Chae Yeon the Dancing Queen

Chae Yeon Arena 2

Singer Chae Yeon (30) appeared in the July issue of Arena Homme magazine looking sexy as usual. I first saw Chae Yeon as a contestant on the variety show X man and thought she was funny and flirtatious. I later learned that she was a popular singer/dancer known for her “wave” dance style. She debuted in Japan as a member of a 6 member group called Brand New Buscuits and then later joined a group called Ultra Cats. I’m not making up the names of these groups, really. In 2003, she debuted in Korea as a solo act. Known for her sexy dancing, a couple of her music videos have been banned for being too racy. She recently released a mini album called Heundeullyeo (Shake) and is busy promoting on the title song on various music shows. I enjoy watching her on variety shows because I don’t think she takes herself too seriously. She knows that her “concept” is sexy so she has fun with it as she flirts with the audience or other cast members. I recently saw her asking Jae Bom (23) of 2PM if he would date an older woman.

I’ve included an interview from 2008 I found as well her lastest MV.

Chae Yeon Arena magazine 1

I found this 2008 interview from Kozine magazine which I thought I’d share.

Capturing the hearts of Asia, Dancing Queen Chae Yeon.

We received many requests from readers to feature K-pop dancing sensation, Chae Yeon, whose popularity has extended beyond the shores of Korea to Asia. So, KOZINE tracked down this busy lady and managed to pin her down for a short interview:

K: You were the Singapore Tourism Board’s ambassador in Korea. What was your first impression of Singapore?
CY: It is a very clean and beautiful country. My first trip there was for work but I would love to go back for a relaxing holiday to explore the culture, the food and of course, do some shopping.

K: You are known as the dancing queen of Korea. When did you start dancing?
CY: As far as I can remember, I have always loved performing! I would imitate my favourite actors and singers that I saw on TV and put up mini performances for my family (laughs). Performing was always on my mind but it was only upon graduation from high school that I decided to pursue a career in singing. That was when I started seriously practicing dancing and singing. I would practice for hours on end every single day of the week.

K: Whenever anyone thinks of Chae Yeon, your fabulous dancing and lithe, toned body are always the first things that come mind. Is there any special exercise that you do to maintain your figure?
CY: (laughs) I have no special exercise regime. Dancing keeps me in shape and whenever possible, I hit the gym to do some running or lift some weights. I also try to eat my favorite foods only in the mornings as they are quite fattening. Maybe that helps? (laughs again)

K: We heard that you have a special ‘meat diet’. Can you tell us more about that?
CY: I love meat and must have it everyday. As I mentioned, I try to eat my favorite foods only in the mornings, so I always have meat for breakfast. Dancing requires lots of energy so I don’t just eat meat but my breakfasts are usually heavier than that of someone’s average dinner! Then for the rest of the day, I just eat light meals or snacks.

K: Other than dance music, do you have any other types of music that you’d like to try?
CY: Well, I’d love to try out all the genres but I think that I’ll still be best at danceacne music.

K: Any plans to perform in Singapore in 2008?
CY: I don’t have any plans for that yet. But if any opportunities coame up, I will be there in a heartbeat.

K: What is your future plan?
CY: I have just finished promoting my 4th album and it’s been quite tiring with all that performing and appearances in variety shows. So I’m planning to take it easy for a while. But I won’t be idling. I’d like to improve both my singing and dancing and plan to take some lessons to improve myself.

K: Would you like to say anything to your fans in Singapore and Jakarta?
CY: Thank you very much for your support. I always try to do my best whenever I’m performing and I hope I don’t disappoint you. Please continue to support me and I wish all of you happiness in this New Year. Thank you!
Chae Yeon was a pleasure to interview. Despite a busy schedule, she was gracious and patient, her dazzling smile never once leaving her beautiful face. The interview felt more like a chat with a friend. We hope to see Chae Yeon performing in Singapore soon and KOZINE wishes her all the best in 2008.
Chae Yeon was a pleasure lady to interview. Despite a busy schedule in overseas, she willingly put aside some of her time for this interview. We hope to see Chae Yeon,with her dazzling smile, performing in Singapore soon and KOZINE wishes her all the best in 2008.