TREASURE’s Jihoon, Choi Hyun Suk, And So Junghwan Discuss Leadership And Supporting Each Other

In K-Pop groups, leaders’ role is to make the members’ charms and strengths stand out. They also communicate between the group members and the agency, so they are often the oldest members (but not always). The youngest, or maknae, is usually in charge of the group’s energy.

Sports Seoul has recently released interviews of the leaders and maknaes of several K-Pop groups, both new and old, to ask how they felt about their positions. TREASURE is unique in that they have more than one leader! There is no real reason besides the fact that they would create great synergy with each other. Let’s see what TREASURE’s leaders and maknae have to say!

Let’s start with the vocalist leader, Jihoon!

Q: What do you like about being a leader?

I don’t know what’s good about being a leader yet!

—Jihoon

Q: What is difficult about being a leader?

The hard part about being a leader is that you have to step up even if it’s a situation where you can’t easily step up. Also, always having to overcome the burden of being trusted by your team members.

—Jihoon

Q: Do you envy the maknae (So Junghwan)?

I envy him because he is young and has a lot of time to try new things.

—Jihoon

Q: If you could be born again in the same group, would you be the leader or the maknae?

If I’m in the same group, I want to be the maknae.

—Jihoon

Q: Words of encouragement to the maknae for the new year?

Thank you for always being so cute, our Junghwan. ♥

—Jihoon

How does the other leader, who is also a rapper, do in his role? Let’s see what Choi Hyunsuk thinks!

Q: What’s your favorite thing about being the leader?

I’m happy to play a precious role in bringing our members together.

—Choi Hyunsuk

Q: When is it hard to be a leader?

It’s hard to find out what everyone wants to eat. Haha.

—Choi Hyunsuk

Q: Are you jealous of the maknae (So Junghwan)?

He has so much cuteness in one body. ♥

—Choi Hyunsuk

Q: If you could be born again, would you be the leader or the maknae?

I want to remain the leader who pushes the members forward and pats them on the back when they’re having a hard time.

—Choi Hyunsuk

Q: Words for the maknae for the new year?

Congratulations onn becoming a high school student. I’ll buy you a lot of delicious food when we’re allowed to eat what we want. I’m sorry I never bought you a lot of things before. Thank you for being a precious little brother to me.

—Choi Hyunsuk

So Junghwan is the second-youngest male idol in the industry! (ENHYPEN‘s Ni-ki is now the youngest) Let’s see what he thinks about being a maknae!

Q: What do you like best about being the maknae?

It’s good to learn a lot from my hyungs.

—So Junghwan

Q: What’s difficult about being the maknae?

Rather than difficulties, I’ve always wished to have a younger brother.

—So Junghwan

Q: When are you jealous of the leaders (Jihoon and Choi Hyunsuk)?

Leaders look really cool when they take care of us. But, no matter what they do, it looks difficult.

—So Junghwan

Q: If you were born again, would you want to be the leader or the maknae?

I want to be the maknae.

—So Junghwan

Q: Words of encouragement to the leader for the New Year?

You’ve worked hard during promotions and I’m always grateful for you leading me well.

—So Junghwan

TREASURE is doing amazingly in making a name for themselves after just debuting about 7 months ago. No doubt, thanks in part to their outstanding leaders and energetic maknae!