By Honorary Reporter Lewis Hooper from U.K.

Photos = Jinny 

K-pop has transcended music into a way of life for many of its fans both in Korea and the world. I was interested in how the entertainment industry in Korea has attracted such a huge following abroad and life as a boy band member.

Jinny, the lead vocalist and rapper of the group MEGAMAX, gave me an interview on Jan. 29 through email and Instagram to provide insight on this. Born Kim Yong-jin in Wonju, Gangwon-do Province, he also has over 58,000 followers on Instagram and 25,000 on YouTube.

The following are excerpts from the interview.

Jinny made his debut with MEGAMAX in October 2021.

Your group has performed on several TV shows including "Show Champion."
Since joining MEGAMAX, I've appeared on many TV shows like "Show Champion," where we sang our debut song "Painted Love," the title track of our first album. This

was my TV debut, so I was really nervous and my legs kept shaking before I went on stage. The performance happened so fast but was successful.

What artists would you like to work with?
I'd like to perform with Soyeon of (G)I-DLE and Hyolyn as I respect their stage presence and think that they're both great artists. Soyeon also shares the same Myers-Briggs Type Indication as I do, so I think I can have more fun collaborating with her.

Jinny was born Kim Yong-jin in Wonju, Gangwon-do Province.

What is the best thing about being a band member?

I think that it's the ability to rely on each other if we have a big performance or any pressure. I usually get nervous on stage but after looking at the other members, I feel relieved and they make me feel at ease.

What are your best memories with MEGAMAX?
I remember appearing at a Daegu K-pop concert as both a performer and emcee. It was fun and a new experience to meet Psy and Kai from EXO, two favorite idol acts of mine. I also interviewed IZ*ONE's Kwon Eun-bi and Kang Hye-won, as my first time as a host was unforgettable.

How long does it take it learn a dance routine?

Surprisingly, we had a full schedule the week after I joined the group, so I had to memorize all of the dance moves within a week. Training as an idol act in Korea can be pretty tough like for rigorous routines, something different from other countries. I couldn't sleep while memorizing all of the moves at first because I had no separate dance lessons. But it was really fun despite the hard work. 

Jinny also debuted as a solo performer in 2017.

What can we expect from MEGAMAX this year?
We will release our second album.

Who has inspired you in your career?
My parents have inspired my career. They are my role models in life and have always supported me.

What concluding message do you have for fans in Korea and Korea.net readers?
Fans around the world, thank you so much for always supporting and loving us. I love you so much.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article was written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.