Here's the Interview with Ali's first guitar teacher and the Sweet Lady of Cherry Entertainment.

Ali : Firstly,Ma'am,thankyou for finding time for this interview.I'm aware that you're a very busy person and I promise to make this as quick as possible. The Hot Chocolate here is gold by the way- *slightly embarrassed to have blurted that out.

Soori :*laughs*.No problem.

Ali : First question.What inspired you to start Cherry Entertainment? 

Soori :When I was still a soloist, I didn't feel so challenged. I did love my profession but I always felt so trapped? I didn't have enough freedom and when I wanted to change my theme, they made me stick with girl crush and I started thinking "Do other groups and soloists have to do this as well?" So I didn't want them to feel trapped, so I wanted to make a company where they can reach their dreams and yet feel free, so I left YG and I opened Cherry Entertainment! 

Ali : *Impressed*How many trainees do you have right now?

Soori :We only have around 15, we're still new and growing but I promise there will be more in the future!

Ali : We're looking forward to them.Could you tell us more about the screening process and what you expect from people and what you intend to make out of your trainees?

Soori :Well, in our screening process, we usually have me, Jihyuck, our vocal trainer, Chaerin, our rap trainer and Yua, our dance instructor to do the auditions. We expect confidence and determination and we want to see that in each audition's eyes. We intend for our trainees to be confident, hard-working and believe they can make it.

Ali : Sounds great.I'm glad that you're focusing on other aspects other than just talents.Like they say,skills can be developed but unless you have certain attributes you can't do anything with what you have.Were people close to you supportive of starting and running this company?Did you face any discouragement? 

Soori :Yes, my then boyfriend/ now husband was very supportive of my goal and so was my daughter, she was the most excited! 

Ali :You have a lovely family!Maybe...There is a man behind every successful women too!We heard that You are debuting a new girl band called,Orphic,do you think they would make it big,since the competition is really high?

Soori :We have trained the girls very well! We see a bright future for the group and we believe they can make it big! *smiles fondly at her girls.

Ali :Have you always wanted to build up a company like this or was it a sudden decision?

Soori :I have always dreamed of opening a business when I was 12, but I wanted to make a business in clothing. So yes, I always wanted to make a company but no, I didn't expect an entertainment company. 

Ali : (Smiles to herself when she remembers her dream of wanting to meet famous people without buying tickets.Well...She got there)This job,is obviously challenging and frustrating at times.How do you manage? 

Soori :We hired a counsellor, her name is Eui and she helps trainees mentally if they need it. Sometimes when I get frustrated, I go to her and she listens and comforts me. But sometimes, bonding with my family helps more.

Ali : Nice...I think I should've asked this first...But,Could you tell us a little more about yourself?

Soori : I was born in Incheon and I wasn't at all girly, I helped my parents in there flower shop a lot and I had good grades but I was really bad at Science and PE.
 Hyunshik is the name of my husband and my daughter is 3 years old and her name is Byeol. My mom and dad, Chunhi and Beom Seok are florists and my little sister, Nari is right now at law school.Relationships.Hyunshik, again my husband haha! 

Ali :Why did you choose the name Cherry Entertainment?

Soori :I was going to actually call it Ri Entertainment after my stage name when I was a solo artist, but I was inspired by my daughter, her name is Byeol and she has always loved red and fruits, I always call her my little Cherry so that's why my company is now known as Cherry Entertainment.

Ali : *smiles at that*Any shout outs?

Soori :Well, shout out to my trainees for being amazing and hard-working! And shout out to my friends, staff, husband, and daughter for believing in me! 

Ali :You are one of the very few women to step out and build up an empire in this industry.So many people look up to you.What would you like to tell all of them?

Soori :I want to tell them, "don't let anything hold you down! Believe you can make it and don't let any challenge stop you!"

Ali :Thankyou!It was nice working with you Ma'am.Good luck on all your future projects and to Orphic.

Soori :Same!

It is our great pleasure to inform you that the auditions for Cherry Entertainment is still going on.

Also you can find interviews from trainees of different entertainment in between the pages.

(Picture credit to owners.)

(Face claim : Sunmi )