Be it music, visual, character, the boy group who has it all, B1A4. Gongchan who is in charge of the visual had his birthday on the 14th this month. 

5 years has passed since he debut as B1A4. The maknae was used to be cute has now grown up to be a manly guy. Focus media spoke with the man who has grown more matured on his birthday.

Q: What do you think you will do on your birthday?

A: We have DMZ Peace concert schedule on my birthday. I think we always have a schedule on my birthday. However, I like it that I get to spend my birthday with fans every time.

Q: Your birthday thoughts?

A: I am happy that every time I have my birthday I am spending it with the fans. Because I have banas, my birthday can be fun when every one is together, I can also share the fun, I feel that I was able to create unforgettable memories one by one. I am excited and curious on what kind of memories will we create this year.

Q: What is the significance of birthday to Gongchan?

A: I feel that it is a time that I can look back and reflect about my parents who have given birth to me as well as the people who gave me love. Today on my birthday, more than those who have sent me their birthday greetings, I want to say thank you to those who have been by my side. Because without those people, I wouldn't be here. To them all, thank you and I love you.

Q: In your past birthday interview, you mentioned that you anticipated your aged 24 the most. Did it came as expected?

A: It had already been 3 years since I said that... Doesn't time pass too fast? Even though I am not sure why I said 24 years old... hahaha. If I were to compare to 3 years ago, I think I have grown more mature as Gongchan and Gong Chan Sik, and I have also gained a lot more responsibility for myself.

Q: If you were to choose the age you are looking forward to again?

A: 27 years old. When I had my 21 years old interview, I said it was 3 years later, which is now. As I look back to 3 years ago, many things have happened and I feel that there are lot of things to reflect upon as well. I think that 3 years can be considered a long time, but it can be considered a short time as well. I feel that it is a good time for me to compare the me from now and in the past. I feel that I was able to see on which part have I changed and on which part have I grown more mature. When I become 27, I wonder how different would the 27 years old Gongchan, Gong Chan Sik and 24 years old me has.

Q: What would be the most suitable song for this year's birthday?

A: I don't know if it is a song that suits a birthday, but I would like to recommend Theories of Youth's Nice Dream. When I am in my own personal space called sleep, I can dream about anything. Those dreams becomes great energy to me and it also gives hope to my future. Even though it may be tiring, exhausting and stressful in our daily lives, it would be good to always dream and let the dream become a good force that help you move towards your goals.

Q: You said you would like to go on a camping trip with the members if you were given a birthday off. Did that come true?

A: Even though it was not all of the members, but we went to Bali ^^. Baro hyung, Sandeul hyung and myself went there. It was a pity that due to schedules, Jinyoung hyung and Shinwoo hyung weren't able to join us. We did not have any plans before travelling, 2 days before the trip we decided the place, bought the air tickets, booked the place to stay 1 day before... it was spectacular. However, that was fun. It was a really impromptu trip and everything was fun ^^. We couldn't speak their language so we were expressing ourselves with our body, we plan what we want to do at night, even when it comes to eat, we walked on the streets and says "this looks like it is nice" and enter to eat to our heart's content, it was really a no regrets trip and I think it was really fun. The days when I was with the hyungs, it was fun and happy. Next time, I want to travel with all of the members together!

Q: Do you have any stars you want to received birthday greetings from?

A: Senior Yoo Jaeseok. Yoo Jaeseok has the same birthday as me! I want to greet Senior Yoo Jaeseok happy birthday and I hope he can wish me happy birthday too ^^. I want to discuss a lot of my troubles with him. I also want to chat with him on all on the nice things and I think that I would gain strength if I were to listen to his words.

Q: Is there a goal that you want to fulfil through your birthday wish?

A: There's still 4 months left to the end of 2016. I wish that we can meet the fans a lot through our activities! For that, we will work hard to be together with you guys. A big thankful for waiting and let's only walk on flower path (only happy stuffs)!

Q: Things you hope from the members on your birthday?

A: Jinyoung hyung, Shinwoo hyung, Sandeul hyung, Baro hyung. Even though it is something I always say, but thank you and thank you! I won't forget that I wouldn't be where I am without you guys. You do not need to treat me better. Just stay this way. I will do better be it as Gongchan or Changsik. B1A4 I love you.

Q: Say something thankful to yourself

A: I really like you. Up till now, the way you always give people strength, always staying patient and working hard. I just thank you a lot. You gave strength to me just by existing. Please also stay like this for me in the future. I love you. Gongchan, no, Chansik-ah.

Source

PLEASE TAKE OUT TRANSLATIONS WITH FULL CREDITS.

"The process of preparing for the contest itself was fun."

Boygroup B1A4 member Sandeul has been voted as "Legend duet" team. With the win together with CHo Seonyoung on "Duet Song Festival" for the King of Kings battle and set another record. It is yet another opportunity to know about how awesome Sandeul's singing skills are and how valuable he is. He is the brightest shining vocal on MBC Music Variety "Duet Song Festival".

The keywords are music that make people's heart cry with a warming touch and also comfort for the people who heard Sandeul and Cho Seonyoung's songs. As the meet each other's eyes and harmonises, the stage they created one by one are all called "legend" and present to the audiences great 'healing'. Even MC Sung Shikyung watched their performance with a delightful smile. Appearing the most on "Duet Song Festival", the team with most wins, as well as the first champion on "King of Kings battle", the two gave the audiences a great time.

Sandeul and Cho Seonyoung's warming harmony and expressive singing abilities may be good, but more than those, the songs they choose are remarkable. From "As you say", "Road", "Butterfly", "Two Persons", "Etude of memories", "Shall we walk together", as well as "Jasmine flower", those two expresses their hearts through those are meaningful songs. That is why they get better responses.

After King of Kings battle ended, we asked Sandeul about the stage on Duet Song Festival that left Sandeul the most impression. Firstly, the stage Sandeul likes is Sung Shi Kyung's "Two Persons". Even though it is not a song which is suitable for singing for a contest, but they obtained good response through their heart felt feelings, it is a stage that made Sung Shi Kyung felt proud.

Sandeul mentioned "All of the songs left an impression but among them all, I like Sung Shi Kyung's 'Two Persons'. It is a song that I often listen to, it is a song that gives both people comfort calmly. I received healing when I listen to the song, so I really liked it."

Also on the topic of the hardest performance "The hardest stage was Senior Lim Jeonghee's Music is my life. I remembered that my throat condition was really bad. It was a genre that noona likes and I struggled and wondered if I would mess up the performance if I perform this song."

Sandeul was the first to win consecutive three wins, the most appearance, and excluding the King of kings battle, he has four wins on his belt, he emerged as the representative combination for "Duet Song Festival". Sandeul also experience things like "most wanted stage" as well as netizen's first choice for winning. A lot of energy has to be put in because Sandeul has B1A4 as well as individual's schedule, and at the same time he has to prepare for the competition, but he said that it is a pleasure that the process was fun.

He said "Many people get stressed while trying to prepare for competitions but I feel that I took it with pleasure and enjoyed the entire process while preparing. I feel that even though it is a competition, it is not important whether I win or lose." He also laughed and said "It is more important to deliver a performance that fits that. Starting from the choice of the song, the practicing process or to understanding the song, I discuss with noona on her thoughts, fill in the portion that needs more emotion, every moment of the process was fun."

Even though it is hard to see the Sandeul x Cho Seonyoung combi for the time being, but one who can sing well, a vocalist who can deliver healing, it is hard not to anticipation for more activities from Sandeul.

Please take out translations with full credits.

On a bright day after so long since the spring ended and the yellow dust came, we met up with B1A4's Sandeul.

Instead of shooting a poster like always with his members, he had an individual shooting for bnt. While it is awkward to do shooting individually, Sandeul captivated the shooting staff with his unique charm and turned it into a favourable shoot for him.

The concept of the shoot was "A day of Sandeul". He showed his different charm each for morning, afternoon and evening. Sandeul who showed a child-like and playful morning and carefree afternoon daily life also presented a fancy and cool side that wasn't seen before in his evening concept.

After the shoot, we sat down with with him as he answered us honestly on the topic of "Duet Song Festival", B1A4's activities plans as well as his musical. We met Sandeul as vivid and real as he is.

Q: How was the shoot today? This is your first individual poster shoot. Did it have any difference when you shoot with your members?

A: A lot. I am not sure but I have a lot of expectation for the members, so when I walked into the shooting site, I felt very awkward. I have thoughts like "Am I allowed to do this on my own". This is because I am always with the members. When I am shooting, there would be someone sleeping in a corner but there isn't any so it felt empty.

It is a new feeling. While shooting, I was the only one who is receiving all the attention so it felt good (haha). I wouldn't be compared to anyone. This is because all of the members are good looking. Especially when the other members are shooting for theirs, the cheers they get are louder than mine. I get very curious on the inside but in order not to get hurt, I won't go and see. When Gongchan shoots, there will be cheers, when Jinyoung does his, he gets a lot of "ohhhh" sound. I wonder if it is because Jinyoung has a sexy appearance that is why there are these kind of expressions. Gongchan is too good looking. The remaining two are not as good looking as me so I shall not say much. (haha)

Q: Who is the most good looking among the members?

A: It used to be Jinyoung but nowadays Gongchan is rising. Also, because CNU lost some weight, so he is also getting more good looking little by little. However, I still don't acknowledge. There should be 2 members underneath me. My goal is always to be the third in good looks in B1A4 (laughs).

Q: Since you like food a lot, it seems like you don't do dieting.

A: It is not easy. However, it is not that I do not diet. There are a lot of nagging around me so if I ignore them, I will not come to my senses. I also often think about diet and try my best to lose weight. However, it is hard to endure not eating supper. Among everything, I like Gobchang (Tripe) the best. Even now I want to eat gobchang but it needs to go with alcohol, it will hinder my practice later so it is a pity that I can't eat it. Even though I can't drink alcohol well, but it is the main part of eating. For example, gobchang with soju and beer (haha).

Q: Previously you can't take alcohol isn't it?

A: Since I became a trainee, I have never touched alcohol. Until about 2 years after I debut, I have not touched alcohol at all, however, I went on a program and drank Makgeolli cappuccino for the first time. While eating the side dishes, I kept drinking it without knowing and as I was drinking, I became drunk. I thought "Am I drunk?" and tilt my head but I can't. So I know I was drunk. I was drunk throughout the programme. Even now I still go back to the video. I get dizzy trying to recollect that moment and ask myself what will happen if I ate more and made a mistake. So I have to drink alcohol before that (haha).

Q: With busy schedules like "Duet Song Festival" and musical "The Three Musketeers", how do you manage your voice?

A: I tried various things. I had injections, I also ate ginseng. I also tried to eat a lot for energy. However, I feel that the most important thing is sleep. If I have a lot of things going through my mind or when I am stressed, I get insomnia and cannot sleep well. There are a lot of times even when the sun has risen, I am still unable to get to sleep. I tried hard to fall asleep by drinking warm water and also running. If I do like gymnastic for a few hours, I would be able to sleep well.

Q: You are actively going on contest programmes like "Immortal Songs", "King of Masked Singer" and even now "Duet Song Festival". Is this the cause of a regular fan base?

A: When we first debuted, we received a lot of question like "What kind of age group would you like to take charge of?". Every time we got asked that, we will reply, "From kindergarten to elementary, and most of middle school students.". After several episodes, we could see that the fan base has now became different. After "Immortal Songs", if the fandom is like an hourglass, then it has expanded compared to previous age group. The shows have its impact, but the original fanbase also grew up. Occasionally when those who are in middle school become a university student, I get a shock.

Q: You managed to win consecutive three times in "Duet Song Festival". You didn't managed to get a forth consecutive win but is there another challenge you would like to try?

A: In the start, I wasn't greedy for any win and I won twice, and I started getting greedy. Therefore I managed my greed and got 3 consecutive win. During the contest, I turned my head to see the score unknowingly. I told myself it can't be like that so as I talked to Seonyoung noona, I made a promise to find back the initial heart.

Even though I didn't managed to get the forth consecutive win, I am thankful that we are selected back for "the team I want to see again" I was able to challenge for a 5th time. We became the new zombie team after Ken's team. The recording day for the fifth time was Seonyoung noona's birthday. After saying that, I thought, would the audiences choose us more. Honestly, now I do not have any greed on wanting to win. I just want to achieve records that other people cannot achieve. It is very interesting to have been looking from the top but now I am looking from the bottom. I wondered if I should develop a desire to want to stay the longest. Because of that, I am doing my best for every stage.

Q: How do you choose your songs like "As I say", "Road", "Etude of memories" and "Butterfly"?

A: I discuss it with noona. I feel that all the songs that we have done so far are healing music. I hope that many people who hear our music will receive healing and obtain courage. Personally, I feel that music is a medium to get healing. Noona also feels the same. So when we choose the song, the lyrics are the most important.

When I read BANA's letters, there are a lot that goes like "Today feels horrible but I got strength from listening to your music.". I do not know why they are going through a bad time but I feel great and happy to be able to give them strength. I am always very thankful to BANAS and fans, so I always thought about what can I do to be a gift to them. Know that after reading the letters from fans, I will sing hard on the stage without lies and with all my best to be a present.

Q: The stage with a partner, it feels like a different experience for Sandeul too.

A: It feels very different when I am with my members. Even though now we are already familiar with each other, there are still some inconvenient points. Even now I feel that I have to be careful sometimes to not say words that will hurt noona's pride. Even with that, I feel that I understand noona.

Because noona works really hard so I get worried about what if I am not able to catch up. Honestly, I have activities as B1A4, doing musicals, to me, I can't neglect either of it. It gets very complicated when in the middle, I have to do this and that. Therefore, I try to practice little by little if I can. Even though it may be the same lyrics, if I practiced one more time, the feeling when I am on the stage can become different. So whenever I practice, I tell myself to work hard with "One more time, one more time" no matter how tired I am. That I feel, is really of help to me. I bear with me the thoughts that "If I can endure this, I will be able to live a long time as a singer".

Q: Is there a rival that is the most dangerous in "Duet Song Festival"?

A: Ken x Choi Sangyeob team. Ken is an idol and in reality, he is also my friend. When I am with that team, there is not once that I won with huge score differences. They are a rival that are scary and always have songs that are good to listen to. Actually, there was once when I told Ken "Let's be rivals on the stage for a long time".

Q: Are there songs that you wish to sing for the stage but saved it?

A: You must be curious to know that I have but we are in state that we used everything (haha). If we do not throw out everything like that, we would not have this position that we are at now. Every time when we select a song, new songs kept coming out. If I sing it alone, I will pile it up a lot of songs but it is my first time doing a male-female duet so I poured out everything.

Q: There seems to be a lot of offers to do featuring after doing "Duet Song Festival".

A: There are a lot. I am very envious when I see Senior Soyu doing her featuring activities. I would like to become a male version of Soyu. I can also do well (laughs).

Q: Do you have anyone you would like to do with?

A: There are vocals that I wish to work with. I mentioned it before but I would like to have a collaboration with Apink's Eunji. Her voice is really good. I even asked her where she learned singing from in Busan after we got close. However, I came to know that she did not take a lot of lessons for singing. She is a genius. I feel that the voice synergy would be good with we work together so I want to try working with her. However, now I have Seonyoung noona. Seonyoung noona also sings well (haha).

Q: You got casted for D'Artagnan with CNU in musical "The Three Musketeers". How was it?

A: It was really good to do D'Artagnan together. When we are practicing, it felt like we are on a tour. We will share things about D'Artagnan when we are together. By doing that, the subtext about D'Artagnan, the inner side of D'Artagnan can be more intensified and firm. If we were both in a different production, then we will not be able to share as much. As we act D'Artagnan, we are able to share about the gestures and the details of D'Artagnan one by one. However, I wondered if it might be hard on the fans who come to the theatre to watch us. As they will watch CNU's performance as well as my performance. Even with that, I feel that it is a chance that we both are able to grow each other.

Q: Are there any difference between CNU's D'Artagnan and Sandeul's D'Artagnan?

A: D'Artagnan is a country pumpkin so he has to be a little tacky. Instead of using his words, his acting needs to show people that he gives off a tacky feeling. On that part, I feel that I might be a more tacky D'Artagnan. CNU feels more like a city D'Artagnan.

Q: Since 2012, you have constantly been doing musical. What charms does musical have?

A: There are a lot. There might be charms but when I do a musical, there are a lot of things which I can learn. One would be when I am on the stage I have to become like a big tree, such that even if I don't do anything, my presence can still be felt. Up till now, through the productions that I have done, I learnt that "I can actually be a person of such presence on stage".

When I first started out doing musical, I find the absence of separation between the dialogues and the song very interesting. However, after thinking a little, I thought "So there isn't any boundary between singing and speaking, it will be fine singing just like when I am talking. Why did I want to sing, it is because I can't speak well so I started singing."

When I am stressed, I sing. When I am stressed, I sing songs that are related to the things that are giving me stress. If I am broken hearted, then I sing "broken-hearted", if I want to go out, I sing "departure". Through that way, I slowly receive healing. That is why being a singer helps me a lot.

Q: Previously, you mentioned that the musical you must do is "The Three Musketeers". Other than this, is there another musical you set as a goal?

A:  I did not set a goal. I do not have thoughts like "I want to be like this". I want to live my life like a chameleon. Changing to whatever I do, someone who can do everything. When I see Senior Lim Changjeong, I feel that he is like this kind of person.

Q: I am very curious about your favourite musical.

A: "Brave brothers" will always be in the best. Even though I would not be sure what kind of feelings will it be if I were to do that production again. At that point of time, I didn't know a thing, I followed the older brothers blindly around and ask around. At that time, I feel that it was the best. I will have goosebumps and shed tears when I listen to "Mother's diary".

Q: B1A4's Sandeul, Duet Song Festival's Sandeul, musical The Three Musketeers's Sandeul all feels different.

A: Firstly, when I am with my members, I am more to leaning and anticipating, so I am comfortable. In Duet Song Festival, I feel like a huge basket. I feel that I need to hold noona, the desire of wanting noona to be comfortable is strong. Even though I always anticipate for my members, I feel that because noona is a non-celebrity and I am a singer, so it would be ridiculous to anticipate and wait for noona. My sense of responsibility got bigger.

In the past when I stand on the stage on my own, I have nothing to wait for, there isn't anyone who expects of me either, so I could be like a piece of paper. I was shaking like a leaf. Inside my heart, I tell myself "Don't do things that you will regret while on the stage". However, with my trembling heart, I was unable to win and regretted.

On "Immortal Songs" when I sang "Forgotten season", my voice cracked. Within me, I was very angry. I was so angry I held the mic stand and stood in the attention position and sang like I was roaring. From then on, I packed myself with practice and worked hard. I feel that I am still not a solo singer and there are still stages that are hard to stand on my own. As I do my activities, I asked myself isn't it good that I gather enough experience that I am able do a solo album.

Q: The members are actively acting. Do you not have thoughts about wanting to try acting as well?

A: Ahn Seha who did "All shook up" with me asked me to try doing a movie. After I heard that, I asked what kind of movie should I do and he said to do something that will show that I can act well. After that when Seha became a teacher, he showed me a lot of acting. I also told him to let me know when there are chances for auditions.

I only tried auditioning once for "Reply 1994". However, even with just that, I don't think I can do any acting other than in musical. But now my thoughts have changed. As a whole, I thought I want to try acting at least once. I fear about whether I will do well, people around me told me I will do well, I think it will be fun if I work hard and prepare for it.

Q: B1A4 particularly have a lot of praises. Say some self praise.

A: Everyone is very kind. We really do not like backstabbing. Since Baro and I are friends, so we do a lot of mischievous pranks. If it is too much, the hyungs will stop us. I like when the hyungs stop us before we cross a line. Baro and I said to become closer with the hyungs (haha). From what we see, we seems to have missed the timing to become close to the hyungs.

Baro and I became friends the moment we met. However, the hyungs are the oldest and have to act as the pillar that holds up the center, we feel that they get tired doing that. This is like that even now. From what I see, the hyungs are continuously doing things to not let B1A4 vanish. If the hyungs do not tell each other bitter words, then there will be no one to point out for them anymore. Gongchan will occasionally say some words but his words goes straight into the bones, he speaks well. So we will take those words and think about it intently. Rather than being able to find a balance from the start, I feel that we are a group that found balance with the sacrifice of the hyungs.

Q: B1A4 has debuted for 5 years. It feels like old memories now.

A: Our goal at the start was to be like Shinhwa, to go for a long long time. I feel that we are half way there now. There are more that we have to go. We are at the state where we can look at each other's eyes and know each other. We are very comfortable when we are with each other.

Q: There are a lot of fans waiting for a complete B1A4 with a new album. When will we be able to see it?

A: We are continuously recording and preparing. Even between the members' busy schedule, we are preparing in the spare time, so you will be able to see it soon. We are having trouble trying to decide which is the title track because there are too many good songs. We will be carrying B1A4's bright and cheerful energy. We are preparing with all our might and we have a lot to show you so I hope that you would anticipate for us!

Source

Translations by deullerr
Please take out with full credits.

For Sandeul, "The Three Musketeers" is a special production. Even though it is not his first musical, but it seems like a production that took a long time to come, a musical of his fate. That is why recently his heart flutters and is more nervous. Meeting a musical that is like fate on stage through D'Artagnan, to complete the image of D'Artagnan of what he thought and interpret, he is striving hard now.

He practiced even late into the night even on the day he ended and returned from B1A4's Japan schedule. Even though it seems tired to practice even after returning from overseas, he received energy the moment he went to the practicing studio.

Even before they went onto the stage as D'Artagnan for "The Three Musketeers", we met us with Sandeul and Shinwoo who is casted as the same role. Even though the day before, they returned from overseas and went for practice and are tired, they were full of energy in the early morning. Both we discussing with each other about "The Three Musketeers" and D'Artagnan. The moment I saw it, it was passionate. That's why it was more fun interviewing them. Just hearing about Shinwoo and Sandeul pouring out their sweat and effort to do well in this fate-like same production, it is already exciting.

When you see Sandeul's image on normal days, you will think that he goes very well with D'Artagnan. That's why from the first time Sandeul tried doing musical, people around him told him to "try doing 'The Three Musketeers' D'Artagnan at least once" every time. So to Sandeul, this production feels familiar and fate-like.

"While I am doing another musical and "The Three Musketeers" is having an audition, I would be asked "Aren't you going to do The Three Musketeers?" "Try doing D'Artagnan" in these 4 years every time. Even though I have never watched it before, I feel that it will become my life's character if I do it. I thought that Elvis in "All shook up" and I match very well, our dressing teacher also said that (I should try D'Artagnan). I thought it was interesting and my anticipating got bigger. I feel that I would be able to pour our more energy."

Shinwoo's recommends the scene which he feels Sandeul is most like D'Artagnan. "At first when we said we will do D'Artagnan, I thought that Sandeul and D'Artagnan has a lot of similiar parts, it is the most fitting."

'The Three Musketeers' is Sandeul's fourth musical performance. Starting from "Brave Brothers" in 2012, "All Shook Up", "Cinderella" and now "The Three Musketeers". (T/N: they missed out a Thousand Man though) He piled up his energy and skill slowly, whenever Sandeul joins a musical, he becomes great at making a character of his own. That is his charm.

"It was fun. When I am in play, I feel that there isn't any part of the character's personality that doesn't go with me. When I talk about the character, I thought it simply and tried my best. The feel of D'Artagnan that I thought of, because D'Artagnan appeared and lead the three musketeers, therefore I thought that the energy to lead should come out naturally. Even though I am full of life and energy, don't I also have my quiet side too? Using that to try and enter the character, it became the character that I wanted to express."

But there are worries. The D'Artagnan in "The Three Musketeers" that most people know gives off a fresh charm and is a righteous youngster. Of course, even though its true, it is a character that we can only lightly consider as too pleasant or bright. Parts like this are what makes Sandeul worried.

"It is right that D'Artagnan's is a pleasant and energetic character. However, it can only be talked about lightly. Within D'Artagnan's heart, he is someone who holds a pledge with more passion than anyone else. He is always holding on to it. Because of his strong beliefs, when he hears disparaging words, he would become more serious. Like this kid, I was determined to come up from Busan to Seoul to become a singer who can sway's someone's heart. Because of that pledge, he is able to lead the three musketeers and for me, that feeling, that serious and focused feeling, I don't know what but it is a character that set a fire and make my heart burn hot."

As Sandeul acts as D'Artagnan, he worked hard and remembers that "pledge" and captures the center of the character. Because he is so serious sometimes he gets looks down on. Engaging in a character that isn't just always laughing but because the belief never forgets and carries with him, it is important to bring out such seriousness that D'Artagnan's has.

There is also another point why "The Three Musketeers" is special. Because B1A4 member Shinwoo got casted together with him. Having the same group member acting in the same production, and not only that, but the same casted role as well is very rare. Even though the members have realistic worries, there is nothing better than being about to stimulate and help each other during training. These guys who are into the same concerns.

"It is a win-win situation for each other. As we are in the same team we will cheer for each other but at the same time there are competition as well. During practice, I tried to fix my gaze at Shinwoo hyung. 'Why do you move like that? Why did you do this action?' I watch every action. 'So this is how this person thinks' and as I do that, we found common ground. I feel that we are able to provide better acting. Isn't it through this kind of competition that we get the synergy?"

"I would be lying if I said that there isn't any competition. There's a part of wanting the rest of the actors and the rest of the members to do well, but there's also the envious portion. When I do a certain line 'So it is done with such an emotion? It seems okay?' There are a lot to learn." (Shinwoo)

As two members in the same production, casted for one role, the other members were jokingly saying 'Whose's performance should we go and watch?'. Of course we all know that all of the members will support both the member. More than the joke that the members made, Shinwoo and Sandeul are more worried about the actual issue. "The ticket sales will be dispersed, that's for sure. This is a realistic worry." 

Shinwoo, Sandeul, musical actor Kai, as well as Z.E.A's Park Hyungsik are acting as D'Artagnan. That's D'Artagnan made by 4 person. For Park Hyungsik, he has acted in "The Three Musketeers" once, so Shinwoo and Sandeul has a lot to learn from.

"Senior Kai and Shinwoo's character seems to be similar. The details might be different, but if you capture the details, you will be able to see a more defined character. We have only matched Senior Park Hyungsik once during practice, but he is already done it once before so he is skilled at it."

Even though Sandeul has B1A4, as well as individual activities, to Sandeul, musical brings the most growth to him. Before joining a musical, he has stepped onto plenty of stages but it is different. Sandeul is coming up on the musical stage by himself like a tree. His way to learn is through the performances.

"While doing musical, I thought of myself as a big tree standing on the stage. All my roots are stretched out. I want to feel like I exist even just by standing. It's something that I always say in a concert 'It would be great to received good energy and take the energy I have received and do my best'. I'm talking about myself after starting to do musical. I want to pile up energy one by one, achieve the peak and then pour those energy out, and I wish that the (B1A4) members would feel it too. Of course, it is not just only in the musical you can feel it because, previously I thought it would be good if the other members tried doing musical as well, but now I can feel that even when they are doing their own respective things."

Sandeul who became a big tree while on stage. Entirely immersed in the production, to become the character, he has his own ways too. 

At least for once, he has to hit that "bottom" away. Once overcoming that bottom, Sandeul would be able go higher. He even goes to the extend of studying the staff's expression changes in details during musical practice.

"I have to hit the bottom in my mind at least once. After overcoming the bottom, I would be able to go higher. Reading the script book by myself, choked and crushed. If I don't hit the dust then things become repetitive, then taking the next step would be difficult. Not just meditating on the parts pointed out, I also study a lot on the intention of acting something out. If the expression during practice is different from the acting, I will be worried over that part. I will make the character by asking 'Why is it like that?'."

This time round, Sandeul also captured D'Artagnan intensely. Drawing out the D'Artagnan part in him and immerse in the practice, he rose steadily from the bottom. Of the piece of blank canvas which we wonder what kind of drawings would be drawn, he drew D'Artagnan on it. In the future, he will also be capturing many other characters.

"Starting at young age, even though I am a singer, but musical is a field which I really like and love. My advantage would be my young age, the scope of things I can capture is wide. Also because I am a blank piece of canvas. Because I'm a blank piece of canvas which can allow anything to be drawn on it, sometimes I may search for answers and wander around, but for me to be soak into the role for the show, I thought of it as a weapon. Isn't it an advantage to complete it through asking around little by little?"

"The Three Musketeers" and D'Artagnan which was captured like that, how will Sandeul draw out the D'Artagnan which he has thought about in this fate-like production? Since the opening show on the 1st this month, this is already the second time he is going onto the stage. Just like during practice, Sandeul is expressing D'Artagnan out well. Lastly, we asked Sandeul to say a word for his own D'Artagnan. He was a little taken aback by the question but still managed to encourage himself coolly.

"Sandeul, you must be nervous right now. It's a habit but to me it is more like a good words. It would be good to have time before going onto the stage to look into the mirror and tell yourself "You can do it" and give yourself hope. It would be good to have a performance of substance, trust the older brothers and sisters during practice, trust in yourself when you are on stage. Show it to people cooly."

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Finally his second musical which we have waited and waited. CNU who received a loud peal from his first musical production. The second musical "The Three Musketeers" feels like the first musical, with a different thrill to it. Through hardships and practice and becoming somewhat weary, he had fun as well, and has fallen into the appeal of the musical. Even though his first musical debut "Chess" was already a musical of different appeal, being able to participate in his second is like another dream come true.

"The Three Musketeers" is even more special because he is casted for the same role as B1A4 member Sandeul. Even though there isn't a lot of situation where we have the same production, same role, for the members in the same group, but because Shinwoo and Sandeul are together, it is more fun and are more fiercely immersed. By nature a serious guy, when engaging in his character, he was the same. He was serious and intense. Thus, the trust towards this guy increased.

One week before the first play, we met up with Shinwoo and Sandeul who were absorbed in practicing filled with drive. We talked about the production that they will do together, because it was a fated production that both have waited a long time, it was more delightful. As like their drive, they have a lot to talk about, in those stories, we can feel the affection of "The Three Musketeers" that Shinwoo and Sandeul. 

"It was a production that I really wanted to do. I have confidence. Even though I also started "Chess" with confidence, somehow I had confidence for the second work. I think that I will be able to do well. However, it isn't coming off as well as I thought to be, so I had a hard time. There were a lot of overlap with me and the character in "Chess", but this time round it was a very different and I felt that isn't it like a friend of an exact opposite. The acting is still unsatisfactory and for me, I feel that it is burdensome for me to be acting a character that is opposite of me. Through half of my hardwork and half with the help of the other actors, I think the acting was upgraded."

In reality like what Shinwoo mentioned, the image of the character that d'Artagnan in "The Three Musketeers" wouldn't come across as in sync with him. If the image of d'Artagnan matches with Sandeul, then it would be very different for CNU. I'm talking about the image that they are giving. For CNU, he was looking for the answer and as he was looking for the answer, he is also in the midst of completing CNU's version of d'Artagnan. This is the reason why we are even more looking forward to CNU's d'Artagnan during his first performance on the 5th. 

"Every stage is like a reset. It piles up but isn't every production a reset? The d'Artagnan that Senior Park Hyungsik expresses is distinctive and good. I am interested and looking forward to this person's acting. Senior Kai is stable and many juniors watched him and want to be like him. I think that on stage, he is the perfect d'Artagnan. Though his heart is calm and stable, yet at the same time he is intense. I think that Sandeul's d'Artagnan is an optimization of a runner up."

With that, how would Shinwoo's d'Artagnan be like? Recently, it's like the expression of "Crazy, became a crazy person" of d'Artagnan in the production, to maximise bringing out that image, it "has to be crazy". It has become even brighter and more smiley than normal, compare to before.

"I know Shinwoo's character well all along, I thought what kind of image and how would he express for "The Three Musketeers" d'Artagnan. The d'Artagnan that I know has to be fast but hyung is slow. I had lots of worries but when I saw the practice, lots of it disappeared. The burden weight became light. It came to me that "It is possible for d'Artagnan to have this kind of image too". Rather than Shinwoo changing a lot, he had that image all along and is starting to get absorbed into it. I guess you will be surprised." (Sandeul)

d'Artagnan, the character that has lots of troubles and worries. Shinwoo has recently fallen into acting as d'Artagnan. The image of d'Artagnan that most audiences have, while trying to understand the inner side and the process of analyzing the character, he was also making his own d'Artagnan. 

"The d'Artagnan that a lot of people know is witty, cheerful and adventurous. Isn't d'Artagnan in the novel like this? A character that is silly because he is too serious, I was troubled with the thought that it is okay to not be a d'Artagnan that most people know. After getting worried about it, I was able to bring out the d'Artagnan that in inside of me. It has more energy, became more serious, with a little bit of manliness and coolness.

"He is funny and has actions, even though it is a musical, there of course are burdens. Even though there's humour, within that, the seriousness has to be there. By grasping the foundation, we are able carry the belief of d'Artagnan isn't it? If the three musketeers says to be at attention, he is yearning to be a musketeer, therefore d'Artagnan feels like he is one with them. I did not intend to laugh, but to match the situation I did so."

"I agree 100%. It's acting in the play, looking at the actions that only d'Artagnan can do, it feels natural. Even though you think it is a funny character, he is someone who is really serious and goes about with his beliefs, dreams and reasons. d'Artagnan is not a character that is always laughing, but because he is too serious, that side of his image came out." (Sandeul)

Because it is the same production, same acting role, there must be some competition and spur from each other. If you look at Shinwoo and Sandeul, it is just like that. They discuss more comfortably, and is able to point out, praise and simulate each other. Sandeul feels that it is rare to do a musical together with Shinwoo and wants to treasure this chance. Shinwoo was also able to find lots of answers and solutions through working with Sandeul.

"I was able to find a lot of answers through Sandeul. The actions that Sandeul do, the intentions, might be funny, it is never a lightweight intention but a serious one. It happens because even if d'Artagnan doesn't mean anything, because his beliefs are so strong and is a very serious person."

Shinwoo and Sandeul's "The Three Musketeers", as well as d'Artagnan, each other's stimulant. Even as they expressed their fret and worries that "The tickets will become dispersed.", both are more happy and have fun because they are able to do d'Artagnan together. Whether is it Sandeul or Shinwoo, they are the same.

"After being together in the practicing studio and watching each other, we point out the good and bad points of each other. Even though both are acting as d'Artagnan, the analysis and colour is different, even the opinions are different. Because we understand that the things that Sandeul do and the things I do can be different, there is no answer to the analysis. The range of thoughts can be wide."

"I had hoped that Shinwoo would do a musical. He gathered his courage and did "Chess", and as we do "The Three Musketeers", I like that we are able to talk about it. It is fun. Seniors who are crazy because of the character, its really awesome that assemble's hyungs and noonas take good care of us and give us respect. Even in the practice room it was like that, so it was good." (Sandeul)

Of course, in the same production, same acting role, through "The Three Musketeers" Shinwoo and Sandeul have competition. Even though it is a win-win strategy, it is not to the extend there isn't any competition. Also, the heart that cheer on each other and the sense of rivalry, both were able to develop and more forward faster.

"The biggest pros would be even with the competition, we were able to talk without constraint. If only one succeed, then its a failure. To succeed, both need to do well, everyone has to do well and without regrets."

We could feel how much has Shinwoo fret about d'Artagnan, how immersed is he in "The Three Musketeers". Burying his troubles and effort in his words as he answers the questions one by one. And how much different and what difference would Shinwoo's D'Artagnan and Sandeul's D'Artagnan would be like? We also felt how much trouble he went through to make his own D'Artagnan. 

"(Words that Sandeul says to upload when the article is coming to an end) I feel like I am the opposite of Sandeul. I have to do well and I think I will do well. I am a person who will saying I can't do it, reproach myself, think negatively and dwell on it. Although I want to put it aside cooly, although I take the blame and sharpen my knife, I get tired because I sharpen my knife well, I am on the sensitive side."

And how will Shinwoo pile his second musical in career with experience using the style of his own? The bliss and affection that was experienced and also the enlightenment. Now the practice for "The Three Musketeers" is over and it will be the first performance soon. One who was highly immersed in his first production, I feel that the influence can give for "The Three Musketeers" would be as much as "Chess".

Will I be able to feel that change after "The Three Musketeers" end? While it was hectic doing "Chess" , I only did it with lots of efforts. After the production ended, I recover my senses only after two months. At that time, I had to pull myself together to reorganise the feelings."

Lastly, we asked Shinwoo what are the things that he wants to say to Shinwoo's D'artagnan. The flustered boy gave an answer after much difficulty. "D'Artagnan's belief is that 'Justice has to live'. Do not forget that!"

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