【E】[신년 인터뷰 New Year Interview]'뱀띠 스타' 정용화 "고속도로 타고 뉴욕까지" "Snake-Year Star" Jung Yong Hwa "On the Highway to New York"

이데일리 스타in 김은구 기자

"Until now, it seems as though I've been speeding on the highway."

"Snake-year star" Jung Yong Hwa compared him and his band CNBLUE's process of growth to "(riding) on a highway". It's been that robust.

After his debut in the drama "You Are Beautiful" in 2009, Jung Yong Hwa soon established himself in both acting and music. In 2011, he was the male lead for the drama "Heartstrings". CNBLUE, the band where he is both the leader and the vocal, excelled along with FTISLAND from the same agency, amidst the Kpop market dominated by performance-centered idol groups. In Japan, the major debut album "In My Head" received the Gold Record certification, given by the Recording Industry Association of Japan to records that sell more than 100,000 copies. Last year, "Where you are" ranked first place in Oricon Daily and Weekly charts, becoming a significant part of Hallyu. They further broadened the scope of activity by performing in England, Los Angeles, and South America.

"This is the first snake year for me since debut. Because it feels like it's my year, it seems auspicious and gives me much fervor. Looking back, being busy is what led to good results for me. In the new year, I won't be capricious but try my best with a relaxed mindset." 

If you run for long, you may need to take a berak. Jung Yong Hwa showed confidence, saying he and CNBLUE are not there yet. Jung said, "It was also a burden that everything worked out so well all this time. I'd think often that I need a break." 

Jung Yong Hwa's ambition for the new year isn't small at all. The schedule is packed from the year's beginning. A new album is set to release on the 14th. The first world tour is also under preparation.

Jung explained, "I want to perform in New York. I also want to be more established at places we haven't been promoted such as China and build foundations to enter the Western market like our sunbae PSY." Jung Yong Hwa's aspiring to make 2013 the first year for CNBLUE to leap into the global market.  

In 2012, all other members of CNBLUE appeared in dramas and made names for themselves. Jung Yong Hwa concentrated on writing and composing songs at this time. It was a time off that he requested from the agency as he thought it would help him write better songs in a comfortable environment. Thanks to this, Jung Yong Hwa gave songs for FNC entertainment's hubae Juniel and AOA's debut albums, gaining attention as a singer-songwriter.

"Although there are many idol groups, there is also the indie music industry that captivates a specific fanbase. I wish the two markets could interact together to forge an environment that both can thrive. I think that's the direction for popular music to progress. In the new year, I also want to be busy singing, acting, and creating music. "