Kang Seok Hwa, Hidaka Mahiro, And Wang Jyun Hao Choose BTS Members As Role Models, Talk About Goals Of Becoming Idols, And More

Nov 12, 2019

Former “Produce X 101” contestants and OUI Entertainment trainees Kang Seok Hwa, Hidaka Mahiro, and Wang Jyun Hao recently participated in an interview and photo shoot for bnt!

In the interview that followed the photo shoot, the three trainees spoke about their dreams of becoming idols. Wang Jyun Hao, who comes from Taiwan, stated, “When I was young, I happened to watch Justin Bieber perform, so I wanted to become a singer like that since then. I came to Korea after receiving a casting offer from a Korean agency. I was able to dream [of becoming a singer] even more after watching famous Korean idol groups. I wanted to become an idol like EXO and NCT.”

Hidaka Mahiro, who comes from Japan, said, “Compared to Korea, the concepts of idol groups are quite limited in Japan. There are a lot of groups with cute concepts, but I felt that doesn’t suit me well. That’s why I dreamed of becoming an idol in Korea where I can show different sides of myself.”

Kang Seok Hwa explained, “When I was young, I wanted to become a trot singer, a genre familiar to me because I lived with my grandparents. As I gradually got older, I opened my eyes to idol groups’ dances and songs and felt that they suited me well. Since then, I’ve lived while running towards the goal of debuting as an idol.”

When asked about their experiences on “Produce X 101,” Kang Seok Hwa confessed that he felt greatly burdened by survival programs. He explained, “Despite that, I’ve been able to challenge myself many times because I was afraid, and I felt like I wouldn’t be able to get anything by hesitating.” He then expressed his disappointment in being unable to to showcase all of his various images to fans.

Wang Jyun Hao reflected on his time in the program and felt that he was able to become more accustomed to performing. Hidaka Mahiro said, “I think I’ve developed patience and endurance after participating in survival programs. But the system in which I survive by beating someone else was really heartbreaking. From now on, I want to appear on programs where we can work together.”

The three trainees were then asked about their role models. Kang Seok Hwa chose Highlight’s Lee Gikwang, Super Junior’s Kim Heechul, and BTS’s Jungkook as role models, saying, “The people in these groups I like are seniors who are all good at dancing, singing, and entertaining [in variety shows]. I want to become an all-around entertainer like that as well.” Hidaka Mahiro picked BTS’s V as his role model, expressing his wish to resemble V’s cute off-stage but sexy on-stage image. Wang Jyun Hao cited BTS’s Jungkook and Jimin as his role models as he commented, “I want to be like Jimin, who has a sexy image, and Jungkook, who is skilled in singing.”