Members of the group ASTRO, JinJin and MJ, opened up about the return of the military hiatus in the group due to Cha Eun-woo's enlistment.
On the 4th, an interview was held to commemorate the release of the new unit Junijini's debut album 'DICE' at the Fantagio headquarters in Gangnam, Seoul. Junijini is a new unit consisting of ASTRO members MJ and JinJin, combining their names.
Junijini is set to debut today (13th), but the members are already 10-year veterans in the music industry. They are also treated as seniors in music broadcasts.
MJ said, 'It has been a long time, but I am still very thirsty. There are still goals I want to achieve, and I hope the public recognizes us, so I prepared with the mindset of a newcomer. I feel more eagerness. Eun-woo is in the military, but when he comes back, I hope that we have grown enough for them to know our name and achieve that level of recognition. Although we are veterans, our eagerness is strong.'
JinJin also shared similar sentiments. He said, 'Actually, it's been 3 years since I've been to a music program or a broadcasting station. MJ hyung has been 4 years. I last went while doing the unit, and it's been over 4 years since we went as a group, so it doesn't feel real that I have become a senior.'
'That's why San-ha advised me while he was active, saying, 'Hyung, it's not easy. Brace yourself.' We actually have no firsthand experience, so it feels unreal, but I hope to be more helpful to the team like he mentioned. I hope that after Eun-woo's discharge, he will think, 'They worked hard,' because I've been receiving messages on my phone and I hope he sees we are working hard.'
ASTRO held a solo concert for the first time in 3 years on June 7 and 8 at Incheon Inspire Arena. Following this, member Cha Eun-woo enlisted in the Army band, marking the return of the group's military hiatus. Since Junijini is the first unit to debut after the resumption of ASTRO's military hiatus, they are expected to have a unique determination.
In response, MJ said, 'Honestly, I've lowered the burden a bit. I feel responsible, and if this album does well, there will be a next one. The first priority is to draw in new fans and raise awareness to a level where I can help the team. I am committed to working hard without resting until Eun-woo comes back.'
JinJin also added, 'After finishing the concert in June and sending Eun-woo to the military, I had many thoughts. The biggest one was, 'Let's really go crazy and try hard.' We did performances as ASTRO, but it has been 4 years since MJ hyung has stood on stage. Since military hiatus exists for male idols, I didn't want to waste that time and wanted to fill it up. I wanted to do everything that comes in and fill this hiatus with our own color while keeping a rookie's attitude. Eun-woo actually gave me that kind of advice.'
Meanwhile, Junijini's debut album 'DICE' will be released today (13th) at 6 p.m.
[Photo] Provided by Fantagio
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