practicing for scares, i imagine!

An Opportunity to Grieve Unalone.

Fandom: John Wick (Movies)

Pairing: John Wick x Original Black Female Characters

Words: 1,069

Warnings: None other than mentions of death and illness.

Summary:  Basically, I thought 'What if John became obsessive over the Delivery Girl in John Wick after he sees her as a gift from his deceased wife, Helen--and I came up with this.

1/?

“The Wick order is finally going out tonight, huh? Are you going to be the one delivering it, Maggie?” Magdalena nods, looking over at her co-worker as she prepared for her run of the day. Helen Wick--an insanely nice woman, who happened to be dying. Kevlin, the delivery company she worked for, did specialize in delivery pets for different reasons and occasions. The woman organized a special delivery, one with an unclear date. With ongoing communication with Mrs. Wick, they began preparation last year, and a month ago, she was pronounced dead in the bed of a university hospital room.

Magdalena cried in the break room the day the news broke. She’d gotten to know the woman over planning--Helen, as she insisted the young woman to call her, was a photographer. She’d met her husband about five or six years prior, and from the picture she showed and emailed, they were happy together. Their story made Magdalena, a hopeless romantic swoon and grin.

To be separated from each other that, must’ve been torture. Magdalena remembered when her mother died she was torn up for a reasonable amount of time over it before she decided that life had to go on. She was alone to grieve her mother that died--her mother who had adopted her and tried so hard to take care of her.

She was a woman in her sixties named Denise that took her in at a young age. She wasn’t her birth mother but was the closet thing to one for her. And then, there was the day she started to forget. First, it was small, like what she had forgotten her car keys, then she forgot bigger things like names and dates.

Eventually, things got bad enough that they visited a doctor.

At the hospital, they’d chalked up her symptoms to stress and eighteen-year-old Magdalena accepted it, hoping it was the reason for her mother’s condition. Then, she got worse; she couldn’t move after a while, so they opted to let her mother rest in their one-bedroom home. She spent her late teens and her early twenties giving her mother medication, helping her take baths, and cooking her favorites.

“Hey, Young Lady--have you seen my baby Maggie? That girl’s always getting into stuff, baby girl started walking, and she’s gotten into the flour twice.”

She was an older woman, things like this were bound to happen--but it scared Magdalena so much regardless.

She pulled in more shifts as a cleaning girl, taking care of her mother who couldn’t seem to be able to get out of bed, who only remembered her as the infant she found on her doorstep. She dropped her college plans. She slept next to her, she fed her--all in hopes that her mother would get better.

But, she never did.

The one person she wanted to see smile the most had become a star.

She woke up to her mother’s cold body beside her. After a few hours of crying and holding her mother’s body, she tried to get used to reality. Her mother was dead, and she was on her own.

Now at twenty-seven, she found comfort in her life. She was living well, something her mother would’ve wanted for her.

Thought of her past aside, she stood, thinking about her assignment--the Wick order. Tonight, she’d meet the man that made Helen so happy, although the circumstances that were a bit unsavory. She smiles at the little beagle in front of her, scratching it behind her ears.

“Come on girl, let’s get you into the kennel.”

With her orange jumpsuit on, Magdalena made her way to the Wick’s residence. It was getting darker earlier, so she didn’t have much daylight to work with. Parking on the side of the street, she gave herself a quick pep talk and went to retrieve the kennel. She silently approaches the home, her afro puffs rippled in the breeze of slight autumn wind. 

Knocking, on the door, she hears the puppy whimper. She’s met with a man, one that’s cold-looking and looks like he’s grieving. He’s wearing a simple white t-shirt and a pair of blue jeans. His dark, hooded eyes glare at her, guarded and red--as if he’d been crying not too long before.

“John Wick?”

“Yes?” Sitting down the dog kennel, Magdalena hands him the sign and release form for the pup.

“Sign here, please.”

After a beat, she scribbles something on a piece of paper she tore off of the receipt--her number. She gives it to him, giving him an encouraging smile. Getting back looks of confusion, she realizes how misunderstood (or perhaps not understood at all) the situation was and fleshes out further explanation.

“Oh, I--uh--I’m not trying hit on you or nothing! My mama she real sick too, and they found it late, like with your wife. I’m sure at the time I would’ve felt a lot better if I had someone to talk to. Here’s my number--we could talk, maybe I could recommend a few support groups for what you’re going through. It’s not major or anything, but it’s s great to start as far as help goes.” He stares at the piece of paper for a moment before glancing back at her, eyes quiet and unreceptive, before speaking in a deep, grave voice.

“Thanks--?”

“It’s Maggie. Good night, Mr. Wick.”

....

....

John’s stare lingered on the young lady who’s just left before he read the letter his now-deceased wife left him posthumously.

‘Dear, John. If you have received this, then I have not survived the surgery--I am so, so sorry.’ Tears bubbled in her weary eyes at the sight of Helen’s words. His beautiful wife--a person who’s existence gave his life meaning--meaning aside from past; something he left behind for her.

‘John, I'm sorry I can't be there for you. But you still need something, someone, to love. So start with this. Because the car doesn't count. I love you, John. This illness has loomed over us for a long time, and now that I have found my peace, find yours. Until that day, your best friend, Helen.’ John, breathing swallow breathes, thinks about the girl that left after seeing the piece of scrap paper with her email on it.

Her smile, her connection to Helen, her words. 

He looks over at a photo of her and him, smiling at a beach.

‘But you still need something, someone, to love.’

“Did you send me an Angel, Helen?”

[TRANS] MAMAMOO's BNT Interview: "Our goal this year isn't becoming number 1, but hoping the year becomes one where we safely complete the plans we have set"

Q. How does it feel doing this photoshoot with bnt?

SOLAR: I was really nervous before we came here because it's been such a while since we did a photoshoot with bnt. As expected, you took the photos prettily, so I had fun shooting, and hope we can do this again next time.

WHEEIN: We aren't a group that does photoshoots often, but I think we've gained a good memory thanks to bnt.

HWASA: It was really fun. I especially liked the clothes. I liked attempting a new style.

Q. What have you been doing lately?

SOLAR: We're in the last stages of album preparations, so we're busy recording and practicing choreography. We want to hurry and show good music and a great stage.

HWASA: Lately, I've just been recording. Because all 4 members participate in our songs a lot, we've been busy preparing the album.

Q. Fans have been worrying a lot because of Solar's back injury, have you recovered a lot?

SOLAR: Because so many people worried for me, fortunately, I have recovered now.

Q. You had the honor of running as a torchbearer for the '2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics', how does it feel?

SOLAR: Sadly, because of my back injury, I wasn't able to do it together, but I was proud seeing my members running.

WHEEIN: First of all, it was really hectic. It was my first time running as a torchbearer, so I was really nervous. But I think the 15 minutes flew by.

MOONBYUL: Because the three of us had to do this, it was burdensome and I worried. I think it will remain as a good memory, having shared the meaningful moment together as MAMAMOO.

Q. Was there anything that happened during the torch relay?

HWASA: Wheein has a bit of a dark past while doing the torch relay. (laughs)

WHEEIN: That's right. (laughs) I looked at all the photos from after the torch relay, and I didn't wear the hat correctly. So I became a conehead. I was really embarrassed. (laughs)

Q. Due to Solar's absence, it must have felt really regrettable.

SOLAR: It was really unfortunate, but I'm grateful and proud that the members did it so greatly.

WHEEIN: It's not an opportunity that comes by easily, so Solar unnie's empty spot was really sad.

MOONBYUL: Nothing would have been better than all 4 members doing it together, but Solar unnie's recovery was a priority. If there is another opportunity, I want to do it together as a whole [group].

Q. You have the release of your new song coming up in March. Could you introduce it?

SOLAR: We put a lot of different moods/atmosphere in this album that are completely different from styles MAMAMOO has done. I think it would be good to anticipate it. (laughs)

Q. Following your 2014 debut, you've had one hit after another with 'Mr. Ambiguous', 'Piano Man', 'Um Oh Ah Yeh', 'You're the Best', and 'Decalcomanie'. Do you feel any pressure with this upcoming album?

SOLAR: Of course, with the anticipation there is pressure. But we do our best to meet those expectations, so I think that pressure turns into good synergy.

HWASA: I think there is somewhat of a sense of responsibility. We're putting our all into preparing the album with the feeling of responsibility to not disappoint, rather than feeling pressure. The single album 'Paint Me' that we released recently didn't rank on music charts as well as I thought it would. I feel sad the song didn't fit perfectly in the eyes of the general public, who is used to MAMAMOO's bright style that we've been showing. I think 'Paint Me' will become a turning point for MAMAMOO.

Q. After debuting, you've done various activities, releasing an album every year, and [taking part in] OSTs. I think it would be hard on you physically and mentally.

SOLAR: Of course, there are times where it's tiring, but I think we each overcome it in our own ways.

WHEEIN: When we're promoting, I do get exhausted physically, but I think the hard time that comes mentally is really big. I think for this job, you have to have a strong mind. There are times when you crumble mentally and get exhausted, but it's not something someone else can fix, so you have to control your mind well.

Q. New debuting rookie idols have been choosing MAMAMOO as role models they want to be like. How does that make you feel?

SOLAR: I'm thankful. When I hear those things, I feel embarrassed, but my sense of responsibility gets stronger.

HWASA: I think it's amazing. I still feel a bit shy. There are a lot of much cooler people. (laughs)

Q. How did you feel when senior singer Lee Hyori chose you as her most talented juniors?

MOONBYUL: When we first came across that news, all the members in the car screamed. (laughs) We really admire her. Hearing our role model, Lee Hyori sunbaenim (senior), giving that compliment to us, we were touched.

WHEEIN: We were really thankful, and it made us want to work harder with our music in the future.

Q. Who is MAMAMOO's role model?

SOLAR: Personally, Lee Hyori sunbaenim.

HWASA: It's different for each member, but there was a role model I thought of when the company was creating the group called MAMAMOO. It's the group TLC from the US. They're a group with a really strong personality. Thinking about it now, I think we're doing strong, unique music like them.

Q. MAMAMOO has a diverse fan base, with men and women of all ages. You have a lot of female fans in particular.

WHEEIN: I think the way we act off stage approached them in a friendly way. A lot of our song lyrics also represent the feelings of women and express them honestly. Women nowadays have self-confidence, and like being confident. I think people like our music a lot because it fits in with that well.

Q. When you think of MAMAMOO, you can't leave out teamwork. Do you have a secret behind maintaining good teamwork?

SOLAR: We've been close to the point where we lived together as trainees. Now, they're really dongsaengs (someone younger) that are like family.

HWASA: I think bumping into each other when you have to is also a secret to it. If you spend a lot of time together, there are going to be things that hurt you. If you don't talk about it and sulk, it drags on for longer. We bumped heads a lot, but, after experiencing those days, now we can know things by just looking at each others eyes. (laughs)

MOONBYUL: That's right. After learning each others tendencies, we've learned the know-how's on how to say things to not hurt each others feelings.

Q. You seem to work hard at communicating with fans despite being busy.

SOLAR: We try to do it a lot. I think it's only right to repay the love fans give us.

WHEEIN: We both exist because of each other. Rather than working hard on just releasing albums often, I think it's also important to communicate like someone close by. Then the feelings you have for each other becomes deeper. It's kind of like a relationship. (laughs) Their name is just 'fan', but I do think it's like two people who like each other, like a relationship between lovers. So we put a lot of effort into making each other happy.

Q. When you think of MAMAMOO, you think 'beagle-dol', and vice versa. What do you think about your beagle-like image?

SOLAR: At first, I wasn't sure what that meant, but it suited us perfectly. Though, we are occasionally quiet. (laughs)

HWASA: We've kind of hit a period of lassitude with the beagle image. Now, that modifier is just comfortable.

WHEEIN: That's right. The beagle image is just comfortable now, and that is a part of us. If they dressed us in like a 'doll-idol' image that doesn't suit us, it would've been a burden for us, too. (laughs)

Q. Because your bright and cheerful image is so strong, there could be some challenges.

MOONBYUL: Because we are people, we feel sad and tired, too. But, because we're always appearing cheerful, there are times where we get exhausted. In the past, there was a time where we did silly faces like an event on stage. For about half a year after, that's all people seemed to want to see wherever we went. (laughs) We want to show a different side of us, but I worried a lot that we may be cemented in a funny image. Now, doing various music activities, I think it's gotten better with the general public accepting, 'MAMAMOO has this side to them, too'.

WHEEIN: We want to show an image that goes beyond a bright and cheerful image, but if we show a different appearance, people around us are awkward, so it's uncomfortable. Because people want a created image more than our real selves, it's a shame we haven't had many opportunities to show our actual appearances much.

Q. Trying to approach the general public in a friendly manner unintentionally created misunderstandings.

HWASA: Now, nearing 5 years since debuting, we realized that those misunderstandings can be changed through us changing. Anyone is awkward at first, and you're bound to make mistakes. We're also a part of that process, and I think the best answer is to show a more mature us.

Q. You show witty lyrics and various performances. Whose idea is it?

HWASA: The demand of our CEO? (laughs)

WHEEIN: If our CEO tosses a big idea like that to us, we usually bite the bait. (laughs) We discuss a lot of things especially right before we get on stage. If we put our heads together and discuss things, good ideas come about.

Q. Is there a memorable stage?

WHEEIN: There's a stage that has been bothering us for years. (laughs) We promoted 'Um Oh Ah Yeh' for a pretty long time, and we showed a different ad lib for every broadcast. When we thought we didn't have any more themes, we changed the lyrics to a 'moo party' theme. The lyrics had a variety of moos/radishes, from radish kimchi, dried radish slices, kkakdugi.

Q. Solar's drumming performance at MAMAMOO's solo concert was a [hot] issue. I feel there must have been lots of effort into completing a big stage like that.

SOLAR: I practice a lot. Even when performing, I was really nervous in case I dropped my stick, but I'm proud people watched it so well.

Q. Seeing your exploding charisma on stage, Hwasa is like the next generation's sexy queen. Is Hwasa's talent natural?

HWASA: It's kind of difficult to say it myself, but I think I had a lot of those talents since I was young. (laughs) When I was younger, both my parents worked, so I spent a lot of time alone since they were busy. Since then, I would turn on music and dance and show my talents. I remember watching Uhm Jung Hwa and Kim Hye Soo sunbaenims on TV, imitating them with a curtain draped around me like a dress. (laughs)

Q. Along with a solo song, Wheein has done lots of collaborations with different singers. Do you have any solo plans?

WHEEIN: Honestly, I have very detailed plans for this year, but it's still a secret. (laughs) Of course, I will be working hard with MAMAMOO's activities. But I want to show people the musical colors of, not only MAMAMOO's Wheein, but Jung Wheein's as well.

Q. Moonbyul, you showed off your rapping and singing through your solo song 'Love & Hate', included in the 'Purple' album. Were there any difficulties managing both rapping and singing?

MOONBYUL: Along with the producer, the members helped me a lot. It was difficult while learning, but I was able to take another step in developing through 'Love & Hate'.

Q. Moonbyul is well-known for looking like EXO's Xiumin and BTOB's Minhyuk. Do you look alike in real life as well?

MOONBYUL: My members said they got surprised after seeing them in real life, too. (laughs)

HWASA: When she's wearing makeup, she looks like Xiumin sunbaenim, and when she's not, she looks like Minhyuk oppa. (laughs)

WHEEIN: It's really to the point where it's confusing. When Minhyuk oppa walked by, I thought it was Moonbyul unnie. (laughs)

MOONBYUL: The members got confused during rehearsals, too. All the BTOB members also acknowledge that we look alike. (laughs) We got close after saying I look like Minhyuk oppa.

Q. Is there a different girl group's song that you want to try doing in your own style?

SOLAR: I like Red Velvet's 'Red Flavor' because it's fresh. I think it would be nice to attempt it in MAMAMOO's style.

MOONBYUL: I think it would also be nice to do Red Velvet's 'Red Flavor' or 'Peek-A-Boo'.

HWASA: It's a song that I listened to for a while at one point. I want to try a style like Blackpink's 'Playing With Fire'.

WHEEIN: I think f(x)'s '4 Walls' is very polished and good.

Q. Is there a celebrity that you're close with?

WHEEIN: I don't think I have the personality where I approach someone first. Even if someone comes to me, I get shy and nervous, so I'm not really close with many celebrities. I think becoming close naturally is nice.

MOONBYUL: There's a 92-line group with Sandeul, Jin, Hani, Baro, and Ken. Since we're adults, we have a drink. But I think the thing we do most when we get together are escape rooms. (laughs)

Q. Recently, you successfully completed showcases in Japan and Taiwan. Do you have any more plans for overseas activities?

HWASA: The interest in MAMAMOO overseas was pretty high. It's hard to talk about any detailed plans, but we are planning overseas activities to broaden MAMAMOO's territory. (laughs)

Q. You participated in competitive programs a lot, but there are lots of fans who are sad about not being able to see you on any other programs.

MOONBYUL: We went on a lot of competing programs. So it feels like we're idols whose specialty are competitive programs. (laughs) Because it takes a lot of effort to prepare for those programs, I think we weren't able to go on other variety shows.

HWASA: There's that, as well as us not being suitable for TV. (laughs) When we're not on air, we're really funny, but we freeze up as soon as the camera starts rolling.

MOONBYUL: Also, I think doing variety shows alone is particularly difficult. When you're with other members, they give reactions with you. If you make a mistake, they can cover it up for you. But it's hard when you go on them alone.

Q. Is there a variety show you want to try?

WHEEIN: I want to try a realistic variety show like 'I Live Alone'. Rather than being pressured and feeling obligated to do something, I think shows that can show us being natural suits us best.

Q. Is there a b-side track from your albums that you want to recommend?

HWASA: A bossanova song 'Words Don't Come Easy' from our 'Melting' album. Personally, I really liked feeling like the members came together as one and wrapped around me when recording this song.

MOONBYUL: The song 'Hometown'. This is also in the 'Melting' album, but each of the members wrote their own parts. It's a song that has a lot of each of our memories.

Q. You participate in writing and composing a lot. Where do you get your influence?

HWASA: Life. There isn't anything special.

WHEEIN: Also, experience. I think things that suddenly come to you are the biggest things.

Q. You have a lot of songs that go with the theme of love and separation. I'm curious about MAMAMOO's dating life.

HWASA: I don't think love is only about the relationship between man and woman, but it involves various things. Like the love with friends or family.

WHEEIN: I think Hwasa dodged the question well. (laughs)

HWASA: I'm serious. (laughs) I write about the love in family a lot, too. And we can have crushes/one-sided loves. We're people, too. I think there's something strict when it comes to celebrities and love. I don't like how we're beating around the bush answering right now either. (laughs) Anyway, there are many kinds of love.

MOONBYUL: I recall experiences of past love, from before debuting, and write about that.

Q. There are a lot of celebrities who choose MAMAMOO as their ideal types. Have you ever been asked out?

MOONBYUL: We never have.

WHEEIN: I have. (laughs)

MOONBYUL: Really? I didn't know. (laughs) I'm curious about who it is, too. Did they say they were interested in you and ask for your number?

WHEEIN: There was something like that. (laughs) It's kind of been a while. It's not recent. Anyway, it has happened.

Q. What are your ideal types?

HWASA: I think I really know my ideal type now. I really like someone who is optimistic.

WHEEIN: It could seem abstract saying this, but someone who is 'wide'. Like, someone with a 'wide bowl' (like, someone who is broad-minded?). I want a big bowl man. (laughs) Optimistic two.

MOONBYUL: Someone who is really understanding.

WHEEIN, HWASA: Optimistic three. (laughs)

MOONBYUL: In the past, I used to nitpick looks, too. But now, I think being understanding of each other is the most important thing when getting to know someone.

Q. You're at the age to be dating, don't you want to?

WHEEIN: I really want to. (laughs) Because we're at the age to love.

HWASA: Right now, we are busily active, but if my heart matches with someone, and I really think, 'It's this person', I would date them.

MOONBYUL: When I have someone I love, I think there will be a day where I can let it become known that we are dating.

Q. How would you picture MAMAMOO 10 years from now?

WHEEIN: I think we'd go on '9010' and sing. (laughs)

HWASA: In 10 years, we'll be 34. Moonbyul unnie will be 37, and Yongsun unnie, 38. Almost 40. (laughs) I think we'll have occasional get together. (laughs)

MOONBYUL: We got this question early into our debut. At that time, I could imagine 10 years into the future, but that's almost 40 now. (laughs) I think we'll be together as MAMAMOO, while doing individual activities.

Q. You have lots of modifiers like 'listen and trust in MAMAMOO' and 'beagle-dol'. What kind of modifier would you like in the future?

WHEEIN: 'MAMAMOO that doesn't need modifiers'. I hope MAMAMOO can be acknowledged as is, without any need for modifiers.

Q. What kind of year was 2017 like for MAMAMOO?

HWASA: We only released on album, but, instead, it was a year where we laid the base to expand our musical boundaries.

Q. Do you have a goal for 2018?

HWASA: Our goal this year isn't becoming number 1, but hoping the year becomes one where we safely complete the plans we have set. In order to do that, I think our members' health is the priority. I want us to take care of our health well, and do our music activities well.

Q. What are your future promotional plans?

MOONBYUL: First of all, we're planning on releasing an album in March. We're planning on showing various activities, not only as MAMAMOO, but ones that show each of our own colors.

Q. Lastly, a word to your fans.

SOLAR: There was a not-so-short time between 'Yes I Am' promotions and this comeback, so thank you so much for waiting until now. We will work hard to show better music and stages in the future, so we hope you watch us well. Everyone, don't be sick, and let's meet soon in a healthy state.

WHEEIN: We're not active lately, so we haven't had a chance to meet you like this. It's really nice that we were able to greet you through this photoshoot ahead of our comeback. We have a lot of plans for this year, so we will work hard so your eyes and ears can't rest, so please look forward to it. Thank you for waiting for so long, and I hope you continue to give MAMAMOO lots of love.

Sources: btn international | eng translation @ch0sshi

MAMAMOO’s Moonbyul reveals that 92-line club likes to drink together, and go to escape rooms

On a recent interview of MAMAMOO for BNT, they were asked if there’s any celebrity that they’re close with. Wheein stated that she doesn’t have the personality where she approaches someone first, and even if someone comes to her, she gets shy and nervous.

Moonbyul said that there's a 92-line group with Sandeul, Jin, Hani, Baro, and Ken, and since they’re  adults, they have a drink together. She also added that  the thing that they do the most when they get together are escape rooms.

Read the full interview below:

Q. How does it feel doing this photoshoot with bnt? -SOLAR: I was really nervous before we came here because it's been such a while since we did a photoshoot with bnt. As expected, you took the photos prettily, so I had fun shooting, and hope we can do this again next time. WHEEIN: We aren't a group that does photoshoots often, but I think we've gained a good memory thanks to bnt. HWASA: It was really fun. I especially liked the clothes. I liked attempting a new style. Q. What have you been doing lately? -SOLAR: We're in the last stages of album preparations, so we're busy recording and practicing choreography. We want to hurry and show good music and a great stage. HWASA: Lately, I've just been recording. Because all 4 members participate in our songs a lot, we've been busy preparing the album. Q. Fans have been worrying a lot because of Solar's back injury, have you recovered a lot? -SOLAR: Because so many people worried for me, fortunately, I have recovered now. Q. You had the honor of running as a torchbearer for the '2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics', how does it feel? -SOLAR: Sadly, because of my back injury, I wasn't able to do it together, but I was proud seeing my members running. WHEEIN: First of all, it was really hectic. It was my first time running as a torchbearer, so I was really nervous. But I think the 15 minutes flew by. MOONBYUL: Because the three of us had to do this, it was burdensome and I worried. I think it will remain as a good memory, having shared the meaningful moment together as MAMAMOO. Q. Was there anything that happened during the torch relay? -HWASA: Wheein has a bit of a dark past while doing the torch relay. (laughs) WHEEIN: That's right. (laughs) I looked at all the photos from after the torch relay, and I didn't wear the hat correctly. So I became a conehead. I was really embarrassed. (laughs) Q. Due to Solar's absence, it must have felt really regrettable. -SOLAR: It was really unfortunate, but I'm grateful and proud that the members did it so greatly. WHEEIN: It's not an opportunity that comes by easily, so Solar unnie's empty spot was really sad. MOONBYUL: Nothing would have been better than all 4 members doing it together, but Solar unnie's recovery was a priority. If there is another opportunity, I want to do it together as a whole [group]. Q. You have the release of your new song coming up in March. Could you introduce it? -SOLAR: We put a lot of different moods/atmosphere in this album that are completely different from styles MAMAMOO has done. I think it would be good to anticipate it. (laughs) Q. Following your 2014 debut, you've had one hit after another with 'Mr. Ambiguous', 'Piano Man', 'Um Oh Ah Yeh', 'You're the Best', and 'Decalcomanie'. Do you feel any pressure with this upcoming album? -SOLAR: Of course, with the anticipation there is pressure. But we do our best to meet those expectations, so I think that pressure turns into good synergy. HWASA: I think there is somewhat of a sense of responsibility. We're putting our all into preparing the album with the feeling of responsibility to not disappoint, rather than feeling pressure. The single album 'Paint Me' that we released recently didn't rank on music charts as well as I thought it would. I feel sad the song didn't fit perfectly in the eyes of the general public, who is used to MAMAMOO's bright style that we've been showing. I think 'Paint Me' will become a turning point for MAMAMOO. Q. After debuting, you've done various activities, releasing an album every year, and [taking part in] OSTs. I think it would be hard on you physically and mentally. -SOLAR: Of course, there are times where it's tiring, but I think we each overcome it in our own ways. WHEEIN: When we're promoting, I do get exhausted physically, but I think the hard time that comes mentally is really big. I think for this job, you have to have a strong mind. There are times when you crumble mentally and get exhausted, but it's not something someone else can fix, so you have to control your mind well. Q. New debuting rookie idols have been choosing MAMAMOO as role models they want to be like. How does that make you feel? -SOLAR: I'm thankful. When I hear those things, I feel embarrassed, but my sense of responsibility gets stronger. HWASA: I think it's amazing. I still feel a bit shy. There are a lot of much cooler people. (laughs) Q. How did you feel when senior singer Lee Hyori chose you as her most talented juniors? -MOONBYUL: When we first came across that news, all the members in the car screamed. (laughs) We really admire her. Hearing our role model, Lee Hyori sunbaenim (senior), giving that compliment to us, we were touched. WHEEIN: We were really thankful, and it made us want to work harder with our music in the future. Q. Who is MAMAMOO's role model? -SOLAR: Personally, Lee Hyori sunbaenim. HWASA: It's different for each member, but there was a role model I thought of when the company was creating the group called MAMAMOO. It's the group TLC from the US. They're a group with a really strong personality. Thinking about it now, I think we're doing strong, unique music like them. Q. MAMAMOO has a diverse fan base, with men and women of all ages. You have a lot of female fans in particular. -WHEEIN: I think the way we act off stage approached them in a friendly way. A lot of our song lyrics also represent the feelings of women and express them honestly. Women nowadays have self-confidence, and like being confident. I think people like our music a lot because it fits in with that well. Q. When you think of MAMAMOO, you can't leave out teamwork. Do you have a secret behind maintaining good teamwork? -SOLAR: We've been close to the point where we lived together as trainees. Now, they're really dongsaengs (someone younger) that are like family. HWASA: I think bumping into each other when you have to is also a sercret to it. If you spend a lot of time together, there are going to be things that hurt you. If you don't talk about it and sulk, it drags on for longer. We bumped heads a lot, but, after experiencing those days, now we can know things by just looking at each others eyes. (laughs) MOONBYUL: That's right. After learning each others tendencies, we've learned the know-how's on how to say things to not hurt each others feelings. Q. You seem to work hard at communicating with fans despite being busy. -SOLAR: We try to do it a lot. I think it's only right to repay the love fans give us. WHEEIN: We both exist because of each other. Rather than working hard on just releasing albums often, I think it's also important to communicate like someone close by. Then the feelings you have for each other becomes deeper. It's kind of like a relationship. (laughs) Their name is just 'fan', but I do think it's like two people who like each other, like a relationship between lovers. So we put a lot of effort into making each other happy. Q. When you think of MAMAMOO, you think 'beagle-dol', and vice versa. What do you think about your beagle-like image? -SOLAR: At first, I wasn't sure what that meant, but it suited us perfectly. Though, we are occasionally quiet. (laughs) HWASA: We've kind of hit a period of lassitude with the beagle image. Now, that modifier is just comfortable. WHEEIN: That's right. The beagle image is just comfortable now, and that is a part of us. If they dressed us in like a 'doll-idol' image that doesn't suit us, it would've been a burden for us, too. (laughs) Q. Because your bright and cheerful image is so strong, there could be some challenges. -MOONBYUL: Because we are people, we feel sad and tired, too. But, because we're always appearing cheerful, there are times where we get exhausted. In the past, there was a time where we did silly faces like an event on stage. For about half a year after, that's all people seemed to want to see wherever we went. (laughs) We want to show a different side of us, but I worried a lot that we may be cemented in a funny image. Now, doing various music activities, I think it's gotten better with the general public accepting, 'MAMAMOO has this side to them, too'. WHEEIN: We want to show an image that goes beyond a bright and cheerful image, but if we show a different appearance, people around us are awkward, so it's uncomfortable. Because people want a created image more than our real selves, it's a shame we haven't had many opportunities to show our actual appearances much. Q. Trying to approach the general public in a friendly manner unintentionally created misunderstandings. -HWASA: Now, nearing 5 years since debuting, we realized that those misunderstandings can be changed through us changing. Anyone is awkward at first, and you're bound to make mistakes. We're also a part of that process, and I think the best answer is to show a more mature us. Q. You show witty lyrics and various performances. Whose idea is it? -HWASA: The demand of our CEO? (laughs) WHEEIN: If our CEO tosses a big idea like that to us, we usually bite the bait. (laughs) We discuss a lot of things especially right before we get on stage. If we put our heads together and discuss things, good ideas come about. Q. Is there a memorable stage? -WHEEIN: There's a stage that has been bothering us for years. (laughs) We promoted 'Um Oh Ah Yeh' for a pretty long time, and we showed a different ad lib for every broadcast. When we thought we didn't have any more themes, we changed the lyrics to a 'moo party' theme. The lyrics had a variety of moos/radishes, from radish kimchi, dried radish slices, kkakdugi. Q. Solar's drumming performance at MAMAMOO's solo concert was a [hot] issue. I feel there must have been lots of effort into completing a big stage like that. -SOLAR: I practice a lot. Even when performing, I was really nervous in case I dropped my stick, but I'm proud people watched it so well. Q. Seeing your exploding charisma on stage, Hwasa is like the next generation's sexy queen. Is Hwasa's talent natural? -HWASA: It's kind of difficult to say it myself, but I think I had a lot of those talents since I was young. (laughs) When I was younger, both my parents worked, so I spent a lot of time alone since they were busy. Since then, I would turn on music and dance and show my talents. I remember watching Uhm Jung Hwa and Kim Hye Soo sunbaenims on TV, imitating them with a curtain draped around me like a dress. (laughs) Q. Along with a solo song, Wheein has done lots of collaborations with different singers. Do you have any solo plans? -WHEEIN: Honestly, I have very detailed plans for this year, but it's still a secret. (laughs) Of course, I will be working hard with MAMAMOO's activities. But I want to show people the musical colors of, not only MAMAMOO's Wheein, but Jung Wheein's as well. Q. Moonbyul, you showed off your rapping and singing through your solo song 'Love & Hate', included in the 'Purple' album. Were there any difficulties managing both rapping and singing? -MOONBYUL: Along with the producer, the members helped me a lot. It was difficult while learning, but I was able to take another step in developing through 'Love & Hate'. Q. Moonbyul is well-known for looking like EXO's Xiumin and BTOB's Minhyuk. Do you look alike in real life as well? -MOONBYUL: My members said they got surprised after seeing them in real life, too. (laughs) HWASA: When she's wearing makeup, she looks like Xiumin sunbaenim, and when she's not, she looks like Minhyuk oppa. (laughs) WHEEIN: It's really to the point where it's confusing. When Minhyuk oppa walked by, I thought it was Moonbyul unnie. (laughs) MOONBYUL: The members got confused during rehearsals, too. All the BTOB members also acknowledge that we look alike. (laughs) We got close after saying I look like Minhyuk oppa. Q. Is there a different girl group's song that you want to try doing in your own style? -SOLAR: I like Red Velvet's 'Red Flavor' because it's fresh. I think it would be nice to attempt it in MAMAMOO's style. MOONBYUL: I think it would also be nice to do Red Velvet's 'Red Flavor' or 'Peek-A-Boo'. HWASA: It's a song that I listened to for a while at one point. I want to try a style like Blackpink's 'Playing With Fire'. WHEEIN: I think f(x)'s '4 Walls' is very polished and good. Q. Is there a celebrity that you're close with? -WHEEIN: I don't think I have the personality where I approach someone first. Even if someone comes to me, I get shy and nervous, so I'm not really close with many celebrities. I think becoming close naturally is nice. MOONBYUL: There's a 92-line group with Sandeul, Jin, Hani, Baro, and Ken. Since we're adults, we have a drink. But I think the thing we do most when we get together are escape rooms. (laughs) Q. Recently, you successfully completed showcases in Japan and Taiwan. Do you have any more plans for overseas activities? -HWASA: The interest in MAMAMOO overseas was pretty high. It's hard to talk about any detailed plans, but we are planning overseas activities to broaden MAMAMOO's territory. (laughs) Q. You participated in competitive programs a lot, but there are lots of fans who are sad about not being able to see you on any other programs. -MOONBYUL: We went on a lot of competing programs. So it feels like we're idols whose specialty are competitive programs. (laughs) Because it takes a lot of effort to prepare for those programs, I think we weren't able to go on other variety shows. HWASA: There's that, as well as us not being suitable for TV. (laughs) When we're not on air, we're really funny, but we freeze up as soon as the camera starts rolling. MOONBYUL: Also, I think doing variety shows alone is particularly difficult. When you're with other members, they give reactions with you. If you make a mistake, they can cover it up for you. But it's hard when you go on them alone. Q. Is there a variety show you want to try? -WHEEIN: I want to try a realistic variety show like 'I Live Alone'. Rather than being pressured and feeling obligated to do something, I think shows that can show us being natural suits us best. Q. Is there a b-side track from your albums that you want to recommend? -HWASA: A bossanova song 'Words Don't Come Easy' from our 'Melting' album. Personally, I really liked feeling like the members came together as one and wrapped around me when recording this song. MOONBYUL: The song 'Hometown'. This is also in the 'Melting' album, but each of the members wrote their own parts. It's a song that has a lot of each of our memories. Q. You participate in writing and composing a lot. Where do you get your influence? -HWASA: Life. There isn't anything special. WHEEIN: Also, experience. I think things that suddenly come to you are the biggest things. Q. You have a lot of songs that go with the theme of love and separation. I'm curious about MAMAMOO's dating life. -HWASA: I don't think love is only about the relationship between man and woman, but it involves various things. Like the love with friends or family. WHEEIN: I think Hwasa dodged the question well. (laughs) HWASA: I'm serious. (laughs) I write about the love in family a lot, too. And we can have crushes/one-sided loves. We're people, too. I think there's something strict when it comes to celebrities and love. I don't like how we're beating around the bush answering right now either. (laughs) Anyway, there are many kinds of love. MOONBYUL: I recall experiences of past love, from before debuting, and write about that. Q. There are a lot of celebrities who choose MAMAMOO as their ideal types. Have you ever been asked out? -MOONBYUL: We never have. WHEEIN: I have. (laughs) MOONBYUL: Really? I didn't know. (laughs) I'm curious about who it is, too. Did they say they were interested in you and ask for your number? WHEEIN: There was something like that. (laughs) It's kind of been a while. It's not recent. Anyway, it has happened. Q. What are your ideal types? -HWASA: I think I really know my ideal type now. I really like someone who is optimistic. WHEEIN: It could seem abstract saying this, but someone who is 'wide'. Like, someone with a 'wide bowl' (like, someone who is broad-minded?). I want a big bowl man. (laughs) Optimistic two. MOONBYUL: Someone who is really understanding. WHEEIN, HWASA: Optimistic three. (laughs) MOONBYUL: In the past, I used to nitpick looks, too. But now, I think being understanding of each other is the most important thing when getting to know someone. Q. You're at the age to be dating, don't you want to? -WHEEIN: I really want to. (laughs) Because we're at the age to love. HWASA: Right now, we are busily active, but if my heart matches with someone, and I really think, 'It's this person', I would date them. MOONBYUL: When I have someone I love, I think there will be a day where I can let it become known that we are dating. Q. How would you picture MAMAMOO 10 years from now? -WHEEIN: I think we'd go on '9010' and sing. (laughs) HWASA: In 10 years, we'll be 34. Moonbyul unnie will be 37, and Yongsun unnie, 38. Almost 40. (laughs) I think we'll have occasional get together. (laughs) MOONBYUL: We got this question early into our debut. At that time, I could imagine 10 years into the future, but that's almost 40 now. (laughs) I think we'll be together as MAMAMOO, while doing individual activities. Q. You have lots of modifiers like 'listen and trust in MAMAMOO' and 'beagle-dol'. What kind of modifier would you like in the future? -WHEEIN: 'MAMAMOO that doesn't need modifiers'. I hope MAMAMOO can be acknowledged as is, without any need for modifiers. Q. What kind of year was 2017 like for MAMAMOO? -HWASA: We only released on album, but, instead, it was a year where we laid the base to expand our musical boundaries. Q. Do you have a goal for 2018? -HWASA: Our goal this year isn't becoming number 1, but hoping the year becomes one where we safely complete the plans we have set. In order to do that, I think our members' health is the priority. I want us to take care of our health well, and do our music activities well. Q. What are your future promotional plans? -MOONBYUL: First of all, we're planning on releasing an album in March. We're planning on showing various activities, not only as MAMAMOO, but ones that show each of our own colors. Q. Lastly, a word to your fans. -SOLAR: There was a not-so-short time between 'Yes I Am' promotions and this comeback, so thank you so much for waiting until now. We will work hard to show better music and stages in the future, so we hope you watch us well. Everyone, don't be sick, and let's meet soon in a healthy state. WHEEIN: We're not active lately, so we haven't had a chance to meet you like this. It's really nice that we were able to greet you through this photoshoot ahead of our comeback. We have a lot of plans for this year, so we will work hard so your eyes and ears can't rest, so please look forward to it. Thank you for waiting for so long, and I hope you continue to give MAMAMOO lots of love.

translations: ch0sshi

source: BNT