Sejima Shiryu: SHINee Taemin ‘Impressive,’ Explains Korea Visit After ‘Boy Fantasy’ [Full Interview]

Japanese artist Sejima Shiryu shared an update on his activities and expressed anticipation for his new music project.

Shiryu is currently in South Korea, busy working on new music. He stated, “I’ve been continuously practicing with the plan to record about three songs in Korea.” He further explained his current activities, saying, “Rather than a planned Korean debut, Japan remains my main market. However, after appearing on ‘Boy Fantasy,’ I gained many Korean fans, and some people are still unaware of my debut in Japan, which led me to come here.”

The new song production is also a collaboration with Korean staff. Shiryu mentioned, “I’m working with Korean dancers, and I recently appeared on a Korean radio show. I’m also preparing a collaboration track with rapper Reddy, and we’re proceeding with music video filming.”

Shiryu is making a comeback with his second single, ‘BAD GIRL.’ The music video was pre-released ahead of the track. ‘BAD GIRL’ is a song that combines Shiryu’s sweet vocals over a sensual and groovy beat. Rapper REDDY’s featuring further enhanced the song’s completeness. This new release marks the beginning of a three-part music video project, building considerable anticipation.

Regarding ‘BAD GIRL,’ he clarified, “It’s not a song about a ‘bad girl,’ but rather a story about a woman who falls for a bad guy but doesn’t listen to his deceptive words.” He added with confidence, “I translated the English lyrics into Japanese, and while it’s a Japanese version, Reddy’s Korean lines mean it incorporates Japanese, English, and Korean. I believe it will be a song that international fans can also enjoy.”

Shiryu also spoke about the changes since his debut in Japan last year with ‘Steppin’ Out.’ He shared, “After my debut, I received so many congratulatory messages via Instagram DMs. Friends also reached out, and that’s when it first felt real. Nothing has drastically changed, but I felt the reality of my debut through the reactions of those around me.”

He also mentioned his experience appearing on the MBC audition program ‘Boy Fantasy.’ Shiryu reflected, “Korea has an incredibly strong passion to complete things no matter what. This atmosphere extended from the trainees to the production team. If Japan feels like doing your best within a fixed schedule, Korea was passionate beyond that.”

Among the most memorable figures from that time, he named MC Changmin. Shiryu stated, “Although it wasn’t shown on broadcast, Changmin sunbaenim told me, ‘You dance incredibly well. Please teach me.’ He also said I was like a teacher, which was really impressive.”

He continued, “I wondered if it was real. I heard that Changmin sunbaenim also likes Koharu Sugawara, my mentor. I think he saw the style I learned from Koharu-sensei naturally integrated into my performance, and he appreciated it.”

Shiryu also shared his connection with his dance mentor, Koharu Sugawara. He said, “I coincidentally saw a dance video and really wanted to learn, so I participated in a workshop. The most memorable words my teacher told me were, ‘Break free from the mold and dance for yourself,’ which still gives me great strength today.”

Beyond Koharu Sugawara, Shiryu also revealed his collaboration experiences with famous Japanese artists. He stated that he received “love calls” from artists like Yonezu Kenshi and MISIA, adding, “I participated in Yonezu Kenshi’s tour and music videos, and MISIA also personally wanted to work with me. These affirmations have boosted my confidence. I want to showcase myself and be evaluated not just in Korea but to people all over the world.”

He also recalled his past experience participating in the choreography for Taemin’s ‘Criminal.’ He reminisced, “I participated as an assistant for Koharu-sensei when I was 18-19 years old. Taemin sunbaenim even called me by my name and made the atmosphere comfortable. Meeting him for the first time felt like a dream. He was truly kind. It was impressive how he acted as a mood maker even though the rehearsals must have been difficult.”

He named the group RIIZE as a Korean artist he’s recently been paying attention to. Shiryu commented, “Unlike conventional K-pop idols, RIIZE has a lot of international groove. I think it’s very cool how they seem to break down the wall between a dancer’s style and an idol’s dance.”

Regarding his musical direction, he added, “This new song has a completely different vibe from my debut track. I even dyed my hair blue to match the song’s concept. I want to hear reactions like, ‘He could do this too?’ I aspire to be an artist who can directly direct not only choreography but also hair.”

He also didn’t hide his ambition for future acting activities. He revealed, “I’ve signed with Freyja’s, an agency specializing in actors. Netflix dramas and movies are also scheduled for release. I don’t want to miss out on acting alongside my music career. I’d also love to appear in a Korean drama.”

Finally, he extended his gratitude to his fans. Shiryu requested, “I think many Korean fans recognized me through ‘Boy Fantasy.’ It’s an honor to work with Korean creators. Please continue to look forward to my future activities.”