In a thrilling breakthrough for K-Pop enthusiasts and drama lovers alike, series My Magic Closet (English title) has finally arrived on HBO Max Brazil, featuring none other than Jinkwon and Minwook of NewKidd. The show also features South Korean idols Kim Woojin and Yoon Jae Chan as members of “ACT”, a fictional boy group that the show centres around. Alongside a Brazilian cast, including Sharon Blanche and Gabriel Coppola, the series weaves a tale of discovery, identity, and music. In addition, this original series introduces us to Carol, a spirited teenager whose life takes an enchanting turn when her ordinary wardrobe transforms into a portal to a K-pop sensation’s universe. 

After the premiere, we had the opportunity to explore the insights of My Magic Closet, and the parallels between Jinkwon and Minwook’s own journeys and those of their characters. The duo also shared their thoughts on the show, their experiences of living in Brazil for four months and bringing My Magic Closet to life. 

Huge applause guys, My Magic Closet is finally out! How does it feel to be able to see the series on the small screen? 

Jinkwon: I am happy to be able to watch My Magic Closet, and I feel good because it’s like giving a present to my fans.

Minwook: I am [also] very happy and amazed that our drama, which we all worked hard on for four months, is finally being released to the world. When the time came, the whole family gathered together and watched it! I was really happy.

You are obviously a part of the K-pop industry and K-pop idols yourselves. I wonder, what are the similarities and differences between your real-life experiences as idols and the characters you play in the show? Could you tell us more about the characters of Dae-ho and Sang-mok?

JK: Like a real K-pop group, the music and music video were released through ACT in the drama, so I don’t think there’s much difference because it’s really similar to the actual debut process. I think it was well expressed in the drama.

Dae-ho [my character] seems like a delicate and warm-hearted person who is always willing to give a helping hand to those who are sad. If I were to pick out the strengths of my character, I think it would be kindness and a positive mindset. Regardless of the situation, Dae-ho solves it positively and has a personality that cares more about others than himself.

MW: My character’s name is Sang-mok, who is in charge of the visuals, vocals, and talent of ACT. He has a very conflicting personality and great ambitions, so he is very sensitive about his work and always checks the reactions of those who surround him. I thought that Sang-mok’s talent, big dreams, and cute charm were very similar to mine. But on the other hand, in the drama, Sang-mok sometimes shouts or is very sensitive, but I think that personality is different from mine.

As K-pop idols, you already have a vast fan base and recognition. How do you relate to your characters in the show, who encounter a 17-year-old girl just discovering the world of K-pop? How does this experience differ from your own early days in the industry?

JK: I also liked the K-pop group EXO when I was a student. So, I know the hearts of the fans and the hearts of the artists. I think this drama is similar to the actual idol industry. It seems to have been created by mixing the fantasies and realities of idol life really well.

MW: When I first went through the mysterious portal in the closet and ended up in Carol’s room, it was very strange, unfamiliar, and exciting. As time passed after moving to Brazil, seeing them gradually assimilate and become closer to each other was amazing. It later develops into a relationship, and the two characters give each other strength and comfort. 

How did you work together to create that energy between all the characters? 

JK: I was friendly with all the actors; we were also helping each other out. While living and filming in Brazil for four months, I think we quickly became closer. Although we spoke different languages, somehow, we found a way to communicate. It was amazing to understand each other, share our sense of humour, and communicate in a fun way.

MW: We worked out together, played at the outdoor swimming pool in the dorm, and on the days when we weren’t filming, we went to Bonghechi-ro to shop at the mart, and then met up to cook and eat. Those experiences made filming more enjoyable.

The show explores the excitement and glamour of the K-pop world, but it also touches on the difficulties and struggles of being a teenager, self-knowledge, teenage love, and acceptance [I’m speaking with Carol in mind here]. Can you share any parallels between the show’s portrayal and your actual experiences as teenagers yourselves? How did you cope with the ups and downs when you were in your teens?

JK: I think my teenage years were really busy. Because of my dream of becoming a singer, I practised since I was young, and I don’t have many significant memories. It’s a bit of a pity, but I have memories of friends who had the same dream while attending Hanlim Arts High School.

MW: In my teens, I think I was greatly influenced by the friends around me. We gave each other strength, sometimes hurt each other, laughed, cried, built up affection like that, grew up together, and relied on one another as we walked through our teenage years, not knowing where we might end up.

During the filming, were you given space to improvise or were you following the script from A to Z?

JK: I think I put my emotions into my acting while focusing on the script. I think it’s better to find the intended path rather than completely following the script.

MW: There was a script with a big frame for most of the filming, but I think there were a lot of times when we improvised in harmony with each other. I remember that when we practised and rehearsed before filming, when we worked together and shared our thoughts, there were a lot of instances that were livelier than the script.

Given that you are participating in a Brazilian HBO show, you’ll likely be reaching a global audience. How do you feel about representing K-pop and your group NewKidd to an international audience? Are there any challenges or opportunities you see in this aspect?

JK: It is such a great honour to be able to publicise our group through this drama. It’s nice to meet fans from all over the world through dramas, and as a singer of a K-pop group, I want to meet fans all over the world in person. There are so many good songs in our discography, so please listen to them. I really like the song Tu eres, and I recommend it to you. 

MW: I feel very honoured to have the opportunity for me and my group to expand globally. I look forward to the fans who will recognise us through the drama, and I will work hard to become a K-pop artist representing the world in the future.

The show explores the strong bond and friendship within a K-pop group. How does the chemistry among the NewKidd members and other characters in the show compare to your real-life dynamics as a group? What do you believe is the key to maintaining a strong bond with your fellow members amidst a demanding idol career?

JK: I think the secret is to have the same dream and to be considerate of each other. I think if we live with care, we can keep it for a long time.

MW: The most important thing is trust and respect within the group. I believe that if we have these two things, we can believe in each other and move forward no matter what difficulties and hardships we face.

Minwook, you are currently performing in the musical called The Picture Bride (알로하, 나의 엄마들). How’s that going, and does your stage performance differ from the one in front of the camera?

MW: The musical is nearing its end [the musical will end on August 19th]. I’m performing happily, and I’m friendly with all of my fellow actors. The difference between the performance on stage and in front of the camera is that the performance on stage is a bit more extensive and “bigger” because it has to be delivered across the entire audience.

As K-pop idols in real life, what message or insight would you like viewers to take away from the HBO show about the world of K-pop and the journey of the 17-year-old protagonist, Carol? Is there anything you hope the audience will learn or appreciate about the K-pop industry through this fictional portrayal?

JK: When I was just starting out, I felt grateful to be able to do what I wanted to do in my life, and I felt proud as I watched my progress while learning how to dance, sing, and act. I hope that viewers will have positive hopes for their dreams through this drama. K-pop has its cool parts, but I would be grateful if viewers could see that there is a lot of effort and friendship between members, as shown in the drama. 

MW: It’s a fun and warm drama about growth, friendship, and love portrayed through the story of a K-pop group. I think viewers will be able to see its warm colours. And I am so grateful and honoured that I was able to participate in this project.

I would like to know, when you are not working, what do you do to get away from it all and relax? And who motivates you to work hard and stay on track?

JK: I usually watch dramas when I take a break. Lately, I enjoyed watching the drama King the Land, which features 2PM’s Junho. I feel good when I think of the fans who always support me, and I gain strength by reading their comments on SNS. 

MW: I really like going on a trip or looking at the sea. When I have a break, I go on a trip with my family or friends, eat delicious food, and heal myself. Looking at the sea, the tiredness and hardships of the past are washed away by the waves – that’s how I gain strength for the next project.

What can your fans expect from you in 2023? 

JK: I think you’ll be able to see various sides of me that you haven’t seen before. 

MW: I’m working on various things now, including musicals, music contest programmes, and web entertainment. Please give me a lot of love. 

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

_{View of the Arts is a British online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}