Podcast Title: The Interview
Host: Lulu Garcia-Navarro
Episode: K-Pop Trained Rosé to Be ‘a Perfect Girl.’ Now She’s Trying to Be Herself
Release Date: November 23, 2024
Produced by: The New York Times
Introduction to Rosé’s Journey
In this compelling episode of The Interview, Lulu Garcia-Navarro delves deep into the life and evolution of Rosé Park, a member of the globally acclaimed K-pop group Blackpink. Transitioning from the rigorous training environments of YG Entertainment to her burgeoning solo career, Rosé offers an intimate look at her struggles and triumphs in redefining her identity beyond the "perfect girl" persona crafted by the K-pop industry.
From Rosé to Rosie: Dual Identities [02:22 - 03:34]
Rosé begins by distinguishing between her stage persona and her true self:
Rosé [02:47]: “If [Rosé] was a character that I really worked hard on as a trainee, and it's a part of Blackpink. And I feel like Rosie is whatever is behind that.”
She emphasizes that "Rosie" represents her authentic self—someone who enjoys music and cherishes quiet moments at home, contrasting with the polished image projected to the public.
Anticipation and Doubt Before the Solo Album [03:34 - 05:07]
As Rosé prepares to release her first solo album, Rosie, she shares the emotional turmoil leading up to this milestone:
Rosé [03:46]: “I feel like I've been waiting to release this album for my whole life... It feels really like a dream that I'm about to release this album.”
Despite her success, Rosé reveals her insecurities:
Rosé [05:07]: “I don't think I ever learned how or trained myself, like, to be vulnerable and open and honest.”
Early Life and Introduction to Music [05:43 - 07:15]
Rosé recounts her multicultural upbringing:
Rosé [06:01]: “My parents had like made me take like piano lessons... Then I picked up the guitar because that's when YouTube started blowing up.”
Her passion for music was evident from a young age, leading her to audition for YG Entertainment at 15, following her father's encouragement.
Becoming a Trainee: Challenges and Determination [07:05 - 12:25]
The decision to join YG Entertainment was complex, with initial family reservations:
Rosé [07:15]: “My mom was very against it at the beginning because obviously she worries about a lot of things... But my dad won.”
Rosé describes the grueling trainee schedule:
Rosé [10:46]: “Practice would end at 2am... It would repeat like that every single day.”
Her determination was fueled by the fear of failure and the desire not to disappoint her family:
Rosé [11:28]: “I could not let that happen.”
Transition to Stardom and Personal Growth [16:09 - 17:19]
Rosé reflects on her time as a trainee, highlighting both the hardships and the personal growth it fostered:
Rosé [15:04]: “I really think the trainee days of me pushing through all those hardships has helped me, you know, do these things for myself even to this day.”
She discusses the abrupt shift from trainee life to global stardom:
Rosé [16:31]: “The transition of now having to be on camera and being an artist and presenting to the world who I am, that's something we just had to learn as we went.”
Struggling with Authenticity in a Perfect Image [17:19 - 21:54]
Rosé opens up about the pressures of maintaining a flawless public image:
Rosé [17:49]: “We were trained to always present ourselves in the most perfect, like, perfect way... trying my best to be my best version.”
This relentless pursuit of perfection led her to desire vulnerability in her music, a stark contrast to her K-pop training:
Rosé [18:43]: “It was really part of the opening up to be more honest and something that just anyone could relate to.”
Creating the Personal Album: Challenges and Fears [19:01 - 26:03]
Delving into her songwriting process, Rosé describes the difficulty of expressing genuine emotions:
Rosé [19:01]: “There are stories that, you know, anyone around me has heard more than 20 times... It was like breathing all the stories in.”
She addresses the fear of exposing her true self:
Rosé [20:49]: “It's scary for me, because it's just an element of inspiration.”
Rosé also touches on the impact of online negativity and bullying, highlighting the darker side of fame:
Rosé [25:59]: “I didn't think that because I would say I'm pretty strong minded... But I remember when it did, I was shocked.”
Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms [26:06 - 28:37]
Navigating the pressures of fame, Rosé finds solace in songwriting:
Rosé [27:08]: “Songwriting came to me as like a blessing at the moment... it actually heals me.”
She explains how transforming her struggles into music allows her to process and move forward:
Rosé [28:37]: “I was so addicted to songwriting at one point because I'd have these concepts I wanted to write about... And I'd get the song and I'd be like, yes.”
Looking Ahead: Blackpink’s Future and Solo Careers [28:46 - 34:55]
Rosé discusses Blackpink’s decision to pursue solo projects, emphasizing mutual respect and individual growth:
Rosé [30:53]: “We have to acknowledge that we all have individual needs and wants... ensuring we all get to do what we wanted.”
She reflects positively on her training experience, attributing her success to supportive mentorship:
Rosé [32:48]: “I had a good system because we had our producer, Teddy, and people looking out for us... that's how I got my career.”
Rosé reassures that her core identity remains intact despite her journey:
Rosé [34:55]: “This has always been me, my personality... I feel like this has always been me.”
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Rosé's narrative is a testament to resilience and self-discovery. Moving from a meticulously crafted idol persona to embracing her true self, she underscores the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in her artistry. As Blackpink members embark on their solo ventures, Rosé exemplifies the delicate balance between adhering to industry expectations and pursuing personal fulfillment.
Notable Quotes:
-
Rosé on Dual Identities [02:47]:
“If [Rosé] was a character that I really worked hard on as a trainee, and it's a part of Blackpink. And I feel like Rosie is whatever is behind that.” -
Rosé on Vulnerability [05:07]:
“I don't think I ever learned how or trained myself, like, to be vulnerable and open and honest.” -
Rosé on Determination [11:28]:
“I could not let that happen.” -
Rosé on Songwriting as Healing [27:08]:
“Songwriting came to me as like a blessing at the moment... it actually heals me.” -
Rosé on Maintaining Identity [34:55]:
“This has always been me, my personality... I feel like this has always been me.”
Production Credits
- Produced by: Wyatt Orme
- Edited by: Annabel Bacon
- Mixing by: Afim Shapiro
- Original Music: Rowan Nimisto, Dan Powell, Marian Lozano
- Photography: Philip Montgomery
- Senior Booker: Priya Mathew
- Senior Producer: Seth Kelly
- Executive Producer: Alison Benedikt
- Special Thanks to: Dal Young, Jin, Rory Walsh, Renan Borelli, Jeffrey Miranda, Nick Pittman, Maddie Masiello, Jake Silverstein, Paula Schuman, Sam Dolnick
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