Esquirefine
(时尚先生fine) Magazine

Cover Story | Wen Junhui

Wen Junhui who has been in the spotlight since young, is already familiar with the cameras and gazes from others. When the spotlight lands on him, he is used to switching to his idol state instantly; Once detached, he is like a simple and gentle young man, who enjoys the simple hustles and bustles of life, the breeze that brushes past his cheeks, and the little joys everywhere. After doing his best to trudge forward for a long time, he still retains a relaxed innocence. Like old friends chatting, he shares snippets of his own life and work. He is Korean boy band SEVENTEEN's Chinese member JUN, also actor and singer Wen Junhui. Love has lifted and shone on him in the days that go by, at present he also hopes to scatter some warmth from faraway for even more people.

Every specific moment
is like a piece of sponge that continuously absorbs, retaining energy

It was early spring when we met Wen Junhui, the weather had already become pleasantly warm. He bowed and greeted everyone the moment he came on set, and was gentle and polite. After his performances at JiangsuTV's Spring Festival Gala and Lantern Festival Gala in February, he headed back to Korea to continue practicing and working, each day being fulfilling and orderly. In these quiet and settling days, he describes himself to be similar to a sponge that continuously absorbs, retains energy, and focuses on polishing the little details. “ Every work that is presented through me, be it if it is music or dance, all contains my own thoughts and understanding in it. This requires me to keep accumulating (more experiences/thoughts) on a usual basis, only when my own thoughts and feelings are truly integrated, the presented work can then touch everyone's hearts. ”Those moments filled with the littlest details are being recorded down. As though he's telling a story, Wen Junhui talks about a leisure trip that was memorable for him. “ At that time (I) was also just wandering around without any plan, just when I passed by a small alleyway, I heard the sound of the piano which was very pleasing to the ears. So I stopped and looked up to probably the second floor window, there was someone playing the piano and another person practicing his vocalization. The combination of the music and vocals was wonderful. ” He says that this was one time he had a chance encounter with sound, the scenery and atmosphere at that moment was captured and saved together too. “ The weather was especially good, it was warm but not dry. I was wearing a casual soft sweater, and felt refreshed. How do I put it, it was a state where both the environment and people were satisfied and comfortable. ”'Roaming around' has always been a habit, no matter where he's at to work during these few years, Wen Junhui will always make some time to earnestly expose himself to the city that he is in. There is no clear or specific purpose, and there is no need to create a plan, he just needed to put on his earphones and set off. He said jokingly, “ We'll just see how it goes. ”. Even if the scenery or things that he passes by are next to nothing, he is still able to find joy from it. “ I enjoy walking through the alleyways, this way I'm able to discover some specialities that only the locals will know. For example, there are many delicious restaurants situated in the alleyways in Shenzhen. The shops are not huge hence it isn't the easiest to find, but the steamed vermicelli roll, braised stew and barbecued pork are especially tasty. These are things that only the locals will know. ”.

While participating in the variety show 'Heard It's Delicious' last year, Wen Junhui had recommended Shenzhen's cuisines. This time when we spoke about Shenzhen, he told us more stories of his childhood. “ Personally I'm someone who enjoys spicy food. Although hotpot is available everywhere, I've always wanted to go to my mother's hometown in Chongqing to try the authentic hotpot. Here in Shenzhen, I would often pass by the Dafen Oil Painting Village when I went to school back then. For those who enjoy art or oil painting, you can head there to take a look, the oil paintings there are famous. There's also the Nanling Village, which has a long history of Hakka culture, you can go there to experience the local traditional culture. ”.When talking about Shenzhen, Wen Junhui was excited and in high spirits. Although he's busy with work and having to travel everywhere, the high intensity work did not wear his perception down, the littlest things in life are still being retained, and could just roll off one's tongue at any unexpected moment. Aside from his natural personality, tracing back to its source, Wen Junhui thinks credit is attributed to his training in performing. “ I had always been learning performing (arts) before I came to Korea. The teacher back then kept telling me that I have to be observant, because observing is learning. I have cultivated a habit through these years, to watch people who are passing by and analyze their pace, expressions and demeanor. It is quite interesting. ”

Different souls are experiencing
Through these different occurrences, you can gain experience

Last July, Wen Junhui released a solo single « PSYCHO ». This is his fourth solo single, and he has personally participated in both the composition and lyrics writing. One line that was repeated quite often — "Stop lying to yourself anymore", it's as if your inner consciousness had awoken, looking directly at you. As compared to « LIMBO » which was released a year ago, the vibe of the song is much more complicated, yet with much clearer expression. In each and every straightforward and broad lyric, Wen Junhui's personal growth is evident. At the same time, he is willing to express these changes to the outside world, “ My works and performances are like a form of self-inspection, while showcasing my present self through these contents, there may be a clash with my ideal condition. ”In May 2015, Wen Junhui alongside SEVENTEEN released their debut mini album '17 CARAT', and officially debuted as a singer. With a blink of an eye, the group has made it to 9 years since they were formed, Wen Junhui has also been immersed in expression through music in both group and individually. In that period, he has gradually released multiple solo singles, and even won the Rising Star of the Year Award at the 28th Busan International Film Festival with his drama 'Exclusive Fairytale'. Shuttling around different art and entertainment forms, Wen Junhui is like a fish in water.He uses 'life energy' to begin the narrative of his performance on stage. To an artist who sings and dances, every performance is a unique showcase, those ticking minutes and seconds that are not replicable are all unique works. “ To be honest, it is impossible for an absolutely perfect stage to exist. Every single time when I review (my performances), I always feel that I'm lacking in many areas. Especially for solo stages, that feeling of inadequacy is even stronger. ”. Wen Junhui has sincere respect for the stage, once he steps onto the stage, it's as if he entered a special field, “ During concerts, I'd enter into different states of mind depending on the different songs. Usually, aside from the choreographies and songs that we have to complete, my brain is always in a blank state. I don't think of anything else and just focus on releasing my energy and enthusiasm. This way, I can immerse myself (into the performances) better. ”

Before debuting as sing-dance artist, Wen Junhui was an actor. He was chosen to film an advertisement with Nick Cheung when he was 2 years old, and began his acting career afterwards, featuring in many television dramas and movies as the younger self of the main leads. In 2006, Wen Junhui and Eason Chan starred in the movie « The Pye-Dog ». The director presented the film through his (Jun) perspective, building a dream paradise from a cruel world through the pure eyes of a child. The role of Lin Zhihong isn't a younger self of any main lead, but he is the main lead himself. What's even more crucial, is that this is a child who doesn't know how to speak, hence there is heavy reliance on expressions and physical movements to complete the act. With this, Wen Junhui won the 2007 Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild's Best New Performer Silver Award and was nominated for the Best New Performer Award of the 27th Hong Kong Film Awards.“ Actually when I think about it now, I would feel that it's a pity. I was very young when I acted in « The Pye-Dog », so I didn't ask for more advice from the seniors around me. ”. Wen Junhui remembers while working with seniors like Eason Chan and George Lam, he was well taken care of as he was young, and his interest in performing became increasingly deeper. The performing experience he had accumulated since young also has profound influence in the future, “ Filming movies and television dramas is experiencing a different life within a short amount of time. Through the role's thoughts, emotions and experiencing life, it's like starting a completely different life view for me, and these will create progress towards my life and the stage, just like it being complementary to each other. ”The inspiration for film and music are common, Wen Junhui gradually finds a balance within the different art forms. “ Every stage, every song, every acting role, all has their own soul. Of course, as the way of expression is different, the audience will feel that there's a huge difference. But to me, it is using these different souls to feel, the process is very intriguing. I can gain experiences through these different occurrences, just like what I said earlier, it could be roaming around or observing, the details will be retained in my memory. In turn, these feelings will eventually nourish me, allowing me to have more abundant ways of expressing artistry. ”

Receiving love, conveying love
Love or light are all mutually given to each other

On stage and in films, Wen Junhui's artistic expression is detailed and structured. This is due to him already having a detailed and tolerant/accepting personality, and is good at perceiving, observing, and storing (memories of) the little things around him. In 2012, 16 years old Wen Junhui started his life as a trainee, in those days struggling in a foreign country, he managed to train himself to have a strong life skill. Not only does he have excellent training results, he also takes good care of himself. “ Usually when I have the time, I'd cook for myself. I enjoy cooking home-cooked dishes that are my grandma and mum's specialty, braised pig trotters, pickled boiled fish, pancakes and so on. When I don't really feel like eating too much, I'd cook congee with century eggs and pork. Overall, it's like replicating those childhood tastes/flavours from my memory. ”In the 9th year of debuting, SEVENTEEN are already the most familiar companions and comrades among each other, conquering difficulties together and chasing their dreams. You'll realize from broadcasted variety shows and their usual interactions, that SEVENTEEN's members have also come to have a 'Chinese stomach'. Everyone holds great enthusiasm for Chinese food, always mentioning it in conversation, and never getting tired of it. In the midst of the arduous and busy training, art and food soothed everyone's hearts together.Thinking back now, the members have also been through a period of uncertainty. The cruelness of the competitive industry and the uneven life encounters, brought deep feelings to Wen Junhui. “ At this time 10 years ago, it was a 'fight to win or die' period for all of us. Because it was close to our debut, everyone was under a lot of pressure and the training was tough. That kind of mental burden is indescribable. If there was a time machine to go back to that period, I'd definitely encourage everyone to face it positively, because the future is very bright. ”Wen Junhui remembers, during his trainee days, there was a senior who told him about hardships changing with time. It was along the lines of, when you look back on these feelings of hardships you have at that moment after you debut, you will realize it was a really good memory. Thinking about it now, he deeply understands. “ I didn't understand it at first, but now I do. Just like having to attend classes and study everyday as a student, most people would only miss those days after they graduate. I would occasionally reminisce about those moments from the past, no matter if it is being a trainee or studying acting in Beijing, having everyone sleeping on bunk beds and chatting together, talking about the same dreams we have, it's such an ordinary yet concrete happiness. ”

Learning performing (arts), walking on the artist path, the fierce competition is self-explanatory. In Wen Junhui's memory, at that time there were many classmates who were talented and capable. But because their families were unable to support them, they had no choice but to either give up, change their professions or switch to being behind the scenes. “ I have to thank my family for their support, for me to be able to persevere till the end. ”. Pausing, he calmed his tone, then continued. “ Actually this is also an uncomfortable reality. I wasn't really (surrounded by a) strong artistic atmosphere when I was young, there weren't many students who studied art, parents generally feel that it's more important to have a stable job. But my parents support me in pursuing my dreams, the only condition that they have is that I should bear the outcomes of the choices that I make. ”Studying performing (arts) in China, then going to Korea to be a trainee, Wen Junhui's parents have given him immense support and encouragement. Just like practicing martial arts when he was young, his dad would warn, “ Since you decided to learn, then learn it seriously. The ability to learn it is yours. ”. The experience of practicing martial arts as a child also laid the foundation for him when he became a trainee later. Be it his will, character or physique, Wen Junhui has high levels of focus and tenacity. “ Back then we had special training during the winter and summer breaks, the first thing we did everyday was warm-up runs, to train our endurance for long distance running. Aside from practicing punches, we had to learn many basic techniques, standing meditation, horse stance changes, butterfly step/kick, we practiced many different techniques. Although it was difficult, it was also from that moment on that the four words 'Persevere till the end' are deeply rooted into my heart. ”

Gaining an abundance of love throughout the process of growing, cultivated Wen Junhui's tolerant and stable personality. He speaks at a steady pace without any huge changes in emotions, he wouldn't show any trace of tiredness even when working for long hours, and would have a gentle and kind attitude from start to finish. Working together with him is like a breath of fresh air. And facing such compliments, Wen Junhui was shy, “ No no, be it working companions or the fans, everyone came here because of their fondness/love and support towards me. So it is only right that I treat everyone well. ”He laughs while he talks about interesting stories of his interactions with fans, it's heartwarming like old friends reuniting. Sharing with each other about their achievements in both work and life, (things such as) post-graduate entrance exams, phD entrance exams, fans will tell him all about it. “ I feel that the fans and I (have a) mutual achievement relationship. There was a fan who told me she got her teaching qualification certificate, because my experiences gave her a huge motivation. At that time I told her, rather than saying that it was me who helped you achieve this, why not say that you already have the ability to achieve this, all I did was to start a point to enhance that effect. ” Wen Junhui hopes fans can see their own worth, love or light are all given mutually. “ They share such things with me, it's an honor to me. It's rare that everyone can accompany each other on this life path. I'm also glad to help them conquer some difficulties, and become a small ladder in their road to pursuing their dreams. ”.This is also the best, mutual exchange of love and light that Wen Junhui has in mind.