The Korean-American singer, songwriter and dancer is famous for his diverse musical style. Not only does he exhibit musical prowess, he’s also loved by fans all around the world for his sharp dance moves and one-of-a-kind performances. The Hallyu icon shares his ‘firsts’ with us, from his growth and artistic journey to his experience covering Bruno Mars’ “Nothin’ On You”!
Who was your first celebrity crush?
I think Britney Spears. When I was growing up in high school, maybe Jennifer Lopez? I don’t know who came first, because when I was growing up in Seattle they were just coming along on the scene and they were the very hot ‘it’ girls. So I think either Jennifer Lopez or Britney Spears.
What was the first rap you ever wrote?
The first song, the first rap I ever wrote that I remember, is the one that I auditioned with in 2004. So it’s been what, eighteen years? I still remember it to this day. ‘My lyrics will make you lost in your tracks, make it harder for you than for Jesus to carry the cross on his back. You heard me, I’m dirty dog, I need a bar of soap. If this was a race, then I’d leave your car in smoke. Got the sharpest flows, other kids got the softest blows, no matter what you’ll lose like Clinton and Ross Perot’, something like that. I think that was the first rap I wrote.
What was your first tattoo?
I think the first tattoo is the one behind my ear. Right here, it says ‘AOM’, ‘Art of Movement’, which stands for my b-boy crew, my breakdance crew Art of Movement, that I joined in high school. So I think dancing and breakdancing gave me a sense of identity, a sense of community, and I’m still friends with all of them to this day. It’s been what, eighteen years? Over twenty years…
What was your first pet?
It was a hamster. I was too young… Our hamster probably had a name but [this was] like thirty-something years ago, I don’t remember. But our first dog’s name that we had in third grade was Jaerong, and that means cute gestures. So our first dog was a Maltese, Jaerong, [and we had a] hamster.
When was the first time you felt like you were famous?
Being on Vogue Hong Kong! (laughs) When I shot the cover of “Nothin’ On You” by B.o.B and Bruno Mars in 2010 and I put it on Youtube on my own channel, I started from zero subscribers. I think I got two million views in one day. I expected maybe a few thousand, and I didn’t know… It was just shot very simply in my bathroom. That’s when I was like “Oh damn, I’m pretty famous.”
I don’t really have any specific expectations in terms of fame; it depends on what you want to be famous for. If you have too many expectations I feel like you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Whether it be one person or a million people, I appreciate people that support me, listen to my music, and follow my journey. And as for other artists, I feel like if you just keep it true to yourself and authentic, make sure you work hard and you create something of value, that people may gravitate towards, then you’ll be good.
Videographer: Fok Ho Kwan
Video Editors: Fok Ho Kwan, Leung Chui Ying
Executive Producer: Michelle Wong
Producer: Hillary Huang
Coordination: Fung Hiu Kwan, Mama Yiu
Stylist: Recyde
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist: BLACKLIP
Gaffer: Dicky Ho
Camera Assistant: Cheng Tsz Kin
Special Thanks: The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
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Editor
Mama Yiu