ZE:A’s HeeChul Star Diary Part 1: A Jeju Islander with Dreams of Acting

As ZE:A’s own Heechul enters the room for his first meeting, the room is immediately brighter with his lively mannerisms and practically yells out a “Hello!” to everyone in sight as he bows to greet them.

While being asked questions about his childhood, Heechul suddenly asked “Have you ever been to Jeju island?” As this reporter was making a confused expression, Heechul began explaining with a big smile.

“You see, I’m the only idol from Jeju island.” Heechul, who is known famously among fans as ‘the handsome one from Jeju’, is really excited to share his childhood stories, proudly retelling how nice Jeju island is. “As a child, I had to do the things I wanted to do. I think that’s probably why I would always get in trouble with my dad.”

His dreams about becoming an actor began during high school. And because of his tendencies to obsess over things that he wanted, he began attending acting classes after school. His hard efforts soon payed off after being accepted into Seoul Art College.

“When I stayed in Seoul, it was the first time I had spent a large amount of time away from my family. I lived in a one room [apartment] but after that I lived in a goshiwon (a 6.5″ x 6.5″ room), I think I had a hard time because I wasn’t used to it. Because I didn’t want to ask my dad for money, I even got a part time job for the first time in my life. You have no idea how much I missed home at that point…(laughs)”



Heechul says it was only by luck that he got the chance to audition for Star Empire. Intimidated by the president who asked him to sing on the spot, he dumbfoundedly sang a song. Heechul smiled broadly as he reminisced his “life changing moment”, remembering how the president had liked the “color of his voice”.

“Truthfully, I was only nurturing my dream of becoming an actor when I suddenly stepped into the world of entertainment. But that was then, right now my desire to become a singer is much greater than acting. I think acting will come after that.” He began living in a dorm with the other members the day that his trainee life began. He said it was very difficult to share a small space with so many people.

“The amount [of time] we had to practice was terryfying. As soon as I opened my eyes in the morning, it was off to practice. Right after that, it was bedtime. It was a strict regimen that was repeated day after day. I’m a bit shy, but looking back, I can’t remember a time when I was awkward [with the other members]. Right now there are 8 members excluding myself, but if even one of them is missing it’s strange because I can feel the emptiness.”

It’s been over 100 days since they’ve debuted under the name of ‘Child of Empire‘. Even before they had debuted, their skills were recognized on a cable program as they spread their name. As soon as Asiae asked him what his most memorable moment was after debuting, he answered without a moment of hesitation.

“The Wingcar concerts. Not just for me, but I think for the rest of the members too.” Heechul said with a big smile, explaning that because of the Wingcar concerts, Child of Empire is where they are today.

Source: Yoon Taehee@asiae.co.kr
Translation: Julez@kpoplive.com