2PM, "Beast Idols" Create a New Sensation
2PM Interview
This fall, K-POP's strongest and highest regarded boy group, 2PM, is finally debuting in Japan! In April they released their single 'DON'T STOP CAN'T STOP' in Korea of which the lead track 'Without U' received first place on all the music charts, thousands of people went to their first concert making it a big success, and more, and they are currently conquering the music scene of Korea. It seems they'll be causing a movement in Japan next, so we're reporting our interview with 2PM without delay!
1. "When I auditioned, I seized the chance to debut" (Nichkhun)
Finally the "beast-dols" (beast idols), a boy group with overwhelming popularity in Korea, 2PM, will be landing in Japan this coming winter. Where does 2PM's charm lay and why are they so well-received in Korea? Via this interview, you will find out that "beastliness" isn't their only charm, and that their natural playfulness is actually their biggest charm!?
- What is everyone's motives for going into music? Also, how did you become a 2PM member?
Nichkhun: I was at a concert and a casting manager from JYPE (the office they belong to) approached me, it was really unexpected....... Then I passed the audition and seized the chance to debut.
Junsu: I started thinking "I want to do music!" when I was in the third year of middle school because I really liked Stevie Wonder. At that time I woud see videos of him and aspired musically to be like him......like "I want to be this kind of artist." So then I chanced an autition.
Chansung: The audition I did for "Superstar Survival" aided me in entering JYPE. At the beginning I had planned to be an actor, but once I started learning to dance and sing at JYPE, I thought "This is interesting!" And then before I knew it, I wanted to become a singer.
Taecyeon: I also entered JYPE through an audition program, and had a very difficult time training for 2 years, but being blessed with good fortune, I was chosen to be one of the members of 2PM.
Junho: Just like Chansung and Taecyeon hyung, I was on the audition program "Superstar Survival" and passed, then I became a member of 2PM.
Wooyoung: Through a public audition to become a trainee at JYPE, I entered JYPE, and am currently in it.
- Now, this is sudden, but please tell us about your charms for 30 seconds!
Wooyoung: Ehhhh......(Impatient Wooyoung). Ah, I have a cheerful personality......I think. I'm interesting. I always do my very best! (laugh)
Junho: It's a little bit embarrassing to say this about myself, but......the thing I'm most confident about myself is, I suppose, my smile. And also, what all the members love! my butt!
Taecyeon: My charm is......hmm, this is hard~ to say this out of my own mouth. But, my personality I guess? I'm fairly cheerful. Among the members, anyway. What, hm? I'm cheerful? I....... I think I'm really cheerful. But, I'm gloomy when it's gloomy, though......Anyway, a good personality! that's my charm!
Chansung: Agreement~! Whoo~ I guess it's my personality too? I guess I'm a bit absent-minded. Like this (he shows a facial expression like "poka~n"). I don't know if you know what I mean, but once you've been around me for a long time I think you'll understand.
Junsu: For me it's my personality too. I think I have the kind of personality where I try to see the positive side to everything. Also, I will always thoroughly love music.
Nichkhun: I'll start with something different by saying that I think I have a heart that makes me strive to do my best and be honest. Can I call something like that a charm? (the members nod in assent). Well, I guess that's my charm!
2. "Recently I've started memorizing hiragana and katakana" (Taecyeon)
- I would think you would be too busy to have much free time, but what is the thing that interests you most?
Wooyoung: That's right. Lately I've been studying acting and foreign languages.
- What kind of actor do you want to be?
Wooyoung: Well......my objective is to become an actor who is able enough to make the best out of a character for a particular work.
- Is there a particular actor you want to be like?
Wooyoung: (embarrassed) I personally love Sean Connery. If I could also put on a beard like that.......
Junho: When I get a break I listen to a lot of songs and music. I don't just listen though, I think about how the song was made, why it was given such a melody......and while I'm thinking about it I also do composing myself all while I'm on a break.
- Is there any music you've been listening to in particular these days?
Junho: I listen to Usher's music. Not just his recent album, but his past ones, starting from his debut album up to his current one, and I'm continuously immersed thinking about how his music has been developing over time.
Taecyeon: What's been intersting me most is......I guess, my body's appearance! Lately my body has been slackening off......but I've restarted exercising again. Besides that, I've started memorizing hiragana and katakana. I'm trying my hardest! For now I've memorized all there is to memorize, but I have yet to get the distinctions down. I get tested on them every single day......is what it feels like.
Chansung: What interests me lately......is no other than Japanese. Besides that, my body......I should work on gradually rehabilitating too (laugh). With Taecyeon hyung.......
Junsu: I've always been super interested in composing, however besides just composing, I've been trying out writing melodies and arrangement. Therefore, when I listen to songs, whether it be a singer or an artist......I think more of how a producer would listen to the music.
- Then do you use DTM (Desktop Music)?
Junsu: Yes, I do.
Members: The sound from that......it's so noisy (laugh).
Nichkhun: When I have time, I like to practice on the piano. Recently I've been into sports, mainly golf and badminton, but......there's no time. I have a lot of interest in them though.
Members: Saying you have interest in them......isn't that impossible?
Nichkhun: Yes......it seems impossible (laugh).
3. "It's fun to interact with Japanese fans!" (Junho)
- Lately there have been increasing amounts of both male and female Korean groups advancing to Japan, and the groups always have big dreams such as "No 1 on Oricon!" and "Japanese performances!" What sort of dream does 2PM have for Japan activities?
Junho: As for the Oricon chart ranking, I think it's important to see it with your own eyes, but we aren't going to Japan just because we're "beast-dols" (beast idols). Therefore, we'll have to work hard so we can show everyone of Japan through new personal experiences that we're more than that. That's all for right now. Like that, we will be able to show our true selves through our activity and once we're able to reach through to everyone of Japan, we could perhaps get such a rank naturally. If that doesn't happen, it will become our own weakness. We can wait to reach such a high hurdle, and instead, we can first enjoy interacting with Japanese fans for now! That's how I feel.
- Well said. Lastly, please give a message to your Japanese fans!
Wooyoung: 2PM has been given a wonderful opportunity this time and I'm thankful from the bottom of my heart. We'll be able to meet soon!
Junho: I'm really thankful to all of the fans who always come to Korea, and to those who support us. I will try my best to match the "breathing" of all the Japanese fans, so please think kindly of me!
Taecyeon: I want to hurry and go to Japan so we can show you how hard we work. (In Japanese) Please wait for us! Thank you. Let's meet again!
Chansung: Even though we're from a foreign country, everyone in Japan gives 2PM lots of love....... Even so, I think it's great and I'm thankful for all that we're given through such a job as this. I want to respond to all of that love from the Japanese by firmly holding onto those feelings. Thank you.
Junsu: From now on 2PM will grow to be even better, and since we will be going to meet you all as hot beast-dols, please wait for us!!
Nichkhun: I will work my hardest so as not to disappoint the Japanese fans. Also, I can't wait to go to Japan and meet everyone!
(Interviewer/Furuya Shoukou)
t/n:
1. Chansung's "poka~n" face is how the Japanese describe the face he always makes. the one that looks like he's zoning out, lol
2. hiragana and katakana refer to 2 of the Japanese alphabets
3. DTM, or Desktop Music, is another word for MIDI music
Source: http://smash.music.yahoo.co.jp/pow_dtl/itv/powyjm00406/
Translated by: dawnjelly @ Wild2Day.org
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