Ever wanted to know what it’s like being the leader or the maknae (youngest) of a K-pop group? Sport Seoul has you covered!
Every K-Pop fan knows the roles of a leader and maknae have significant roles, so Sport Seoul interviewed the leaders and maknaes of currently promoting K-Pop groups. Members from MONSTA X, SEVENTEEN and TWICE revealed their thoughts on these titles and positions.
1. MONSTA X: Shownu and I.M
Q: What is the best thing about being the leader/maknae?
Shownu: Fans always tell me, “You’re the best leader”.
I.M: I am loved by a lot more people than I expected.
Q: What is the hardest thing about being the leader/maknae?
Shownu: When I hear the fans say that (I’m the best leader), I do feel pressured and a will to do better.
I.M: I’m happy….
Q: When are you most envious of the leader/maknae, or when are you surprised by them?
Shownu: He is young, but there are times he acts more maturely than I do. I like our maknae because he is loved by everyone.
I.M: He is always so cool. I’m always proud. But is there anything I envy…? Nah.
Q: If you were born again, do you want to be the leader or the maknae?
Shownu: It doesn’t matter.
I.M: However I’m born is who I’ll be.
Q: A word of encouragement to your maknae for the new year.
Shownu: You worked really hard last year, and I hope that we can have a good, healthy relationship this year as well.
I.M: Let’s make 10 billion won. Let’s enjoy what we do and stay healthy.
2. SEVENTEEN: S.Coups and Dino
Q: What is the best thing about being the leader/maknae?
S.Coups: I don’t think being a leader earns me any special privileges. I am just another member.
Dino: I have 12 strong hyungs I can rely on.
Q: What is the hardest thing about being the leader/maknae?
S.Coups: There aren’t any special struggles either. I am just another member.
Dino: There are 12 very strong hyungs near me all the time.
Q: When are you most envious of the leader/maknae, or when are you surprised by them?
S.Coups: I don’t have any times like that. The maknae is also just another member of the group.
Dino: Never, really.
Q: If you were born again, do you want to be the leader or the maknae?
S.Coups: I would be thankful just to become a member.
Dino: I think I will be happy as long as I can be a member of our group again.
Q: A word of encouragement to your maknae for the new year.
S.Coups & Dino: I hope your new year is filled with good fortune.
3. TWICE: Jihyo and Chaeyoung
Q: What is the best thing about being the leader/maknae?
Jihyo: I learned to organise my thoughts a little better.
Chaeyoung: Because I’m the maknae, the unnies always think I’m cute and they take extra care of me.
Q: What is the hardest thing about being the leader/maknae?
Jihyo: Sometimes when the members all have different opinions, it can be difficult to come to an agreement, but the members help me a lot.
Chaeyoung: Because I’m the maknae, when the filming goes in age order I am always last.
Q: When are you most envious of the leader/maknae, or when are you surprised by them?
Jihyo: Everyone has their own respective role so I don’t think I envy my members.
Chaeyoung: When she takes all of our opinions, organises them, and presents our thoughts to the higher-ups even though it must be intimidating.
Q: If you were born again, do you want to be the leader or the maknae?
Jihyo: I am the oldest of my siblings and the leader of my team so I’ve never had a chance to be the maknae TT. But still, I think I am personally more fit to be the leader than a maknae.
Chaeyoung: I want to stay as the maknae. The leader does not suit me. I am a very quiet person. I think it’s best to do my best in my given role.
Q: A word of encouragement to your maknae for the new year.
Jihyo: Please stay as our cute and lovable maknae this year and forever!
Chaeyoung: Thank you for being our supportive pillar, and I love you.
What about you guys? Would you rather be the leader or the maknae in a K-pop group?
Source: allkpop
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