TRAINEE MISSION - 016 INTERVIEW | SOLO

TRAINEE MISSION - 016 INTERVIEW | SOLO

Jaejin sat in front of the camera, a goofy smile plastered on his face, his mouth twitching slightly as he waited for the cue indicating that filming had started. He had anticipated the interview rooms and the filming process, but being natural on camera remained a challenge for him.

The interviewer must have noticed the unnatural expression on his face because even before they officially began, the filming was paused, and Jaejin was addressed directly. "This is a relaxed space. There's no need to take it so seriously. Just breathe and think of it as a casual conversation. Pretend the camera isn't even here," the interviewer reassured him.

"okay, got it" Jaejin replied with a nod, though he knew it would take some effort to ease into the conversation naturally.

“what was your favorite moment for today?”

Jaejin thoughtfully considers the question before responding, "Hmm, that's definitely a tough one." he began slowly, his eyes wandering momentarily before refocusing on the interviewer.

"There have been so many incredible experiences during our time here. The opportunity to stay in such a beautiful place, surrounded by nature," he gestured with his hands, painting an imaginary picture of the scenic surroundings,"and the chance to bond with my peers have all been amazing highlights.

He paused, letting the significance of those moments sink in before continuing."However, if I had to pinpoint one thing it would have to be when Team Junior won the Telepathy Game." Jaejin's eyes lit up with a fond smile, "It was really a nail-biting competition There was a point where it could have gone either way. But witnessing how we all came together, worked as a team, and turned the game around to secure the win was truly impressive." His voice carried a hint of excitement, reliving the thrilling moment" plus not having to chop vegetable on my first day was a added bonus"

“how did you feel about the challenge/activity given to your team?”,

"Y'know coming here, I thought I had a good idea of what to expect," Jaejin said, visibly relaxing in his chair as he recalled the day's events. "But once we actually got into the games, it was a whole different experience from what I had imagined."

The interviewer nodded, gesturing for Jaejin to continue.

"Like the Relay Drawing Game" Jaejin continued with a chuckle, "I had no idea so many of us were not great at drawing, myself included." He grinned sheepishly, remembering the hilarious moments during the activity. "It was much harder than I was expecting."

The interview room had a relaxed significantly, which helped Jaejin open up about his experiences. "You know," he said with a laugh, "you watch these things on TV and think, 'Oh, that looks easy,' but when you actually try it, you realize it's not as simple as it seems. It not until you're tasked with drawing Shrek that you realize how bad you are under pressure"

Can you recall a funny or amusing incident that happened ?

"I'm not sure how funny this actually was, but I met a sheep on Saturday who I decided was going to be my friend. Little did I know he really wasn't feeling my vibes," he began with a grin. "We kind of got off on a rough foot, and the little guy wanted absolutely nothing to do with me, but I'm one stubborn dude, and at one point, pictured this," he gestured animatedly, climbing in his chair to mimic crouching down, "I was in a field, crouched down, eating blades of grass while trying to get a sheep to come to me. I must have looked absolutely crazy."

Pausing for effect, he continued with a laugh, "I even tried to speak his language, you know? Baa-ing like there was no tomorrow. It was like a scene from a bad comedy movie, me trying to impress a sheep with my grass-eating skills and questionable sheep dialect." His eyes twinkled with amusement

"But you know what?" he added, sitting back down in his chair, "Persistence pays off. Eventually, I cracked the code to sheep friendship, and now we're officially the best of buds. The playful energy in his voice evident" all it took was 24 hours, a brush, and some treats .

Jaejin chuckled at Minjun's comment, flashing a playful grin. "Well, I figured a bit of caffeine might help compensate for my fashionably late entrance," he quipped, handing over a cup of coffee. "Consider it my way of making amends." He settled into a chair, grabbing his own cup before reaching for the stack of sheet music. "Looks like we've got some catching up to do," he added with a shrug, passing out the pages to Minjun.

"Shall we start before the caffeine rush kicks in?" he joked as he scanned the options in front of him. "Or," he inquired, genuinely interested in his partner's opinion, "do you already have a specific song in mind to start with?"

As he skimmed the pages, Jaejin pondered their choices. The transition from solo practice to collaboration felt like navigating uncharted territory, and he wasn't quite sure where to begin. Their unfamiliarity added an extra layer of uncertainty to the mix. Should they warm up first or dive into something easy? These were questions Jaejin grappled with as he considered their next move. Nonetheless, he appreciated Minjun's easygoing nature, which made the situation feel less daunting.

Finally, a mischievous glint sparkled in Jaejin's eyes as he teased, "Whatever we start with, let's not have too many high notes!" A playful grin flashed towards Minjun. "I think it'll be best to save those for later." He hoped his light-hearted suggestion would set a relaxed tone for their practice.

minjun could say it felt like a breath of fresh air when his schedule finally shifted from his intensive raping lessons to training with the vocalists. he had received the line distribution for their performances and as usual, he couldn’t help but analyze what they’d have to go through and how much the coaches would push them to create the perfect performance.

he was still waiting for his partner, jaejin, and truth be told, he didn’t know much about the other trainee, only a few people talking here and there - and since he didn’t like to follow other people’s opinions, he waited until they were close enough so he could have an impression on him.

but so far, his lateness to practice only made his negative points pile up (not that minjun was really counting).

after checking his watch one last time, minjun decided he should practice the song without jaejin in the end, only to be interrupted by the abrupt way the other man just entered the practice room. instead of rolling his eyes or complaining, minjun’s did check one of jaejin’s hands and what he brought them - a silent (but effective) way of saying he was sorry.

very effective.

“you should start by sharing the coffee, man.” he pointed to one of jaejin’s hands, then gave him a piece of teasing, “i’ll probably need it. i was almost sleeping waiting for you.”

TRAINEE MISSION - 016 (EPISODES. 1-4) | SOLO

As Jaejin stepped out of the vehicle, his eyes widened with wonder at the vastness of the farm. The sprawling pastures welcomed the ragtag group with open fields, busy barns, and the distant sounds of farm life, leaving him in a state of awe. The fresh country air carried hints of hay and animals, a stark contrast to the city's bustling streets and the smog he had been so accustomed to.

Upon arriving at their lodgings, the group was greeted by the warm welcome of the farm managers. They were then led to a charming farmhouse nestled in the middle of the farmstead before being ushered into the main living area. The homeowners explained that the farm would be entrusted to the trainees during their absence and provided them with a list of chores that needed to be completed prior to their return, emphasizing that there would be challenges along the way to make the tasks more interesting and engaging.

After the farm owners left and the trainees settled into their tasks, Jaejin found himself assigned to the unfortunate task of mopping the floors of the barn house. Cleaning was never Jaejin's forte, and he audibly groaned at the thought of spending his time scrubbing and mopping when he could be doing literally anything else. As he began mopping, his lack of enthusiasm was evident in his half-hearted efforts. Jaejin's attempt at mopping the barn floors was nothing short of a struggle. With each swipe of the mop, it seemed like he was spreading dirt around rather than cleaning it up. The water in his bucket quickly turned into a murky brown mess, leaving streaks of dirt behind with each swipe and creating a patchy and unsightly result. The corners and edges of the rooms received little attention, with Jaejin focusing more on daydreaming about outdoor adventures than on the task at hand. No matter how much he tried to focus, the sound of chirping birds and the rustle of leaves outside called to him, reminding him of the freedom beyond the farmhouse walls.

As Jaejin struggled with the mop, his energy waned, and eyelids grew heavy with fatigue. The rhythmic swishing of the mop eventually lulled him into a drowsy state. Unbeknownst to anyone, Jaejin's exhaustion got the better of him, so he slipped away silently, finding a quiet spot behind a hay bale where he could rest - for just a few minutes.

The tranquility of the farmstead and the warmth of the sun filtering through the barn's windows created a cozy atmosphere. The soft rustle of hay and distant sounds of farm animals provided a soothing background, lulling Jaejin into a deep sleep. and time passed by unnoticed.

it wasn't until he heard distant voices echoing through the barn that Jaejin snapped awake. Rubbing his eyes and shaking off the remnants of sleep, he hurriedly stood up, grabbed his mop, and ran off to finish his forgotten tasks. praying that his absence hadn't been too obvious.

NKND - INTERVIEW | SOLO

The decision to interview was an easy one. Jaejin was many things, but naive wasn't one of them. He had been a trainee for over two years and had seen what indecisiveness could do, or not do, for one's career. So, when the news came regarding the new male group auditions, he knew he had to throw his name in the ring. Even if there was only a small chance for him to get picked, it was still a chance worth taking.

Jaejin tood in front of the large mirror, a nervous excitement bubbling in his chest as he adjusted his outfit for what felt like the hundredth time. The room was filled with the buzz of anticipation as other hopefuls went before him. Jaejin ran through possible interview scenarios in his mind, rehearsing answers and trying to exude confidence.

As his turn approached, he took a deep breath, straightened his posture, and entered the interview room with a determined stride. This was his moment to show that he was ready to give it his all.

why are you interested in being in NEWKIDS NEWDREAMS? [Word Count: 80]

Sitting comfortably in the chair, he took a moment to consider the question. His lips curved into a playful smile before he responded, "Well, why not?" He chuckled "I mean, there's no time quite like the present to chase your dreams, right?"

The soft lighting in the room accentuated his earnest expression. He continued, "NEWKIDS NEWDREAMS is more than just an opportunity. It's a way to put myself out there into the world." I've spent years as a trainee, putting in the hard work, learning, growing, and now, I feel I'm ready to show the world what I can do"

He gestured subtly with his hands, emphasizing his words. "This is ultimately the first step of many towards that final goal."

considering the current confirmed members, what can you add to the formation ON stage if you are picked? [word count 110]

"A terrible dancer?" he snickers as his hearty laugh fills the room. Taking a moment to regain composure, "Nah, I'm just kidding." His eyes sparkled with good humor before he continued, "I haven't really had a chance to interact with the guys in the group so far, but I know of a few of them."

"BK and Noeul are great performers and even better rappers," Jaejin praised, nodding in admiration. "And then there's Yichen, an all-rounder. His dancing skills are amazing, and he's got a great voice too."

Pausing for a moment, his expression turned thoughtful. "I think I could add vocals to the lineup," he mused. "It's great having people who excel at a lot of things, but sometimes you just need a one-trick pony- y'know. The guy in the back belting his brains out while everyone else is dancing their asse... uh," he pauses at his slip up before offering a playful smile to the interviewer "I mean, dancing their butts off."

which skill (singing, dancing, acting, modeling, instrument…) do you want to be known for and why? [ Word Count: 93 words]

A mischievous glint is evident in his eyes as he mulls over the question. "Well, if I had to choose, I'd probably go with my extraordinary talent for... juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle!" he exclaimed dramatically, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips " I hear It's a real showstopper, you know?".

After a moment of laughter, his expression turns more earnest. "But, seriously," he began. His voice took on a more thoughtful tone. "I want people to know me for my singing."

As he spoke, his words had a subtle passion. "There's something truly magical about connecting with people through music," he continued. He gestured gently to emphasize his point. "I know it's kind of cliché, but I believe I was put on this earth to sing."

A genuine smile graced his lips as he delved deeper into his thoughts. "And hitting those high notes? It's a surge of electricity not like anything you’ve ever felt before." He brimmed with excitement as he spoke, " Singing is definitely where I shine the brightest!"

what kind of concept are you good at and what kind are you bad at? [word counter:104]

"I'm all about lively and refreshing concepts," Jaejin declared. "Imagine it: bright colors, upbeat music, and energetic dances that get everyone on their feet! That's the kind of stage I want—where every performance feels as if its full of joy and positive energy." He animated his gestures, illustrating the dynamic stage presence he envisioned.

"I think I would really struggle with dark and mysterious concepts," he says making it clear that that was out of his comfort zone. "Imagine me trying to look all serious and mysterious," he joked, "I'd probably end up looking like an idiot trying to solve an impossible puzzle."

"Seriously though, I think the whole dark and brooding vibe is just not me. I prefer concepts that are fun and can get a crowd on their feet."

what kind of group would you ideally want to be part of and why? (examples: self-composing type, self-content making type, known for high performance, known for live vocals, etc.…) [word counter 95]

"I’d love to be in a group that fans feel like they can be friends with and can connect to. The approachability factor is crucial, for me" Jaejin mused, "on a less metaphysical level I would ideally want  us to be known for our synchronicity,  live singing, and variety skills."

As he spoke, his hands gestured wildly, painting a vivid picture of his aspirations. "We could blow everyone away with our amazing stage performances," he said. A spark of determination was present in his voice. "And then, off-stage," he said. A mischievous grin spread across his face. "We'd be cracking jokes, doing dance challenges, we'd be literal variety stars."

Jaejin's eyes glinted with excitement. He envisioned lively group interactions. "It's about forming a deep bond with the fans," he said. His gaze showed his sincerity. "Leaving them buzzing after every show," he added with a nod.

-

After concluding the interview, Jaejin was thanked and then dismissed. As he retreated towards the door he couldn't help but feel hopeful for what was to come. A feeling, a surge of excitement and determination coursed through him. all he needed was one chance and he knew he wouldn't let them down. After all he had not only the skill but also the desire and drive.

Before exiting the room he turned around and thanked the interviewer once more. leaving the room with hope and anticipation for what the future might hold.

I wouldn’t call this a talent, but I’ll give it him it was certainly unique. This noona will be rooting for you Jaejin.

He’s cute, but this is pretty bad. I’m surprised they actually posted this.

Is this a talent? He’s just throwing coins around like a kid. My little brother can do this, and he’s three. He says he wants to be a household name! With what skills?

I love how he's not afraid to do something out of the ordinary for his introduction! I can't wait to see this kind of charm from Jaejin when he debuts.

Woah, he's just the type of trainee I've been waiting to see from Legacy. I'm rooting for you!

A call home (solo)

Jaejin sat in his dorm room, his fingers dialing and hesitating over the same number repeatedly. Every couple of months, he went through this ritual, summoning the courage to call his parents. He knew the conversation would be difficult, as it always was—a superficial exchange thinly covering his parents' disapproval. But homesickness was a terrible illness, and the only remedy, it seems, was a call home.

It took a few minutes to muster the courage to finally dial the number. As the phone rang, he felt his heart pound in his chest. He could already imagine his father’s stern voice on the other end, questioning his decisions and belittling his dreams. Despite the fear gnawing at him, he knew he must reach out, if only to check in and reassure his parents that he was doing alright.

When his mother answered, her voice was warm and welcoming, a stark contrast to the cold reception he usually received from his father. They chatted for a while, Jaejin carefully avoiding the topic of his career, focusing instead on more neutral subjects like the weather, his siblings, and family news. But eventually, the inevitable question arose.

“How are things going for you, Jaejin?” his mother asked tentatively, her concern obvious even through the phone line.

His heart sank as he braced himself for the conversation to take a turn. He’d had this conversation several times before, and each time the outcome was the same. No matter what he said, all his parents saw was their son throwing his life and youth away chasing some impossible dream.

With a heavy sigh, Jaejin simply answered, “It was going good.”

The two exchanged a few more pleasantries as the conversation drew to a close, the same old disapproval lurking just beneath the surface