'I think that I look much better in person than on screen. (The plastic surgery) looks very natural' - that's how he greeted us. He burst into laughing, saying: 'Lately, I often hear these words. Ha ha. Because I'm so funny on TV, when people see me in person, seems like they think that I look relatively good. I'm a bit sad about that "natural talk". Now a little less than before, but... if I hadn't told the truth about the plastic surgery, I would have regretted.'
Hwang Kwanghee, member of 9-member boyband 'Children of Empire' (ZE:A). There's no other entertainer who'd emerged in such scary way. For confessing the truth - not only as a boyband member, but also as a man - about the plastic surgery in a cool way he received a nickname "plastic-dol". He was stated as the best "variety-dol" of 2011 too. He's also eager to take on acting - he'll be making a cameo in KBS2 Mon-Tues drama "Crime squad" next month, on the 7th.
His voice, one octave higher than ordinary man's. His skill of talking honestly and cheerfully. Friendly and open-minded Kwanghee is screaming of joy because of the flood of interviews. He was able to come to this place for various reasons. But more than anything, the role of his frank confession of plastic surgery on variety shows is hard to deny.
* 'Plastic-dol' Kwanghee *
- What's the reason for confessing your plastic surgery on variety shows?
I was often losing in games on variety shows. For example, as a rookie I'd receive such penalties as piercing a plastic wrap with my face or dribbling a soccer ball on my forehead... It would be uncomfortable (due to surgery) if I received a punishment like that... It was frustrating. My personality is very optimistic and honest so it's not something that would bother me, but it would be very hard to hide at the broadcast. So I said to the agency "I would rather talk about it coolly". Plastic surgery confession was a hot issue, but I didn't know I would receive so much spotlight.
- An opportunity to get plastic surgery?
I haven't often heard that I'm not good-looking when I was a kid. But since I decided to become an entertainer in high school, I was honestly considering getting a plastic surgery. Before the surgery, I didn't like my hooked nose nor my forehead, which was slightly off. I thought that it would be great if I didn't get any complains about my looks after I become an entertainer. This way I would be less worried and everything would be fine.
- When did you get plastic surgery?
- In 3rd grade of high school I became a trainee at Star Empire entertainment agency after I auditioned during the winter break. Moon Junyoung, Kevin and Taehun were there with me but I was the one who was the least handsome. After being a trainee for one year, I went to Star Empire by myself. I hid the fact that I was going to get the plastic surgery and told our president that I was going to rest for a bit instead. Honestly, I was worried about one more thing, aside from plastic surgery. I knew that would be the end if I went back to the agency as a trainee. I thought I wouldn't become an entertainer. Jewelry's Kim Eunjung has been always saying "It will be even harder when you debut" but I never listened. My head was full of worries - can I become a singer? How can I do it?
I got the plastic surgery in spring, when I was 21 years old.
- You said you got it a few times, in several places?
Because I was a little selfish, I got surgery on my nose (four times), forehead and double-eyelid surgery. First in the hospital in Ilsan, then in Kangnam. My parents paid for everything and said "You'll pay it back later. There's nothing free in this world". After the surgery, I've been sending the money I earned regularly onto their bank account. I remember that I've already paid the full cost of the surgeries...
- You're not afraid of surgeries. Are you planning on getting more in the future?
Because I was anticipating my new nose so much, whenever I got a surgery, I didn't think about how painful it was. It was fun seeing my new faces. After one year I decided that I shouldn't touch anything more. I'm just slightly (laughter) sad it turned out so well (t/n: so he couldn't get another surgery).
Even if I'm not best (good-looking) in ZE:A, I'm satisfied with my face. Of course, it's the best if you look natural. But how awesome would it be if I could re-touch a little bit more...
I think that Siwan is the most handsome in ZE:A.
- Your parents didn't oppose the plastic surgery?
At first they opposed pretty strongly, they told me to give up. But. I already decided to become a celebrity and my looks were constantly on my mind. The result? My parents agreed and said: "We'll respect your decision. We don't want you to blame us for not becoming a celebrity. Instead, become the best one."
- Your parents seem to be quite unusual.
To be honest, my parents are more scary than Star Empire's president, Shin Joohak. Because whatever they would give me, they'd be very strict about it.
During the school days, I lied a lot. During trainee days, I was often late. Every time my parents, rather than punish me severely, said: "We don't know if we have to repeat it a hundred times. You'll regret it later. You don't know what you lose when you're late."
They didn't force me to study too. I could act freely as long as I took responsibility for my actions.
Once in high school, I wanted to buy new shoes, so I told them I will work part time.
They told me: "Sure, try. You must know how to earn money to spend it." And they always say: "Greet properly. Quit being so vain. You should experience everything yourself."
- What do you think, to what extend does the appearance matter?
I think that it matters quite a lot, more in terms of confidence. Among the idols, there are these confident about their singing, dancing or looks, but... There's a lot of situations in which visuals are the first priority. To some degree, if there are looks provided, there will be more activities (t/n: for the celebrities).
- If by any chance, your kids tell you they want to become celebrities and get a plastic surgery...?
Hmm. I will oppose immediately. But then, if they don't give up, there will be nothing I can do about it.
- What do you want to say to those aspiring celebrities who are thinking of getting a plastic surgery?
I want to say that if you want to get a plastic surgery, you have to take full responsibility for it. Your character, reason (for the surgery) and beliefs all matter. I'd also like to tell you that because I'm the 'original" plastic-dol, that this 'character' can't be used anymore.
* 'Variety-dol Kwanghee'
- You were successful in letting everybody know of your existence by plastic surgery confession. But the question of "what's next?" seems to be a problem. Is there any secret of surviving in this entertainment world, full of professionals?
I'm a little embarrassed to say it myself, but I'm sincere and I was born unpretentiously sociable. I always try to brighten up the atmosphere with my cheerful laugh and excited voice. I like to offer things to my sunbaenims. Kim Wonhee sunbaenim likes chocolates, Jo Hyerim sunbaenim - grape juice, and Kim Jisun sunbaenim especially likes orange juice. One time, during MBC "Quiz to change the world" recording, I asked manager hyung a favor to bring a mean for Sun Woo Yong Nyeo sunbaenim, who was hungry." Because of that, sunbaenims treat me well. Kim Jisun sunbaenim bought me a thermos when he saw I drink from paper cups. Kim Na Woon sunbaenim often sends me kuksu because she knows I like it.
- Because of your similar characters, you're often compared to 2AM's Jo Kwon.
I'm not sure. I agree that we both have explosively vigorous characters, but if I were to go the same path as Jo Kwon ssi, there would be differences in the way we act and talk. A lot of people think that because of our similar characters we wouldn't be close to each other, but it's not like that. Jo Kwon ssi is one year younger than me, I'm his hyung. Last year, at the MBC end of the year awards, Jo Kwon ssi told me "Next year you'll be a lot more busy. And you'll get an award."
I was so grateful...
- There are a lot of people you're thankful to, but is there someone you especially look up to?
I'm really thanful to (Kang) HoDong hyung for the year 2010. He told me warmly: "You. I will raise you for sure.". He cheered on me and treated me well when I worked hard. I'm also thankful to ZE:A members. There are a lot more talented members than me, but because I was given the chance first, they let me. They're not jealous and give me a lot of advices.
- We've heard you're always thoroughly prepared.
I leave memos of the stories (items) I can use on variety shows on my iPad. In my spare time I read books and arrange my schedule. I'm especially worried of what to say during interviews. If I do the interview well, people will talk about me. I think that if (the work) piles up, it will show.
*"Acting-dol Kwanghee" and Children of Empire
- Not so long time ago you shot a cameo in "Crime squad", what are your feelings about the first acting experience?
I will appear for about 10 minutes in the first episode. I play the role of a famous idol star and I will have a talking scene with Song Ilgook sunbae. During the recording, I realized "Being an actor and being a star is really different!". I didn't believe that actors are like chameleons but I changed my mind when I saw Song Ilgook sunbae. When the camera was off, he talked with me like a hyung, but he changed 180 degrees when the camera was on. Because I was a singer and a beginner who was supposed to make a cameo, he took everything into his consideration so I could act a little more comfortably.
- This year ZE:A will focus not only on Korea, but also Japan. Can Kwanghee become a "variety-dol" in Japan too?
Because my Japanese skills are still bad, I can't talk too much. But I'm planning to win as an honest idol. I think my unique tone of voice will also appeal to them. Occasionally there will be people who think that's only for show, but that's not it. My mother has been saying to me since I was young "Your pronunciation is lousy, so always talk loudly, wherever you go" and I became like that.
- Your plans for this year as a ZE:A member.
I want to hear that I'm different on stage. I'm taking vocal and dance lessons in order to show you a complete change from my variety image, so please anticipate. Our full album will be released in the middle of March.
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