Post by HYUN AE CHELSEA PARK on Mar 6, 2013 19:49:02 GMT -8
| [atrb=style,width: 420px; background-color: efefef; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/6jh1H.png); padding: 5px, bTable] HYUN AE CHELSEA PARK 17 | STRAIGHT | K-POP IDOL/STUDENT | HIGH SCHOOL KID | IU/Lee Ji-eun THE INTERVIEW HELLO. THANKS FOR COMING IN TODAY. SHALL WE START WITH YOUR NAME? Ah, hello! My name is Hyun Ae Chelsea Park, though most people just call me Chelsea. When I was born, my parents wanted to only give me a Korean name, but a nurse at the hospital suggested giving me an English middle name. She thought that it might help me fit in when I got older... It actually did. Having an English name to fall back on when kids started teasing me because of my Korean name. It was so different, and for a large part of my childhood, I hated it. It made me stand out so much... I’ve grown to love it, though. The differences made me stronger, I think. However, I still go by Chelsea for the most part. In Korea, at least, I’m known almost exclusively as Chelsea. THAT'S A NICE NAME. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING? Until about two weeks ago, I was living in South Korea, as a K-Pop Idol. I was discovered by a talent agency when I was eleven, at which point I was taken to train to become an idol. When I was fourteen, I made my debut. I had three good years, but then I needed a break, so I came back here. This is my home, and I missed it a lot while in Korea. Right now, I’m finishing up high school. At least for the time being, that is my main priority. INTERESTING. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? Free time had been a little difficult for me to get, before coming back here. I had rehearsals, and performances, television appearances, photo shoots... It seemed like I was almost constantly working. As much as I loved performing, I grew to hate it. My fans were so kind, but all the kindness in the world doesn’t make up for exhaustion. I didn’t want to become bitter, because deep in my heart, I truly love making music, and I want to go back to it someday. In my rare free time, I like games. Dating sims are my favorite, but I’ll play just about any kind of game. My second favorite, I think, is Pokemon. When I was a kid, I used to dream of being a trainer. My dream team would be Gardevoir, Sableye, Lopunny, Delcatty, Pachirisu, and Emolga. I’ve got a soft spot for the cute ones. Aha, I’m getting off track, aren’t I? Er... I also enjoy writing my own music, or doing acoustic covers of songs I really like. I suppose a majority of my time is spent making music or dancing, but I love both enough that I don’t mind. WOULD YOU SAY THOSE ACTIVITIES REFLECT WHO YOU ARE? I think so? I mean, I am a musician, so obviously it does at least in that manner. You could also take it to mean that I’m willing to work hard, and am dedicated to following my dreams. Optimistic might be a word that comes to mind when I think of my activities in relation to my personality. I like to look on the bright side of life. Being sad... I think it is a waste of time. Being happy is so much easier, plus I always feel more productive when I’m happy. Since I was young when I made my debut, I’ve always had a reputation as a rather innocent artist. That didn’t really bother me, because it’s mostly true. I’ve always been very sheltered, so I can be a little naive sometimes. It’s... not always a good thing. Now that I’m a little older, I would like to branch out, to be known as a more mature artist, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to do that. It’ll be a difficult transition, I think, definitely one that is going to take some time. I don’t want to be the bad girl, party girl, teen starlet gone wrong... I just want to grow up a little. Being a kid forever isn’t possible. Neverland isn’t real, after all. So... Maybe my desire to grow up is more resignation to the fact, but it is true. I only hope that my fans and everyone who has supported me all this time will see it the same way. COOL BEANS. THEY SAY YOUR FAMILY SHAPES WHO YOU ARE. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOURS? My family is wonderful. They have always been very supportive of me, and my dreams. At first, my father was very hesitant about letting me be trained to be an idol, but I convinced him that I wouldn’t be happy any other way. This was what I wanted, so he allowed me to do it. His only rule was that if I ever got into any trouble, or got overwhelmed or ill because I refused to admit weakness, I had to come back here. I know he loves me very much, and I am very grateful for all of the support my father has given me. Disappointing him has always been very painful for me, because he truly believes that I am capable of anything. I think that was the hardest part of coming home. Admitting to my father that I wasn’t ready six years ago, disappointing him because he had so much faith in me. He hasn’t said he’s disappointed, but I see it in his eyes whenever he looks at me. The only person more supportive of my dreams is my mother. It was my mother that helped me convince my father to let me go, my mother who called me twice every day to see how I was doing, my mother who would drop everything and fly to Korea any time I needed her. She has truly been there for me through all of my struggles, a constant source of love and support. When I made my debut, she came to Korea and stayed for a month, so she could be at my first appearances. When I started thinking I needed to come home, she told me that everyone would understand if I did, and that it would be for the best. Though I know my father is disappointed in me, I know my mother is not. She is merely concerned for my well-being, which is all I need. Aside from my parents, I also have an older brother and cousin. My brother and I are very close, despite a five year age gap, and he and I spoke as often as we could while I was away. He was very supportive as well, always asking me how rehearsals were and where I’d be performing, so he could watch. He likes to tease that he’s my biggest fan, but I know he does really believe in me. After all, he did start my US fan club, so he must have some faith in me. My cousin is ten years older than I am, and she was actually the one who got me my first audition. She was in a girl group, but was also very popular at the company for being such a hard worker. When she told them she had a younger cousin who wanted to be an idol, they agreed to let me audition. After they agreed to make me an idol, she was the one who helped me the most. I would have been lost, at least for the first few years, without her. Despite being fluent in Korean, I was still very nervous about speaking it to people outside of my family. She helped me become confident about my language skills. I think that aside from my mother, she has been the greatest female influence in my life, and I am very grateful to her for that. I don’t really have any other family, and haven’t had any time for pets. I suppose that may change in the future, but for now, it’s just them. AND YOUR LIFE? TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PAST. I'M EAGER TO HEAR. My past? Well, I was born here in Brunswick. My parents were originally from Korea, but found jobs and moved here about a year before my brother was born. I grew up speaking Korean and English, because my parents always wanted my brother and I to be able to go back if we ever wanted to. They both grew up in somewhat traditional families, so they tried to keep some traditions while adapting to the culture here. Hence my English middle name. For the most part, my childhood was easy. Since I was very young, I have been drawn to music, so that has always colored my experiences. I asked my parents for music lessons when I was four, and they agreed, so I began learning to play the piano. Then, when I started attending school, I begged for guitar lessons, so I took those as well. When I was eight, I asked for singing lessons, and again, they agreed. I was very lucky to have such supportive parents. At school, I didn’t have nearly as much support. My name was hard for a lot of my classmates, and even some teachers, to pronounce. Eventually, I just had everyone calling me Chelsea... It was much easier for everyone that way. As a child, I didn’t have many close friends. I was a little introverted, and anyone who had teased me about my name was considered an enemy. It was a little lonely. I dreamt of going away, being beautiful and popular, having people want to be my friend... I was a dreamer. To some extent, my dreams came true when I was eleven. My cousin got me an audition with a record company, and they thought I had talent. I went away to Korea, to be trained to be a K-Pop idol. All of those piano, guitar, and singing classes my parents had put me in were now paying off. I was happier than I had ever been. For three years, I worked almost constantly, taking dance lessons, singing lessons, as well as my regular academics. I had so much to keep up with, plus learning new things. I had all of the stuff that everyone else has to learn, math, science, history, literature... But I also had Korean and English grammar lessons, and classes to teach me Japanese. It was hard, for a while, keeping all of it straight. There was so much. I adapted, though... I really, really wanted this. My instructors and mentors were very strict with me. I had a lot of rules I had to follow. No skipping classes or practices. No boys. No girls. Nothing that could cause a scandal... I was kept sheltered from anything that could distract me from my future. Anything that could tarnish the crystal pure image of me that they wanted. I understand why now. The media can be harsh. Keeping me away from scandals was a way of protecting me. It was good for the company, but it was necessary for my own well-being too. Back then, I wanted to be an idol so badly, though... I did whatever I was told. I had my dreams within my grasp, and I would have done anything to get them. Lucky for me, that just meant following their rules and working hard. After three years, they thought I was ready. So, at fourteen years old, I made my debut. They wanted me to stand out from other female idols, so they thought my age, American name, and speaking three languages would help that. I guess it did, because before I even knew what was happening, I was getting popular. It was the most amazing feeling in the world. Everything I had ever wanted was happening... It was a dream come true. In the three years since my debut, my life has changed dramatically. I’ve had multiple chart topping singles, two albums, worked on several soundtracks, starred in a drama, and done some work as a spokesperson and host. It’s a lot of work, but I love it. My fans are some of the most beautiful people I’ve ever had the pleasure to talk to. They’re so kind, and, to be perfectly honest with you, very flattering in their praise. It’s overwhelming sometimes to realize just how admired I am. But... To have a girl tell me that I’ve given her the confidence to chase her dreams? Or have a fan tell me that my music inspired them in some aspect of their life? It is the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. Whenever it happens, it feels like my heart is going to just burst from the happiness. Likewise, the criticism I receive can be painful, but I do my best to always learn from it. If I am told that I am lacking in some way, I try to improve myself. I want to be the best person that I can be. Aside from my career, my life has changed in other aspects. I’ve made many friends, some other idols, some actors, even some of the people who are part of the crews I work with. Almost everyone has been so kind to me... I can’t imagine having gotten this far without them. As per my record company’s rules, I haven’t had any public relationships. Just friendships. I’m supposed to be innocent, so having a relationship in the spotlight would distract from that. There would be all sorts of speculation, so I had to avoid that. What about a secret? Everyone has a secret. Ah... Well, I feel really stupid about this. I mean, oh my god, this was pretty much rule number o ne of ‘things Chelsea can never ever do’. But... I met a boy. And I fell for him. I fell hard. He was one of my costars on the drama I was in... We played a couple, so I guess that might have fueled it. We’ve been secretly dating for eight months. A month ago, I realized my period was late. I’m pregnant, and I have no idea what to do. I’ve been so scared of screwing up, that now, I did it in the grandest fashion I possibly could. That’s why I really came home. Getting an abortion isn’t an option. I couldn’t do it. So, I’m going to stay here, where I’m an anonymous nobody, until I’ve had the baby. After that... I don’t know. Nobody in Korea knows, aside from my manager and my cousin. I’ve not even told my boyfriend... This would ruin our careers. So, that’s my big secret. I’m not as innocent as everyone thinks I am. I’m seventeen and pregnant, and absolutely terrified of what this means for my future. ALRIGHT. TIME'S ALMOST UP. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR DREAMS. QUICK! I’ve already gotten to live most of my dreams... But I suppose that once I’ve had my baby, I’d like to go back to Korea. I... I’d like to pretend this never happened, once it’s over. I don’t want to disappoint anyone else. AND THAT'S A WRAP. IT WAS NICE GETTING TO KNOW YOU. Thank you! I had fun answering your questions! Nobody has ever really asked me about a lot of this stuff before... BEHIND THE MASK EMILY | 18 | PACIFIC | ALREADY HERE | CASSIUS MAXWELL DUFFY Done in Cash’s app! |
