In conversation with SF9 Yoo Taeyang

SF9’s members are well-known in the Hallyu industry for being busy bees and showcasing their different talents on their solo projects.

Yoo Taeyang is what most entertainment journalists would define as a “multi-hyphenated artist”. The truth is that Yoo Taeyang is way more. This 26-year-old artist can masterfully sing any song or melody, he can dance to various types of music with any difficulties, and last but not least, he can act. If that’s not enough, he’s a stunner, and his perfect visual peacefully coexists with his calm and thoughtful personality.

Lately, not only has Taeyang made all the Fantasy (SF9’s fandom name) and Exol gush with one of the most natural and sincere interactions between idols, but he also keeps giving chills to those coming to see him performing live on stage in the musical Secretly Greatly: The Last, in which he portrays a North Korean spy named Ri Haerang dispatched in South Korea.

Despite his busy schedule, Panorama.it had the chance to sit with him for an exclusive interview.

Nice to meet you, Taeyang. Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi Panorama subscribers! I'm Yoo Taeyang from SF9 who loves performances. I'm so glad to say hi.

Let’s talk about your life on stage. What do you feel when you perform?

Every stage is precious to me. I want to perform that I won't be embarrassed about. Sometimes, when I let myself flow with the music, I even forget about everything and fall into it. Full of joy. The fans also sympathize with me. And that's when I feel proud.

Which is the main difference when you perform with SF9 and in a musical?

When I perform as a team, I try to be faithful to my position and role. And get more energy from the fans. For musical performances, I try to focus on expressing the work. Truly getting into the characters, value the role, and teamwork.

Talking about musicals, you are now acting in Secretly Greatly: The Last. How is life as amusical actor?

I thought I got used to the stage while performing, but thanks to the musical, I learned a new joy. It was so exciting to talk, move, and sing as other characters in the work. The biggest charm of musicals is that I can become a character other than myself and project myself into the lives of the others for a while. Yoo Taeyang, who performs as a singer and musical actor, will continue to move forward.

You have also been cast for a new musical, Dream High, an adaptation of a K-drama. How did you prepare for the casting?

The premiered musical Dream High is a show musical that contains both fun and emotion. In order to show various performances, I'm preparing a dance with my own color and harmony with the dancers. Please look forward to the Song Sam-dong that I express.

You are one of the most talented dancers in the K-pop industry. Do you follow a particular routine when you exercise?

Before I dance, I practice thinking about what I want to express in detail. I don't just dance to the music; I organize the choreography by putting meaning into my gestures and movements. I especially care about the angle and expression of my face.

Last year in LA, you danced at the Millennium. It’s one of the most famous schools in the world, and people like Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Jennifer Lopez trained. How was the experience?

It's a place that I’ve really wanted to go to since I was preparing to become a singer. I wanted to dance with various dancers and experience many things so as not to limit my style. It was a short time in LA, but it inspired me in another sense. I want to meet various dancers from all over the world to learn how to dance and dance with them. Cause I'm a singer and dancer from the bottom of my heart.

We saw you on your social media doing some dance challenges. The last one was Rover from KAI. FANTASY and Exol loved your interaction on social media. Did you have the chance to talk with him?

KAI is a senior artist that I really like. After we met in London last year, we finally had a chance to get in touch and shoot a challenge together. I told him that I would continue to support him.

If you could choose one dance challenge and one partner to do it right now, which would it be and why?

Absolutely with KAI. Michael Jackson's ‘Dangerous’.

Your MBTI should be INFP. Do you recognize yourself in it?

The biggest part is the emotional things. I am really emotional that I can empathize with everyone. It helps me act and perform. It's commonly said that there are many INFPs among artists. It has the advantage of being able to fall deeper into something when I try to express myself.

Talking about your music career. You have been part of SF9 since 2016. What does the group mean to you?

SF9 is a grateful team that brought me into the world as a singer. I want to be someone who can always be a strength as a member of the team.

Once you said you are a fashionista. What is the piece of clothing or accessory you could never go without?

I especially care about hats and shoes. I often use bucket hats and spice up with shoes. I used to like only solid colors, but I'm trying various styles these days. When I dance, I can express myself more depending on my clothes, so I pay more attention to my outfit when I dance than usual.

If you had to describe yourself with one adjective, one color, one part of your body, and one song, which would they be?

Limitless

Green

Eyes

Musical ‘Notre Dame de Paris’ – ‘Lune’ / Michael Jackson – ‘Rock With You’

I have a question from your Italian fanbase: if you have to stop for a moment and think about all the challenges you went through and your life as an idol, what makes you feel better the most, and for what are you grateful the most?

I can't decide the happiest moment yet. I believe I'll be happier in the future, so I'm still on my way to happiness. I'm a man who doesn't know satisfaction. If I have my fans and precious people by my side, I can always be cooler. I'm moving forward with gratitude for every moment.

I have one last question: who is Yoo Taeyang now?

I'm still lacking. There's a lot to learn, and I’m clumsy. That makes the life fun. There is a sense of accomplishment when you overcome difficulties and get good results. I want to make each step by myself. I will be the person that everyone could recognize without regret, no matter where my destination is.