Dressed in simple, casual T-shirt & jeans, boots and backpacks – the two appeared at the set for the photoshoot in very similar casual clothing. The difference was, Yunho held a book in his hand all the time, and did not put it down even when he went to the toilet. “Recently I like reading books, and my personality is such that once I start reading, I will want to read (the book) all the way to the end. As work keeps me busy, in order to soothe myself, I am reading (some) Korean essays.”
Self-control, that is precisely what has allowed Tohoshinki to achieve success in their works so far. Being able to do that, is Tohoshinki’s strength.
Thoughts That Cannot Be Put Into Words
Yunho, who says it is “unexpectedly embarassing”, has something that he always does before he stands on stage, since debut. That is, to shout “I am amazing”.
“I want to become a king of the stage. I want to show everyone the energy I have.”
He heads towards each stage telling himself that.
January 2011. Restarting activities at the Yoyogi Stadium in Tokyo, he shouted it all the same. His uneasiness did not disappear, but he said, “I thought (to myself) that given that we had not had activities for about a year, even if only a few fans were left, I had to give it my all”.
However, the number of fans that waited for them was much more than they imagined. ” ‘Thank you’ is all I can say, but there are thoughts that these words cannot express”, said Yunho. Changmin too, held the same thoughts when the duo made their first live appearance. “Since (we were performing again) after a year, I was nervous, as expected.”
Both agreed that what kept them going during the time when their activites were put on hold was the fans. “The messages (that the fans) brought to the management company, of ‘Waiting for (Tohoshinki) to return soon’, allowed us to keep our determination to stand on stage strong. Through these messages, we could feel more tangibly that there were fans who were waiting for our return.” (Changmin)
These feelings of gratitude that could not be put into words are all contained in the album “Tone”, which was released in September. When singing “This is the place to return to” in the song “Weep”, Yunho, who “so far, hasn’t really cried”, says that he was almost brought to tears.
The year since they restarted activities began with a number 1 ranking on the Oricon charts, and (will) end with their appearance in the NHK Kohaku Utagassen for their 3rd time, 2 years since their last appearance. “Kohaku, was a stage we dreamed of since we were new artists. This time, it’s also a conclusion of the wait that everyone has had to go through, so I’m even happier”, said Yunho. Changmin also said, “To be able to stand on a stage as great as Kohaku this soon after we’ve restarted our activites, I truly am thankful.”
From Asia To Europe & America
For the two, who have outstanding talents in singing and dancing, it must not have been easy to achieve new successes while being in a difficult situation. The strong bond that has been forged since their debut was a big strength for them. Perhaps this can be viewed in the same way as the symbolism that “Kizuna (bond)” has due to the Tohoku Great Eathquake.
(T/N: The Japanese people have placed great emphasis on “Kizuna(bond)” as a representation of the bonds between people that will help them tide through tough times.)
Their activities began in Asia, then spread to Europe, and now America.
“I want to allow my singing and performance to mature, as Tohoshinki. I’d also like to grow as a person.” (Yunho)
“In January, the long awaited tour will begin. Everyone, please look forward to it.” (Changmin)
Starting with Yokohama Arena, on 18 Jan 2012, Tohoshinki will soar higher in the upcoming year.
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