Singer Yang Dong-geun (YDG) mentioned the differences between his previous role as a judge on 'Show Me the Money' and the upcoming first broadcast of 'House of Girls.'
The press conference for the new ENA music entertainment program 'House of Girls,' held online on the morning of the 23rd, featured discussions with MC and managing director Lee Yi-kyung, artist maker Kim Yoon-a, Yang Dong-geun (YDG), Shin Yong-jae, and So-you.
'House of Girls' is a music entertainment show that captures the 100-day music story of 10 untitled artists gaining attention in the indie scene, who will release compilation music through their respective missions. Artist makers Kim Yoon-a, Yang Dong-geun, Shin Yong-jae, and So-you join forces, while Lee Yi-kyung serves as the managing director and MC.
The four artist makers expressed their determination to participate. Kim Yoon-a said, "When I was first offered this program, I thought I would definitely do it. I heard that all the participating musicians were women who had been passionately pursuing music for a long time. I also thought it would be good if I could be of some help with my expectations." She added, "At first, to be honest, I wondered, 'Will this be okay?' As the episodes went on, I found it rewarding to see the participants improve based on our comments and I look forward to the performances ahead."
So-you said, "In fact, when I received the offer, I felt pressured with the thought, 'Can I do this?' I saw the lineup and thought I could be excused since there are so many senior artists. I had those thoughts first and felt a lot of expectations," while Shin Yong-jae noted, "Rather than judging and evaluating, I wondered how I could help these friends. That role seemed attractive."
Yang Dong-geun remarked, "As I was called as an artist maker, I usually live in 'ordinary person mode' while doing the dishes, reflecting on what music and art are, and what it means to be an artist. I thought this would be a precious and rewarding time for self-reflection." He added, "I felt that I have to absorb the overwhelming inspiration pouring into this house and approached it with the mindset to grow."
Yang Dong-geun has previously served as a judge on 'Show Me the Money.' What differences does he see between 'Show Me the Money' and 'House of Girls'? He stated, "'Show Me the Money' feels like the movie 'Fight Club,' gathering wild dogs from across the nation, with an atmosphere of barking and biting, while 'House of Girls' feels like high-class tutoring in Daechi-dong aimed at sending someone to Harvard. Each mission has its scale. With the scale of each mission, I think it provides an experience that lowers the barriers to entering Billboard."
MC Lee Yi-kyung shared, "As we proceeded, I realized that we all have dreams and are in the process of becoming gems. I believe that participants will resonate emotionally with the viewers, making this a program where they will laugh and cry."
In the meantime, So-you expressed, "At some point, when I appear as a judge, people seem to be afraid of me. That's just how I appear on the show; I actually provide both carrots and sticks. However, on the show, it seems that only the stick comes out." Shin Yong-jae commented, "Although it's said that only the stick comes out on the show, I think it was more like two carrots and eight sticks," referring to what he observed, and Kim Yoon-a playfully asked, "Was there a carrot?" which brought laughter.
As the journey to create a three-member multi-musician unit officially begins, the '10 untitled artists' showcasing their growth stories over 100 days include Bam, View, Seori, Sian, Ara, Young-joo, Yoo-a, Yul, Giselle, and Kises.
What direction do the four artist makers, representing each genre, plan to lead 'House of Girls'? Shin Yong-jae admitted, "To be honest, we have started recording now, but our artists have some shortcomings. I am trying my best to provide comments that can complement those shortcomings while doing this program," and he explained that he actually delivered cards containing comments for the 10 artists.
Lee Yi-kyung, who witnessed the cards, revealed, "They weren't just simple comments; they were filled like a textbook of wisdom." Hearing this, So-you jokingly said, "I have both carrot and stick, but they only show the stick. I also met friends in the waiting room when the camera was off, and I told them, 'Don't talk about this. It's those broadcasting people.'"
A moment that reflects the judges' feelings for 'House of Girls.' When asked about their mindset for 'House of Girls,' Kim Yoon-a shared, "I want to say two things. Ultimately, our goal is to form a team consisting of three titles. While looking at the individual abilities and the potential for growth, I also imagine from various angles what kind of team can be formed depending on the combinations. The picture varies greatly depending on the composition. I'm curious and excited about what kind of team will be completed."
In a situation where a three-member unit must be formed, what aspects do the artist makers prioritize? Yang Dong-geun stated, "The important thing is patience. That person really perseveres. The essence of humanity. When I entered the entertainment industry at the age of 8, the motto at the academy was 'Be a human first.' I'm still searching for that, and it seems to be an important virtue for those individuals as well."
So-you commented, "It's hard to choose just one. I think it's charm. Everyone has different charms, but the fact that one is able to showcase that charm on stage is a talent and a manifestation of effort; it seems to be the biggest virtue of an artist. There seems to be a detailed difference where one may not feel charm even if they perform well." Kim Yoon-a agreed with So-you's opinion, stating, "For me, it's charisma. It's not about 'I will devour you,' but rather presence. Even if there are ten people, some individuals particularly draw attention. One cannot disregard the innate qualities that come with that; I am closely observing participants with charisma."
On the other hand, Shin Yong-jae expressed, "I am looking to see growth. The program is focused on growth, so I want to see how much they can develop year after year."
They have united to create a 'three-member multi-musician' unit. When asked to define a 'multi-musician' before the show, So-you said, "If I were to define a multi-musician, I think it refers to an artist self-identified as someone who can crossover various genres and who has the abilities to sing, perform, and produce. Since these individuals have been active in the underground scene, they are perfect in composition. I believe that if our 'House of Girls' musicians can showcase their potential as multi-musicians, they will continue to grow and reveal diverse charms."
Regarding the most impressive moment during the recording, Kim Yoon-a said, "There was someone who kept their heart closed. They wore armor and tried to project a strong image to protect themselves. One day, I witnessed that person awakening. I have not forgotten that awakening moment during the recording. Please watch for it on the broadcast."
Meanwhile, ENA's 'House of Girls' will premiere today at 11 p.m.
[Photo provided by ENA]
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