I am Danny Im, former member of k-pop group 1TYM and host of “Danny From LA” on Mnet America. Ask me anything!

Who's your current favorite act in Kpop?

i know it's gonna sound like a joke but crayon pop. what can i say they put a smile on my face.

That was a lame question dude!

To the person who downvoted It's okay he's my friend and It's a joke!

NO KEEP DOWNVOTING HER!

evil cackle

Better check it boy or else you're gonna get a barrage of downvotes! RES will be negative!

Bring it on!

can't we all just get along!!!

Hi Danny o/ Big fan of the show

What is the most significant thing that has changed in the Korean music scene since the times when you were active with 1TYM?

Edit: I got answered by someone famous

thank you! the biggest that has changed since my time would no doubt have to be social media and how artists get their music heard now a days.

Hi Danny! What was the weirdest/most memorable gift you've received from a fan? What about best gift?

the most memorable and best gift was a puppy. since i lived alone it was good to have company at the house. the weirdest was someone's underwear. don't even think it was washed.

Just want to say, very proud of you as a fellow American being able to make it over there and represent the USA so well.

Can you give a brief overview of your experience of moving from the USA to Korea? Is there anything you would have done differently knowing what you know now?

well, when i first went there i was very young so everything was new to me. one thing i would have done differently is i would have learned korean before i went there. nobody understood what i was saying when i first went there so it was kind of difficult in the beginning.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how Asian is Kevin?

0

this was fun guys, but i gotta go prep for mcountdown now. if you didn't get enough of me yet, catch me hosting the hottest weekly kpop performance show at 5pm pst/8pm est on mnet america. another shameless plug haha.

i'll try to answer more questions in the future, but feel free to hit me up on twitter @dannyim80 or mnet america's twitter @mnetamerica. bye!

Did you or any 1TYM members had any close relationships with other popular 90's idol groups like H.O.T. (Tony Ahn was from LA), Sechs Kies, Baby V.O.X., Fin K.L, S.E.S.etc.?

(Hot tugotugo Hot tugotugo Hot!)

jinhwan was very close with jang woo hyuk. baekyoung was close with many other artists and i was close with teddy.

Your interviews are one of the best in the business. Love how you incorporate your life as a former kpop star to ask the right questions and elicit the best response. Your demeanor makes your interviewees so comfortable. It also helps that your co-host is freaking hilarious. LOVE what you do man.

thanks for the love. still learning.

What do you think about YG's WIN show? Have you been keeping up and do you have a favorite group?

i love the win show! i know most of the kids very well and wish nothing but good things for them. my favorite group in kpop would have to be seotaiji boys! well, former group i guess.

My friends still sing 1TYM songs when we go karaoke. YEAAHHH!

i honestly think our songs don't sound that great in karaoke. haha

Hi Danny! I just want to say you were awesome during the KCON in LA. And I love your show, Danny From LA. Anyway, here's my question... do you plan on making a comeback as a solo artist?

thx! no plans on a solo artist comeback at the moment. when i did do it, it was a project album. but after being in a group it was also very lonely. but you never know!

What did you think about the name 1TYM when you first heard it?

i thought it was ok. not great. now i love it though.

Hi Danny~ During your career with 1TYM, how affected was your social life as a result of being part of an idol group? I.e. how often did you get free time, breaks, opportunities to just hang out or visit family. We often hear a lot about many idol groups nowadays that hardly get a week or so worth of breaks in a year due to training and whatnot so I'm curious of how it was when you were in a group.

it was hard for us too. there was a lot of shows back in the day and while we were promoting didn't get much time off. one thing that was hard was that my family was here back in the states so didn't get to see them much. so yg was my family for many years.

What are the chances of a non Asian-American interning for MNET America/any other Korean broadcast company? I'm an English major with a background in Media Broadcasting/Theatre (I have worked for a KPOP music channel in SF), but I haven't had any luck contacting any Korean music company. Part of me hopes it's just because I'm lacking connections, but another part of me worries that it's because of my lack of "Asianness."

Do non-Asians have any hope of working in the KPOP field?

we have a lot of non koreans here. just hit us up! there are tons of non asians already working in the kpop field. it's global now!

What did you think about the hip hop rivalry in the late 90's early 2000's between YG Entertainment and Drunken Tiger and other Movement hip hop members?

Is it strange that Epik High is now a part of YG?

i think having a rivalry helps you stay focused and on your game. so i think it was a good thing. when we first heard the news about epik high it was weird but first day they came through they were family right away.

Kpop has made quite some strides in the past year. Though there were a few kpop artists testing out the American market before Psy, it seems like 강남스타일 really pushed kpop into America's mainstream. Or maybe it just put Psy in the American mainstream attention? Nevertheless, where do you see kpop's influence in America five years from now? Is your own five-year plan a part of all that?

in kpop, just like korea, things change very fast. so i'm sure it will be very different at that time. my hope is it keeps getting better. i do also think they have to be careful to not over saturate the industry though and instead be a little more picky on quality. i would love to be part of the movement for the rest of my life

any plans of getting back together with the 1tym crew for an album???!!!

we never shut the door completely on the idea but that also doesn't mean it's gonna happen either. we will have to see.

Hey Danny what are your thoughts on the disparity between mainstream kpop "hip hop" and the underground k-hiphop movement, especially with regards to lyricism and production?

there was more before but these days i don't think there is that much difference anymore. more of the mainstream audience have excepted hip hop these days.

You're about to have your last meal. You can have anything you want. What are you going to eat?

my mom's home cooking!

As a fellow Lim/Im, I am very proud of the way you have represented us!

I grew up listening to you guys in High School; along with groups like H.O.T, Shinhwa, et al.

My question to you is who was your biggest rival during your time in the industry?

Also, what do you think of K-pop musicians coming to tour in states (i.e. Wonder Girls, G-Dragon, SNSD, PSY)?

wow thank you! at the time we ourselves thought everyone was a rival. not that we disliked or had anything against anyone. but we were all in the biz to try and make good music. i think it's great that so many acts are coming over here. actually i'm a little jealous because we didn't get do that many shows in the states.

Back in the old school days, the kpop artists lip-synced alot more than they do now. If an artist/group was lip-syncing, was that by their own choice or was it the broadcaster's decision? How would it feel to lip-sync in front of a live audience (which I'm sure was always chock full of fans/haters/everything in between)?

sometimes it was by choice, other times it was by circumstance. some groups just had crazy choreography that it was hard to do at the same time i guess. you do lose some of the energy when you do lip sync tho.

Hi Danny, having been a part of a k-pop group, what do you think a group would need to be a hit in the US? (Besides English songs) Also, which current group or artist do you think has potential to become big in the US and/or globally?

they would have to have something new and different. what that is, even i don't know. there are many people in the biz trying to figure that out. there are many groups that have the potential but it just matters on all the pieces fitting together at the right time.

What do you think about Chad Future?

i give it up for his determination and drive.

Hows Teddy doing? That guy seems so trapped in YG these days producing music, do you keep in touch with him(do you guys still talk and stuff even though you're both busy with separate stuff)?

he's good. we keep in touch. he's doing what he loves and i must say he is very good at it!!!

Danny do you play any video games and if you do what kind??

not really into video games. i love sports and choose to actually play them.

hello Danny! :) what is your favorite current song right now? or the latest song that has been on replay?

im chang jung's song. just reminds me of the old kpop days when we were out there together.

Oh! Do you still keep in contact with the other 1tym members? When and what was the last thing you said to them?

i do still keep in contact with them. i talked to them last week and it was a conversation just about how things are and just catching up.

What's your favorite anime show?

sorry don't really watch anime. please suggest a good one though.

Is there anything you miss about being an idol?

i miss being on stage and feeling that energy.

LA or Seoul?

going back and forth would be the ideal thing for me.

Who was the most memorable/out-of-your-expectation guest you ever had?

memorable would have to be tiffany giving me a birthday cake.

Hi there! So how did you get picked to do a show with mnet america? Also, do you have any plans to go back to rapping/singing in the future?

i knew one of the main producers from korea. he produced 2ne1 tv. so when i came back to the states we just started talking and it just happened.

What is harder: being an idol/entertainer or being a father?

good question! i would have to say they are both hard and great at the same time. but one stress being an entertainer is that if you mess up everyone sees it.

Hi Danny!!!! How was meeting B.A.P?!?!

it was good. they were very nice guys also very humble.

Hey Danny! I love your show, I think your interviews are really well done and fun to watch.

Who is the most down-to-earth K-pop celebrity you have met? Also, who in your opinion is the prettiest girl-group member?

thank you so much! the most down to earth kpop celeb to me was tiffany from snsd. she was super nice. the prettiest girl group member to me in my opinion is dara. well , more cute than pretty.

Hi Danny, do you know what Master Wu is working on? Or if he will make a comeback?

funny thing had dinner with him yesterday. he is back here at the moment. he's always working with all the artists in yg either writing or producing. he has been getting ready for a comeback just has been busy helping everyone else out. i would love to see him back as well!!!

Hey! Hey you! You're awesome! Haha~ :D Anyway, what group would you like to see debut in the US?

i'm sure your are awesome!! i would love to see 2ne1 or big bang debut here. sounds bias but it is the truth

What is your opinion about the current state of Kpop? Not think there's much clonic group? I remember a few years ago with G.O.D Wheesung,FTTS,SG Wannabe, 1TYM, Se7en, Park Hyo Shin, Lena Park, Gummy, Park Hyo Shin, SSK, Kim Bum Soo,Rain, Soulstar.... now so far only seems to be idol groups.

a lot of entertainments do seem to jump on whatever is hot at the time. but then again what they put out has a lot to do with what is in demand. so technically the power is in the public's hands.

Hi Danny! I've been a huge fan for a gazillion years. Do you miss anything about being in 1TYM or being a solo artist?

i know we came out a gazillion years ago. i do miss being on stage feeling the energy from the crowd.

Danny, was there any incidents in yg where you did not get along with someone? How did you handle this and what is something you want to say to people who feel like they are being kicked when they are down?

<3

of course we bumped heads from time to time. we basically saw the same people every single day. but again it was a family and just like family you fight and make up. if anything the tough times made us closer.

Is DFLA still filming with live audience? How does one get lucky enough to witness this?

we actually haven't these days but we just might sometime in the near future. so keep up with socials to stay posted.

What do you miss most about living in Korea? Where in Korea is your favorite place to visit (besides the YG building)?

of course the people. but also sometimes the faster pace. la is pretty slow compared to there. my favorite place is hong dae. my home for like 10 years.

Hi Danny, haven't seen a ton of your stuff but I've seen a few interviews with idols and thought they were quite good. Of idol groups, who are the same on and off camera, or close to the same? How about individual idols, not the group as a whole?

to tell you the truth all were very polite and curtious. but to be more truthful it could also be because i'm a lot older. but yeah to me they were the same when the cameras were on or off.

Danny my question is how did it feel to be an idol? Fan from Texas :)

what up texas!!! honestly we were so busy that didn't really have much time to think about it. when i look back on it now seems like a different life.

If you could address everyone in North Korea, what would you say to them?

1tym is one time for your mind!

Thanks for filming Smarter than an Asian with me! I was the one with the album. Made my year!

Also recommend an amazing place to eat in diamond bar. I want to take my boyfriend out to eat there since he lives over there.

thanks for coming out! was very nice meeting u!!!

Hey Danny. Do you have any ambition to do music anymore or are you content with what you're doing now? I love DFL btw!

music will always be a very big part of my life. whether i do it for a living is another question. doing the show is something new and fun for me at the moment.(i was the quiet one for the longest time.) trying my best to put out a good show. still a lot to learn tho.

Best Korean food...in LA or Korea?

i would have to say korea. simply do to the fact that there is just so many more restaurants to choose from. so they also have more bad ones as well.

With the comment about the unwash undies

What your experiences and how do you feel about sasaeng or superfans?

i feel if you are a true fan you respect the person you are a fan of. just like if you truly love a person you concern about their happiness and you respect them. i'm sure all the groups love there fans and hate turning them down with things but sometimes it's just not possible to satisfy every single fan's wishes. i'm if they could they would.

Hey danny, very big fan of 1tym. I've always wondered though, how come you guys didn't place a big emphasis on chloreography like other idol groups?

most of us weren't very good dancers that wasn't our thing. but also we wanted to have performances that were more free to do as you please.

Hi Danny! What sort of music do you expose to your son? (genres/groups)

in the car i actually don't play that many kid songs. i play him everything that i listen to. starting him off early!

Hey, just wanted to say thanks for putting out great content.

What are your top 3 groups to listen to? Also, what do you think of Ladies Code?

i listen to everything. and ladies code are very pretty pretty.

Hi Danny, I love the show, I think you're hilarious! Do you think there should be less pressure on idols to be role models and how do you think it affects them?

thank you i think i'm hilarious too but not everyone feels the same. i think the artist should know the business they are getting into and whether they like it or not people are gonna look up to them. whether they care about that is up to them.

I love you.. Me and my kids live watching the show.. Tell GD Pinky loves him! And what's the hardest part about being a kPop star?

ahh a fellow parent! great to hear from you. the hardest part about being a kpop star was the schedule. they don't really have unions over there so you just keep going and going and going......

what was the best experience at YG?

the family atmosphere. sometimes you forget your working. but definitely wasn't easy all the time

Hi Danny! I love your show~ Just wondering, will your interview with Big Bang ever air?

technically it has aired just hasn't been posted on the internet. hopefully it does one day. but that is a question for the suits here at mnet to answer. sorry. maybe one day i'll just post it myself, once i figure out how you post videos on the internet. man i'm old!

Congratulations on your daughter!!! What do you & your wife plan on naming her? :) also, how many kids do you guys want?

thank you!! don't have a name yet. please if you have suggestions let me know. and i think we are done with two. but you never know. we seem to be very fertile people. haha

Can you give a shoutout to all the fans from Tennessee? haha~

what up tennessee!!!!!!! go titans!!!!!!!!!

I really love your show and I watch all the episodes when ever I get the chance to. I'm happy that you've found your solo path. I miss your voice and singing though.

Is there a chance for you to stand on stage with all the 1TYM members again? Should fans continue praying and keep their hope up for this epic day? What really happened, honestly, if you don't mind telling the public? No obligation here really.

i said it earlier we never completely shut the door but we're also not gonna just come out to come out. things would have to align. we first stopped because jin hwan had army service. then everyone went there own paths. remember we started as teenagers so it was the first time not doing the 1tym thing as adults. so it was a natural thing

Hi!!! I love ygent.

What is your favorite song?

What do you think about the old and the new YG?

Do you have your favorite hoobae?

What do you think about BIG BANG?

i love yg also! my favorite song would have to be gasoline by jinusean since it started it all. my favorite hoobae would have to be gd and taeyang is a tie. i love big bang!

What's your favorite restaurant in LA??

too many! feel like different things on different days. but i do love el taurino!

Who were the most genuine and nice idols you've got to work with?

all were pretty nice to us back in the day. if it wasn't genuine they were genuine with being fake.

I am currently in High School. I am actually in class , >.< (hiding my phone) did you ever do a Senior prank? Were you popular? What kind of student were you. Congrats !! heard your having a girl.

hmm in class. you should be paying attention to the teacher but good to hear from you. i wasn't the best student and wasn't the worst. i'll just leave it at that. lol

Hey Danny! Love your show.

Is Teddy still your best bro?

Any Chance we get 1TYM at a YG Family Concert in the next few years like Jinusean did 2 years ago?

Do you think the "all-in american advancement" approach people like Wondergirls, Se7en and Boa took is wrong and current groups should stick to Asia with occasional US Concerts like Bigbang's Galaxy Tour, SmTown etc.?

well teddy is not just a friend he is a brother and family. the only reason we didn't do the yg family concert is that we didn't want to put on a mediocre show. so we decided not to do at all. i don't think there is a set formula yet for how an asian artist could break through in the us. even the us execs don't know.

Hi Danny! Congratulations on your growing family! Without You was the first KPOP song I ever listened to. Ever fancy an impromptu performance on DFLA?

i don't know i'm rusty as hell. plus gotta remember the lyrics again. even when we were performing that song i messed a bunch of times.

Hey Danny! Love your show!

I know before DFLA you were doing more behind-the-scenes sort of jobs and it had been awhile since you were on the stage, but were you still being recognized out on the streets? Korea/US/otherwise

Thanks for doing this :)

not really. even in korea i was taking the subway and riding the bus at times. but then again everyone on public transportation is just looking at their phones.

I'm listening to a lot of old (?)...I don't want to call it old...but back in the day songs lately..Recent kpop songs have their own uniqueness, but you can't deny that people can never get tired of these old songs!! Anyway..my favorite season!! autumn seems to have finally arrived in LA!! Any recommendation of good songs to listen to in this cool autumn weather??

i love the old school songs. for me it brings back many memories. i think korea comes out with very good ballads in autumn. so you should watch mcountdown on mnet america and choose for yourself. see how i shamelessly plugged the show. haha

Any cool upcoming guests to the show? Or a dream guest you hope to interview one day?

well dumbfounded is gonna be co hosting with me for awhile so that should be fun. i would love to have yg himself on the show. that would be very awkward and fun at the same time.

Danny! I just want to tell you how much I look up to 1tym! How many times and One Love is my favorite! I'm doing my best to become a singer and one day I hope to influence the music industry like how 1tym did!

thx for the love! work hard and be better than us!!!