EXID’s contract with Tokuma ending has been a hot topic among fans after Solji’s recent interview with Star Today. Many fans are worried because EXID members are now entirely under different companies.((Retweets with comments for EXID Archive’s tweet about the interview: https://twitter.com/C06Xm1/status/1360071240069746692/retweets/with_comments))
Solji’s Star Today interview was shared in three parts on February 12. This was just before the Korean new year. Solji was in a beautiful hanbok. The interview topics include Solji’s new year plans, her professional activities, her health, and EXID.((Star Daily interview part 1: https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2021/02/142250/))((Star Daily interview part 2: https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2021/02/142248/))((Star Daily interview part 3: https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2021/02/142251/))
Snippets of the interview are translated below. Following are pictures from her photoshoot. Finally, we want to give evidence that EXID is still very much together.
Interview Snippets
Solji visited Star Today in a beautiful Hanbok before the national holiday.((Star Daily interview part 1: https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2021/02/142250/))
For the holidays, she will be spending time with family. She has been spending a lot more time with family recently.((Star Daily interview part 1: https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2021/02/142250/))
설이나 추석에는 가족끼리 있어야 한다는 생각이 있다. 4인 가족인데, 아버지가 지방에 계신다. 이번 설엔 가족들과 함께 아버지를 만나러 가서 사랑하는 가족들과 설 연휴를 보낼 것 같다.
There’s a thought that family should be together on New Year’s Day or Chuseok. I have a family of four, and my father is in the countryside. I think I will go meet my father with my family and spend the Lunar New Year holidays with my beloved family.
굉장히 잘 지냈다. 일적인 것 말고도 개인적으로도 행복하게 잘 지내고 있다.
I’ve been very well. Besides my work, I’ve been doing well personally.
캠핑에도 관심이 생겼다. 캠핑, 등산 등 자연이랑 친해질 수 있는 시간을 갖고 있다. 요즘은 코로나19 때문에 사람들을 만나지 못하다보니 혼자 혹은 엄마, 오빠랑 그런 시간을 보내고 있다. 예전에 너무 일이 바빴다면 지금은 충전해야한다는 생각이다. 또 솔로 활동을 위해서 곡 작업도 해보고 있다.
I became interested in camping too. Camping, climbing, et cetera, I have time to get close to nature. These days, I can’t meet people because of Corona19, so I’m spending time with my mom and brother. If I’ve been too busy in the past, now I think I need to relax. I’m also working on songs for my solo career.
Solji has been connecting with fans on her social media accounts and YouTube. It is a way for her to stay in touch with fans, even though she isn’t good with technology.((Star Daily interview part 1: https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2021/02/142250/))
사실 아날로그적 성향이 강해서 인터넷을 많이 활용하질 못한다. 인스타그램도 다른 멤버들에 비해서 늦게 시작했다. 팬들이 원해서 시작했고, 지금도 팬들과의 소통 때문에 [유튜브와 인스타그램 운영을] 하고 있다. ‘솔지는 요즘 뭐하지’를 많이 궁금해 하시는데, 95%은 팬들을 위해서 하는 것 같다.
Actually, I can’t use the Internet much because of my strong analog tendency. I started my Instagram later than the other members. I started [Instagram and YouTube] because the fans wanted it, and I’m still doing it for communication with fans. Many are curious “what does Solji do these days?” I think 95% is for the fans.
콘텐츠를 올릴 때 신경을 많이 써야 한다. 실수하면 안된다는 생각이 있다. 내가 팬들에게 해드릴 수 있는게 많이 없으니까, 무대에서의 모습 외에 다른 모습을 보여드리는 게 내 몫이라고 생각해서 노력 중이다.
I have to pay a lot of attention when uploading content. I feel like I shouldn’t make mistakes. There’s not much I can do for my fans, so I’m trying because I think it’s up to me to show a different side of me than the stage.
The pandemic has been hard on Solji just like it has been hard on everyone. For performers, there are fewer performances on stage. She uses the spare time to improve herself.((Star Daily interview part 1: https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2021/02/142250/))
처음엔 괜찮을거라고 생각했는데 점점 상황이 심해지니 방송국 가는 것 자체가 무섭고 이런 사태가 일어났다는 것이 너무 두려웠다.
At first, I thought it would be okay, but as the situation got worse, I was scared to go to the broadcasting station and I was so scared that this had happened.
무대에 서는 일이 많이 적어졌고 비대면이 많아졌다. 내가 실수를 해서 무대에 서지 못하는 게 아니라 재앙이 온거다. 기다려야 할 수밖에 없다. 친구들끼리 ‘버티자’고 말한다.
There has been less work on stage and more face-to-face meetings. It’s not that I made a mistake and couldn’t be on stage, it’s that a disaster has come. I have no choice but to wait. Friends say, “hang in there”.
다 같이 힘든 시기를 겪고 있다. 그 시간을 잘 기다리고 활용하면 될 것 같다. 나 역시 연습하고 음악도 많이 듣고 나름의 공부를 하면서 못했던 것들을 하는 시간을 보내야겠다고 생각했다. 다른 것에 포커스를 맞추면 조금은 나아지더라.
Everyone is going through a hard time together. I think we can make good use of the time while we wait. I also thought that I should spend time practicing, listening to a lot of music, and studying things that I couldn’t do. It’s a little better if I focus on something else.
Solji talked about what it’s like to be a solo artist.((Star Daily interview part 2: https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2021/02/142248/))
단체 활동 당시에 개인 스케줄을 하는 경우가 있었는데, 지금도 마치 개인 스케줄을 하는 것 같다. 그런데 불현듯 외롭다는 생각이 들기도 하고 적적하다. 그래도 많이 적응한 것 같다.
There were cases during group activities where I had a personal schedule, and I think it’s like the current personal schedule is the same thing. However, suddenly being alone makes me think and feel lonely. However, I think I’ve adjusted a lot.
리더로 활동할 당시엔 오로지 나에게 신경쓰는 시간보다는 동생들을 챙겨야하기도 했다. 그 때문에 피로해질 때도 있었지만, 동생들이 많이 보고 싶기도 하다. 특히 음악 방송을 하러 가서 아이돌 후배들을 보면 멤버들이 생각난다. 5명이 다시 만나서 한 무대를 할 그 날을 기다리고 있다. 그때까지 내 나름대로 내 것을 잘 해내려고 한다.
When I was a leader, I had to take care of my younger sisters a lot. That made me sometimes get tired, but I miss my younger sisters a lot. Especially when I go to a music show and see idol juniors, I think of the members. I’m waiting for the day when the five of us will meet again and perform together. Until then, I’m doing my own thing well.
The rest of EXID are also working on their solo careers too.((Star Daily interview part 2: https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2021/02/142248/))
친구들이 하고 싶었던 것을 하고 있는거라 잘하고 있다고 응원해주고 싶다. 실제로도 서로 꾸준히 연락하며 응원하고 있다.
I want to cheer for my friends that they are doing well, because they are doing what they wanted to do. We actually keep in touch with each other and cheer for each other.
같이 활동하면서도 ‘역량있는 친구들인데 기회가 덜 주어지지 않았나. 팀 활동에 집중하느라고 하고 싶은 걸 못하지 않았나’ 걱정을 많이 했다. 안쓰럽기도 했는데, 지금 잘하고 있는 것 같아 너무 좋다. 당분간은 이 친구들만을 위한 시간을 가지면 좋겠다.
I was worried a lot while we were working together: “They’re talented but not getting many opportunities. They can’t do what they want because they are focusing on team activities.” I felt sorry, but I’m happy they seem to be doing well. For now, I hope these friends have time for themselves.
However, EXID is still together. The contract for Japanese activities has ended, but there is still an online performance left.((Star Daily interview part 2: https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2021/02/142248/))
일본 활동 계약이 끝나긴 했는데 온라인 공연이 아직 남았다. EXID 완전체로서의 무대가 남아있어서인지 아직 완전 다 끝났다는 느낌은 아니다. 지난해 겨울에도 온라인 공연을 했다. 그때 다섯 명이 재밌게 시간을 보냈고, 이후엔 각자 할 것을 하고 그랬다. 연결고리가 아직 있으니까 완전히 헤어졌다는 느낌은 없다.
The contract for activities in Japan has ended, but an online performance is still left. I don’t feel like it’s completely over, maybe because there’s still a stage left as a whole of EXID. We also performed online last winter. The five of us had a fun time, then we did what we had to do. There is still a connection, so there is no feeling of complete separation.
EXID가 해체를 한 건 아니라 각자 자리에서 열심히 할 일을 하면 될 것 같다. 사실 현실적으로 5명이 다시 만나는게 어렵다. 기약이 없기 때문에 5명이 노력해야 할 것 같다. 각자 회사가 있다보니 조율하는게 현실적으로 쉽지 않을텐데, 먼저 서로의 니즈를 채우고 난다면 이후에 팀을 위한 시간을 낼 수 있지 않을까 싶다.
EXID did not disband, but we can work hard at our respective positions. In reality, it is actually difficult for the five of us to meet again. Because we don’t have a [contract], the five of us will have to try. It would not be easy to coordinate in reality since each has their own company, but we can make time for the team later if we fulfill each other’s needs first.
About Solji’s hyperthyroidism, she is completely healed now.((Star Daily interview part 3: https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2021/02/142251/))
병원에 안 간지 꽤 오래 됐다. 약을 그만 먹어도 된다고 해서 약을 끊은지 2년이 됐다. 이후로도 계속 몸이 괜찮다. 완치 판정을 받아서 행복했지만, 계속 조심하려고 하고 있다. 손이 떨리는지 심장이 빨리 뛰는지 꾸준히 자가 체크를 하고 있다.
It’s been a while since I went to the hospital. It’s been two years since I stopped taking medicine because I was told it’s okay to stop taking it. I’ve been feeling well ever since. I was happy to be cured, but I keep trying to be careful. I am constantly checking myself to see if my hands are shaking or my heart is beating fast.
She shared the story of being diagnosed with the disease:((Star Daily interview part 3: https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2021/02/142251/))
둔감한 편이라 아예 몰랐다. 스태프 언니가 눈에 다래끼가 난 것 같다고 해서 안과를 갔다. 첫 번째 병원에서 다래끼 판정을 받고 약을 처방받았다. 약을 다 먹고 다른 병원에 갔는데 다래끼가 아닌 것 같다면서 내과에 가서 검사를 받아보라고 하더라. 피검사 결과 갑상선 기능 항진증으로 나왔다. 상태가 심각하다면서 큰 병원에 가라고 했다. 결과를 믿기 싫어서 다른 병원을 몇차례 찾았다. 결국 약을 타서 먹기 시작했고, 와중에 눈이 너무 아프기 시작했다. 그 해 12월에 해외공연을 다녀왔는데 열이 거의 40도 가까이 올랐다. 결국 한국에 돌아온 뒤 활동을 중단하게 됐다.
I had no idea because I was rather insensitive. A staff member said I had a sty in my eye, so I went to the eye doctor. I was diagnosed with a sty at the first hospital and prescribed medicine. I went to another hospital after taking all the medicine, and they told me to go to the internal medicine clinic and get a test because they thought it wasn’t a sty. The results of the blood test showed that it was hyperthyroidism. They said my condition was serious and told me to go to a big hospital. I visited other hospitals several times because I didn’t want to believe the result. Eventually, I started taking medicine, and my eyes started to hurt a lot. I went to an overseas performance in December of that year, and my fever rose to nearly 40 degrees. After coming back to Korea, I stopped working.
예전에는 피곤해도 몸을 계속 쓰는 편이었다. 부탁을 들으면 거절을 잘 못하고, 누가 만나자고 해도 쉬지 않고 보는 편이었다.
In the past, I used to keep using my body even though I was tired. I couldn’t refuse when asked, and I didn’t watch it or take it easy when meeting someone.
지금은 피로감을 느끼면 웬만하면 쉬려고 한다. 많은 것들이 달라졌다. 활동할 때도 나를 좀 더 신경쓰게 되는 것 같다. 아프면 다 소용 없다는 걸 알게 됐다. 내가 있어야 다른 것도 있으니 건강을 더욱 신경쓰게 됐다.
Now I try to rest whenever I can when I feel tired. Many things have changed. I think I get more concerned about myself when I’m active. I know it’s useless to be sick. I’ve changed and become more concerned about my health.
Solji finished the interview talking about her career. She has had a long story and still has much more left to show us!((Star Daily interview part 3: https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2021/02/142251/))
아직도 해야할게 많고 부족한 것 같다. 잘 참고 오래했구나 생각이 든다. 몸도 건강하고 마음도 건강하고 행복하게 노래할 수 있어 감사하다. 하고 싶어도 못하는 경우가 많은데, 많은 분들이 나를 도와줬기 때문에 여기까지 올 수 있었다.
There’s still a lot to do and I’m not good enough. I think you’ve been patient for a long time. I am thankful that I can sing with good body and mind. There were many cases where I couldn’t do it even if I wanted to, but I was able to come all the way here because many people helped me.
EXID에서는 리더로서, 메인보컬로서의 모습을 보여드렸다. 솔로 가수 솔지로도 보여드릴 수 있는 모습이 많이 남아있다. 부지런히 공부해서 좋은 노래를 들려드릴 수 있도록 노력하겠다.
In EXID, I showed myself as a leader and a main vocalist. Solji, a solo singer, still has a lot to show you. I will study hard and try to sing good songs for you.
These interview transcripts were copied and translated from the three Star Daily articles <here>, <here>, and <here>.
Photoshoot
Some pictures of beautiful Solji in a hanbok were included in the articles.
And one high-def image was uploaded to the photographer’s Instagram @sumur092.((Photographer’s Instagram post with Solji’s picture: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLK699Wp8Qf/))
EXID is Unending
Solji’s revelation that the Japan contract is over startled many fans.((Retweets with comments for EXID Archive’s tweet about the interview: https://twitter.com/C06Xm1/status/1360071240069746692/retweets/with_comments)) However, there is nothing to worry about. EXID is still together and will have another comeback.
EXID’s last promotions under Banana were for Me & You. The fan song “We Are” promises that EXID is unending. They will stay together with us fans.
On May 3, 2019, LE started the hashtag #whosaysitsover when she posted a group picture with that caption. This was a reminder that EXID is still together.((LE’s famous Instagram post #whosaysitsover: https://www.instagram.com/p/BxA9Vish6c6/))
However, fans were still worried despite EXID’s promises, so Hyelin laid it out straight for us. Yea, we’re going to have to wait a while. We might even have to wait years! But EXID will come back as five for us.((Hyelin’s letter to fans and translation by LEGGO Ent: https://aminoapps.com/c/exid-amino/page/blog/190530-hyelins-fancafe-letter/z6xq_DRMuxu8lPVVRdrvXjVq50PW0awEnQe))
We actually didn’t have to wait too long, because Bad Girl For You was released that Christmas. Their Japan contract was still ongoing.((Discography on EXID Japan’s website: https://exid-official.jp/discography/))
And then a full album was released on August 19th, 2020((Discography on EXID Japan’s website: https://exid-official.jp/discography/)). There was even an associated concert a few months later on November 8!((Our article about EXID’s online concert: https://leggonews.com/2020/10/23/exid-will-have-an-online-concert-and-fansign-event-on-november-8/))
In the title song “B.L.E.S.S.E.D”, EXID once again reminds us of their love for their fans. They promised to sing for us. Even in the next life, they will find us and sing for us.((B.L.E.S.S.E.D music video: https://youtu.be/i4BINvVM580))
EXID are constantly reminding us that they are still together on social media, on shows, and in interviews.
During Hyelin’s episode of Miss Back, Solji confirms that all of the members met each other that year.((Hyelin’s episode of Miss Back: https://youtu.be/uvoaVlN9jIA)) Hani and Jeonghwa ride bikes together.((Honey Menu’s tweet about Jeonghwa’s story about riding bikes with Hani: https://twitter.com/7jiSankakuKouen/status/1254204050930896896)) Jeonghwa said in a recent interview that she talks to Hani a lot.((Our article about Jeonghwa’s interview before the release of Dragon Inn 2: https://leggonews.com/2021/02/09/jeonghwas-interview-before-dragon-inn-2-release/)) Hyelin and LE have also been seen hanging out since the contract with Banana ended.((EXID Stuff’s video of LE’s Instagram live with Hyelin and friends: https://youtu.be/PfrjjYAyOHo)) EXID is a very close group even now.
In Solji’s interview, she again says that EXID did not disband. Yes, their contract with Tokuma is over, but EXID is still a group. They will focus on their solo activities for now. When those needs are met, they will try to make time for the team.((Star Daily interview part 2: https://www.mk.co.kr/star/hot-issues/view/2021/02/142248/))
EXID has always been honest with us fans. They will perform as a group again someday. In the meantime, we should support their individual careers with all of our hearts. If we support them well enough now, imagine the difference that will make for the future.