Showing posts with label trans/interview. Show all posts
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3:56 PM

It has been just a mere two months into their debut and BTOB (Born To Beat) proved that they are not just another rookie group in this over saturated music industry. Known for their strong vocals, the group once again won over the hearts of many through their emotionally filled digital single ‘Father’.

(x)clusive had the opportunity of an exclusive email interview with BTOB so that Melodies out there know what’s there in stall for you guys during Music Matters this coming Thursday.

1) Is this BTOB’s first time in Singapore? What is the group’s impression of this country?

Eunkwang: As BTOB’s first overseas performance will be in Singapore, all of us are very excited to be able to perform and share the same stage with so many outstanding artistes. We are also constantly receiving lots of support messages from fans in Singapore through various Social Networking Service (such as Twitter and Facebook) expressing their anticipation of our performance. Because of this, we feel that we have to practice harder and prepare more to repay our fans for their endless support. BTOB’s first overseas performance is nearing and we are going to present our full stage real soon. Are you guys ready to fall into the charms of BTOB?

2) Since this is BTOB’s first overseas gig, what can fans expect from the performance here in Singapore?

Ilhoon: For our long-awaited performance at Music Matters, we will reveal performances BTOB has never performed before. We will be performing our song “Born TO Beat”, which Minhyuk and I took part in writing the lyrics, for the first time ever. We will be practicing hard to put up a great show so please anticipate our performance.

Hyunsik: We will let those whom we’re meeting for the first time witness the explosive energy of BTOB and also be touched by our soothing vocals. I hope it will be an unforgettable performance for everyone even though they are only watching it for the first time.

Eunkwang: And we also rearranged a great song by another musician in BTOB’s style so that fans can cheer and sing along with us. So be prepared to be surprised!

3) Recently, BTOB is in midst of choosing their fanclub name. Of all the suggestions received from fans with regards to the fanclub name, which are the memorable ones? (A/N: When the questions were sent, the fanclub name was not chosen yet.)

Minhyuk: A lot of cute, impressive and meaningful names were sent in. And among them, the name “Melody” was selected because it is just like what a good song needs – a good mix of Born To Beat’s Beat and Melody since both complements one another to make the song complete. Like a match made in heaven, us who are born from beat and melody who are born with us, our Melody, let’s be together for a long, long time!

4) What is BTOB’s music style?

BTOB: BTOB’s music is made up of emotionally-filled lyrics and melody. On top of that, our emotion-stimulating, sorrowful vocals and dance also adds on to our distinct colour. This time around, our title track ‘Insane’, is made up of an emotional and luxurious melody with a 28-part orchestra, further reinforcing the unique lyrical feel of BTOB’s music.

5) For each member, who are your music inspirations?

Eunkwang: Since a long time ago, I’ve wanted to become a great vocalist like Kim Bum Soo sunbaenim. He can express every song well with his vocal talent. I hope to be able to sing like him and move people with my songs like how he does.

Changseob: I can never forget the feeling I had when I first watched Michael Jackson perform on stage. I was deeply moved by his performance. This artiste who is perfect in every performance aspect thus became my role model. He made me realize that continuously learning on how to improve a stage performance is an indispensable part of being an artist.

Hyunsik: Since I was young, I’ve been exposed to different types of music and many artistes have inspired me. But Stevie Wonder’s music is the most special to me. I want to live my life like how he describes it in his songs.

Sungjae: I first thought about becoming a singer when I listened to Kim Dong Ryul sunbaenim’s songs. Songs from other sunbaenims like Na Yoon Kwon and Kim Hyun Sik also had a huge impact on me.

Ilhoon: Dynamic Duo sunbaenim. When I was young, I listened to this song called “Confession”. Until now, it is still one of my favorite songs.

Minhyuk: There have been many K-pop artists and sunbaenims around. But to me, it will be songs from my childhood heroes, H.O.T sunbaenims, who is the first group and the leader of this idol generation. It’s an indescribable feeling whenever I hear their songs.

Peniel: Because I’ve played in a band before, I am fascinated by band music. I have been listening to songs with pop or rock genres a lot. But recently, I have not made any distinctive preferences in my song choices. I just listen to everything.

6) With Beast, 4minute and G.Na as your seniors, what advice did they give to you guys?

Eunkwang: We felt more reassured on stage because we were promoting at the same time as 4minute sunbaenims. They are always taking care of us and helping us to monitor our stage performances and appearances. We are really very touched by their help.

Sungjae: Honestly, as Beast sunbaenims have been busy with their world tour and various schedules, we haven’t been able to meet very often. The place we often meet though, is in the practice studio. Whenever we meet, they always give us a lot of support and advice. We are very thankful for their constant support and well-wishes they’ve given us.

Hyunsik: For G.NA nuna, as we have used the same practice studio before, she always offers us lots of advice and points out a lot of important details to us. She really takes good care of us. Sometimes like a friend but sometimes like a senior, she advises us on our performance (the kind of gestures we can use), singing, style and so on.

7) Some of the members acted in a sitcom “I live in Cheongdam” before debut. In the sitcom, the members were living different lives before their ‘debut’ in the show. If you weren’t a singer, what will you be doing now?

Eunkwang: We have been asked this quite a lot. But if we aren’t a singer now, we will probably still be trainees who are working hard to become one. This is how much we love being a singer since we all enjoy ourselves the most when performing onstage.

8) Recently Minhyuk is involved in a sitcom. How do the other members feel about it? (Envy or supportive?)

Minhyuk: I think everyone is especially envious of the fact that I had the chance to work together with amazing sunbaenims, and that I had a lot of great experiences during the process of filming. For me, I believe that if I do well, the others will also get better chances and opportunities in the future; if one member advances, the rest of the members will advance as well. (A/N: Korean groups have this thinking that if one member succeeds, the whole group will succeed.)

9) What are BTOB’s upcoming plans in 2012 after the release of their debut mini album?

Sungjae: Firstly, just like our seniors who did so well before us (A/N: In this case, he is referring to Beast, 4minute and G.NA), we hope that more people will know us too. Not only among Koreans, but also from people who are overseas. I wants to travel everywhere to meet everyone who wants to know BTOB and wants to see us perform. It’s going to be a really busy year for us. Since we are this busy and put our hearts and souls in performing onstage, there will come a time whereby we will be recognized as the recipient of the “Newcomer Award” right? Haha.


source:   of x-clusive.sg
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3:04 PM


It’s well known to everyone that debuting, let alone being chosen as a trainee, underSM Entertainment is a difficult process. It takes up to seven years of preparation just for your debut, and it’s only after you’ve endured the strenuous training process and harsh competition that you can make it out.

As such, there’s a reason why every new rookie the company debuts is put under such spotlight, which goes the same for their latest, EXO. MK News sat down with the six members ofEXO-K to hear firsthand what it was like to survive the competition admist their fellow trainees and finally get a taste of the spotlight.

Leader Suho was able to make his debut after training seven years as a trainee. He’s even had to see his juniors debut before him. He expressed, “I wanted to give up often, but I still worked hard. I think more than anything, keeping my mindset positive helped the most. For seven years, I believed that I could achieve what I worked for, which has led me to where I’m standing today. I was also aided by seniors who’ve debuted before me.”

Chanyeol was cast freshman year of high school and trained for four years before his debut. While training, he focused his efforts on making his talents shine. “I knew that I would debut under a team so I tried to show what I was best at. Because I played the drums when I was younger, I felt that I was more rhythmic than my peers. Rapping is also one of my talents, and I was highly confident in my abilities, which I showed. As long as I was better at something than someone, I knew that I could grab that part.”

Sehun’s tactics were similar to Chanyeol’s, as he was cast in elementary school, went through two years of auditions, and finally started training in his second year of junior high. He went through four final years of training before his debut.

Sehun expressed, “When I was younger, I liked dancing. I believed in myself to do it better than everyone else. Dance, however, isn’t characterized by just copying moves. I realized early on that I had to study world famous choreographers and continue coming up with my own moves to be better tha nothers.”

As for Baekhyun, luck was on his side. He trained for a year before his debut, the team’s shortest length. “I was definitely lucky (laughter). When I first came in as a trainee, I felt that there was a huge wall between my skills and the skills of others. There were so many trainees that were handsome, danced well, and sang well. I actually think it was because of that wall that I was able to debut in EXO-K because it instilled a sense of determination in me to jump over that wall and overcome it. I was in a position where I had to work harder than others no matter what.”

Kai’s been an avid dancer since elementary school, having taken lessons in ballet and jazz before joining SM as a trainee in his second year of junior high school and completing five years of training. “The only thing I had going for me at the time was dancing. Dance was something I enjoyed, not worked hard at. It was fun learning something new besides ballet and it was fun feeling my body learn and adjust to it. I think one of the main reasons I was able to debut in EXO-K was because I thoroughly enjoy what I do as opposed to just work hard at it.”

The group’s vocalist, D.O., also used his singing talent as his strength. D.O. competed in various singing competitions before being cast and undergoing two years of training.

“I felt that I needed to show a unique vocal color of my own. There are honestly a lot of people that sing well. Singing a traditional ballad perfectly is just the basics, so I focused on listening to R&B soul music and adding my own feel to my singing. I wanted my tone to stand out from everyone else.”

Regardless of their survival tactics, all six had to exceed 120% the expectations asked of them, which is now an important foundation in shaping their strength as a group.


source: mk news
translation cr; vitalsign @ exok-trans
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3:08 PM

Recently, 2PM's Thai member Nickhun was featured in Arena Home magazine. But who knows that even he's cheerful, handsome, kind and has everything, he still has burdens. You'll know what I'm talking about after reading his interview with Arena Homme below.

DIORAMA
Handsome and cool, but kind too. Yet Nichkhun also has his burdens.

Interviewer: People seem to only talk about your appearance.
Nichkhun: Haha. I can't really complain, but I do want to show a different side of me. As a singer, and especially as an idol, I can only show a premeditated image. I want to prove that there's more to me. So I'm trying acting, as through acting I can try to portray different characters.

Interviewer: Being an idol must get frustrating. There must be things you have to keep quiet about.
Nichkhun: It's true, but as an idol you have to watch what you say carefully. I have to be careful of my actions more too, as sometimes I can't not get irritated. I want to show a natural side of me, an honest side, but those sort of situations are understandable. I can't complain.

Interviewer: When annoyed, you must know how best to dissipate that feeling too.
Nichkhun: Yes, but I'm not the type to keep it inside. I think of it is work, as something that I have to bear. Actually, I worry about the future a lot. As I'm still young and people are interested in me, I want to work hard now and play later. That's what I think.

Interviewer: What does Nichkhun's "utopia" look like?
Nichkhun: It mostly involves family. If you want to get married and have kids you need money, so I want to earn lots of money so my family can live comfortably. I want to make them happy. When I think about that, my mood brightens and even when I'm working I feel happy.


Interviewer: Why does music not feature much in your interviews?
Nichkhun: Actually when I was young my dream wasn't to be a singer. I was so "shy" that I couldn't even speak in front of people, so of course singing was totally out of the question. But I ended up in 2PM. At the beginning, I was worse than everybody else. Because I was so embarrassed about that I worked really hard and the more I learnt, the more confident I grew.

Interviewer: So what sort of music do you usually listen to?
Nichkhun: I don't really listen to hip hop. I mostly listen to romantic ballads; lately I've been listening to a lot of Michael Bublé. His voice is really "sweet". I also really like jazz, songs like "The Way You Look Tonight". In terms of dance music…someone like Justin Timberlake? I like listening to relaxing music.

Interviewer: So, how come all the girls like Nichkhun?
Nichkhun: I can't really say. Hahaha. This is a bit silly but could it be just because of my appearance? Its not because I can speak Korean well, or that I'm really interesting on TV shows…but actually I'm more confident in my sincere personality than my appearance. I'll do anything for people that I'm close to.

Interviewer: Are you the "all-in" type?
Nichkhun: Yes. If I fall in love, I fall deeply.

Interviewer: That can be dangerous.
Nichkhun: Actually I'm the same with work, too. I'm surprisingly serious when I'm working.

Interviewer: Really? When you're on TV you seem so cute?
Nichkhun: There's a bit of a difference [between the real Nichkhun and the Nichkhun we see on TV]. When you're on TV, you have to talk a lot, but I still can't speak Korean very fast. Its especially difficult when I'm on TV. I start gesticulating with my body without realizing. Its like a kind of body language. So that's why I sometimes look cute. And people want idols to look cute. Occasionally MC's make me wink and pretend to be cute, but I don't really do that sort of thing. I don't really like being cute; I'd rather show a cool, manly image. But because my Korean is still poor I can't do anything but express myself on TV shows in a cute way.

Interviewer: You're already 25 years old [in Korean age], which is only 3 years before the reserve army cut-off age. When do you feel the most manly?
Nichkhun: When I'm exercising. I play sports seriously. When I was on "We Got Married", I also only showed my sweet side. That was a shame. If I had shown my competitive and serious side, people would have looked at me differently.

Interviewer: True. You're so kind, it's hard to imagine a twisted version of you. That sort of character can become wearisome.
Nichkhun: Thus its more dangerous. I have to be more vigilant of what I do and what I say, but on the other hand I express myself like Taecyeon. At the beginning I couldn't say much so I was really quiet; compared to the other members, I seemed kinder. But changing your character in one go is hard. I want to change it gradually, bit by bit. With acting, you can show a different side of yourself.

Interviewer: What sort of roles do you want to play?
Nichkhun: I kinda want to play a bad guy. Not quite a villain, but like a "bad boy" or a "playboy". It'd be cool if I could do something like Won Bin in "Ahjussi".

Interviewer: I've heard that's kind of tough?
Nichkhun: Haha, it is?

Interviewer: As you're in your mid-twenties, do you find living alone easy?
Nichkhun: Of course its better to be with your family. If I go to Thailand for our schedule, usually my mother comes to see me. I also eat with my family after finishing work too. So it seems like I get to see my family more than the other members. Their parents are in Korea, but it seems like they're not able to come and see them that often. But because I live abroad, when I go back to Thailand my parents come and see me.

Interviewer: You seem more mature compared to the other members. As you've been living independently from a young age, did you mature early on?
Nichkhun: When I was younger, I didn't listen to my parents and caused them a lot of heartache because I didn't do what they told me. But then when I was 12, I went to study abroad in New Zealand. It was a boarding school. As I was living alone overseas, I did a lot of stupid things. But now as I'm getting older I've realised; my parents were always right.

Interviewer: On an average day, how do you relax?
Nichkhun: I play games on my iPad, read books…at the moment I'm reading Paulo Coelho's "Life". It's a great book. It's short but its really good. It makes you think a lot. It's more like exercising than reading.

Interviewer: Are there times when you really feel like an adult?
Nichkhun: Sometimes when I'm working, I go a bit overboard because I'm so serious when I'm alone. But when I think of the staff members, I can't be like that. They are very tired, so its much harder for them. When we're there, if we pull pranks and play around it makes things more difficult for them. We want to finish quickly, and if we do the staff will be able to rest so I try and take it seriously.

Interviewer: Do you feel a responsibility over others?
Nichkhun: At first I used to just think of myself, but now I consider others more. So now I play around a bit more appropriately. We also talk amongst the members about how we have to greet everyone well and finish our work quickly.

Interviewer: You seem like you keep to your own principles.
Nichkhun: Umm…it depends on the situation. But I do have a sense of responsibility. When we're filming advertisements, the directors pay a lot of money to hire us and so we have to be accountable for that. We have to work hard. It's not just about the money; they're trusting in us, so we have to repay them for that.

Interviewer: You're as sincere as I expected. But have you ever lied or done any sneaky behaviour?
Nichkhun: Umm, nowadays not really. But when I was younger I did a lot, as I was living far away from my parents. Actually, there were a lot of instances. Haha. When I was at school, if you couldn't attend that day you had to submit an explanation as to why you weren't there. You had to get the signature of your parents/guardian, but I would sign it and get my friend to submit it.

Interviewer: That doesn't seem too bad.
Nichkhun: Oh, hahaha. There were other things apart from that. But I wasn't really a bad kid. I couldn't really do much as my parents would be disappointed in me.

Interviewer: What are you focusing on nowadays?
Nichkhun: Mainly my health. And also being more professional with my work. As time goes on, your appearance changes. I don't worry about wrinkles; you can't help looking your age. But I hope I never receive any bad press as I get older. In order to keep getting work 10 years down the line, I have to be careful of what I do now.

Interviewer: You're worrying too much; in 10 years time you'll only be 35 years old. You'll probably be in your prime at that time.
Nichkhun: That could be true, but I don't really know how things will pan out. It's important to never get on the wrong side of people. I always want to give people a good impression.

Interviewer: What sort of image do you want to have in the future?
Nichkhun: Umm…I want to have wrinkles like Jude Law, and to be as cool and to have the same gentle image as George Clooney. Or a man who's as kind as my father. A good husband, a good son. I just want to be a good person.

Interviewer: Does that mean you hope to get married within the next 10 years?
Nichkhun: Definitely, of course.




Kor-Eng: Buckme@2pmalways
Scans : danjisoo's blog   
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3:19 PM
Group MBLAQ's interview on Inkigayo magazine. The other members parts have been posted before and this time, Thunder and Mir's part.

Check it out below.



CHEON DUNG
"We can digest even any genres with MBLAQ's one-and-only vocal and rap! We wanted to show that there's no limit in the songs we can express." It is necessary to pay attention to Cheondung's transformation in the title song "This Is War" this time. In this album no boundary is placed between vocal and rap and Cheondung displayed his appearance from a rapper to a vocalist to the full for the first time. Cheondung who got a passing grade with his vocal while his rich emotion comes through in any songs does not neglect his music work every time he is free. With revealing his first self-composed song "YOU" highlighted by an electronic sound through the 3D Edition of the first full-length album <BLAQ Style> being the starting point, he transformed into a singer-songwriter with his solo stage "BLAQ CAT" presented through MBLAQ's solo concert last August. That day's perfect performance still remained as the best stage well-known between fans. Cheondung, who has been concentrating his efforts on composing whenever he has time lately as well, has a burning will of wanting so much to put his own self-composed song into the next album. "I have all the (music) equipments at home, so I'm taking time off my busy schedule and continuously doing music work. I'm raising a cat called Dadoongie, and Dadoongie often steps on my keyboard. Sometimes that sound is good, and beautiful lines even come out, so I'm getting a lot of inspiration for my work. (laugh)" The moment even a trivial daily moment intersects Cheondung's musical inspiration, an amazing miracle is made. This is the 100% Ver. Interview of Cheondung who has been steeped more deeply in musicality and pro-like talent for the last 3 years of stepping forward on the stairs of growth one step after another.

I will curse you! I think I'm sympathetic to the phrase "I will curse you!" in my part. I even felt that "if I get hurt in love I'll even very much be able to curse someone!" You know it's really scary when thinking that someone would curse me, so I always worry about how to express such emotions on the stage and it still remains as my homework.
100% display The song "This Is War" itself is intense and has a strong impact, but my part is very quiet. Therefore I'm not stopping the practice of revealing anger and masculinity with facial expressions and gestures in the quietness. The members always practices without being lazy and do their best to 100% display their inner strength of musicality, performance, and emotions built in the last 3 years or so as well.
From now on this is war! I came out with the role of loving my friend's girl in the MV, and actually I have similar experience. The girl my friend liked turns out to be liking me very much. I didn't steal that girl, but I think that in my friend's heart he felt displeased like "This Is War." I learned about the truth some time later and got over it by saying "ah~ is that so?" without any special reactions.
The "This Is War" MV ending I think is Actually if I was in that situation I think I would not shoot myself but shoot that guy who took away my love. [Lee Joon: Finish it with that guy's death and a compulsory kiss with the girl!] Ah! Joonie hyung's idea is good. But if it was like that I think the girl I love would be very sad? It's not going to work.
Sweet Cheondung Because I've never tried to have a girlfriend, I've never done any events. However, if I get a girlfriend in the future, I want to be always by her side. I think that taking care of your friends, lover or family from the trivial things and bringing out memories while gaining time continuously are important.
A+ love letter We won't stop at just simply being idols and certainly want to show you the appearance of MBLAQ growing into musicians. Since we always work hard, please watch over that moment of growth a lot. I love you and am really thankful.

I hurt my waist last year and even since my break I've started reading, and I started learning rap in earnest. With that time as an opportunity I urged on myself and I think I got into a habit of charging so that my battery doesn't get discharged. 

MIR

"I think we were never as busy as we are now before when we were promoting our full-length album or "Mona Lisa". Therefore we've been continuously having "a war with schedules" lately, but as we have an atmosphere of being well united more than anytime we are promoting with fighting spirit overflowing." Since they certainly found MBLAQ's color while releasing one full-length album and four mini albums, now the time to necessarily focus on the "completion level" has come. MBLAQ are musicians standing above expectation of genre, the public have no partiality in music and performances expected from MBLAQ every time, and MBLAQ is growing more little by little correctly every time. Although musician's pressure of necessarily corresponding with the public and fans' expectations is something that cannot be helped, there are even times when it severely makes them tired. MBLAQ's maknae Mir who is like an energizer that absolutely does not get tired came back with a better appearance as if he is a 100% perfectly charged battery without looking discharged. "I hurt my waist last year, so at the time when MBLAQ was promoting as a 4-member group I had a two-month break. However, though I just stayed idle dryly for a month and a half many ideas really occurred to my mind at that time. With those moments as an opportunity I urged on myself and I think I got into a habit of charging so that my battery doesn't get discharged." In bringing out the theme of intense "revenge and betrayal" in "This Is War" this time Mir's strong rapping remains as an amazing afterimage and raises the whole completion level of the song at once. Within only 1 year he became such a main rapper who exercises exceedingly great influence through his musicality that the number of fans who believe "Mir's rap can change all MBLAQ's music" increased. This is MBLAQ who gradually becomes more perfect while showing synergy effect in performance, vocal and even rap ability! And this is the 100% Ver. Interview of Mir who is advancing towards REAL and 100%.

100% charging completed I have occasional spare time about once a month. In that case I watch movies or (Cheondung: Why didn't you watch movies with me?) I get a lot of sleep first and play later unconditionally. I think that a really complete~ rest for a day becomes a jumping board for jumping further and higher. Before urging on I've given carrots to myself for some time. I remember they say that even rich people who make a lot of money take all their work off their hands and mind and rest for a day to have an inspiration as well and gain more energy. So when the day off comes I don't really do anything and I charge myself with energy while taking a complete~ rest as well.

I have one hand left Though I don't know whether I'll make people laugh I always hold a mic in one hand and sing on the stage. But I've started wearing an ear mic since the stage of "This Is War" this time, and the work to do with my left hand that was holding a mic is gone. I feel awkward and have difficulty because I make gestures with one hand only and then I want to do it with two hands. So I'm paying attention to make gestures naturally.

As much as I suffered, you'll see! Because you hurt me I suffered so much as that! I think they are lyrics that are injected really well with a man's mind burning with revengeful thoughts as to pay back evenly. This phrase really goes to my heart, and it's also the part in which I give the strongest eye expression on the stage personally. (laugh)

The "This Is War" MV ending I think is If I became the main character of the MV, I think I would shoot the guy and girl who betrayed me with my gun first, and then I would stay in the MV for about 17 minutes longer. After I survived alone I enjoyed my daily life [Lee Joon: Mir is kind of greedy for being the main character. (laugh)] That's right. I'm greedy for being the main character, so the 17 minutes have nothing to do with the content of "This Is War" lyrics and I want to show a video filled with my happy life. (laugh)

Hello Baby I'm taking part in "Hello Baby" airing on Mnet* and I really have a lot of ideas while playing the role of a parent. Among them the key point is that "I must not have three (kids)." We are five people! Even though we are five vigorous young men that's really too much and tiring. (Lee Joon: I think I really have to be filial to my parents.) I'm really very thankful to my parents indeed. You know one doesn't become a parent without preparation. Through this opportunity I learned a lot and felt that I want to become a good daddy in the future.

Sweet Mir I think the love relationships I've had so far were not true love. So if I really have a true love I think I can devote all my body and mind to one girl. In my high school days I went to my girlfriend's school and with permission from her homeroom teacher to the principal I gave her a big event to celebrate our 500th day. But I remember she became serious while saying, "I feel ashamed~ Why did you do such a thing!" After that I became careful and can't do events well. (laugh)

Mir's transformation At the beginning I was going to shave my head, but people's opposition was too massive. So they said they would try to shave half (of my head) only and shaved my head from 1 layer to 3 layers at the roots. But since surprisingly the response is good I'm going to have only this hair for my whole life from now on.

A+ love letter Through the promotion of this album A+ and MBLAQ are really becoming well united. I felt that many fans were scattered just until the time of our "Mona Lisa" activities, but because it seems that they all came together this time I also feel so good and was greatly moved. (suddenly) Like what I've been doing so far I'll do my best and hope I would work harder in the future. Fighting!


*Not sure if Mir or the reporter made the mistake but it should be KBS


Translations: mocha @ AbsoluteMBLAQ
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11:00 AM


Singer Gina (24) is one of the hottest stars in the entertainment industry.

As she was given nicknames related to her body such as ‘D-cup body,’ ‘nine-proportion body,’ and ‘body terminator,’ her song ‘Black and White’ and recently released ‘Top Girl’ have become hits. She has even received the compliment of being the only female solo singer to challenge Lee Hyori’s decade-long stronghold.

However, she admits that she was not happy as a singer because the nickname, ‘luxurious body’ had overshadowed that part of her. She also worried that the ‘sexy image’ would be too burdensome. Gina said, “If sexiness helps with the music, then it’s something that I’m thankful for. I’ll work harder to go from being called a ‘sexy star’ to a ‘sexy diva.’”

- Please introduce this album.

“Except for one song, the entire album is composed of dance songs. I filled the album with a fun story that even I, myself, enjoyed making. For ‘Top Girl,’ I sing it in a way so that I can show off an image of a bold girl who is able to coolly brush off her break-up. If you’re a girl, you can relate to it and in the end, feel better.”

- I also heard that you put a lot of work into your singing capabilities.

“I use enthusiasm, falsettos, and sincerity all in one song. It wasn’t easy, trying to write with three voices. It wouldn’t be a lie that the goal or this album was for me to be called a ‘sexy diva’ instead of a ‘sexy star.’ I wanted to show off the aspects of being an artist.”

- I also heard that you participated a lot in this album.

“There is a song where I wrote all the lyrics. In my head, I thought of the album concept of ‘Gina’s diary.’ During the six months I was resting, I had the ease to focus my attention on things here and there. I was very happy, seeing my opinions used to make the album.”

- Was there any burden about success?

“There was never a time I thought that I had to succeed. I just feel that if I can promote while having fun, it would be worth the effort and the results would come out well. If I carry that burden while promoting, I don’t think I have the confidence to smile on stage.”

- MBC banned your other song, ‘Banana.’

“I never thought that it was suggestive. I was riding the car with my mom and we were listening to a song called, ‘Putting on heavy lipstick.’ I once asked her, ‘When it got tiresome, what did you do to take off steam?’ My mom said, ‘I would go to a dance club with my friends and listen to fun music. That’s how I got things off my chest.’ I used that story as my inspiration and wrote those lyrics.”

- The part, ‘I’m going bananas,’ was the problem.

“The phrase ‘I’m going bananas’ is such a commonly used phrase in America that it even comes out on cartoons, such as ‘Spongebob.’ It means to just go crazy and have fun. Since my sexy image is so strong, I did think that it would become a misunderstanding.”

- Is the title ‘sexy’ burdensome?

“Is there a girl who dislikes being called ‘sexy?’ I prefer being called sexy than being called cute. I’m thankful for the body that my parents gave me because it has helped me in my music. It goes for exposure as well. The idea that as girls need to cover up even when it’s warm is old-fashioned.”

- The public’s attention is around your body.

“At first, it was very interesting. It made me wonder if my body was as good as people said it was. Now, I feel responsibility to meet up to my fans’ expectations. That’s why I exercise more passionately. Just the thought of getting attention due to gain weight makes me feel terrible.”

- How do you exercise?

“I used to jump-rope 1000 times on a daily basis but lately, I have no time so I can’t do it everyday. Recently, Kikwang introduced me to some muscle exercising methods. It’s where you grip the back of a chair with both hands and then you bend your arms into a ㄱ-shape and straighten them. But I learned it wrong and I got guy muscles in my arms.”

- You are the queen of the magazine industry. Do you think of yourself as that as well?

“I’m very strict with myself. Even if a good product comes out, my eyes find the bad points instead of the good points first. I even worry about where my fingers are placed and I can’t shake off those kinds of worries from my head. I think I’m still too far away from that title.”

- On a broadcast, you remarked that ‘I’ve never been satisfied with my body.’

“My mom raised me in a Spartan way, so she doesn’t know what satisfaction is. My mom told me that, ‘People always have to improve.’ There were times I was resentful but thinking about it now, I’m very thankful for those words.”

- The current subject of interest lately is comparing your body to fellow label-mate, Hyuna’s, body.

“Hyuna’s body is amazing to the point that it’s interesting. It’s very unusual for her young age and she was born with a body type that guys like. She is petite, but at the same time, her arm to leg proportions are really nice. If asked if I want to change bodies with Hyuna, the answer would be ‘no.’ Couldn’t it be the body her parents gave her? Haha.”

- You opened up the BEAST · 4minute concert in Japan recently.

“Since I was the only one who still hadn’t formally debuted in Japan, I worried that I was going to be alienated. But there were a lot of my fans as well. There were fans who were wearing matching uniforms and fans who were singing along with me. While I was singing, I saw a play card with my name on it and I got excited.”

- I heard that your ideal type was Yoon Doojoon of BEAST.

“Out of the BEAST members, if I had to choose one of them, I chose Doojoon because I liked people with leadership. However, people misunderstood that. I wonder if Doojoon will be disappointed that I said this. Hahaha.”

- Then what kind of person is your ideal type?

“A while ago, I liked tall guys who exercised well. Now, I just like guys who have a nice feeling to them. There were many times where despite being my ideal type, they weren’t all great as I thought they’d be. I like guys who are healthy and eat well.”

- When was the last time you dated someone?

“It’s a bit far from dating. The lyrics of ‘I’ll Back Off So You Can Live Better’ talked about that dating experience. That experience was my first and my last.”

CREDITS: NATE (SOURCE); hyunnypoo@ROYALGNA (TRANS)
, ,

10:00 PM

FT Island member Jaejin posted a message from Japan through his Ameblo.

Translation:

It’s Been A Long Time!
Everyone!
How are you?!
I’m fine!
Because the weather in Japan is very good, I’ve regained energy!
But before coming here, I thought Japan is warm? so I brought light clothes here…
It’s cold!!!
Everyone, please take care not to catch a cold!
See all of you at Fuji-Q!!!


Credit: Jaejin’s ameblo + ying1005@withtreasures (translation)
, , ,

7:25 PM

Interview: YG’s Comprehensive Interview – 2NE1 Cuts

- It seems that more and more young people are becoming fans.

People nowadays barely know me as Yang Hyun Suk of Seo Taeji&Boys, they know me as the president of Big Bang and 2NE1. I used to be able to go to Hongdae restaurants peacefully, without anything bother my mind, but now when I go out there, I see a lot of young people looking at me, and it’s really a but uncomfortable.

- When 2NE1 is going to advance into the United States.

They would be focusing on the United States and Europe first, since three out of the four members have experienced living in English-speaking countries, this is very favorable for them. After Big Bang’s world tour, 2NE1 would concentrate in advancing into Europe and the US, and I’d really want them to start promotions by the end of the year.

- Plans for YG’s “pretty girl group” was revealed and has attracted a lot of atttention.

Some people even go so far as to call them “YG version of SNSD.” Some even say that “YG never used to put much in store about people’s looks, I wonder how this would be seeing as they would be about appearances.” But people should understand that it’s not about attempting to make a second 2NE1 or a second Big Mama. Of course, this girl group is certainly not something I am familiar with, or is similar with my existing groups. These are not only pretty kids doing well in dancing, but I imagine them to be pretty kids who are going to do well in hip-hop too.

- The reason for appearing in SBS compared to other broadcasting companies.

We and SBS have a common understanding and mutual respect for each other. Actually, we don’t look at the broadcasting company, but rather on the directors. For example, PD Park Seong Hun is highly acclaimed, so we worked with Park PD during 2NE1′s comeback stage last year. We want to have a good stage; it was never about wanting to work with one broadcasting station only.

- Watching out for the singers’ private lives.

Most people think that Big Bang and 2NE1 are the types to always want to go out and party a lot. But it’s not like that. I’d be the first person who’d know that the best. They don’t even know a lot of other people and other entertainers. With the recent events, they themselves felt the responsibility of being stars who are constantly being paid attention to. Rather than watch them, I trust them with what they do.

Credits:

Sources: Nate 1, 2, 3
Translated by: BlackjackBelle@OhDara/ SlaveTranslator@WeLoveDara
, ,

4:59 PM

 Read the introduction and interview of NU'EST below.



Charismatic JR
Age : 16
Date of Birth : 8th June 1995
Height : 178cm
Blood type : O
Nickname : 초록이 [Greeny]
Hobbies : Reading comics book, Making toys
My keyword : Japanese subway

Power Vocal Baekho
Age : 16
Date of Birth : 21th July 1995
Height : 179cm
Blood type : AB
Nickname : Baby tiger, Kang Baekho
Hobbies : Playing a game, Komdo
My keyword : Baekho

Stylish Guy Ren
Age : 16
Date of Birth : 3rd November 1995
Height : 178cm
Blood type : O
Nickname : Choi Ren
Hobbies : Watching a movie, Listening a music
My keyword : Style, Blonde

Straight and Narrow man Minhyun
Age : 16
Date of Birth : 9th August 1995
Height : 181cm
Blood type : O
Nickname : Shanghai Boy
Hobbies : Watching a Movie, Listening to music and Singing
My keyword : Shanghai Romance

Smart Guy Aron
Age : 18
Date of Birth : 21th May 1993
Height : 176cm
Blood type : A
Nickname : Choding [Elementary Kid]
Hobbies : Golf
My keyword : Progressing

[Interview] NU’EST Fresh Interview

Q. Hello.NU’EST members, Congratulation for your debut with the Single [FACE]!

Hello. We’re Urban Electro Band NU’EST. Yes~Thank you for congratulating 뉴이스트(NU’EST)’s 1st debut. Finally! We, 뉴이스트(NU’EST)가 can present you our debut album [FACE]. Eventhough we’re so nervous, and fluttered, We’re happy that we can meet our fans^^ We’ll show up NU’EST perfect performance in the future, so please look forward and give us a lot of love^^

Q. You have the nickname, “After School Boys”! We’re curious which After School noonas that treat you well the most.

The noonas treat us well just like a blood-related little brother, They often come to our practice room and bought us a delicious food. They also give us an advice.^^
Baek Ho U-ie noona personally give me the name ‘Baekho’, and she always supports us.
Ren Because me and Lizzy noona came from Busan, So she treat me well. She also came to MV filming site with Raina and Nana noona to support us.
JR Not only After School Noonas, Dambi Noona also treat us well , Despite her tight schedules, she came to our jacket photoshoot shite and bought us delicious food, She told us to cheer up and give us a support.


Q. We’re curious how NU’EST member’s Casting story. How did you casted?
Minhyun My dream since i was young is to be a singer, When i was walking to school, I get casted and i can reach my dream now.
Ren Since I was young, i really want to be a singer. It was raining when i came to Seoul. I came to the office and the (staff) said I can’t do the audition that day. But i said, I came from far place but because the (staff) with a pitiable eyes, the staff finally let me do the audition .
JR My hometown is in Kangwon-do, Kangreung. It’s a far place from Seoul, so I never think about being a singer. But when i was going to school, I get casted. I’m so puzzled but i feel happy so i told my father about it. At first, he was against. But because a Noona who casted me said to him that I appeared on her dream, standing on a big stage; he give me a permission . My father dream actually is to be a singer. Now my father give me a lot of support.
Baek Ho I was accompanied my friend to go to audition, but then i get casted. I accidentally get casted, but then i can reach my dream now.
Aron When i was in US, I saw Dambi Noona’s ‘Crazy’ Video, And i thought it’s so attractive. I heard that Pledis are going to do an audition on US, So i immediately join the audition. I passed, and ranked 1st and now i can be a singer. 




Q. We’re so curious about NU’EST Music style, and which Musicians do you like. 
You can’t find 뉴이스트(NU’EST)’s Anywhere, Because 뉴이스트(NU’EST) made the new style of music!

Q. Your role model?
Minhyun Eric Benet On our agency office, i practiced Ericbenet’s ‘still with you’ , and when i listen to the song, It’s a good song.
Ren Michael Jackson He can perfectly dancing and singing, I like him since i was young, and he’ll be my role model forever.
JR Eminem At first, no one accepted him, But because his hard work, People accepted him now . Seems like he’s a cool man.
Baek Ho DBSK The sunbaenims are so powerful, and they showed up a great performance. We also want to show up powerful performance.
Aron Anthony Hamilton Since i was young, I enjoy listening to Anthony Hamilton’s songs. Anthony Hamilton’s charisma, his vocal is the best.

Q. I want to be a ____ Singer in the future! (In 5 Syllables)
Minhyun I want to be a singer who give a love in the future.
Ren I want to be a stylish singer in the future.
JR I want to be a singer that just like a rainbow in the future!
Baek Ho I want to be singer who make people touched in the future!
Aron I want to be a humble singer in the future.


Translation Credits: @Thenuest 
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