Welcome to Part 2 of Kpopmap's "Day In The Life" interview with teen K-Pop star GYUBIN!

If you're new here, "Day In The Life" is a special exclusive interview series by Kpopmap where we invite you, dear fans, to take a peek into the real lives of your favorite idols.

From never-seen-before photos that are perfect for your lock screen to voice notes that will comfort you when you feel down, "Day In The Life" has it all!

So, come along with Kpopmap to join GYUBIN throughout her day as she reveals her deepest inner thoughts, cooks her heart out, and so much more in this interview!

If you missed Part 1 of the GYUBIN "Day In The Life" interview, where she opened up about how she manages her school life with her idol life, why she rejected several idol scouts, and more, check it out here!

Then, without further ado, let's get into Part 2 of GYUBIN's "Day In The Life" interview!

Welcome back GYUBIN! Let's start this part with your newly acquired skill of dancing. You learned dancing for your debut, and we know you want to try different types of choreography. Did you find that you were naturally talented in dancing, too? Or did it take more effort than you expected?

Nope! It was the first time in my life to practice dancing.
I even didn't expect that my first debut performance would be dancing!
I wasn't so confident in dancing that everyone called me ‘two left feet’, so
I practiced harder than ever to express this song well.
But once I danced on stage in front of people, I started to get interested and wanted to learn more diverse genres next time!

 

Many fans may worry about you feeling too much pressure as a student and professional musician. They hope you are taking care of your health well. Please say a few words for them!

Being a teenager comes with a lot of different feelings and emotions. You express the cheerful and refreshing feeling of liking someone in your debut song ‘Really Like You’, and you’ve said in a previous interview that you think about a boy you liked in middle school to bring out the emotions of the song. I love your honesty. It is so relatable! Do you draw inspiration from your personal life for a lot of your songs? Is that your way of expressing your feelings?

I haven't experienced a lot in my 17 years of life, but I try to put my emotions back on the most impressive and memorable experiences. And I try to watch movies or other videos, especially sad genre that I can feel by maximizing my emotions to make up for that shortfall. Not only that but also I'm inspired by the conversation between my friends.

When you're having a hard time, how do you comfort yourself? Do you have any tips for overcoming sadness?

I strongly recommend you to move and do something even if it's not important.
If you do nothing and fall into a swamp of thoughts, your depression can grow out of control and become more difficult. And also sleep can help you to feel better!

On the other hand, who is the first person you talk to when you’re happy? Also, how do you treat/reward yourself for a job well done?

I like to talk with my parents who support and love me the most.
I'm always so excited to tell the story to my family because they react positively indeed whatever I say.
And I get free time as watching YouTube video or movie, sometimes just eating delicious foods as a reward for me.

What type of food do you like the most, and what do you usually have for your daily meals? Do you cook for yourself?

This is the hardest question to answer as a big eater!
But.. I think I like cheesy food so that I always try to eat something with cheese!
And I'm so into ‘rose tteokbokki’ these days!
I’m on a diet and take care of myself during the promotion period, so I usually eat vegetables with chicken breast, and I cook stir-fried tomato eggs.
Oh! And I’m really good at making my own cook of noodles.
Wanna make it for my fans someday!

Do you meet your agency sunbaenims SHINHWA often? Do you receive a lot of help and guidance from them? Please tell us about your interactions and episodes with SHINHWA.

Actually, I didn’t have many chances to meet them, but once I had a conversation after WDJ concert last year, I was impressed by the advice on relationships.

I’m curious about how much music you listen to in a day. Is your morning alarm also a song? What song is it? Can we also ask which artists you have been listening to the most lately?

I think it's all day long except for eating time.
I even play a calm pop song when I sleep, and wake up with the alarm listening to music as loud as possible just like ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ by ‘Guns N' Roses’
In these days, I fell in love with the old music of the 80s and 90s, and I listen to ‘Even Though You Said So Easily’ by Yoon Sang as a Korean singer, and also Bee Gees and Stevie Wonder songs for pop.

Do you still keep in touch with GAEKO and WONSTEIN, with whom you released collaborations prior to your debut? Are you close with them?

On special days such as New Year's and Christmas, we text to greet each other
And when I debuted, they called me first and congratulated me!

We know that your role model in music is Jang PilSoon. However, as a human being, what kind of adult do you want to be when you grow up? Who is your role model in life?

Taylor Swift.
I personally respect and love her as an artist and a human being!
I want to learn her sincerity, consistency, and warm heart for the people around her for a long time.

GYUBIN, your voice is perfectly suited for a K-Drama OST. We heard that you want to sing the OST of a makjang K-Drama! You keep surprising us with your uniqueness. Do you enjoy watching makjang K-Dramas? What K-Dramas are you watching right now?

When I was young at my grandmother's house, once I watched a makjang drama named ‘Jang Bori Is Here’, I couldn't get away from the fun for a long time
Sadly, I don’t have enough time to watch dramas in these days, but I really like and highly recommend the drama ‘Goblin’ and ‘Mr. Sunshine’.

You have mentioned that you want to win an award at MAMA and become the MC of a music show. You have also taken interest in acting! It seems like you are determined to become an ace in the industry. Please take this opportunity to tell us more about your dreams for the future and we will continue to support you!

What I want to achieve the most is that I do my own concert.
No matter how big or small the scale is, I always think about how happy I would be when I sing in front of my listeners and fans, so performing is the first dream I want to achieve as an artist.
And it’s my dream and my biggest goal to be in music for more than 50 years!

If you could have a pajama party with your fans at the end of a long day, what are some activities you would want to do with them?

Sitting around together and talk funny or scary stories as we’re eating sweet dessert!

Now, we have a question we ask by tradition. If you could make a time capsule for fans to commemorate this moment, what kind of object would you choose to put in the time capsule and why?

My lyrics paper with my graffiti on it!
I think it's a meaningful item for both me and the fans.
You can see how I worked on singing my songs while preparing recording and performance with that paper.

It seems like we are nearing the end of our “Day In The Life” interview with you, GYUBIN. Can you wish fans a good night with a little lullaby?

Finally, if you could write a letter to fans all over the world who are loving and supporting you, what would it say?

On that beautiful note, we've come to the end of GYUBIN's "Day In The Life" interview with Kpopmap. Did you enjoy spending a day with GYUBIN through this interview? Wasn't that the loveliest 17-year-old you've met?

As GYUBIN continues her journey in the music industry, Kpopmap will support and root for her endlessly.

We hope you do, too!

As for GYUBIN's future plans, while the music show activities for her debut song 'Really Like You' have officially ended, she is expected to continue radio and domestic/international promotions.

In April, she is scheduled to release a collab with NELL's legendary vocalist and idol of idols Kim JongWan. Kim JongWan has previously collaborated with BIGBANG's G-Dragon, BTS' RM, AGUST D (BTS' Suga), and more, and has given us some of the best K-Drama OSTs ever!

Needless to say, GYUBIN's collaboration with Kim JongWan is highly anticipated.

Later, in the summer, GYUBIN is planning to make a comeback with another new song.

GYUBIN is booked and busy, and we cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next.

You can follow GYUBIN on Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok, to keep up with all the latest updates!

Welcome to a day in the life of GYUBIN - a 17-year-old solo K-Pop idol who has just debuted and is already making fans fall in love with her all over the world.

For those who might not know, in Kpopmap's special "Day In The Life" interview series, we invite you to join us on a lovely journey into the lives of your favorite idols. Beyond the dazzling stage performances and dreamy music videos, we're here to reveal the beautifully human side of your bias that will make you adore them even more.

For this interview, we met GYUBIN - a fresh-faced starlet of Hallyuwood with big dreams and even bigger talents. So join Kpopmap as we follow GYUBIN for a day in her life - from makeup tips to cooking tutorials, time capsules, and much more!

Before we get into the interview, let's talk a little bit about GYUBIN!

Dubbed a prodigy even before her debut, GYUBIN has been drawing attention from K-Pop fans for quite a while now. She is signed to Liveworks Company, where her labelmates include the legendary SHINHWA, and her pre-debut activities feature collaborations with top-tier artists like GAEKO and WONSTEIN.

GYUBIN officially debuted on January 17, 2024, with the digital single 'Really Like You' - a bubbly song about puppy love that captivated listeners at once.

Not only is GYUBIN a wonderful vocalist with impressive range and technique, especially when she is performing live, but she can also play the guitar as well as the piano, participates in every step of the production process, such as songwriting and composition, and is determined to learn more.

In particular, it is the delicate gentleness and sincerity in GYUBIN's voice that is attracting fans worldwide. Reminiscent of IU in her early days or a pop star right out of a Disney movie, GYUBIN's bright and youthful energy, innocent charms, and lovely personality are some of her biggest strengths.

Just the fact that she is so unapologetically herself, a pure-hearted, doe-eyed 17-year-old who wants to make her mark on the world, is what makes her so admirable and endearing.

GYUBIN sings of love and infatuation, heart-fluttering crushes, and rose-tinted glasses, bringing teen pop to the forefront. Being 17 years old herself, her songs are inspired by her own experiences of falling in love like a high school kid would, and she channels her emotions in such an honest way that it effortlessly resonates with her audience, who are either of the same age, are going to be, or are reminded of their youth.

For GYUBIN, music is not just her career or her dream; it is her lifestyle. It is what her days are made of, what permeates her being, and what she treasures more than anything else.

Music is a way for GYUBIN to express herself and her emotions, reaching thousands of others who feel the same way. It is GYUBIN's attempt at comforting the world, and she wants to do this for the rest of her life.

If you're not a fan of GYUBIN yet, we guarantee you will be by the end of this interview.

Then, without further ado, Let's get into it!

Note: This interview will be divided into 2 parts, so stay tuned!

Hello and welcome to Kpopmap, GyuBin! Thank you for sharing a day in your life with us and fans all over the world! We’re so excited to hang out with you today! Can you please introduce yourselves to our global readers and invite them to spend this day with you? Also, please show us your OOTD!

 

Hi guys! I’m Gyubin and I really like you just like the title of my song!
I'm really looking forward to introducing my lifestyle to you. The clothes I'm wearing now are comfortable and pretty sweatpants that I bought at the market few days ago! Let’s go!!

Your room looks really pretty! How long have you been living in this room? Did you decorate it yourself?

I’ve lived (here) for about 3 years! I did the interior design of my room after several revisions while consulting with my parents.

We'd love to know more about it! What is your favorite spot in your room? Where do you usually write your songs?

I like my bed the most because there’s an electric pad on top of the mattress!
It's so warm and cozy!

Are you interested in fashion and makeup? What is your favorite fashion item in your closet? What about your favorite makeup item and perfume?

As I care about what is shown, I became very interested in making myself look good. I like effortless style, which is comfortable but looks cool. And I want to recommend the blusher that I bought recently because of its beautiful color.

Was it hard to train alone as a solo singer? Did you adjust easily? If not, what helped you settle in?

Originally, I’ve been used to doing music alone since I was young, so the preparation process for solo was not too difficult for me. I just got little trouble whenever I learned something new, but there were many people who helped me so I could overcome the difficult situations.

You have said before that you rejected several companies who wanted to scout you as an idol group member because you wanted to be a solo singer like IU. How were you able to be so confident and determined about this decision? Did you ever waver? Why did you think your current company was the right fit for you?

I’ve never regretted it.
Even I feel so proud of my past choices.
Since I was young, I grew up humming by myself, making notes, writing lyrics, and getting into my own music world with such great interest and joy, so I dreamed of becoming an artist who could do my own music. So I was always hesitant when I was suggested to be an idol trainee because I wasn't so sure to overcome the competition of dance or group.
Then, I met the current company that gave me a suggestion I was waiting for, I got an opportunity to learn and study various things such as guitar, piano, vocal, and acting.

You are debuting at a very young age, much like IU, who debuted at 15 years old. Already, you have an excellent sense of musicality and artistic identity, as well as a clear direction of where you want to be. You’ve mentioned that you want to be a singer who can be active for 50 years. When did you start dreaming such a big dream? Please tell us about your earliest memory with music.

From the moment I was born?
I even grabbed the microphone during my first birthday!
Well, since I was young, whenever singers sang on stage and performed in front of a lot of people, they looked so amazing to the point of being admirable, and I even felt a bit jealous. I wasn’t nervous singing in front of people and even at a young age, feeling tremendous emotion and excitement from within as I sang. And I naturally made it my dream to pursue music for a lifetime. I can never even think about my life without music.

People around you must say that you are mature for your age. Do you agree? What is the most childish thing you have done recently?

I'm usually called as ‘klutz’ by my friends and family who know me well.
That's how often I forget and lose things
Recently, I’ve been looking for my phone for a long time with my phone in my hand.

You are also a talented guitarist! How many guitars have you had since your childhood? Do you have a favorite one?

Well, about 3~4 guitars?
My dad's also enjoying playing guitar, so there've been many types of guitars in my home.

I like my Kraft acoustic guitar the most that I'm using right now

You are still a high student, right? How do you manage studies and music together? Are you as good at studies as you are in music?

I didn't neglect my schoolwork and life, and my teachers also think of me as a sincere student.
But I don't think my grades are as good because I don't spend as much time studying as others. I study at school in the morning, and after the lunchtime, I leave early and go to work for my schedules.

How much time do you have for yourself at the end of the day after your studies and music? What do you do during that time? How do you relax, and how do you find time for your friends and family?

I like to play golf!
I usually go to a screen golf course with my dad, and I've been breaking records lately.

Despite having so much on her plate, GYUBIN seemed to have an effortless air about her. Why? Because she loves doing it all!

From working hard on her schoolwork to giving her all to her art and even finding the much-needed "me time" to recharge, GYUBIN seems to enjoy every second of it! However, as LE SSERAFIM said, we know that she makes it look easy.

In part 2 of our "Day In The Life" interview with GYUBIN, we dive deep into her inner thoughts and emotions, how she overcomes challenging times, her ultimate role model, Taylor Swift sunbaenim, and more.

Don't forget to tune in for part 2 tomorrow, at 6PM KST, only on Kpopmap!

On January, 16th, 2024, ‘super rookie’ GYUBIN made her official debut with the single 'Really Like You.' The song is a teen pop track that portrays the feelings of a seventeen-year-old in love. Many top-class production teams were involved in the song’s creation including producer JAYDOPE, lyricists from ALL ABOUT, known for their work with (G)I-DLE and Bang YeDam, and composer MOON YEON from FULL8LOOM, known for her work with TaeYeon, ChungHa, and NCT. The music video for 'Really Like You' was produced by Zanybros, a music video production company that has previously worked with stars such as BTS and Shinhwa.

'Really Like You' has been garnering much attention while entering the Viral 50 Spotify Chart, which ranks the most shared songs online, in various countries upon its release. As of February 2024, it is ranked #1 in Taiwan, #1 in Hong Kong, #6 in Singapore, #6 in South Korea, #11 in Malaysia, and #33 in Thailand.

Hey guys! This is GYUBIN. Thank you so much for your support on my debut single, 'Really Like You.' I’m so happy that my song is going viral at the moment and really appreciate it. If you haven’t listened to it yet, please go listen to it now!
GYUBIN

Stream the single on Spotify here: