WHAT’S GOING ON BEHIND THE SCENES? OUR INTERVIEW WITH FAMOUS HAIR STYLIST YU MIRIM!

This time in our interview corner, Yu Mirim, who has worked as a hair stylist for famous names such as ATEEZ, TXT, GOT7 and Secret Number, takes place. Born on 13 August 1988, Yu Mirim has been their hair stylist for a long time since the debut of ATEEZ and is currently working in the studio named Lulu. Would you like to learn what is going on behind the scenes from someone who knows the K-pop industry from the inside? The full interview with famous hair stylist Yu Mirim is with you!

1. First of all, can you briefly introduce yourself?

Hello, I am Yu Mirim, Assistant Manager of Lulu Beauty Centre.

2. Who is a hair stylist and what are they responsible for? How did you decide to become a hair stylist?

A hair stylist is someone who makes someone stand out by dressing them up. I decided to become a hair stylist when I was in the second year of junior high school. Then I got my licence. When I started working as a hairdresser in Cheongdam-dong at the age of 21, I wanted to be a manager who was sought after and respected by artists like the managers of shops in Cheongdam. A hair stylist is someone who decorates someone and makes them stand out.

3. What do you think about the challenges of being a hair stylist?

After proposing original hairstyles to artists, we have to research and work on the model thoroughly.

4. How long do your preparations take for the return of idol groups? How does the process work?

We can say that it takes at least 2-3 months. We need time to take and edit the photos and music video.  

5. You have been working with Ateez since their debut, it is obvious that they love and care about you very much. Can you share a memory with Ateez?

I remember that for the first music video we had a hard time in the Moroccan Sahara desert with the sand and sunlight. I remember that I couldn’t eat all the food in Morocco, so I remember that the apple was very tasty. Ateez is very loving and I always support Ateez because I can improve myself thanks to them.

6. What are the differences between working with male idols and female idols?

It takes much longer to work with male idols. You can see them as completely different because the details we use are different. Words are not enough to describe the details by talking.

7. Are there any things you would like to say to people who want to become a hair stylist?

Patience and humanity are very important. No matter how skilful you are, you cannot be a good designer if you let them down halfway.  

8. What is the most interesting hairstyle you have ever done?

Hongjoong’s leopard-print hair.

9. Do you prefer magazine shoots or music video shoots?

Since both magazine shoots and music video shoots are like my job, I like both.

10. You work very hard. Therefore, you need an assistant What are the qualities you look for in an assistant?

Personality. Talents get better as time goes by.

11. Do you decide on the idols’ hairstyles or do you decide together?

There are times when we decide together, and there are times when we meet with the company and present the artist’s ideas.

12. Remember the video where Yunho came out of the fridge and scared you?

We still watch it! Were you really scared? I didn’t really know, I was so shocked, so I remember collapsing on the floor and screaming.  

13. Do you also do the hair of dancers in music videos or performances?

Or do you only do the hair of idols? I only do the hair of idols. The company takes care of the dancers’ hair when needed.

14. Hongjoong, Yeonjun, Seonghwa. These idols are at the forefront with their style. Did you feel any pressure working with them?

I don’t feel pressure, but we discuss and think about what kind of style to make.

15. Have you been to Turkiye before?

No, I have never been to Turkiye before.

16. What do you think about Turkish food? What is your favourite Turkish food?

I don’t know Turkish food well.   

Interview Ceyda Gökçe

Translation: Cemre Erşen, Amine Hatun Azder