Media outlet 'Sports Seoul' has decided to conduct a special interview with the leaders and maknaes of your favorite K-Pop groups!

It's no secret that in the world of K-Pop, the positions of 'leader' and 'maknae' hold incredible significance. For this casual, open interview, each leaders and maknaes of currently promoting K-Pop groups gave their thoughts on what it means to them to have these titles and positions. 

1. MONSTA X's Shownu

Q: What is the best thing about being the leader?

A: "Fans always tell me, 'You're the best leader'." 

Q: What is the hardest thing about being the leader?

A: "When I hear the fans say that, I do feel pressured and like I need to do better."

Q: When are you most envious of the maknae, or when are you surprised by them?

A: "He is young, but there are times he acts more maturely than I do. I like our maknae because he is loved by everyone."

Q: If you were born again, do you want to be the leader or the maknae?

A: "It doesn't matter." 

Q: A word of encouragement to your maknae for the new year.

A: "You worked really hard last year, and I hope that we can have a good, healthy relationship this year as well." 

2. MONSTA X's I.M

Q: What is the best thing about being the maknae?

A: "I am loved by a lot more people than I expected."

Q: What is the hardest thing about being the maknae?

A: "I'm happy...."

Q: When are you most envious of the leader, or when are you surprised by them?

A: "He is always so cool. I'm always proud. But is there anything I envy...? Nah."

Q: If you were born again, do you want to be the leader or the maknae?

A: "However I'm born is who I'll be."

Q: A word of encouragement to your maknae for the new year.

A: "Let's make 10 billion won. Let's enjoy what we do and stay healthy."

3. Seventeen's S.Coups

Q: What is the best thing about being the leader?

A: "I don't think being a leader earns me any special privileges. I am just another member."

Q: What is the hardest thing about being the leader?

A: "There aren't any special struggles either. I am just another member."

Q: When are you most envious of the maknae, or when are you surprised by them?

A: "I don't have any times like that. The maknae is also just another member of the group."

Q: If you were born again, do you want to be the leader or the maknae?

A: "I would be thankful just to become a member."

Q: A word of encouragement to your maknae for the new year.

A: "I hope your new year is filled with good fortune." 

4. Seventeen's Dino

Q: What is the best thing about being the maknae?

A: "I have 12 strong hyungs I can rely on."

Q: What is the hardest thing about being the maknae?

A: "There are 12 very strong hyungs near me all the time."

Q: When are you most envious of the leader, or when are you surprised by them?

A: "Never, really."

Q: If you were born again, do you want to be the leader or the maknae?

A: "I think I will be happy as long as I can be a member of our group again." 

Q: A word of encouragement to your maknae for the new year.

A: "I hope your new year is filled with good fortune."

5. TWICE's Jihyo

Q: What is the best thing about being the leader?

A: "I learned to organize my thoughts a little better."

Q: What is the hardest thing about being the leader?

A: "Sometimes when the members all have different opinions, it can be difficult to come to an agreement, but the members help me a lot." 

Q: When are you most envious of the maknae, or when are you surprised by them?

A: "Everyone has their own respective role so I don't think I envy my members." 

Q: If you were born again, do you want to be the leader or the maknae?

A: "I am the oldest of my siblings and the leader of my team so I've never had a chance to be the maknae TT. But still, I think I am personally more fit to be the leader than a maknae."

Q: A word of encouragement to your maknae for the new year.

A: "Please stay as our cute and lovable maknaes this year and forever!"

6. TWICE's Chaeyoung

Q: What is the best thing about being the maknae?

A: "Because I'm the maknae, the unnies always think I'm cute and they take extra care of me."

Q: What is the hardest thing about being the maknae?

A: "Because I'm the maknae, when the filming goes in age order I am always last."

Q: When are you most envious of the leader, or when are you surprised by them?

A: "When she takes all of our opinions, organizes them, and presents our thoughts to the higher-ups even though it must be intimidating."

Q: If you were born again, do you want to be the leader or the maknae?

A: "I want to stay as the maknae. The leader does not suit me. I am a very quiet person. I think it's best to do my best in my given role." 

Q: A word of encouragement to your maknae for the new year.

A: "Thank you for being our supportive pillar, and I love you."