Singer and actor Choi Byung-chan (commonly referred to as Byungchan) entered the magnificent world of K-pop at the age of 16, and like many others, began his career as a trainee with hopes for a bright future. Choosing to pursue that passion for art also meant that the performer was required to spend the next several years putting in the work in order to achieve a modern icon status – a title he’d eventually attain by the young age of 24.
The second step towards his eventual success came in late 2016 when Byungchan made his musical debut in the seven-member group VICTON (@victon1109) embracing dual roles as a vocalist and recurring visual – finally having found a platform to share an unquestionable talent with the world. While Victon experienced a solid Top 15 debut on the Gaon Album Chart, it only teased an even brighter future to come, and the eventual realization of his wildest dreams becoming a reality.
Through VICTON, there has been a grand total of six EP releases, three single albums, and in 2021, the group’s first official studio album Voice: The Future Is Now. The LP even managed to become their biggest impacting release to date, selling nearly 115,000 copies in just over a year. In the additional scope of music video accomplishments, the group is set to surpass the 100 million view mark soon enough – demonstrating growth that will assuredly contribute to VICTON’s long-term niche space in the industry.
While VICTON has already found enough substance through music to display what Byungchan and his fellow members are capable of, the singer has garnered rave reviews for his acting abilities – in three drama series to date. The first, Live On, a late 2020 coming-of-age drama that allowed the star to embrace his lovable charisma, and the second was an instant hit period piece titled The King’s Affection, which was far removed from his high school debut character. Now, Byungchan stars in the series Business Proposal, based on a popular webtoon, where he’s yet another celebrated addition to an accomplished ensemble cast. As of March, the series (which is currently airing) continues to hit new rating highs in South Korea, showing a dependable growth pattern that accurately reflects everything Byungchan touches.
With the singer/actor branching out and trying to cover every glimmer of creativity he holds within him – we’re happy to reveal Byungchan as our newest Digital Cover artist, taking the time to discuss his love for VICTON, acting, fashion, and much more.
A studious approach to acting
Vanity Teen: At the young age of 24, you’ve already experienced a lot of excitement in your career! At this moment in time, what’s something that you find yourself most proud of accomplishing?
Byungchan: Being able to be both an idol and an actor at the same time is proud enough, but if I had to pick one thing, I would like to choose the personal fan meeting [Be Shining: Chan (燦)] held in 2019. As it was my first personal fan meeting since my debut, I prepared hard, and I remember the sense of accomplishment and pride as I worked hard to prepare.
VT: You have a show that just debuted this year – making this your third television series to date. How would you say your approach to acting has changed since your first series if it all?
Byungchan: When it comes to character research, we are approaching the character in a more specific and detailed way than before. Not only that but in order to be immersed in the role, the character’s tone of voice and actions are also applied in daily life. This will definitely increase your understanding of the character and increase the sense of immersion, which is a great help in acting.
VT: You’ve played roles that have required very different interpretations as well, and that really shows a lot of depth to your acting. What is something that draws you to a character when you pursue a role?
Byungchan: I see a lot of the character’s personality. When I first researched a character, I was interested in saying that this character has these characteristics and personalities, and I think that those points lead me to a character. And I think the charm of acting is that you can play various characters while taking on various roles.
Victon and the future of K-pop
VT: As a singer – you’ve also achieved so much with VICTON, and just recently celebrated an exciting five years together. Looking at the groups debuting today, is there any group that catches your eyes? And do you have any advice that you want to give?
Byungchan: These days, there are so many idol juniors with different charms and personalities, it seems very difficult to pick just one team. That’s why I’m cheering for all my juniors, but if I had to pick just one team, I’d like to pick ‘Weeekly‘. The ‘Weeekly’ team itself is a group full of charm and has the potential to challenge various concepts.
VT: As a group, you all keep growing and growing with a consistent surge in album sales too! What hopes do you have for the group’s future?
Byungchan: Our goal is to continue to show our fans singing and dancing on stage as we do now. When we hear that we gain strength and feel happiness through our songs and stages, we become happy together and get the driving force to move forward. I would like to show a better side of the group VICTON by doubling the abilities of the group by working harder and researching for such people.
VT: You’ve been able to explore a lot of different genres of music that regularly keep people guessing! What era of VICTON would you say feels like it fits the most with your own individual style of music?
Byungchan: I think the title song ‘Howling‘ of [Continuous], released on March 9, 2020, is the song that suits me the most. Besides ‘Howling’, the songs in [Continuous] fit well with the style of music I’m pursuing, so I want to choose music from this specific time.
Revisiting music and fashion
VT: Has there been a VICTON concept that you feel has been more challenging for you personally? And if you were to revisit it, would you feel different about today?
Byungchan: ‘What I Said’, the title song of [VOICE: The future is now], released on January 11, 2021, was the most challenging song for me. When I first heard this song, I thought it was quite difficult to digest. However, while continuing to cast the mantra that ‘Nothing is impossible for VICTON’, I worked tirelessly, contemplating and researching the concept of the song. As a result, I was able to show my fans a good side. If I am challenged with this concept again now, I think I will prepare harder to show a better image than before.
VT: You’re really built a reputation for your style thanks to Instagram as well with almost two million followers so far! Outside of work – do you typically keep up with fashion? If so, what’s your current favorite trend?
Byungchan: I’m not really a fan of trends themselves. I have a lot of interest in fashion, so I do a lot of research and research on styles though. While doing research like that, I tend to find out which style is comfortable for me and fits me well.
VT: If you have to pick one favorite outfit from all the promotions that you’ve done so far – what would you choose?
Byungchan: Personally, I would like to choose the costumes of ‘Chronograph‘, which I was recently active in. It was nice to be able to show the charm of VICTON while showing ‘Chronograph‘ with various costumes such as car racing costumes, cyberpunk look, etc., and I really liked the fact that they gave points to the clothes with items such as chains and goggles. In particular, I remember that the fans really liked wearing goggles.
VT: What final thoughts or messages would you like to share with your fans and Vanity Teen Magazine readers?
Byungchan: I will continue to show my good side as VICTON’s ‘Choi Byungchan’ and actor ‘Choi Byungchan’, so please give me lots of interest and love! I hope 2022 will be a happy and healthy year for everyone. I will keep running as always. Thank you!