While JQ is not a name most fans hear of in the world of K-pop, he plays an important role in the lives of SM Entertainment
artists. JQ is better known as the “idol rap instructor” and works with
SM artists to improve and direct their rapping abilities.
Now, he has broadened his horizons beyond a rap instructor, as he
works as an artists himself as well as a producer. In his interview with
Newsen, he reveals his thoughts on the more difficult times he
experienced and his entry into SM.
At first, he stated, it was difficult. All JQ was interested in was
making music, but he did not have the money to support himself and had
no choice but to work in a factory, where he earned 500,000 KRW a month
(about $446 USD). He revealed that he would save 300,000 KRW out of his
earnings for his music and eventually was discovered for his take on
rapping through a video he created out of the movie ‘His Voice‘.
He stated, “A UCC video star is not a singer. But at the same
time, a UCC star is not a complete amateur either. For every event I
worked, I would receive 50,000~70,000 KRW (about $45~$63 USD). I would
still live off my factory salary. When I thought about my younger
brother, who is employed in a company, I would think to myself, ‘When
will I start to live normally too?’ I was envious of anyone who had a
normal, regular lifestyle.”
JQ continued, “That’s when I received an offer to make the rap segment for SHINee’s ‘Love Should Go On‘. It felt like grabbing on to a piece of straw. I was in a position where I really needed the job.”
Feeling the pressure of the job, he worked for 3 days straight on the
rap without sleep, saving as much money he could along the way to
support himself, as the job would provide the amount of money he would
normally earn in a month. As a result of his hard work, his rap segment
was selected to be a part of the song.
He stated that he was honored, as he continued, “I was deeply
moved. When I was on my way to SM, I kept thinking to myself, ‘How can
I… How can I…’ This was before SHINee debuted, and so I’m sure they were
anxious. So was I. I was as anxious as if it were my own first album. I
taught them, sweating nervously the entire time. I didn’t believe I had
the qualifications to teach SHINee how to rap, so I worked even harder.
I taught them everything I learned from rapper MC Sniper. I felt bad about it later and apologized to him. He told me it was okay.”
JQ’s first ties to SM started with SHINee. Naturally, as one of SHINee’s rappers, Minho
became one of JQ’s closest co-workers and friends at SM. JQ stated that
they continue to keep in contact lately. When asked if Minho was cool
and cold like his unreal looks, JQ revealed what Minho’s personality is
like.
“Minho has not changed since I first met him. He’s like a younger
brother to me. He doesn’t act like he’s a celebrity. He’s a very simple
person. Right now, he’s in the middle of filming SBS‘s ‘To The Beautiful You‘.
He looks amazing. Through SNS, I said to him, ‘Hey you look awesome on
TV right now’ to which he responded, ‘Hyung, you’re watching too? As
expected’. I think a lot of people really like Minho, like I do. He’s a
dongseng I can easily call over to the recording studio and have a bowl
of jajangmyun (black bean noodles) with.”
JQ complimented Minho heavily, also revealing that he taught Minho
everything he knows about rapping. Through Minho, JQ explained that he
had an easier time getting close to the members of TVXQ.
“Minho is great at writing rap segments. He has a lot of bright
ideas and a few genius moments here and there. I was really amazed by
the rap he wrote for ‘Juliette‘. He works really hard, and he doesn’t give up on anything when he does his work. Key is also an excellent rapper. He catches on after only hearing a rap segment a few times. All of the members are so talented.”
As a fan of original idols H.O.T and Seo Tae Ji,
JQ went from someone who listened to their songs to the rap instructor
of their junior groups. He is a great example of a self-made person who
followed his dreams and worked through his hardships to achieve his
goals.
Source + Image: Newsen via Naver
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