JUYEON of THE BOYZ is a crown jewel of the idol industry; hardy enough to chip away at any pretence and multifaceted in his own colourings of reality. Equipped with all the makings of a superstar and then some, JUYEON speaks to Men’s Folio on the power of authenticity in his bid toward global stardom.

What is image to an idol? Far deeper than just the face value of a good-looking entertainer, K-pop idols stand to be lauded, scrutinised and even crucified by a public audience that judges from the sidelines. The “image” system can be analysed like a diamond would be. Replacing metrics of cut, colour, clarity and carat with vocal registers, instincts for stage presence, and abilities to execute complex choreography — all of which stand to sum up these gem-like performers. Since the concept of “image” is a prismatic one, there will inevitably be facets doused in each idol’s genuine personality — each plane coloured in charms that are distinctively theirs. It is how they are able to distinguish themselves from the rest and what allows some to sparkle brighter than others.

JUYEON is as brilliant as they come. He is one-eleventh of the “all-centre” group THE BOYZ, where every member boasts their allure and — above all — distinct centre-worthy visuals. Despite the handsome renown of the group, JUYEON has community-crowned membership in the group’s “Bermuda Line” — which entails the figurative experience of getting lost in his and fellow members HYUNJAE and YOUNGHOON’s visuals. But the emphasis on appearances is simply an add-on to the talent of THE BOYZ.

Six years have seen the members through formidable endeavours. Some include acrobatic stunts in sub-zero temperatures for yearend broadcasts, mastering Spanish lyrics for a cover of Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito”, and conquering two survival programmes: Road to Kingdom — which they won — and Kingdom: Legendary War — where they clinched second place. All of this is to say that JUYEON possesses the idol image from the get-go. And then it really gets going.

Tanktops, t-shirts, leggings, all Balenciaga

Hi JUYEON, it is great to meet you. Given your many nicknames online — “bucket hat guy”, “gentle giant” and “babydoll” to name a few — how would you like to be known?

I really like all of them. Please call me whatever you like!

I guess these nicknames are proof of your “full idol” image?

It’s hard to say… But I think what I have is good, inside and out. I’m thankful to fans who like my visuals and thankful to my parents, too. [Laughs] I think the focus on appearance definitely impacted my career, although I’m not sure it challenges the status quo.

Is this idol image something you spend a lot of time curating?

I like to exercise, so I enjoy that. But I don’t really go to special lengths to work on it. [Laughs]

Do you think there is a difference between Lee Juyeon and the idol JUYEON?

I hope Lee Juyeon will remain as he is. JUYEON — the idol — is trying his best to continuously improve and grow.

It seems like you are a born performer. I noticed you have a great command of how fierce or soft you are on stage and how easily you switch between these expressive personas.

I especially like myself when I’m on the stage. Being able to dance well and being well-prepared makes me feel confident. But I never think about it as a switch. I just make an effort to visually express the aesthetics of the song’s vibe and dance style and then approach it with the mindset of being myself and having fun. But performing can get very tough at times — we can see a bit of that on Road To Kingdom and Kingdom: Legendary War, which seemed challenging, to say the least.

Has there ever been an instance in your career when it felt too difficult?

To be very honest, not every moment’s been easy. But I don’t think I could or can give up. I feel I have to try my best because of those around me; they are precious to me.

Hoodie, shirt, pants, all Balenciaga

His “full idol” image is a reputation that he upholds, exceeding expectations even down to when we meet him. Said meeting plays out with JUYEON’s arrival, fresh off a long-haul flight from a short-haul trip to Paris Haute Couture Week.

Throughout the entire day-long shoot, he is as determined as he is professional, never once wavering in spirit. On this occasion, it is inferable that these idol qualifying facets of JUYEON are the same ones responsible for the viral quality of his performances.

You have been to fashion week a few times now, and you have just got back from Paris Haute Couture Week. Comparing your first time and now, is there a difference in your experiences?

I think I admire it even more now. It is interesting and enjoyable to watch the show, knowing that it carries more meaning than showcasing the looks, and then understanding the meaning behind it.

Not too long ago, you were the face of the Balenciaga Le City campaign. Did you ever dream of opportunities like this?

I’m still amazed to this day. I couldn’t have imagined doing something like this.

Were you always interested in fashion? Has there been a look that is most memorable to you?

The look I recently wore at the Balenciaga Couture show was very charming. I wore a corset inside the coat, which gave it a different silhouette. I really liked it. When I first put on the corset, I couldn’t breathe well. [Laughs] But I got used to it quickly, so I was fine!

Does it give you a new perspective toward your style as an idol?

Of course, I think it’s fun to wear a costume that carries a designer’s intention. But it’s also always interesting to wear it in my own way; on the stage, to the airport, and at Fashion Week.

Jacket, Balenciaga; Necklace, LXK

It is important to keep in mind that the application of pressure — with a stroke of good fortune — is what gives a diamond its hardiness, and simultaneously sets it apart from softer counterparts like graphite. Endeavouring to his current image is not an easy task. For every three-minute performance that certifies JUYEON’s well-packaged idol image are countless hours in practice, commutes, fittings, recordings and takes that are mostly left unseen. But these unseen moments are not entirely hidden away. A different vantage point offers a more vulnerable dimension to JUYEON. Outside of stronger concepts is a consistently soft demeanour that can be found in vlogs, variety show appearances and across his personal social media.

Is there a memory from before becoming an idol that you think about often?

I remember the time when we shot [THE BOYZ’s] solo profile film. It was before my debut. I remember the hair and makeup artists and the camera directors, and thinking, “What kind of facial expression do I make?” Everything felt so unfamiliar then.

It must feel different, six-plus years on!

I felt very awkward at the start, actually. [Laughs] But as I started looking into things that I liked and was interested in, and spent more time searching for things that suited me, I naturally developed my style. I would say that it’s the result of many, many experiences.

Out of these “many, many experiences”, is there a big lesson you have learnt?

Back when I was in school, my teacher made us repeat this sentence. It goes like: “I am improving in all aspects, every day,” and we repeated it about 10 times daily before class began. It embedded a positive attitude in my subconscious, which has I think has been helpful to my current mental state.

Do you reminisce about the past often?

I miss when I was younger and had no worries about the day to come, and all I thought about was having fun. On days when we didn’t have academy lessons after school, I remember playing basketball and chatting with my friends till sunset.

So as an idol now, what does a perfect day look like?

I’d begin by having a good night’s rest, so I can wake up feeling good. In the afternoon, I’ll focus on work. And at night, I’d have dinner with my friends and chat about life.

Any guilty pleasures?

Having ramyeon the day before a shoot.

Would you go back and relive your pre-debut life if you could?

I believe reality is unchangeable. I think I should always live life with all of my heart so that I don’t have regrets.

How do you choose what kind of TMI-s you share?

I try to share the little things, like what I feel today, what I’m doing and what I’m eating.

Does it help you to feel closer to THE B?

I think I’m trying to approach THE B like I would approach a friend. I want to be a companion who can easily share fun things, happy moments, the joys and the challenges I face; instead of having a traditional idol and fan relationship. But of course, [laughs] I would love to still have that “complete idol” appearance when I’m on the stage.

T-shirt, shirt, jeans, nose ring, tie, shoes, all Balenciaga

“I see you as you see me,” captioned JUYEON on an Instagram post. The carousel comprises stills from fan-captured videos of him on tour, in interaction with fans — who are affectionately and officially dubbed as THE B. This sentimentality is not limited to a one-off act of fan service. A similar rawness can be linked to his explicit TMI (“too much information”) routines that potently reveal snippets of his life outside of work. From anecdotes about his friend’s tomato farm, photo proof of his family’s similarly-shaped lips, and nostalgia toward a pair of Spiderman-printed underwear — authenticity is not a side of him that is tucked away, nor a layered trait of his that is left to be decoded by fans. Instead, it is a distinguishing trait illuminated with consistency and clarity. This display of reality is refreshing, piercing through any sugarcoated gloss imposed by the idol industry and leaving a resulting refraction of an idol who shines from all angles, polished or not. As blinding as his idol image may be, JUYEON’s genuine spirit is set even deeper within the diamond life he upholds. He will never be eclipsed by the light he reflects outward, and those around him are perpetually left in allure to follow his growing glimmer, all while holding their gaze.

I heard you are flying off again soon for The Boyz World Tour: Zeneration II. Is there a particular memory you have from previous tours that you cherish? And how do you feel about embarking on another world tour?

I remember it all very vividly — touring is an experience I will truly never forget. I remember the heat of the fans’ passions. Everything was lovely, from the food to the culture and everything else in between! I’m happy to be on tour again after one year; I hope all the fans supporting us will live a diamond-like life too.

Do you ever get sentimental when you think about how far you have come?

I think I’m blessed rather than successful. Being able to meet fans worldwide is a gift from this era we’re living in.

What is next for Lee Juyeon and JUYEON of THE BOYZ?

Personally, I want to become an artiste who is good at fashion, music, and acting… I hope to be an artiste who is good at it all. As for THE BOYZ, I hope to show you even better music as a team.

Shall we wrap up the interview with a TMI?

I have just arrived at the airport in New York for THE BOYZ’s tour. As I’m answering interview questions for Men’s Folio, I feel like I’m living a blessed life.

Photography Songyi Yoon

Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah

Fashion Coordination & Styling Assistant Manfred Lu

Grooming Jo Yoon Ha

Hair Kim Hwa Yeon

Photography Assistants Baek Juwon, Park Sungeun, Shin Hyeoni

Production Oh Seo Yul / SY Production 

Outfits Balenciaga

The September 2024 issue featuring JUYEON on the cover is available at major newsstands in Malaysia. For order enquiries, please visit this link.