Exclusive Interview with CREZL!
We had an exclusive interview with CREZL, a group known for their unique style and energetic performances! In this heartfelt conversation, we discussed everything from their sources of inspiration and creative process to their stage memories and future plans. Don’t miss out on this insightful interview!
Join us on an inspiring journey through music by checking out our interview!
1. Hello, CREZL! Could you please introduce yourselves briefly?
ALL: Where is the fun? In CREZL! Hello, we are CREZL.
JINHO: Hello, I am Jinho, the pop vocalist of CREZL, in charge of producing.
KYUHYUNG: I am Kyuhyung, the leader of CREZL and a musical actor.
SUIN: Hello! I am Suin, a traditional Korean musician and the identity of CREZL!
SEUNGMIN: We are CREZL, a crossover group where artists from different genres come together, striving for the true meaning of crossover. I am Seungmin, a baritone specializing in classical vocals.
2. What have you been up to recently? We have heard that you had a fan meeting in Japan. Did you have a great time there? Please share your thoughts on the experience.
JINHO: I have visited Japan several times before, but this was my first time going there with my CREZL members, so I was very excited. I was truly surprised and happy to be welcomed so warmly, even beyond my expectations.
KYUHYUNG: It was such a new and wonderful experience. I was relieved and grateful that everyone enjoyed the show together. It made me realize that nationality and language do not matter—music brings us together as one.
SUIN: This was my first fan meeting in Japan, and the time we spent sharing emotions and connecting was just as moving as in Korea. It was such a joyful experience!
SEUNGMIN: Since this was our first overseas schedule as a team, I had a lot of worries. However, the Japanese fans responded so enthusiastically, and during our performance of ‘*Hakuna Matata’, they even knew the fan chant perfectly! It was an unforgettable moment of connection. This experience made me realize how important it is to engage with not only our Korean fans but also many more fans worldwide.
3. You gave an outstanding performance on <Phantom Singer>. What are some unforgettable memories from that time?
JINHO: I don’t think I will ever forget both the first audition stage and the final stage. At the beginning, it was filled with excitement and nervousness about trying a new genre, and by the end, we were determined and confident to show ourselves to the world.
KYUHYUNG: The emotions I felt after completing our first song – ‘¡Corre!’ – and final song – ‘Higher’ – in the grand finale are something I will never forget.
SUIN: One of the most memorable moments for me was our ‘*Kill This Love’ performance in the second round of the grand finale. That was when I was sure about our team’s synergy and how powerful our energy was on stage.
SEUNGMIN: I think the most significant moment was when our team was first formed. We all came from different backgrounds and had studied different genres, so when we came together as one team, I was filled with excitement for what would be ahead. I also felt incredibly grateful to have met such great teammates.
4. Before appearing on <Phantom Singer>, did you have any worries or concerns?
JINHO: For me, the biggest concern was whether I could overcome the label of being an “idol singer.” I wondered if I could break through that image. But in the end, my love for music was strong enough to make me decide to participate.
KYUHYUNG: I have been always worried and thinking about the future, both then and now. That’s why I had already challenged myself in various other programs before <Phantom Singer>.
SUIN: I didn’t have specific concerns, but as someone who had always focused solely on traditional Korean music, this was a new challenge that felt both exciting and a little intimidating.
SEUNGMIN: Coming from a classical vocal background, I was concerned about whether I couldcompete with such talented people. I was also worried about using a microphone properly since opera singers are not used to using it as usually perform without one.
5. If you had the opportunity to collaborate with a K-pop idol group, who would you like to work with?
CREZL: We would love to work with artists from various fields and genres. We just want to create great music together.
6. What was the most important factor in choosing a career as a singer? What made you decide to become one?
JINHO: I have loved singing ever since I was a child. Even when I studied abroad, I realized I enjoyed singing more than studying. Seeing that, both my parents and I felt that becoming a singer was the right path for me.
KYUHYUNG: I determined that singing makes me the happiest.
SUIN: I have been performing traditional Korean pansori for over 25 years. Rather than dreaming of becoming a singer, I originally aspired to be an artist. I wanted to connect with a wider audience.
SEUNGMIN: Growing up in a family of opera singers, I naturally developed a deep-seated desire to pursue a career in singing. As I grew older, this dream never faded but only became stronger.
7. Have you ever wanted to give up on your singing career? If so, what kept you going?
JINHO: I have never wanted to give up because I have always been certain that I can continue living through music in any ways.
KYUHYUNG: My family and friends always kept me going.
SUIN: Never. As I have always enjoyed music, every moment has been a joy.
SEUNGMIN: I have faced challenges on my journey as an opera singer. Classical vocal training requires consistent effort in maintaining both physical and vocal conditioning. and I have gone through difficult slumps. However, my parents have always helped me both technically and emotionally, allowing me to overcome those hardships.
8. What is your greatest source of musical inspiration?
JINHO: My desire to improve. I want to be better at what I do.
KYUHYUNG: Inspiration comes to me naturally from everyday life.
SUIN: I love going to art galleries and enjoying paintings, so I often find inspiration through exhibitions and performances from other genres.
SEUNGMIN: These days, inspiration often comes when my mind is completely empty right before I fall asleep or while taking a hot shower.
9. What advice would you give to those who want to pursue a career in music?
JINHO: Let’s love music even more!
KYUHYUNG: Music will always be with us. Listen closely to everything around you from the smallest things because music is everywhere—don’t hesitate, just start and enjoy!
SUIN: Don’t think of music as work; treat it as a hobby or a form of play. That way, you won’t get too stressed. After all, music is meant to be enjoyed.
SEUNGMIN: It’s a much tougher profession than people think. If you truly want to pursue music, you need to develop your own way of overcoming difficult times.
10. What is your next musical goal?JINHO*: Both personally and as a team, my goal is to establish a clear musical direction and move forward with confidence.
KYUHYUNG: I want to participate in songwriting and composition to contribute more to our team.
SUIN: Since we perform in various styles of music, I want to expand our musical spectrum even further.
SEUNGMIN: My goal is to create a hit song for CREZL—one that is loved by many people and becomes widely recognized.
11. Have any of the members visited Turkey before? Do you know any Turkish food?
JINHO: I have never visited Turkey before. However, I have always loved kebabs since I was young, and I still enjoy eating them frequently!
KYUHYUNG: Kebab!! I think I would enjoy all the food there… Turkey is our brother country!
SUIN: In 2017, I had the opportunity to visit Ankara, the capital of Turkey, for a cultural performance celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Turkey. I have fond memories of the warm hospitality of the Turkish people and the delicious food.
SEUNGMIN: I have never been to Turkey, but I know that it is a close brother nation to Korea. I would love to visit and try Turkish kebabs and kaymak someday!
12. Is there a particular place in Turkey you would like to visit or a specific dish you would like to try?
JINHO/KYUHYUNG: We really want to experience a hot air balloon ride! It looks absolutely breathtaking.
SUIN: As I have only transited through Istanbul, I really want to visit the city for sightseeing. And I also want to try a hot air balloon ride.
SEUNGMIN: Kaymak and honey with milk! I would love to have it for breakfast or brunch.
13. Could you share a message for your Turkish fans who always support and love you?
JINHO: I hope that one day we can meet and share a wonderful time together. See you in Turkey!
KYUHYUNG: I truly hope we can meet there someday. We will present the best performance.
SUIN: Thank you so much for loving and supporting us from afar. I hope to continue growing as an artist and creating even better music, and I look forward to meeting you in Turkey soon.
SEUNGMIN: We are incredibly grateful for your love and support, even from such a distance. If given the opportunity, I would love to visit Turkey and sing for you. We love you! 💕
Thank you. This has been *CREZL*!
Interview by: Ceyda Gökçe, Eda Gökçe
Translated by: Buket Selin Güllüoğlu
Edited by: Tuğçe Tülüce
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