INTERVIEW ARTIST INTERVIEW: JANG HYERI

[Polaris_Tae]

INTERVIEW: JANG HYERI

Hello Hallyuplussers! Today we're back with an interview with the soloist and former Girl Day member, Jang Hyeri! The former idol made her debut with Girls Day in 2010 as a part of their original line-up. During her time with the group, she promoted under the stage name Lee Ji-in. Later in her career, she re-debuted as a member of the three-member rock band, Bebop. Then, after leaving the group in 2015, she transitioned into promoting as a soloist and began promotions under her birth name, Jang Hyeri. She released her first Chinese-language solo single, "Really Like You" (超喜欢你-智仁) in 2018 and appeared on shows such as I Can See Your Voice 5 & 2022's Hello Trot. With all that said, let's get to know more about Jang Hyeri!


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Q: Hello, Jang Hyeri! Let’s talk about your 2nd single album, Love & Sorrow.

Jang Hyeri: "Love and Sorrow" [henceforth known as "What Is Love?"] is not a song based on my personal experience! Initially, "What Is Love?" was a song originally made for a male vocalist. When I first heard the guide track with a male voice, I wondered, "What if I sang this with my voice?" The combination of an upbeat rhythm with sorrowful lyrics was really intriguing. I was drawn to its charm and ended up choosing it as the title track!

Q: Love & Sorrow is your 2nd single album. How have you grown musically since your debut in 2020?

Jang Hyeri: I originally debuted as a member of a K-pop idol girl group [Girls Day], where I sang and danced. After that, I became the main vocalist and bassist for a band called "Bebop." In 2020, I transitioned to the trot genre, and all my previous experiences proved to be very helpful. Trot may look simple, but it’s actually one of the most challenging genres, which makes it even more fun. I sometimes perform trot while playing the bass or even while dancing sports. I feel like all the experiences I’ve had in life have become assets that continue to help me grow.

Q: What is your favorite track from this release?

Jang Hyeri: Honestly, I’m more attached to the song "Companion(Gasibeosi)" than "What Is Love?". It’s a Latin jazz-style, lyrical song that suits my voice perfectly. My voice has a clear yet slightly husky quality, and I think it conveys a poignant, lonely feeling really well.

t/n: Companion (Gasibeosi) "가시버시" refers to a married couple, emphasizing a close and supportive partnership. "Companion" captures this essence of togetherness and mutual reliance.

Q: How was the crossover into the trot music scene (asked by lilac)

Jang Hyeri: When I first encountered trot, I thought it would be relatively easy. But when I actually started singing it, I realized it’s the most difficult genre I’ve ever tried. While other genres allow you to showcase style through techniques, trot is a genre where you need genuine sincerity to bring out the flavor. I practice and enjoy each stage as if I’m completing a daily quest. I think taking on trot was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

via @s2._.hyerii_official on Instagram​

Q: Do you find the reception different between Kpop & trot (asked by UMJI MOODS)

Jang Hyeri: The biggest difference is that while K-pop has a defined age group of fans, trot attracts a wide range of audiences, regardless of age or gender. As a result, my fans range from people in their 20s to those in their 60s or 70s. I feel like music allows us to become friends with everyone.

Q: What is your favorite music genre? Who in the music industry do you think most influences your music? (asked by lilac & UMJI MOODS)

Jang Hyeri: Choosing a favorite music genre is really tough. But I love the trot I’m currently singing, and since I’ve been performing drama OSTs consistently, I really enjoy singing ballads too. Personally, I prefer rock over hip-hop, especially modern rock! I love Taylor Swift!

Q: How does it feel to stand on stage in front of so many people? Do you prefer performing in front of a lot of people, or in a smaller more intimate setting? (asked by UMJI MOODS)

Jang Hyeri: Every stage is always thrilling. It feels like the audience gives me positive energy. On big stages, I get an overwhelming sense of joy, almost as if I’ve become a superstar. But since I have a background in bands, I prefer smaller performances. I particularly enjoy being able to see each audience member’s expressions. It’s so much better because I can connect and empathize with them while singing.

Q: I've heard a lot of trot singers often travel a lot for their performances. How to you spend your time while traveling?

Jang Hyeri: I usually spend a lot of time in the car every day. When traveling far, I sometimes spend almost 10 hours in the car. While other singers sleep during car rides, I can’t sleep well in cars. Sleeping in the car actually makes me feel more tired. So, I often zone out while staring out the window, play mobile games, knit during winter, or watch dramas. But most of the time, I just space out… haha.

Q: Do you have any goals you would like to accomplish in the future? (asked by UMJI MOODS)

Jang Hyeri: I know most singers who are around my age. We greet each other when we meet at performances or broadcasting stations. Everyone’s busy, so it’s not easy to make time to meet up. With a few close singer friends, we manage to get together about once a month to eat, drink coffee, and chat.

I want more people to know about me, Jang Hye-ri, as a singer. I don’t have any huge, grand dreams or goals, but I believe that if I do my best every day with the tasks and time given to me, more people will grow to like me. I want to be a singer who grows alongside my fans, staying close to them.

Q: Finally, any closing remarks?

Jang Hyeri: Thank you for interviewing me! I’ll keep working hard to always show my best self. Please continue to support Jang Hye-ri! I love you all!

You can find out more about Jang Hyeri via her SNS links below:
YouTube: youtube.com/@janghyeri0313
Facebook: @janghyeri0313
Instagram: @s2._.hyerii_official






GFX: @yerm
Proofreader: @Polaris_Tae
Interview Conducted By: @Polaris_Tae (with assistance from @Chococo)
Translation Credit: @desmondkim on Fiverr ​

 

[fromisEJel]

@Polaris_Tae the girl day Hyeri is Lee Hyeri, not Jang Hyeri xD

 

[Polaris_Tae]

@Polaris_Tae the girl day Hyeri is Lee Hyeri, not Jang Hyeri xD

There were actually two Hyeri's in Girl's Day.
She's an OG Girls Day member, she went by Ji-in while in the group

 

[Seriously]

Wow, hell of a varied musical career, props to her for trying new things.

I can't shake the cute mental image of someone knitting in a car for 10 hours.


Great read as always!

 

[fromisEJel]

There were actually two Hyeri's in Girl's Day.
She's an OG Girls Day member, she went by Ji-in while in the group

Oh :0

 

[UMJI MOODS]

I remember her at the beginning of Girl's Day and in Bebop very well. As a fan of trot music as well I wish her much success.