proud that I am following the seniors I respect.

  The Debut Stage is Different from the Survival Stage

  I vividly remember the time we debuted on August 7, 2020. In fact, we participated in a survival program before our debut and had stage experience, but we were still very nervous. It's not someone else's song, it's TREASURE's stage with our name on it. I realised we were really debuting, I was happy and felt an array of emotions as the past ran through my mind. On the way home after finishing the stage well, I looked at my smartphone and saw that several people had contacted me. They were messages of support from my parents, my elder brother, my friends, and my colleagues. I will not forget and will repay as much as the amount of gratitude I had with a better image in the future.

  Taking the First Step

  It's been about 2 years since I debuted, but I still have a long way to go. I want to do better, and I want to give positive energy to everyone with better performances and songs. It’s okay to have big goals, right? I want TREASURE to grow and develop enough to be listed on the Billboard chart someday, meet fans around the world, and hear our songs often on the streets.

  TREASURE as One

  The members had spent a lot of time together, so now we know just by looking into each other's eyes. When the choreography flows like a sharp knife, it feels like we are one entity. They are brothers I share joys and sorrows, pains and likes. We were together until our debut, so I want us to do well together in the future. After TREASURE became a team, we lived in the same dormitory and went through the whole process of preparing for the stage, so we were stuck together all day. We understand each other's feelings as much as how we share our emotions among ourselves. When someone feels down, we try to cheer him up. I feel like I have really met good members.

  Envious of Jeongwoo’s Masculinity

  Each member has different strengths and charms, but if I must pick one person, I’m envious of Jeongwoo’s masculine side. On the contrary, I have a cute image like a rabbit. I think Jeongwoo’s inborn optimism and piercing stares are wonderful.

  Importance of the Stage

  Since we debuted during the pandemic, there were very few stages in the beginning where we interacted with the audience. Then, little by little, there are opportunities where we can meet the audience, so it's amazing. As they cheered for us, my heart raced. I want to do better, and I want to repay the people who support me. When I go on stage, my face smiles naturally. Still, I hold some intensity and work hard.

  When I Become a Senior

  I became an idol because I liked music and singing, but the more I practice, the more I want to show people my dancing and singing. It’s fun to show my charms and to be able to communicate and interact with people as I grow. If we have juniors, we would want to become great seniors too. Sometimes when I read that people dream of becoming idols watching TREASURE, I’m amazed, but it also makes me determine to do better.

  Dreaming of the Future

  Personally, I like musical instruments, so one day I want to do a grand and wonderful performance with an orchestra in a big concert hall. I’d be playing the big piano and singing TREASURE songs. We can re-arrange our existing songs or prepare a song just for that stage, I think it’d be really exciting.

Haruto in Arena Homme Plus

• HARUTO

  Haruto from Fukuoka started living as a trainee as soon as he graduated from elementary school. Haruto is elated that his Korean language skills improved while reading poetry books. He is a loyalist to his members.
  

  It started like this…

  My original dream was to be a dance teacher. The audition my parents sent me to presented itself as a chance for me to work hard and come this far. After practicing and starting full-fledged activities after debut, my dream of becoming a musician became more firm and I feel confident. When I think about the first stage, I was in a clueless state, so to speak honestly, I wasn’t cool then and I have a lot of regrets. But these regrets are my feelings about the first experience, so I don't think them as just mere bad feelings, in fact they are helpful to me.

  Way to express with lyrics

  My position is rap. I write lyrics by myself and work on music continuously. I imagine the content of the song and write it. If I’m writing a song about a breakup, I imagine a breakup scene. Then, like watching a movie, emotions are transferred. And whenever I have time, I read poetry books. It's hard to fully understand the metaphor, but I understand it my way and apply the good lines in my lyrics. I feel that my lyrics are definitely getting more intricate. My expressions are also richer, and the phrases that stick are harder to forget. I should have started earlier, I'm regretting it now.

  A brother I want to learn from

  I learned a lot from Asahi hyung. When I was younger, I saw no one but myself. The reason I let go of that personality is hyung. He is very accommodating. The way he thinks about the members first before himself is very adult-like. I envy that and want to learn to be like that.

  TREASURE’s conversations go like this

  When I'm with the members, we mostly have normal conversations. It's really nothing. When we find pretty clothes, we say, “Oh, that’s pretty,” or when we find a good song, we give recommendations. “What did you eat today?” It's about the little things like that. It's nice to talk with the members in a comfortable atmosphere. Oh, and there is something I want to ask Jaehyuk hyung. Jaehyuk hyung keeps rejecting me when I ask him out to eat. I think it's because my reaction is funny, but I want to ask if he means it or not. It hurts me a bit to hear, “No~”. (Laughs) Doesn’t it hurt if you ask someone out to have dinner together, and get rejected. I’m curious. Jaehyuk hyung, do you mean it?

  Loyalist Haruto

  I acknowledge it myself, but I'm often told that I'm loyal. I believe that a certain foundation level of trust is needed to build trust. It will probably be very difficult for you to get to know me. But once we get to know each other, the relationship lasts for a long time. Becoming close is proof that we get along well.

  Moments of Trust

  I feel trust in my daily actions, actually I feel it every moment. Especially, like when we protect small secrets, or when someone makes a mistake and we embrace it. Other than that, all the members and I have been close for a long time, so it’s inevitable but to bond, trust and depend on each other. It's really natural.

  Showing a twist

  Since the performance is live, I deliberately try not to sing like in the track. It's no fun if you sing the same. So sometimes I slightly raise the tone or change the flow altogether, and I often ad-lib. Then the stage is also exciting and I can leave an impression more easily. I think we need to be bolder on stage.

  My existence

  I want to be someone who will never be forgotten. I've grown a lot in slightly over two years, and I myself feel I've definitely grown up. So it’d be nice if everything I do can be recognised, whether it’s rap or vocal. If you get recognised for your skills, you can become an unforgettable person, right?

Park Jeong Woo in Arena Homme Plus

• PARK JEONG WOO

  Jeongwoo left his family at a young age and walked an artist’s path. Even without him uttering a word of hardship, his members approach and comfort him. He is awed by his members’ abilities to express themselves through music.

  Hard work is all that matters

  As soon as I got off the debut stage, I contacted my parents first. I worked hard to prepare for my debut stage, and I had a lot of rough times physically. At that time, my parents were a great comfort. Of course, the members also encouraged one another. So after the debut stage, I thought of my parents. Whenever I was having a hard time, my parents would say, if you just work hard, wouldn’t the day you want come. I keep recalling what they said. I can't call them often these days. Although my excuse is that I have a busy schedule, like boys my age, I think it's because I'm not good at talking about my hardships.

  Sometimes I can't believe I’m TREASURE

  Actually, there are times when I can't believe that I'm a member of TREASURE. As I work through my schedules, there comes a sudden realization that I am actually a member of this group? There are times when I surprise myself. It still doesn't feel real to be a member of TREASURE. From my late teens to trainee period, I was able to spend almost half of my teenage life as TREASURE, which is an honor for me. It's a great opportunity to be able to realize my dreams in a good company with good members. So I still feel like I'm in a dream. I don't feel real during our concert or meeting our fans. (Laughs) Oh, I don’t say such things to the members. It's my own thinking.

  The TREASURE Experience

  I am experiencing things I never thought possible. It's not easy to experience concerts and the fact that so many people like us. And it's new when we film our own content. We also have new experiences like bungee jumping. So it's always fun to experience things as TREASURE. Actually, I'm looking forward to today too. I always try to make photo shoots enjoyable and fun.

  My wonderful members

  The members who work on the song are amazing. It's really not easy to make a song. You express your thoughts through music. It’s amazing. I wish I could tell my story through music. Other media forms are good too. I hope my thoughts turn reality through work. Each member has a different favorite artist. So while sharing our favorite music styles, I often say that I like this kind of music. The artist I recently shared with the members is Crush. He made a comeback after a long time. I was totally shocked. It was a different kind of music, and it’s such an earworm.

  To be friendly and trustworthy

  We work together and move together. So I don’t usually feel it, but when I'm having a bit of a hard time, the members come to me first and talk to me. I am always grateful to the members who see my difficulties and come to me. Every time this happens, I feel like I'm with really good people. This is something I've been thinking about for a long time, and I want to become someone the members can rely on, whether physically or mentally. I want to become a person they can trust and rely on. Of course, I have to work harder to do that. I want to become a person who can understand people's feelings well, listen to their concerns and solve them.

  A vocalist’s ambition

  I am ambitious about singing. Fortunately, my opinions are often heard when it comes to singing, so I work hard all the time. I even tried singing until my throat closed. I think that greed was the driving force for me. The desire to do well is the driving force. Also, the members and I are on the same boat called TREASURE. I think responsibility is also a driving force.

  <THE SECOND STEP: CHAPTER TWO>

  This album contains many self-composed songs. There are many unit songs. There are also many different genres. We prepared a variety of styles so that fans would not be bored. We hope that you can enjoy it without any burden.

  Jeongwoo, 10 years later

  Time as TREASURE is a part of my life. I hope it will be an opportunity to grow a lot, both mentally and physically, rather than leaving it only as a memory. I hope it will serve as a dazzling prelude to my next chapter.

So Jung Hwan in Arena Homme Plus

• SO JUNG HWAN

  A teenager who is the mature youngest and vitality of the team, So Jung Hwan said that he wanted to experience more stages with the TREASURE members.

  New experiences are nourishment

  When I became an idol, I didn’t expect to have a photo shoot and interview like today. So I feel that today is a new opportunity, it is precious. Because good experiences are good nourishment. I like to challenge myself. If it's something I have to experience once, I want to do it while enjoying it.

  Dream come true

  At first, it’s through YouTube or broadcasting, but the more I watched it, the more I wanted to stand on stage. I also liked dancing and singing. Above all, seniors performing on the stage looked really cool. I was determined. I want to become an idol too. So I went to a dance academy, and one day, a YG trainee audition announcement was posted. At that time, I was lucky enough to pass, and I came to Seoul in my first year of middle school and started living in a dormitory. At first, I missed my parents and it was difficult, but now, I realized those were times and efforts I invested for my dream and tomorrow, and I am putting in efforts with the members.

  Family Support

  I told my parents that I would become an idol for the first time, and they approved readily. They supported what I wanted to do. On the other hand, they joked harshly, "If you don't debut, don't come back" this seems to have helped me endure a difficult time. I wanted to show that I can do it well and take responsibility. I wasn't sure about myself. So I practiced harded and immersed myself in it. My parents supported me, so I have to do better.

  Debut is not the end, it is the beginning

  If debut was the goal as a trainee, now it’s to become a better group. It's not being evaluated in a survival variety show, it's a real battle. I want to practice even once more to show a more perfect stage. Self-development is my big assignment and goal. I have to keep practicing and not slack. Not only that, but I'm also learning little by little how to dance and sing on stage while looking into the camera. I won't stop.

  Picturing a dream

  There are many seniors I want to learn and respect, but I do not use them as role models. I am me, and I want to impress with my charms more. So I find inspiration from image sharing sites by finding great photos that fit my taste. I imagine what it would be like to have a hairstyle like this, or what it would be like to stand on stage wearing a look like that, and materialize those imagery.

  Reasons I don't stop trying

  I am the youngest member of TREASURE. My trainee period is short compared to the hyungs, so I try harder. Members give generous support and encourage me to ask any questions I have at any time. I guess they are like brothers now? It's more fun to practice, schedule, and play together. As TREASURE we feel like we can get through anything if we stick together.

  Being the youngest

  I am often told that I am mature, and even though I know it is a compliment, I also want to find more joy that is appropriate for my age. I am also the youngest, and I want to be a bright and supportive presence among the members. A younger brother who gives strength just by being by their sides.

  Dream as TREASURE

  I want to do more performances with TREASURE in the future. I really like this job of working with the members on stage and meeting the audience and spreading the joy. I wish for TREASURE to become an icon. Not something that’s by association, but to enhance TREASURE’s unique style. To do that, we have to work harder, practice, and grow more, right?

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