Red Velvet’s Joy Reveals How She Protects Herself, What Her Biggest Desire Is, And What Freedom Means To Her

She believes there is no set standard for beauty.

Red Velvet’s Joy held a photo shoot and interview with Arena Homme magazine and revealed her way of protecting herself, what her biggest desire is, and what freedom means to her.

When you are on stage or doing a photo shoot, it always looks like you are confident. I think it’s that energy that makes people fall for you.

I’m just casting a spell on myself. Even if I am nervous or anxious on the inside, that shows through the camera and to the audience. So before going on stage or doing a shoot, I have to brainwash myself into thinking that I am the most charismatic person in the world.

— Joy

I am in a different world for a brief moment. When I come down and wash my face, I can see all my flaws. But if I dislike myself for my flaws that I won’t have the power to protect myself, so I continue to compliment myself.

— Joy

You still think that about yourself even though it looks like you don’t have any flaws?

There’s this standard for what people think beauty is and so I tried to fit into that standard at first. But after becoming close with stylists and staff members who have worked in different fields, I learned that there are different types of beauty and that there isn’t anything that isn’t beautiful in this world. There is no standard to beauty because everyone is beautiful in their own way. How do I work on my own beauty? My method is exercise and learning.

— Joy

Joy, do you love yourself?

Yes. I’ve worked hard and I am proud of that. Although there are times that I don’t like myself, I try to still love that side of me. That is how I can protect myself.

— Joy

What is your biggest desire?

It would be to tell my story through a song.

— Joy

What does freedom mean to you?

I think it’s paving your life in your own way. This is especially important for those that have the job of an idol. Whenever I see a newly debuting group, I am proud of them but at the same time feel bad for them because it’s really hard to promote with a smiling face every day at such a young age.

— Joy

There will be a lot of things they will hide and endure. I’ve been through it so I know how they must feel. When I was younger, I had so much pressure to smile that I rebelled by not smiling for some time. But now, I know just how precious going on stage is and so now my smile just comes out naturally.

— Joy

To see more photos and the full interview, check out Arena Homme’s October issue!