ZE:A’s Siwan Star Diary Part 1: The Violin Player With Brains

The member who always seems to be in a good mood, Im Siwan (22, real name Im Woongjae), manages to capture everyone’s attention when he freely speaks his mind.
Without holding himself back, it was member Siwan that made comments as everyone told their stories. Seeing Siwan truly being himself, this reporter came to realize that Siwan seemed more mature than other people his age. “I was actually well-behaved as a child, and I didn’t get into trouble. I studied a lot and was a good student (laughs).”

Watching the way Siwan acted naturally, with his shy, light laughter and his mature mannerisms, it was easier to believe that this young man was actually nicknamed ‘ZE:A’s brain’. “When I was younger, I was a bit persistant. I think I’m like my mom when it comes to me always having to finish what I started.”

Despite his quiet personality in school, SiWan was picked for class president consistently, gaining recognition as a leader. When asked what he was interested these days, he answered, “Playing the violin.”

“I’ve been in love with the violin lately. I even know how to play the electric violin. I’ve come to realize how fun it is after playing again.”

“I actually played the violin when I was in the 1st grade, up until the 6th grade. I forgot a lot of things, but I can still play. It might be because I played when I was younger, but I enjoy listeng to violin instrumental tracks. I want to practice even more now and play it for my fans (laughs).”
After hearing about Siwan’s background in classical music, this reporter wondered what made such a calm person become interested in mainstream music. When asked, he replied by saying that his dream had always been to become a singer.

“Since I was in the 8th grade, I gained interest in becoming a singer. I enjoyed listening to music, as well as singing along. Still, i wasn’t able to jump right into my dream since I was wasn’t sure if I would be able to make it on my own. Soon, there was a turning point in my life. This was during my first year of college.”
It was while he was studying in Busan National University under the Department of Mechanical Engineering that Siwan met his turning point. Naturally wanting to finish everything he started, Siwon decided to put his fears aside and move towards chasing his dream.

“As a way of challenging myself, I participated in the ‘Chin Chin Song Festival’. I applied on my own, and thankfully, I was able to catch the attention of a person from my current management. That was my beginning.”

Siwan’s relationship with Star Empire began growing after that event. It was when he became a trainee that he was able to begin showing off his capabilities as a singer.

“I don’t know how or where this road will lead my life, but I think if I work hard, the results will be just as good as me becoming a member of ZE:A.”

Source: Yoon TaeHee@asiae.co.kr
Translation: ch0sshi@kpoplive.com