NCT member Doyoung shared his feelings ahead of his enlistment as he turns thirty this year.
Recently, Doyoung conducted an interview at a cafe in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, ahead of the release of his second album 'Soar,' discussing the new album.
Doyoung expressed his hope that his latest material 'Soar' serves as a small yet firm resonance for those dreaming of taking flight in their respective places, providing the courage to take steps forward again.
When asked about his dreams at this moment, he noted, "I think my current dream is to perform well in concerts. I have the heart to want to do it safely. Long term, I want to remain healthy and be able to sing for a long time. I believe strongly that if I stay healthy, I will definitely sing for a long time."
He added, "I have a lot of ambitions, and I think releasing this album has fulfilled a majority of that ambition. As part of this album's promotion, we held a small exhibition themed 'Doyoung's Room.' There was a space for writing about what gives you the power to dream. I saw messages from fans who said that my music gives them the power to dream. Seeing that made me think that the time I've spent chasing my dream can also help someone, so now my dream might be to help them achieve theirs. I think this time spent with fans has grown longer, so I think my other dream is for them to achieve their dreams and live well."
Now turning thirty, Doyoung shared, "I have been looking forward to turning thirty. Though I'm not sure about my personality, I vaguely felt that my thirties would suit me better than my twenties. I often feel like an old soul, so I think I welcomed my thirties with joy." He added, "I didn't have any fears. There are so many seniors who are actively working into their thirties, so I had no worries about whether turning thirty would hinder me. I think the naturalness that comes with age and years is something to enjoy."
In addition, as Doyoung is set to enlist this year, he shared, "As expected, I have to go to the military this year. Since the precise timing has not been set, I'm trying to do everything I want to do before then. I have various plans laid out, and I want to show a lot of NCT 127 as well, even if it's not an album, while preparing for enlisting."
When asked if Taeyong and Jaehyun, who enlisted earlier, give him advice, he laughingly replied, "Taeyong worries about me. The military environment is unfamiliar, and since he's experiencing it first, I think he has this concern from the perspective of a brother thinking about his younger brother. In fact, we contact each other quite often; both Taeyong and Jaehyun. However, it seems more like joking around rather than giving advice."
Doyoung expressed that he has no worries about the hiatus, stating, "Many teams have overcome military hiatuses. When I think of our team now, I feel even more energetic and impressive than when we were younger. I've become confident that if we keep making music like this, we won't lose our form for a long time."
He continued, "Becoming a long-lasting group is something everyone desires, but I think it's not easy; we have mutual trust that we want to keep doing it beautifully for a long time. I want to keep going; instead of hesitating due to worries about the distant future, I think it's better to realize the short-term future."
Finally, Doyoung stated, "Singing has been the most enjoyable thing in my life. When considering fun, it's number one. So as long as I'm given the opportunity and I manage my health well, and if fans continue to support me, I don't plan to stop singing the songs I love."
[Photo] SM Entertainment
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