Photos

Beni

Image Credit: Billboard Korea

You’re the youngest in the group, yet you trained the longest. But in the documentary, you said your trainee years weren’t only difficult.
I became a trainee when I was 11, so I don’t have many “typical” school memories. While other kids went to playgrounds or cram classes, I went to the company. But I think that’s why going to the company felt like going somewhere fun. I was so young, and everyone took good care of me — I received a lot of love.
After debuting, what changed in your mindset?
Before debut, I was terrified of making mistakes. But when I actually got on stage, I realized what matters isn’t whether you make a mistake, but how much you enjoy the moment. Because of that, I feel less pressure now — I think I’ve learned how to enjoy it.
For your comeback “I DONT CARE,” you open the stage with a powerful intro performance that instantly grabs attention. What was it like taking on that role?
I’ve always loved dancing  so I’m very ambitious when it comes to choreography. When I was assigned the intro, I practiced just that part for three to four weeks with our performance director. The movement was different from the style I usually danced, so I had to study every detail and figure out exactly where to add emphasis.
How do you usually handle moments where you have to try something completely new?
Seeing my weaknesses during practice is a bit stressful, but the final result is usually not bad at all. When I see the outcome, I feel proud — like, I got through that. Of course, even when I gain confidence, when a similar situation comes again, I sometimes go back to blaming myself.
It’s funny — you’d never know that from watching you on stage. You almost seem like the member who embodies BDC’s message most naturally.
I try to be like that in real life too — to carry myself with confidence, just like the message we want to share.
What feedback gives you confidence?
Recently I heard something that made me so happy. I’ve been focusing a lot on my facial expressions, but when I watched myself, I felt like they were all kind of similar. Then someone complimented me, saying my expressions were actually really diverse — and that surprised me so much.
What kind of music were you dancing to when you first started?
When I was little — even before elementary school — it was all K-pop. I watched and listened to Apink and GFRIEND a lot. Then when I started dreaming of becoming a dancer, I focused more on hip-hop and locking, and listened mostly to pop. After that, I fell deeply back into K-pop again.
How would you describe yourself?
I have big ambitions and I really want to do well. Even though I look confident on stage, I have a shy side in real life. I feel like I’m still getting to know myself.
Is there something you learned about yourself only after debut?
That I’m better at expressing myself than I thought. I originally dreamed of becoming a K-pop idol because I loved dancing and singing and wanted to be on stage — but after debuting and having people who support me, I realized I can communicate with them and genuinely express my feelings.
What’s the moment in your life when you were the bravest?
There were times at school when the teacher asked a question, and even if I knew the answer, I wouldn’t raise my hand because I was scared of being wrong. Afterward I always regretted it — I could’ve answered that. One day, I decided to be brave. I raised my hand, got the answers right, and realized, If you want to gain something, you have to try. It’s better to act than to regret not acting.
If you could redefine the “F” in “F Girl”, as a new word that represents you — what would you choose?
“Famous.” Because… we’re going to be famous girls! [Laughs]