SINGAPORE : Popular Korean pop boyband 2AM is known for their smooth vocals - a trait that's setting them apart from the many dance groups in the K-pop crowd.
Putting their singing abilities to the test, the four-member group - who were Singapore recently to plug their first full-length album "Saint O'Clock" - gave a rather impressive live rendition of their new song "Like Crazy"... even if it was just a few bars.
No surprise then, that their new album has been topping the major music charts in Seoul with 2AM offering a refreshingly back-to-the-basics pop sound that has the oh-so-familiar techno beats in most of the dance numbers by other boy- and girl-bands, stripped away.
Sentimental ballads have been the group's focus since its debut some two and a half years ago, but 2AM is not shutting the door on other music genres.
"We are now focusing on R&B, but we are open to new opportunities and we'll be trying out a lot of new genres. If you look at the lyrics, they are about sentimental feelings too," said 2AM vocalist and rapper Lee Changmin.
Typically one of the classier acts on stage, the quartet shocked fans recently at a music awards show when they ripped off their clothes in a moment of jubilation.
Abs is however not planned for upcoming performances these good-looking young men whose ages range from 21 to 24 years.
"Because our focus is on ballads, it would be abnormal to rip our clothes off," said 2AM.
Group leader Jo Kwon was however, quick to note that fellow 2AM-er Changmin has the best bod to show off.
"As you can see here, Changmin doesn't wear that much clothes - it's only one layer," quipped the fun-loving singer, as he compared his own three-piece shirt-vest-jacket getup to Changmin's top with a V-opening on the front.
When clothes continued to dominate the media event, the outgoing performers stayed candid even when explaining why wearing nothing more than boxers and briefs when the Korean guys are together in private isn't unusual.
"We've been together for quite a long time, so we are comfortable with each other, so it's quite normal to see guys 'dressed down' when we are at home," said a wide-eyed Jo Kwon, while his mates agreed in unison.
When asked if they'll do the same while they are in Singapore, the four nodding their heads vigorously replied, "Of course!"
There was no word if 'dressed down' is best when 2AM take on music composing duties, such as Changmin's latest contribution "To Love Again" which is in the new album.
Just like their Korean personalities, acting and hosting is part of 2AM's resume too, with vocalist Im Seulong making his TV acting debut earlier this year with the Korean drama "Personal Taste", while Jo Kwon reunited with his reel-life wife Ga-in from girl-band Brown Eyed Girls for their first sitcom "All My Love" which began airing last month.
"We've been 'married' for over a year on the reality show 'We Got Married', so we are very comfortable with each other. Because of that experience, we have no problems getting along in the sitcom where we play twin brother and sister," said Jo Kwon.
So is real-life set to follow reel-life, no one is sure, although when asked about their ideal women and their preferred Korean ladies, Jo Kwon chose 'wife' Ga-in.
As for the others, Seulong reaffirmed his devotion to actress Shin Min Ah, Changmin picked actress Cho Yeo Jeong, while youngest member Jung Jinwoon named Soo Young from SNSD.
Singapore fans aren't too far off on their love-meter either, with the foursome's second visit to the island leaving one impression of local supporters - "Passionate" – summed up Changmin in just one word.
Source: Channel News Asia
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