‘Harper’s Bazaar’ Magazine Interviews Jessica and f(x)’s Krystal

Jessica: The two of us haven’t done a rugged image photoshoot together before. My younger sister and I like this type of feeling, but Girls’ Generation has a pretty image, and because my sister is too young to take on this appearance, we couldn’t do it. Also, even though I appear edgy and sharp, please make sure to let people know that I’m not like that in real life. My fans probably know already, but I’m a ‘heodang’. Heodang. (translator’s note: a “heodang” is someone who is odd in their own way.)

Jessica: I was afraid of photoshoots at first. Because I’m shy and not a model, poses were difficult. Now, the attention of the camera feels comfortable. I’ve learned what appearances look pretty and which don’t. I didn’t have many talents and had a bashful personality, but I tried to become more enthusiastic through this work. Doing that, the way I treat people changed, and I’ve gained the ability that’s not much of an ability, to talk like this to people I meet for the first time. (laughs)

Krystal: I think my mom will say, ‘Isn’t that a bit strong, do a gentler (translator’s note: photoshoot) next time.’ While she does like a cool appearance on stage or screen, she likes seeing my sister or I eating something tastily or playing without worrying about work more. My mom also occasionally says that she didn’t think that we would become singers and act.

Krystal: Through this drama, I don’t think I’ll be showing a new me or a big transformation. My character is an unruly girl, like average high schoolers, is really warm-hearted, and gets jealous. But that doesn’t mean I’m disappointed. Because I’m 20, I think that I have a lot of opportunities to do new things, even if they don’t happen now.

Krystal: When I’m with my sister, there’s nothing in the world that I’m afraid of. When I was a trainee, or when I attended school, I really felt reassured because my sister was there. I didn’t know my sister would have this much aegyo (cuteness). I first found out when I saw her active in Girls’ Generation. (laughs)

Jessica: I always just thought she was a young child, but she has a really nice body and a tough charm. I never even imagined that she would have that side to her. Even so, I always worry. Like if she would do well in this line of work. At shoots like today, Girls’ Generation members may do things well on their own, but I tend to show concern for my younger sister. While working, there can’t always only be good things, so there are times when I get upset. I want to interfere and clarify things myself. Because we’re in the same line of work, there are some things that I lean on my sister for, so I’m thankful. I can share things that I can’t tell just anyone, and I think she’s my best friend right now.

Krystal: Ah, I’m already 20. I don’t like how time is going by so fast either. If you look at it one way, it seems like I spent my years before turning 20 specially, but when I think about it, that’s not necessarily the case. If I wasn’t doing what I do now, I might have wanted to hurry and become an adult, but right now, it feels like I’ve learned too many things.

Krystal: While the road I have to go along from now on is long, and I lack in areas, I do have some greed in wanting f(x) to be acknowledged for our musical color. Our music has a lot of aficionados, but I want to let people who don’t listen [to our music] because it’s convoluted know that there are various kinds of music in the world.

Krystal: People say my sister and I are really different, but there probably is a similarity as we are sisters. Looking alike yet different, while being similar, is a charm as well.