Why First And Second Generation Idols Can “Endure Everything,” According To Sandara Park And Kim Jaejoong

Second-generation K-Pop idols, former 2NE1‘s Sandara Park (also known as Dara) and JYJ‘s Kim Jaejoong, recently reunited to discuss K-Pop’s earlier generations and how their experiences differed from current-day artists.

Sandara Park (left) and Kim Jaejoong (right) | @uhmg/YouTube

The two idols recently filmed for Jaejoong’s talk show JaeFriends together, and revealed they met and became friends before 2NE1 debuted when they both auditioned for the same movie.

Afterward, it was difficult to acknowledge their friendship because of the strong “rivalry” between SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment at the time.

Your browser does not support video.

Although they couldn’t publically acknowledge their friendships, it didn’t stop SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment idols from being friends and fans of each other.

Sandara shared that during 2NE1’s promotions, her friend, Super Junior‘s Donghae, would jokingly tell her 2NE1 made “too many comebacks” while expressing his desire to promote more often.

Your browser does not support video.

Jaejoong understood Donghae’s desire to have more comebacks when they were younger, sharing that he currently wants to work all day.

Sandara was surprised at his confession, stating that idol schedules while 2NE1 was active were “wild.”

Your browser does not support video.

The former 2NE1 member shared that the group didn’t sleep because of their busy schedules, often filming shows, performing on stage, and traveling abroad back-to-back, while admitting 24 hours in the day weren’t enough.

Sandara Park filming “Strong Heart” | SBS

Jaejoong revealed that the popular variety program Strong Heart, which aired from 2009 until 2013, took two straight days to film. Jaejoong added that the comedy program X-Man, which aired from 2003 until 2007, was also filmed for two straight days, leaving the idols to work with no sleep.

Your browser does not support video.

Your browser does not support video.

When JaeFriends staff asked why the shows took so long to film, Jaejoong hilariously answered it was because the two programs’ hosts were so passionate.

Reflecting on their busy schedules in their earlier years, Sandara stated that K-Pop’s first and second generation “had to go through a lot,” while Jaejoong added that, compared to the past, current-day idols have it “easier now.”

Sandara concluded that thanks to their experiences, first and second-generation idols can “endure everything.”

Your browser does not support video.

During Sandara Park’s JaeFriends episode, she opened up more about her experience promoting with 2NE1, including revealing why the group was scolded after winning a debut-era Daesang award.

Check out more on that in the article below:

YG Entertainment Scolded 2NE1 After They Won A Daesang Award As Rookies