Q. Did you dream of being a singer from the beginning? What did you do before you debuted in 2012?
Choa: Being an idol has always been my dream since a child. However, I had failed numerous auditions and had to go to college. I majored in airline service management, but I wasn't interested in it at all. As I was desperate to become a singer, I applied for a leave of absence from school and continued to make every effort to become a singer. I had many part-time jobs at that time.
Q. What did you do as a part-time job?
Choa: I was an IPTV saleswoman. And I also distributed flyers to passers-by. I worked very hard and made some money because the company had a performance-based wage system. Even though I was a saleswoman, I was always dreaming of becoming an idol. And I worked in cosmetics shop and convenience store too. I had to work because the failure of my parents' business left the family bankrupt. But one day, Juniel, who was a trainee of FNC Entertainment recommended me to the agency, and I could become a member of AOA later.
Q. Wasn't it hard to work as a saleswoman?
Choa: Well, I worked for more than 10 hours a day, while the other people worked only for 8 hours. My supervisor told me that I will be able to do anything. He said I'm a faithful person.
Q. How did you feel after you debuted?
Choa: When we debuted, we received less attention than expected, and I went through a hard time. At that time, about 80 idol groups debuted but just two of them are still active in the k-pop world. Looking back, we could become stuck together because we had tough times. I'm just grateful for all the things.
Q. How did you endure your tough times?
Choa: I could derive comfort from the AOA members. You know, misery loves company. And I think I could endure the hard times because I wanted to become a successful singer more than anything else.
Q. Don't you feel anxiety for the future?
Choa: Yeah, I sometimes feel some pressure because I know I have to show something new all the time. However, I don't like to stay in one place, and I think I'm still growing up. I'm happy now.
Q. Do you have a role model?
Choa: I want to be like Uhm Jung Hwa, who debuted more than 20 years ago but is still active in the entertainment world as a competitive entertainer. And I also want to become a good TV show host like Park Misun or Kim Sungjoo. My goal is to be in people’s heart for a long time.
Q. So do you have a desire to succeed as a TV show host?
Choa: Frankly speaking, I used to be envious of people who are slender and beautiful because I thought I'm short and too common. That's why I’m doing my best for self-development and trying to enjoy challenges in various fields. I practiced singing harder because I’m not as beautiful as other k-pop idols. I have no time to take a rest.
Q. Blonde hair is your trademark. Will you change your hair style some time or other?
Choa: Because of hair dye, my hair is very dry, haha. However, I can't change my hair style easily because many people remember me as an idol with blonde hair.
Q. You look so busy. Do you have time to date?
Choa: Unfortunately, I am so busy that I don't have the time to date. But I want to be a better singer and I know romance helps me sing better. I’m dreaming of finding romance with a good man.
