[INTERVIEW] Suzy - Living Life in the Fast Lane

A popular and successful star, shrouded by an intense work schedule - like walking on a highway, forever rushing forwards. Korean stars in particular, especially idols who become famous early in their debut, especially artists that develop in a number of areas, who enjoy igniting their youth through songs, films, television and all sorts of other stages to captivate fans. “Nation’s first love” Suzy is someone who lives in the fast lane. She visited Hong Kong earlier, leaving as quickly as she had arrived, to visit on another day. [She was] so busy there wasn’t even a single day in between to spare. Suzy makes every second in this show business count. The people around her are busy planning for her yet she herself remains unhurried. The goddess with a fresh and pure temperament, after all it's a “slow” growth to blossoming.

If I predict correctly, the Hallyu Wave will continue to sweep across in the new year. If I had to describe this popular craze in one word at the end of the year, it’d be: dazzling! When new and dashing Korean stars come to Hong Kong, their arrival “dazzles” the airport, their attendance at events barely takes ten or so minutes before a circle of shrieking fans appear. Of course, these fans spend days and nights and their money to support these stars. In return, the onscreen and onstage performances of these Korean stars is enough to “dazzle” their fans. Among these is one who is the dream date of countless boys, Bae Suzy. Visiting Hong Kong three times in a year, you can only imagine just how popular the female star is. Even without a crystal ball in hand, one can already predict that Suzy’s future career will only be even more sparkling.

Countdown to a New Stage

10. Definition of Success

The young Suzy has already created many great achievements. Debuting as a member of girl group Miss A over six years ago, while at the same time appearing in TV dramas, developing/growing smoothly and easily to become a musical, TV, film and eventually a new all-round entertainment king, furthermore she obtained the title of “Nation’s First Love” through film ‘Architecture 101’. She was the ‘blueprint’ for the first South Korean female star wax figure in the world, now set up in Hong Kong. In other celebrity lists like ‘most beautiful face’ and advertisement favorability rankings, Suzy often ranks the highest. A goddess, a distinguished youth, also a successful woman, her pursuit isn’t to just move up or gain money but rather to achieve self-fulfilled satisfaction. “I think a woman’s success has no definition. To try your best efforts to complete the task in front of you and satisfy one's current self, everyone is successful then, aren’t they?”

9. Multi-talented

Kpop idols, with well rounded skills like a sharp blade. While Suzy has a fresh and pure face suitable for a first-love girlfriend, the actual truth is that she can act, sing and dance. Standing onstage she suddenly transforms into a sexy goddess, participating in variety shows she also displays her variety skills. Although she has crossed over to develop in various areas, her heart is set. Suzy expressed: “I love both participating in TV dramas and releasing albums. It’s interesting because these two types of work are different, which excites passion.”

8. Which ‘Me’ Do You Love the Most?

Suzy has acted in a number of Korean dramas, playing both historical and modern women, immersing herself into the worlds of these roles. Of these, which one is the closest to her in real life? The goddess thought deeply for a moment, “It’s very difficult to pick among them. All of those roles have aspects similar to me. I can’t say that all of these roles are very much like myself in real life, but each character, to some extent, has my likeness. The aspect of working hard to become a singer was a similarity I shared with ‘Hyemi’ in my drama debut ‘Dream High’. ‘Uncontrollably Fond’’s ‘No Eul’ also contains the likeness of Bae Suzy, so every time I shot a work, the people around me would say “That role is really like you”. So through each of these roles you can find common ground with myself.”

7. Source of Inspiration

Suzy can sing, dance and act. Now two more [skills] can be added: composing and writing. For the ‘Uncontrollably Fond’ OST, the goddess released her first self-composed song ‘When It’s Good’. Taking care of both writing and composition of the song, she also sung it herself. As such, she begins her journey to becoming a talented singer-songwriter. Suzy revealed her creative habits, being busy doesn’t stop her at all, “I mostly carry out [composing/writing] on the plane”. Making the mos of her time as a frequent flyer, she can write songs without being disturbed. She added: “Perhaps I write especially well after one or two drinks. I also love to find inspiration in the early hours of morning or after watching movies and reading books”. She laughed and said: “I like to drink Korean soju, the brand that I’m endorsing”. Proving she is indeed a CF queen, as expected she works hard as a spokesperson.

6. Adding Value

From asking about her choices of movies and books we can understand the taste of the ‘Nation’s First Love’. “I’m the type that will watch all the current films. There have been many good movies lately. If I were to pick from the ones I had watched in the past, I like ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ starring Jennifer Lawrence. I’d like to appear in a project like that one day. Also, I’ve been trying hard to read all types of books these days.”

5. Slow Living and Relaxing

On her days off from shooting dramas or promoting songs, the goddess doesn’t have any particular interests whatsoever, she only loves to drive around. Flying about is for work, but going for a drive is to relax oneself. With no specific destination, only to follow where the heart leads. “I also like to sit around lost in thought and love meeting with friends”. In the world of rushing at urgent deadlines, in the intensely competitive circle, slowing down and knowing when to relax is the way to survive.

4. Expectant Waiting for Fan Meeting

The popular Suzy is quite friendly and close to fans. Coming to and from the airport or attending events, she definitely will send many hearts. Naturally, fans really want her to hold a fan meeting in Hong Kong - she would like to too. “I hope I can meet even more fans through fan meetings in the future but there are no definite plans at this time”. Indeed, the Suzy at fan meets and concerts are different. “In fan meets there are a lot of talk sections and more communication with fans. In concerts however, the emphasis is on stage theatrics and more diverse performances”. Time and time again the goddess has come to Hong Kong, she has a message for Hong Kong fans: “Even from this far of a distance you have been continuously cheering me on, I am really grateful. I miss you and really want to meet you all”.

3. New Year’s Big Plans

2017 is drawing closer, fans fervently anticipate seeing a shining and bright new side of Suzy. But the goddess says: “There are no concrete plans for work right now, I’d only like to live more earnestly. However, I am choosing scripts at the moment”. Perhaps it was because the timing wasn’t right during our December interview, Suzy and her team remained tight-lipped about her plans for the upcoming year. Korean news outlets had reported that Suzy would return with new music as a solo artists. The MV teaser that was shot in Hong Kong was also revealed. It was rumoured that she had accepted a new drama ‘While You Were Sleeping’ to be filmed alongside Lee Jongsuk…..For the time being, fans can only wait and see.

2. Comeback Secrets

When a singer makes a comeback, they are busy going to every major TV station music show to promote their new releases and appearing on variety shows for publicity. Every appearance must be sparkling and radiant. Suzy has her own insight: “There was a period of time before when I didn’t go to the gym. I’ve started working out again now, mostly on aerobic exercises and pilates to develop my stamina. Besides this, regarding mindset I focus on staying positive and to also think about the support from fans often”. Suzy’s father is a taekwondo instructor and she learnt it when she was younger. She spoke frankly, “I haven’t practiced taekwondo in a long time, I’m starting to forget how to play”.

1. Spicy Gourmet Girl

Because of the importance of the stage, one’s diet should also be controlled - even though she is one of the lucky types that can eat without gaining weight easily. “Health is most important during a comeback, I eat more salads during then. I don’t have any dietary restrictions normally. I love to eat, especially spicy and salty foods. Among Hong Kong cuisine, my first pick would be dimsum”.

0. Get Ready

The goddess is completely prepared. After the countdown entering ‘17, Suzy will be on the verge of take-off, with a vow to show fans a charismatic new stage. Are you ready?

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Source: Cosmopolitan HK, December 2016
Translation: JYP Whispers
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