EXCLUSIVE: Explore the world of Korean concerts with April Kim, viral interpreter for CNBLUE, IU, Taeyeon and more

Who rules the K-pop world? (Sing it to the tune of Beyoncé's “Run the World”)
Who rules the world of K-dramas?
Who rules the Hallyu world?
The answer to all your questions is translators and interpreters. Fans are the driving force of any entertainment industry, but with Hallyu, those who have consistently gone above and beyond can certainly take an equal place on the winner's podium. Whether it's freelance work to get more exposure for your favorite acts, or professional work in different countries at events to promote their content worldwide, translators and interpreters have helped Hallyu gain a global presence. Admirers of all generations of K-pop and K-drama celebs would agree to some extent that without the support of these trusted sources, the experience of immersing yourself in the world of Korean would not have been as inviting worldwide.

So when I had the opportunity to interact with one of the K-pop community's most beloved performers, a deep discussion developed about the fan experience and how her presence enriches it.

April Kim was born and raised in South Korea. She moved to Singapore to study, where she began interpreting as a hobby. After starting work in the marketing industry, she left that behind and was able to use her skills when work required it. However, the influx of K-pop and K-drama stars to Singapore after the pandemic allowed April Kim to put herself to the test following a last-minute request from the organizers of the SEVENTEEN show. And the rest is a happy story unfolding.

Interpreting for SEVENTEEN and more

April Kim talked about how it is difficult to interpret the thirteen-member group as they often talk over each other and argue in a witty way. “I love them to bits. They are really hardworking, down-to-earth, so playful yet so professional,” she said. Revealing her own method of self-study to prepare for SEVENTEEN's concert, which took place just three days before the concert, she added, “I looked through all the fan-made videos about them and then tried to remember what they like and what their preferences are. Is there a particular topic that they really like to talk about and talk about often? Any behind-the-scenes stories that only their fans know.”

April Kim is a second-generation K-pop fan from a Korean family that is proud of the growing influence of Hallyu. Inspired by her mother's love for Girl's Generation, a proud SONE, she recalled the satisfying experience of being able to interpret for some of her own favorite stars. However, she stressed that her job is not fanfiction in writing and that there are guidelines for staff like her that are implemented by event organizers, including a rule that prohibits interaction with the artists she interprets for. However, artists like IU have often broken the fourth wall to have a conversation with the interpreter and make it another enjoyable experience.

A look behind the scenes with a Korean interpreter

With all her previous experiences in a concert hall, April Kim shared that, contrary to what most people would think, it is not noisy backstage, giving her the peace and quiet she needs to listen to the artist. One of her favorite events was when SNSD's leader Taeyeon traveled to Singapore in 2019 and she had the opportunity to attend the concert as a fan, which confirmed her position as an interpreter for the soloist a few years later. She also recalled how she shed tears of happiness after receiving a greeting from Taeyeon herself.

Viral moment with CNBLUE

April Kim is known among K-pop fans for her sweet interactions with their favorite stars and one such moment that is etched in the memory of Stan Twitter (X) occurred when Jung Yonghwa and CNBLUE's Lee Jungshin had a funny exchange with her where she sang in English in response to their Korean singing. The entire event greatly amused the fans and the event organizers, making her go viral on social media and making fans appreciate her actions even more.

Check out the interaction below.

At the end of our conversation, April Kim thanked the fans who continue to shower her with love and the artists who give her the opportunity to live out a dream!

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