Jisoo (know closely), BLACKPINK‘s lovely and unique vocalist, is the cover model for ELLE Korea January 2021 edition (see details). Here, we present you the answers Jisoo gave in the interview (in English) together with new, high-quality photos from the interview.
Let’s start with a dazzling video footage, where Jisoo praises of people who are confident:
Here are the questions and the answers:
The NETFLIX documentary “BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky” has an opening scene where four BLACKPINK members are standing next to next at their debut press conference. I think you must have quite a feeling about it.
Yeah, that’s true. Essentially the footage from our world tour. When I look back, it really feels like a dream. Sometimes I feel captivated by nostalgia… However, I also think about the moments missed.
This is also a documentary that shed light on the stories of Kpop idols over the specific case of BLACKPINK. When you did learn about the idea of a documentary, what was your reaction? did you think it was a good idea to make such a documentary?
When I first hear about it I was a little concerned about “How can we fill up a documentary as such just with our experiences and little stories here and there”. I was just wondering. After the idea settled a bit in my mind, I began to think that while only 4 years have passed over our debut, we have been accumulating experiences for almost 10 years if you include the period when we were trainees. Now looking retrospectively to the creation of the documentary, it was for sure a meaningful thing to do! We had a great opportunity to look back on what we wished and what kind of dreams we have achieved until this far.
This not the first collaboration with ELLE. Not too long ago you were once again “The Cover Star” for ELLE USA. How went that shoot?
It was a rare experience for sure! While I was a bit anxious before the shoot. However as the actual shooting started, I was focused naturally with the flow of the shoot. It was a video interview where I felt more relaxed and comfortable (If you are curious about that interview, you can learn more here: www.korebu.com/en/blackpink-cover-elle-us-october/
That shoot was also much fun during the “Song Association” part, where they reminded us a word and we immediately sang a song related with that keyword. [You can watch that part from the below video].
You must be talking about the video that got 9 millions of views! You are here for CARTIER today. Would you wear the luxury items you are filming today in your routine daily life?
When I first see it in the picture, I actually thought that it would be a bit too much for the fact that it carries a massive jewel over it. But when I actually wore it I saw that it fitted my casual look quite well. The CARTIERs were good for being both a comfortable and a stylish items to wear. CARTIER has a long history as a brand and hence has its own tradition. I think I may reinterpret this tradition and atmosphere to create a new synergy.
[ You can check about how a good model Jisoo is and how she adds her own vibe to the prominent brands:
Jisoo with DIOR bags and outfits: www.korebu.com/en/jisoo-dior-harpers-bazaar/.
Jisoo in Versace dress: www.korebu.com/en/blackpink-jisoo-versace/]
Do you have your own set of criteria to select upon such items?
I am more inclined to choose items that would look good on me rather than purchasing them just because they look good on some random model. At certain times you look at an item and you readily think that should look good on you. I opt to select such items especially if I think that they match other items that I already have. Looking back, I observe that most of my items were chosen in that way.
Fashion and style are quite powerful instruments to convey the feeling of the music; perhaps the most powerful. When did you realize this power?
I have always felt the power of style since my debut days. The song itself is important of course, but what what creates the power is the coherence of choreography, makeup, hair style and the vibe of the song. When all these are in line, charm of each members shine as a whole!
When I observe your promotion period or what’s going on in the reality show 24/364, you really look happy as a group of four, i.e. with all members together. How do you spend your time with your bandmates?
I feel like a true BLACKPINK when I am with my bandmates, a lot more than when I am all alone. I feel more confident with them and I act without hesitation. Knowing that there are three other fellows who think and push for in the same route gives me courage and strength. Accordingly, we have so many moments of fun!
What was your feelings when you first received “THE ALBUM”?
I was so excited as this was our first album. I thought about how BLINK would feel when they first look at this album and listen to it. I wanted to show it to them immediately. This is an album that I am closely attached in so many ways personally, so I was hoping and wishing that a lot of people like it as well.
The eight songs in the album seems to represent BLACKPINK’s identity.
Many people worked real hard and for a long time to produce this album. Although I worked real hard on it, after we complete the album, I felt some disappointment. All of other contributors of the album agreed upon that “disappointment” feeling (haha). I realized at that point that we had worked very hard on every single song and every tiny detail.
You contributed to the lyrics of “Lovesick Girls”. Were you satisfied with that participation?
I felt proud for contributing for our first ever album. All of us have numerous emotions and feelings. When I participated to the song, I was thinking like “How would they feel when they listen to this song? I wish they can relate themselves to it”.
The last track “You Never Know” sounds as if it is the autobiography of BLACKPINK.
That song moves my heart at every listen! There are many sections of the lyrics that I can relate myself strongly and the each verse of the song is meaningful and beautiful. It’s a comforting song for me.
You have an attractively rich and a really deep voice. What are your competencies as a vocalist?
This is my personal opinion, but I think if you have a unique tone coupled with husky vocals than you are highly advantaged as a vocalist. It is an unordinary voice that is discerned immediately upon a listen. However, to me, my voice is definitely sounds like me when I hear it (hahahah).
From formal chic dresses to street style, you have tried without any hesitation various styles on the set today. Is there a challenging thing even for you?
When working, I often encounter with new things that I never done before. New things pose a new challenge every time but I never think like “It is going to be hard this time”. Everyone has their first time; however when you complete the process once, the experience is added to your “experiences and skills set”. It becomes yours! So I consider new challenges as a perfect opportunity to gain new skills that I don’t possess before. If you think from this perspective, you would enjoy every new thing without being concerned with the challenges attached to it!
I heard you are a “Hard worker since born”; i.e. hard work is just natural for you. Does that mean you know how to proceed swiftly once you set a goal for yourself?
Rather than knowing how to set a goal and go for it, I think I am better at not fearing a bit when I need to be moving in a certain direction. There is no guarantee that this road is silky and smooth. But I don’t need that either; I am fearless to run to my destination. I think that’s my strong point.
What is the occasion do you feel that you are grown and matured up the most?
I think I mature with each and every moment of hard work. The moment that your efforts produce results will arrive someday. And every time I know and see that there is at last one fan appreciates my hard work. The sense of accomplishment is my ultimate driving force to keep going on!
I am sure your bandmates are a bit different than your friends and family. Do you have any particular stories or commitments you have exchanged with them?
We have a story we talk about a lot. In the future, when we look back, we want to be known as a group who created great music and inspired great numbers of people. It could be through our stage performance or our style. I hope we stay in the memories of people as wonderful human beings. I hope we can influence them to achieve better. I always want to be dedicated for this together with my bandmates.
You are breaking so many records, but in essence what gathered you in BLACKPINK is that you are four girls who love to sing and dance. How do you keep up with the feeling of longing for the stage?
For several reasons, the opportunities to perform on stage is diminished significantly, but we are trying to find innovative ways to communicate and reach out our fans in this new environment. We are in preparation for an online concert at the end of the year [postponed to January 31, 2021 because of more stringent end-of-year COVID restrictions]. Still I miss so much performing on stage where I can directly communicate with BLINK and feel their love and support direct-handedly. A completely a different energy is felt when you witness and listen how your audience burst with exuberance!
It is time that we are end of the year and welcoming the next, what are your expectations from the new year?
Our first full album let us meet BLINK in various ways. We have collaborated with other artists throughout the year [Sour Candy with Lady Gaga is awarded as the best collaboration of the year, you can read details here www.korebu.com/en/blackpink-lady-gaga-sour-candy-award/]. I hope 2021 reveals as more comforting and joyful. If we stay as restrained as of now, I will be contemplating about finding new, innovative ways that allow us to feel like we are at the same place with BLINK.
