MINGYU is far more than a mononym among the K-Pop constellation; he’s a phenomenon in his own right. As a rapper, vocalist, and a key visual of the powerhouse group SEVENTEEN, the South Korean artist has become a global sensation, captivating audiences with his talent and undeniable charisma.
Known for his deep, resonant voice and razor-sharp rap delivery, attention is demanded whenever MINGYU appears on stage. His moves feel calculated, yet effortlessly cool. Beyond his artistic contributions to SEVENTEEN’s ever-evolving sound, he’s also a crucial creative force behind the scenes, lending his vision to the group’s production process and continuously pushing the boundaries of their artistry.
MINGYU’s appeal doesn’t stop at music. His countenance and poise have made him a fashion icon, landing him on the radar of fashion brands and at the forefront of their campaigns. Given his stratospheric heights, he remains down-to-earth. Perhaps, it is this personable front that has endeared him to fans worldwide.
In many ways, MINGYU is the epitome of today’s idol: he’s multidimensional, and hardworking but still relatable. We talk to him about his place in modern culture; how travel broadens his mind, music, and where he sees himself in the future, among other things.
ESQUIRE: I heard you have another engagement after this interview.
MINGYU: Yes, I have rehearsal. Our comeback is just around the corner. (This interview was conducted in early October before SEVENTEEN released their 12th mini album.)
ESQ: You have been shooting since early this morning, and now it’s almost sunset; you’re starting rehearsal tonight? Don’t tell me you’re planning to fit in a workout afterwards too.
M: Thankfully, I worked out this morning before coming to the shoot.
ESQ: Wow, how do you still look so lively? You don’t appear tired at all.
M: Photoshoots are my favourite kind of work, so that’s probably why. Today was especially fun because I got to see and try on a variety of new Dior outfits.
ESQ: It seems like you find photoshoots more enjoyable than stressful.
M: There have definitely been times when I felt more pressure. In the past, I found the photographers or staff a little intimidating, even though they weren’t doing anything in particular. I’d get this irrational fear, like, “If I make a bad impression, I won’t make it in this industry.” (laughs) But I’m more comfortable with it now. These days, I find interpreting the directions they give most enjoyable. For instance, if they ask me to stand straight with precise posture, I imagine myself as a knight wearing the outfit I have on. Or if they suggest creating a relaxed vibe while sitting in a chair, I picture myself in an old Parisian building with curtains gently swaying in the breeze. I tend to let my imagination run wild during photoshoots.
ESQ: I was actually quite impressed watching you on set today. You went up to some staff members you didn’t seem to know very well and jokingly said, “Don’t my fingers look stubby in this shot?” It made me think, “Wow, he’s such a down-to-earth and natural person.”
M: Did I do that? (laughs) I think it’s because I like that kind of vibe. When working abroad, people often ask casual questions like, “Hi! Where are you from? What do you do?” even if they don’t know you well. But that doesn’t happen as naturally on set, so someone has to make the effort. I don’t mind being that person if it helps create a comfortable environment.
ESQ: I still remember when one of my colleagues interviewed SEVENTEEN’s hip-hop unit and came back raving about how fun, genuine, and great you all were. And this colleague rarely gives such compliments.
M: I’m glad to hear that! It puts my mind at ease.
ESQ: Don’t you hear that kind of feedback often? Wherever you go, someone always seems to comment on SEVENTEEN’s sincerity and teamwork.
M: True, we do get that a lot. I think we’re lucky to be so well-received. But here’s the thing: we’ve been in the industry for quite a while now, and over time, each member develops their own experiences, standards, and methods of managing fatigue. You start to realise what’s necessary to do and what’s not, and that personal boundary might come across as cold to some people. Fortunately, as of yet, people still say we’re kind and nice.
ESQ: The world has become a place where even small mistakes can blow up, yet SEVENTEEN’s honesty and humility remain impressive. In a career where so many different people constantly analyse your every move, it must be hard to stay genuine; is it experience that’s allowed you to achieve that balance?
M: It’s definitely not easy. Honestly, I don’t think it’s something you ever fully master. (laughs) But I’d say we’ve developed a sort of instinct. Even when we’re chatting and having fun, there’s this internal alarm that goes off when we’re about to say something we shouldn’t. Being honest is great, but if our words could even slightly harm someone or touch on a divisive topic, we know it’s best to stay quiet. These days, we hardly ever need to talk about the things we need to watch out for. Everyone has developed their own instincts and has been mindful of what they need to be cautious about. In a way, it’s become more about respecting each other’s choices.
ESQ: I’ve always wondered how 13 men with different personalities get along so well. But thinking about it, it’s like a big family with lots of brothers—you naturally develop a sense of community and a well-rounded attitude. You probably learn good behaviours and mindsets from each other, too.
M: Exactly. There are a ton of those moments. To be honest, we argue more often than people might think. (laughs) But that’s just inevitable when you have different opinions. The difference is that when we were younger, we’d argue and think, “Why is he like that?” Now, it’s more like, “I see where he’s coming from.” We always say, “It’s not wrong; it’s just different.” That mindset has become a core part of how we think.
ESQ: Let’s now talk about your new album. Your latest track, “LOVE, MONEY, FAME (feat. DJ Khaled)” has such a striking title.
M: From the very beginning, when we first discussed this album, our team agreed on one thing: “Let’s make it hip. Let’s keep it cool.” At its core, though, the song’s message is this: While people chase money, fame, and all those things they want to possess, what truly matters most in the end is love.
ESQ: It’s an honest reflection on true values.
M: Exactly. The name of our 12th mini album is SPILL THE FEELS. It carries a message encouraging people to freely express their emotions. Being honest with your feelings isn’t always about staying positive. You can express your anger, disappointment, sadness, or happiness. And when you’re happy, you should know how to fully enjoy it. The lead single focuses on love as one of those emotions. At first glance, the title might make you think, “Is this another hip-hop song bragging about achievements?” But once you listen, you realise there’s a deeper message. Personally, I think this ability to strike that balance is one of SEVENTEEN’s charms.
ESQ: Interestingly, if you shorten the song title, it becomes “LMF.”
M: That’s right! It’s the complete opposite of our 10th mini album, FML.
ESQ: Was that intentional?
M: Honestly, I thought it was intentional too! But it actually just happened by coincidence. When I noticed it, I thought to myself, “I’ll just say it was intentional during interviews later.” (laughs) Back then, with “FML” we talked about a messed-up world. But this time, with “LMF (Love, Money, Fame),” we’re saying that even in this messed-up world, there’s love, money, and fame—and out of all those, love is the most important. There’s a flipped interpretation.
ESQ: And yet, here you are openly admitting you thought about tweaking the story for interviews but decided to come clean instead.
M: Well… I’m just saying I thought about it! Interviews need to stay honest, after all. (laughs)
ESQ: Watching you on recent YouTube variety shows, I’ve realised you’re quite funny.
M: I want to be funny. But saying “I’m a funny person” doesn’t really feel right coming from me.
ESQ: What do people around you say?
M: Me? Probably something like, “He’s a bright person.” Someone cheerful, with decent conversational skills, a bit of wit, and a sense of humour. Someone modest who would never claim all that himself. (laughs)
ESQ: So that’s who you are.
M: If that’s how you feel, I’d be really grateful if you could write it that way in the article. Just make sure to add that I didn’t describe myself like that!
ESQ: (laughs) But that’s genuinely how I feel. You’re not the type to crack outrageous jokes that leave everyone in stitches, but your sense of timing and ability to elevate a conversation is remarkable. Yet, when all the SEVENTEEN members are together, you barely speak at all.
M: Oh, really? (pauses to think) That wasn’t intentional, but now that you mention it, I guess it’s true. It might just be a habit I’ve developed naturally. Honestly, it’s not just me—think about how much everyone else has to hold back what they want to say. With 13 members, if everyone tried to jump in all at once, it’d be complete chaos. It’s more like, “I have something to say, and I know I could make it funny, but since you’ve already said something, I’ll let it go.” I think we’ve all naturally adopted that kind of attitude.
ESQ: So you are especially an enjoyer of comedy but aren’t one to draw attention to yourself?
M: Right. I actually talk a lot—put me in a smaller setting, like a variety show with just two or three people, and I’ll speak more freely. Even now, I’m loving this interview, though I have to stop myself from oversharing. (laughs)
ESQ: Loving to talk and wanting to pursue variety shows or hosting are two different things, right? Which one sounds more like you?
M: It’s the former. I enjoy talking and having fun, but I don’t want that to become the main focus when people look at me. After all, there’s a core aspect to my job that I need to stay true to. It’s great to show other sides of myself, but I don’t see myself completely shifting to another path.
ESQ: SEVENTEEN seems to prioritise group activities over individual ones. Is that to keep the group schedule manageable?
M: Exactly. The members of Super Junior have always looked out for us ever since we were young. Being in a large group like ours probably reminds them of the past and creates a special attachment. They’ve always told us, “Don’t drift apart—keep focusing on team activities for as long as you can. It’s good for you, and it’s what the fans want most.” It sounded like good advice back then, but I feel it even more deeply these days. After all, SEVENTEEN is at its best when we’re together, and our fans love us the most when we’re together. As long as we can, we want to keep our focus on the team.
ESQ: If there were no restrictions, what would you most want to try?
M: There’s so much I want to do. I’d love to try making a travel vlog—maybe showing my travels naturally, not particularly talking to people.
ESQ: I really enjoyed watching your LA travel vlog!
M: Really? Thank you. Actually, the guys said it was boring.
ESQ: But it was packed full of the romance of travel, don’t you think? Riding a bike in Beverly Hills with a hat on a sunny day, checking out some concept stores to buy Nike shoes or adidas jerseys, and drinking beer while watching the sunset at Santa Monica Beach.
M: Yeah, I definitely experienced all the romance of LA during that time.
ESQ: Even waiting for your bike to be repaired at the local shop after a sudden flat tyre was perfect!
M: Right! I really liked that bike, but I couldn’t bring it back to Korea, so I ended up giving it to a little kid at a nearby park.
ESQ: You just gave it away? And that kid didn’t know who you were?
M: (laughs) No, not at all. I just asked, “Do you want this?” That was it. Some people might not understand, but for me, making those not-so-logical or inefficient moments into happy memories is my goal. Even now, both the moments when I was riding that bike and when I gave it away to that kid in the park remain happy memories for me.
ESQ: Do you like travelling?
M: I do! Travelling around the world is my dream. When I was younger, I thought about getting a yacht license, driving a yacht to Europe, and then flying back from there. That dream is still with me. It’s not just something I imagine in my mind; I really want to make it happen someday.
ESQ: So it’s like a vague vision of your future self that you think about from time to time?
M: Right. I tend to think a lot about the far future. (laughs) The guys often rip into me because of that. Everyone talks about what they’re going to do next year or the year after, while I’m over here talking about what I’ll be doing 20 or 30 years from now.
ESQ: Well, if you keep talking about retiring and sailing around the Caribbean, it makes sense for them to tease you a bit. (laughs)
M: No, it’s the opposite; I’m imagining myself still going strong even after I turn 50. I tell the guys, “We’ll obviously still be SEVENTEEN in 10 years, so why worry about one or two years from now?” and they don’t really know what to say to me.
ESQ: Wait, so you mean even in the far future, when you’re travelling the world, you’ll still be a member of SEVENTEEN?
M: Exactly. During breaks, I’d wander the globe. If we’re on a US tour, I’d rent a huge RV. If we’re on a world tour, maybe I’d even travel by yacht… Although that might be a bit unrealistic. (laughs)
ESQ: Actually, I’m a bit surprised. I thought you were talking about your life after retirement, but even in your far-off dream, you see being with SEVENTEEN as an obvious part of it.
M: Well, SEVENTEEN should be preserved, shouldn’t it? I say it’s a dream, but really it’s a huge goal for me. You need a goal to keep moving forward. That’s also why I try to place myself in the far future as much as possible.
Photography: Park Jongha
Fashion Editor: Yoon Woonghee
Features Editor: Oh Sungyoon
Stylists: Kang Minjee and Choi Younghoe
Hair: Kim Byungwoo
Makeup: Lee Jaehee
Set Stylist: Jeon Yebyeol
