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| Hui, the leader of K-pop boy group PENTAGON / Courtesy of Cube Entertainment |
K-pop singer reveals how 'Boys Planet' has changed his life
By Dong Sun-hwa
When cable channel Mnet floated teasers for its new audition program "Boys Planet" earlier this year, it immediately became the talk of the town thanks to one contestant ― Hui. The frontman of K-pop boy group PENTAGON seemingly had no reason to participate in a competition show for yet-to-debut idol trainees. But the young performer, whose real name is Lee Hoe-taek, still threw his hat in the ring.
Although the 29-year-old did not manage to make it through to the top 9 and join the project boy group ZEROBASEONE (ZB1), Hui says he has no regrets at all.
"Honestly, I have no regrets because I did my best at all times and learned so many things," Hui said during a media interview at a cafe in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, Wednesday. "Thanks to the program, I learned that bad can be good too."
Hui, a gifted vocalist and songwriter, entered the top 9 list at the beginning of the show. But his rank began falling as the competition intensified, which made him upset at first. He felt like he had reached his limits. However, he gradually realized that this was an opportunity to take a further leap forward.
"I no longer had to struggle to retain my spot, but just had to think about ways to raise my rank again," he said. "I also felt like I had nothing more to lose. From then on, I began feeling more comfortable, learning that bad things are not all bad."
When Hui first announced that he would take part in "Boys Planet" despite his seven-year career, people around him ― including his fans, PENTAGON members and the officials of his management company Cube Entertainment ― showed varying reactions. Some of them supported his decision, but others did not. The latter told him that they feel sad about his appearance. Nevertheless, Hui knew that he had to make a bold choice to bring about change.
"When I returned after a hiatus, I needed to get a few things so that I could showcase good music and performances," Hui said, referring to a break he had from February 2021 to November 2022 to fulfill his compulsory military service.
"But I faced some frustrating situations that I could not handle very well and the only thing I could do was write songs. I thought there was nothing more I could do because I did not have enough power or influence. So I thought I needed to make a change, but I did not have many options back then. That is why I applied for 'Boys Planet.' I also wanted to use this chance to promote my group so that more people will be interested in us."
When he was shooting "Boys Planet," Hui found himself walking down memory lane, reminiscing about the time when he was a trainee at Cube.
"When I prepared for the performance of the song, 'En Garde,' I could reunite with the young me, who was brimming with ambition and determination. I was a bit cold-hearted as I was the only adult in PENTAGON who had to lead the team. I felt that I had to be charismatic, as I did not want my group to get into trouble. I think that was also what my company expected from me."
Hui says he used to be a tense and sensitive perfectionist. But after appearing on "Boys Planet," he has transformed himself into a bright and positive person.
"These days, I am really happy and I enjoy everything around me," he said with a beaming smile. "After spending time with younger trainees who are so desperate about debuting, I now know that what I do ― performing on stage and having an interview as a singer ― is a huge blessing."
He hopes he can exert a positive influence on more people.
"My fans seem to be happy because I look happy in their eyes," he said. "I now know that I have the power to make someone else happy. I hope I can also deliver a message of hope to many people."
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