izna MAGAZINE : MAI 📸🌹 Q1. This is already your third birthday with naya. Compared to the birthday you had when you'd just debuted, what's changed? Mai: My first birthday was my first one as izna, so everything felt amazing. It was also my first time ever getting birthday wishes from so many people. I remember spending the whole day just amazed. My second birthday fell during our promotions, so I think it was even more special. Getting to be celebrated by so many nayas in person left me with a really good memory. I'm already looking forward to what kind of birthday I'll have this time. The biggest change is that more and more people are celebrating me. I hope I get to spend my birthday with even more people from now on Q2. You seem to say the word 'adult' a lot lately. When you were little, what did an 'adult' look like to Mai? Mai: When I was little, I think an adult to me was someone who could do anything on their own. I thought adults had clear opinions and thoughts of their own, and were strong on the inside. I also vaguely thought 'if you're a teacher, you're definitely an adult' (laughs). Looking back now, it was kind of a cute standard Q3. So what does an 'adult' look like to Mai now? Now that you're 23, we're also curious what you feel has changed the most about yourself. Mai: Honestly, I don't think much has changed just because I turned 23. But when I'm with the members, I feel like I've grown up a bit more. Especially when I'm looking after the younger members. I think the reason I say 'adult' so much lately isn't really that I want to become one. It's that moments like those make me feel like I've become one. And since turning 23, I feel like I've 'found myself' a little more. At 20, just being an adult felt so unfamiliar that it was like being stuck between adult and child. Now I think I'm slowly getting to know what kind of person I am Q4. The phrase 'secure/stable type' really suits Mai. Do you have your own way of keeping your mind in check? Mai: First of all, I think it's important to treat yourself as important. In the end, I have to be able to satisfy myself. If I'm satisfied, that alone keeps my mind in check to some extent. I feel like there's another 'Mai' inside me. A Mai who takes a step back from what I'm feeling and looks at it, if that makes sense? That Mai is a bit more rational and cool-headed. It feels like there's someone who doesn't get swept up in emotions and watches me from a step away. I also try not to think too deeply about everything. Once one thought starts leading to another, it can actually get harder, right? So letting things go when it's time is my own way of keeping my mind in check. Q5. You're the oldest in izna. If you had to pick just one good thing about being the eldest unnie, what would it be? Mai: It's so hard to pick just one (laughs). First, I think the best part is getting so much love from the younger members. And they have cute sides that come out because they're the younger ones, you know? A lot of the time, even the smallest thing they do makes me think 'they're so cute'. Getting to see that up close is the best part of being the eldest unnie Q6. You often said 'Live in the now' in your own content. What does 'now' look like to Mai? Mai: Now is... Mai working hard on the concerts. By the time this interview comes out, I might be a Mai who's had her birthday and is a year older, and I'll probably be different from how I am now. So to me, 'now' is how I truly feel in each moment. Right now while I'm doing this interview, or when I'm on stage, it's living true to whatever I'm feeling in that moment. I think that's what 'living in the now' means to me Q7. Mai gives off the impression of someone with clear standards of her own and a strong inner self. Do you have a way of getting through hard times? Mai: Honestly, I'm the type who doesn't think 'this is really hard' much, even when something hard happens. It's not that there are never hard moments, but I think I try not to make a big deal of them. Even if a big wall comes up, I think 'I have to get over this'. I see it as a challenge more than something hard. If I get through it, I get to grow a step, and either way it came to me because it's something I need. So even when hard things happen, I'm the type who tries to accept them well Q8. This year brought a lot of new challenges, from your Japan debut to a concert tour. Is there anything else you want to achieve? Mai: First, I really want to go to a fashion show. I want to experience fashion week in person too. I'm really into fashion, so I'm excited to see all kinds of brands' shows in person and experience new things there. And I really want to do a world tour too. We're already meeting fans in a lot of places, but I want to go to even more places and meet them in person. I hope even more people get to know the team izna, and that more people watch over us. Personally, I want to go on a trip on my own, and on a trip with my family too. There's so much I want to do Q9. You've built up so many experiences through promotions, so there must be a lot you want to do with the members. Outside of work or the stage, what's something you really want to do with them? Mai: I wish we could have a vacation together (laughs). I want to go on a trip with all the members. A trip where we spend a few days just relaxing with no cameras at all. If we went with the members, Japan or Busan would be nice, and visiting each other's homes would be nice too Q10. Winter's coming soon. Mai gets cold easily, so is there a winter must-have you'd recommend to naya? Mai: Definitely hot packs. I especially recommend the ones you can stick on your stomach. Not ones that get too hot, ones that are just warm enough. When it's cold, I keep my stomach warm. And I hope you drink lots of warm water too. A glass in the morning and a glass before bed would be good. I hope nayas stay warm this winter with my winter must-haves, and end the year healthy #izna #이즈나 @izna_offcl