Seventeen’s Woozi is the classic example of a well-rounded musician. The idol is an expert in all fields such as singing, dance, composing, and producing.

Of course, these talents did not come naturally.

“Just because you’re gifted, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work on it. I think that’s a waste of talent.” (Woozi)

The star was able to come this far through effort and pure practice. Woozi has promoted as a member of both Seventeen and as an individual artist. The years act as experience for the star now.

“Dispatch” had the chance to meet up with the talented idol. Below are a list of short questions and answers.

◆ "FROM THE BEGINNING"

Woozi’s first run-in with music is rather typical. The idol was an elementary school student when his English language teacher coincidentally shared a favorite pop song of his. That incident led to a major turning point in the star’s life.

Woozi was noticeably a gifted child. The star passed his audition for “Pledis Entertainment” upon the first try. The inexperienced child soon became a trainee for the company he would go on to be a bright light for.

The training period lasted for a total of four years. Although Woozi’s training wasn’t as long as others, it also wasn’t short. The period was full of both positive and negative events. This is what Woozi had meant when he had said that practice makes perfect.

D(ispatch): How did you first get into music?

W(oozy): My parents sent me to an English language academy when I was younger. The principal was also a pastor. He was a big fan of music, I was influenced by him.

The principal first introduced me to music. Since he was also a pastor, I eventually went on to follow him to church, sing for the choir and play instruments. The times spent were moments of bliss because I had enjoyed it so much. 

D: Is that how you went on to audition for Pledis?

W: I attended classes at a music academy during my transfer from a middle school student to a high schooler. The classes mark the first time I ever seriously learned music. It was fate when I had stumbled upon a poster for Pledis Entertainment.

I was confident in my singing because I was used to hearing that I was a good singer in my home city in Busan. (laughs)..I thought the audition would be a good chance for me to test my skills. So, I went for it.

D: We heard that you beat the odds of 300 contestants. 

W: I still remember it as if it was yesterday. The song I chose to sing was Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours.” Five to six contestants were grouped together in teams of one. I was the last to audition.

The casting managers were tough, and had cut people off even before they sang a minute of their song. However, they listened to me sing the whole song. To be honest, that’s when I knew. I thought to myself, “I must’ve been chosen.” (laughs)

D: We’re curious about Woozi’s trainee days.

W: I really put in so much effort. I trained as if I was debuting in the next month from my very first day. It was to the point where I practiced till 4am on my first day. I think everyone was very passionate.

It was like a matter of life or death. I danced and sang like I was taught as if my life had depended on it.

When it came to dancing, I wasn’t able to do do it at all. That’s why I practiced for around twelve hours. And eventually, a company staff had asked me if I had plans on joining the performance team. That’s how much I improved.

D: Did the effort create the Woozi that we see today?

W: If I were to go back, I don’t think I’d be able to do it all again. It’s surprising to me how I worked so hard for something at a time when I did not see a glimmer of hope. I think what drove me was the desire to accomplish something. 

◆ "SEVENTEEN"

Fast forward to today, Woozi is a member of Seventeen. The star is a producer and a leader of the vocal team in “Seventeen.” To claim that Woozi is responsible for Seventeen’s music would be an understatement.

The star first garnered attention when he debuted as a “producing idol.” Woozi is responsible for hit tracks such as “Adore U”, “Mansae”, “Pretty U”, “Very Nice”, and “Boom Boom.”

Woozi had driven Seventeen to stardom. “If I say that it wasn’t a burden or a weight on my shoulders, that would be a lie.” The star was always thinking of their very next moves and went on to produce such hits. The passion birthed the Seventeen we know and love today.

D: What’s one thing that you prioritize when it comes to producing Seventeen’s music?

W: It’s to “express the things that are true to us.” There’s no filter or sugar coating. The songs are simply about us. That’s what I focus on when producing for the group.

D: Is there a song you prefer?

W: Hmm.. if I were to choose, it’d be “Smile Flower.” There’s a part where all the members sing in unison. I think it goes well with the song. 

D: Is there anything else you’d like to challenge as Seventeen?

W: At first, we had talked a lot about what to try. We eventually did do everything we said we’d do. Now we have to challenge things that are unimaginable, but that isn’t an easy task to accomplish. We try to think ahead and always live with the idea of wanting to do more. 

D:  What’s Seventeen to Woozi?

W: We’re like family. I like to think my members feel and think the same way. We all feel a sense of strength, love, and friendship. When we’re sad, we all share the gloominess of one. Of course, I’m sure our Carats feel the same way.

I think it’s those pieces of feelings continue to mold the Seventeen you know today and of the future. They’re now my reason as to why I had made music during my debut days.

◆ “RUBY” 

Today, Woozi continues to test the barriers and scope of music. The idol had even released a mixtape of his own, last month, titled “Ruby.”

“To be honest, I’m already busy as it is with the producing of Seventeen’s albums alone. However, I had wanted to try my hands at music that was true to me as an individual.” (Woozi)

The star’s mixtape, “Ruby”, was all birthed through the idol’s creativity. Woozi had composed, produced, and made the tracks.

The tunes are in a way, similar to Woozi, but also unlike the star. “Ruby” has depth like the talents of Woozi. The rock inspired song is certainly on its way to great success.

D: How did you first get into producing?

W: The company had initially recommended I try. At first, I had just answered with “I’ll think about it.” I was too busy with Seventeen, there wasn’t much time for me to produce for myself. When I was finally given the chance to try, I was open to the idea.

D:  Why is the mixtape titled, “Ruby?”

W: Seventeen is the diamond. To the group, “Carat” exists. I thought it’d be cool to pick another jewel. When I thought of a jewel that would make the perfect statement, the thought of a ruby had come to me, a bright, red ruby.

D: The singer had previously stated that “Ruby” is the answer to the question, “what music does Woozi do?”

W: I had thought of doing ballad at first. This is because the genre is effective when expressing emotions. But I’m not sure that it sat well with me when I thought of myself as the “Woozi who sings ballad songs.”

Of course, that’s also a part of me. However, there’s another whole section of genres that I enjoy as well. It wasn’t enough for me to just do ballad. That’s how “Ruby” was eventually made.

D: What was producing “Ruby”, like?

W: At first, there was a lot of trial and error. I had accidentally deleted an intro I had made and purposely deleted ones that I later found irrelevant. The individual mixtape was like a present to myself. I really wanted to do well. I’m glad and satisified with the results.

D: Woozi had written a song in English. The international fans seem to like it.

W: I had wanted to do music that was both like me and unlike me. The English came naturally when I was producing. I think it completes the song.

I’m not very good with English. Working with English takes longer and tires me out more. But I think the language suits the track more.

D: What’s one key point of the song?

W: People don’t like jewels because they’re simply, expensive. A jewel is nice to look at and also allows a person to feel a variety of things. That’s why I believe they’re priceless. I wanted people to feel something similar through the mixtape. I think the mixtape is a mix of many wonderful things. 

◆ “ALL-ROUNDER”

This is why Woozi is the representative idol for a “well-rounded” star. Woozi has the talents and the passion. The star is driven by the idea to make music that could potentially help someone.

Woozi commented, “Seventeen is still thirsty for more”, leading fans and the public to anticipate the star’s next moves. 

D: How does it feel to be addressed as a “well-rounded” artist?

W: To be honest, all I think of is working even harder. I personally believe that it’s a waste of talents to not work on your skills just for the sole reason that one is born with it. Ironically, it makes me want to do even better.

D: It looks as if you have a lot on your plate. 

W: It might be a bit of a stretch, but there’s a saying that I follow, Music made today can only be made today. That’s why I put in more effort.

It feels like a really difficult project or homework. I think the expectations from the outside is what keeps us going as a group. Our task is to complete and exceed the expectations of the people. 

D: What’s Seventeen’s goal?

W: We’re still thirsty for more. (Laughs) we want to achieve even more. We will, of course, work even harder. It’s good for us, but also for our fans. Our fans like it so much, it’s strength for us to carry on. 

D: What’s Woozi’s future like?

W: I produce with the thought that these songs will be of help to someone out there. If you slowly work your way up with that same perspective, you will eventually be able to garner interest in your music. Of course, you can also be criticized for it.

I want to be an artist that makes good music for a long time. I want to be someone who can be a source of comfort for people.

<Photo credits=Hyojin Song(Dispatch), Pledis Entertainment>

<Translated by=Justina Kim(Dispatch)>