[Interview] 2AM Members Say They Will Never Split Up ~ The 4-membered group 2AM released 3rd full length album Let’s Talk and has made a comeback after a year. While other idol groups have been going through issues regarding disbanding or switching members, 2AM has been keeping its place at the top for six years, since it debuted in 2008. The members all agreed that their loyalty toward each other and determination to achieve success are what kept them going for six years. Their activities that put more focus on singing abilities rather than on fancy dance moves and performances even removes the label of just being an ‘idol group.’ ▶ Meeting 2AM In Person It was hard to find a bright and friendly image of the members previously seen through variety shows. They were careful in answering every question and were serious. They were especially like that when it came to questions about individual activities and varieties. Jo Kwon said, “I earned popularity as ‘Kkkab-Kwon’ before. But I′ve become shy these days so I can’t do variety shows very well. I earned many things through variety shows at one point and I was happy. But my funny image imprinted in people’s minds also got in the way of many things in terms of music. I had many thoughts about that.” What brought smiles onto the serious-faced members were topics related to their album. Lee Chang Min said, “This album reflects the members’ thoughts the most compared to all the previous albums. If we fail, we will have to go back to (Park) Jin Young Hyung’s system. We feel pressured about rankings,” and laughed shyly. He said, “The album is called ‘Let’s Talk.’ We included stories we want to tell. You will get a different feel if you listen to the entire album. I hope that the fans can enjoy the album by thinking that they are looking at a mountain, instead of trees.” ▶ Q/A with 2AM -You made a comeback in a year. How have you been spending your time? “I stayed busy working on the album. I edited the album teaser video and spent time fiercely debating with the members.” (Lim Seulong) “The members’ group kakao chat room is on fire these days. We confirmed and decided on everything, from teaser concept to individual cuts. Everything from the beginning steps to recording and final steps reflects our opinions.” (Lee Chang Min) - You’ll be releasing an album called ‘Let’s Talk.’ Please introduce the album “It’s our 3rd full length album consisting of 14 songs. It will be released in two CDs. Days Like Today written by Jin Young hyung will be pre-released on October 26 and the title song Please Show Up (translated) co-written by Jo Gyu Man and Jo Gyu Chan sunbaenim, as well as the other tracks will be revealed on 30th.” (Jo Kwon) - You said the album reflects the members’ thoughts more than the previous albums. What has changed compared to before? “Most of the albums we’ve released so far were successful. It means that there is certain music the public expects and likes from 2AM. Just because the members participated, it doesn’t mean that we made a drastic change. But we cannot insist the same direction all the time. We emphasized the members’ colors a bit more within the same category.” (Lee Chang Min) - What do you think is 2AM’s color that people like? “It’s the friendly and comfortable feel. Instead of being mysterious, we’re a group that they can empathize with. I think that has been carrying on since our debut.” (Lim Seulong) “People saw us in a new light because we were ‘idols that sing ballads’ since our debut. We continued singing ballads instead of just once, so I think that put us apart from the other idol groups.” (Jung Jin Woon) - What percentage of the album reflects the members’ thoughts? “About 70%. Jin Young hyung came up with his ideas from the beginning stage but we went against them. We cleared away about half of them. Instead, many of our ideas were selected.” (Lim Seulong) -Wasn’t Park Jin Young offended? “It’s something that was decided on after the official meeting. It’s not something that we can decide on by being stubborn. So Jin Young hyung doesn’t get offended at all in that regard.” (Lim Seulong) - The members were enthusiastic and full of passion in the beginning of debut. The atmosphere seems calmer now, comparatively. “We still work hard like we did before. But we realized that things don’t work out the way we planned it just because we have passion. We should work hard, but show ourselves as who we are. That way it’s comfortable for us and for those who receive us. We thought that’s better for each other.” (Lim Seulong) -Many idol groups have been experiencing issues with disbanding and members leaving the group. 2AM has lasted six years without a problem. Is there a special tip? “People around us know that we raised 2AM with our own will. In the beginning of our debut, we would pressure our manager hyung telling him, ‘give us any and all schedules.’ We went through hardships together and overcame them by coming together. We know that we did our best in our individual activities too, so that’s why there hasn’t been any problem.” (Jo Kwon) “One time I talked about this as I was drinking with the members and I don’t think we’ll ever disband. We’ve gone through ups and downs but we shared memories together in our 20’s. I don’t ever want to break the team called 2AM.” (Lim Seulong) - You’ve been promoting centering on vocals. In a way it’s vague to call you an idol group “Instead of calling us idols, I hope that you can just see us as group 2AM. It’s true we debuted as idols. But after promoting for about 6~7 years, the public’s opinion of us has changed. I think that’s meaningful in itself.” (Jo Kwon) “I think that’s something that the public must judge and decide.” (Lim Seulong) -Lastly, is there anything you would like to ask the fans? “Since it’s our full length album, I wish that you would listen to all the tracks. We worked hard on each and every song and they are all precious to us. We will work hard.” (Jo Kwon) Photo credit: JYP Entertainment ^ანუკიმე^
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 15:35:01 +0000
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