SHINee's interview in SWITCH Magazine, January 2013

SHINee

They wish to lead this generation in music, fashion, and dance. SHINee claims the concept of "contemporary band" to describe those wishes while they continue to overwhelm the Japanese music market.

The latest image of 5 men who try to develop a showmanship that crosses over national boundaries and generations.

The new single that was released recently, "For 1000 Years, Always be By My Side..." which was penned by Junji Ishiwatari and lit up by the harmonization of those 5 men, is their first ballad to be released as a single. The MV has a storyline based on the song, and was created like a short movie with the same view as the lyrics.

It has been over 1 year and a half since their Japanese debut. How do they feel about their activities up until now?

"I experienced many things and got to enjoy my experiences with a lot of people." (Onew)

"I made a lot of friends. I'm also glad to be able to learn various details about Japanese culture." (Jonghyun)

"There's always something to learn whenever I come to Japan. That's why I always look forward to it each time." (Key)

"Through this year and a half we were able to build on a new career venture. I'm happy about it." (Minho)

"It's good that the distance between us and Japanese fans is now shortened." (Taemin)

This interview was done not long after the single "Dazzling Girl" was released. When asked about the song, Jonghyun, representing the 5 of them, answered, "This is a bright and cheerful song, so I wish that this song will be listened to once, every morning." The other 4 also approved.

"Isn't it good if you listen to it while making preparations to go out in the morning? Like, when you're putting on your make-up or choosing your clothes. Since it's a song about a dazzling girl, I think you'd spend the rest of the day with a bright mood." (Jonghyun)

We had them answer 12 questions that we prepared in order to catch a glimpse of their personalities at the time. We hope that everyone can enjoy each of their answers and give attention to this group who refreshed the self-proclaimed 'contemporary band' concept and took on a new pop sound.

The Newest Contemporary Band

QUESTION>>>>>

01) What would you do if there's a "Dazzling Girl" in front of you?

02) What was the career point that left the strongest impression since the time of your debut up to today?

03) When and where can you feel the most relaxed?

04) Which SHINee song makes you feel the most excited?

05) A few words on your impression of Japanese fans.

06) What are the difficulties you encounter when singing Japanese lyrics?

07) Tell us one of the "things" that you cherish.

08) What is something that you want to try if you were able to have a long vacation?

09) What is the word that comes to your mind upon hearing the word "love"?

10) Is there anything else that you're absorbed in besides SHINee right now?

11) What is a word that represents the kind of person you are?

12) Let's say we look for SHINee in the dictionary. What do you think will be written there?

ANSWER>>>>>

[ONEW]

01) I think I'll pretend to be cool (laugh).

02) Every first stage in each country.

03) When I'm riding a bicycle.

04) "STAND BY ME"

05) Whenever we take any action, they will accept everything of us each time. I feel that way.

06) The pronunciation of "tsu" and "su".

07) I guess it's my eyes. Since "seeing" is my pleasure.

08) I don't have any clear idea where the place would be, but I want to go out somewhere.

09) The heart. There's no particular reason, just my intuition.

10) Bicycle.

11) Leisure.

12) A group of 5 members that is the most popular worldwide!!

[JONGHYUN]

01) Firstly, I'll make her laugh.

02) The first arena tour.

03) Sport gym.

04) "Ready or Not".

05) Everyone is reminiscent of a youthful girl.

06) The pronunciation of "tsu" and "su".

07) My blue wallet. There are important things like letters and pictures inside it.

08) Disappear (laugh). Probably turn off my handphone and run away to somewhere (laugh).

09) My mother. Because my mother's love was the first thing I received when I was born.

10) Muscle building.

11) Cheerful.

12) A contemporary band of 5 members.

[KEY]

01) Since I'm going to like someone who resembles me, I'll emphasize on our similarities.

02) Things that happened yesterday. Shot a PV. Things that happened recently always have the deepest impression.

03) Bathroom.

04) "Sherlock".

05) I think every little act of theirs is very delicate.

06) The pronunciation of "tsu" and "su".

07) Everything that's inside of my bag. Since I always bring a lot of things with me.

08) I want to prepare some time for me to improve myself.

09) It has to be realistic and predictable. But love is unpredictable.

10) Halloween. And it's because this is something that happened recently too (laugh).

11) Free.

12) Contemporary band. And each of the five members' names come after it.

[MINHO]

01) I think I will earnestly keep on praising her (laugh).

02) I guess it's when we won the best newcomer in Korea.

03) Inside the car.

04) "Dazzling Girl".

05) They accept us with warm hearts.

06) The pronunciation of "tsu" and "su".

07) Earphones. I like listening to music so this is a must-have item.

08) Trip to Europe. I want to go to both countries I have already gone to and countries I have yet to go to.

09) Eiffel Tower. Because that's where I want to propose (laugh).

10) Soccer.

11) Outgoing. Positive.

12) Has a lot of popular songs (laugh).

[TAEMIN] 

01) I'll make the effort to meet her as much as I can. I'm the type who meets up frequently.

02) Our debut stage.

03) When I go to the sea along with my friends.

04) "Keeping Love Again".

05) They express their feelings sincerely.

06) The pronunciation of "tsu" and "su".

07) I guess it's the bracelet and ring that I always wear.

08) I can't think of anything right away, but I want to do something that usually can't be done.

09) Regret. Something that you regard as trivial, but is regretful when you think about it later.

10) Composing songs and writing lyrics. Because I just started to learn them recently.

11) Optimistic.

12) It'd be great if there's a long list of our awards.

BoA adds 1 more date to solo concert

Singer BoA will add another concert date to her upcoming first solo concert in Korea due to an explosive response.

According to SM Entertainment, all 4000 tickets for BoA’s first exclusive concert in Korea titled ‘BoA Special Live 2013~ Here I Am’, which will be held on January 26th at the Seoul’s Olympics Park Gymnastic Hall have been sold out prompting the organizers to add one more date.

A spokesperson stated, “We sold out the December 26 concert so we decided to hold one more concert on January 27. The additional concert date’s tickets will go on sale through Gmarket on December 27 at 8 PM (KST).”

Macau falls in love with 2PM’s hotness

2PM’s charisma has captured Macau!

The group entered Macau with a royal welcome of the local fans at the airport on December 21st, and had a HI-5 event and a press interview in the afternoon. At the event, 2PM met around 300 fans, who have been nominated among the 8,000 concert audience, and also shared welcoming greetings with the fans, who were waiting and cheering enthusiastically outside the door. 

On the day of the concert on the 22nd, there was an unusual scene at the concert hall with overcrowding fans, who came to watch the concert and to see 2PM. From early in the morning, the fans awaited the line to watch the concert, proving the popularity of 2PM in local.

The concert started with passionate shouts that filled the concert venue, and 2PM’s splendid stage performance and live added to its excitement. The various placards of the 2PM’s fans from each country like Macau, Korea, Japan, Thailand, made the concert even more fancy and luxurious.

Having Christmas ahead, the member Nichkhun presented the fans with a Christmas carol, and especially, there was a marvelous shouts when he sang part of the song in Cantonese. Furthermore, Taecyeon had the happiest birthday party with 8,000 fans at his surprise birthday party, prepared by the 5 members and the fans. The fans were also moved by the members’ Christmas gift at the encore performance.

After completing the concert in success, 2PM has expressed, “Having Christmas ahead, we appreciate Macau fans for giving us a huge gift of love,” and “We have finished 2012 Tour concert in Macau after performing in Shanghai, Jakarta, Taiwan with gratitude. Please give much interest and love to our 2013 Tour Concert that will be held in Singapore, Guangzhou, Philippines, and Bangkok.”

Victoria snaps a lovely photo on the plane

f(x)'s charismatic leader Victoria updated her Weibo with a lovely photo.

She said,"Ended Chengdu trip with ultra high speed, too bad i can't stay longer....want to eat Sichuan's snacks badly, must eat enough next time! However, fans enthusiasm shocked me! Thanks for your hard work". 

Fans commented after seeing the photo,"Unnie must rest well","You are such a pretty girl" and etc.

TVXQ’s Changmin to join Kang Ho Dong as a fixed MC for an upcoming KBS variety show

TVXQ‘s Changmin will be partnering up with MC Kang Ho Dong for a new KBS variety show!

The variety show will mark Kang Ho Dong’s official comeback to KBS as well as Changmin’s first experience as a fixed MC. Since his debut with TVXQ nine years ago, Changmin has maintained his focus as a singer until now.

That’s all about to change with the New Year, as it’s been revealed by a KBS PD that the two are working on a new show slated to be released mid-January. SM Entertainment confirmed on the morning of December 24th, “Changmin will be joining Kang Ho Dong’s KBS variety show.”

The content of the show, however, will be kept in top secrecy. “Even within our company, only a portion of the staff now. We’re keeping the entire thing under wraps.”

Although this will be his first variety outing, he’s well known among the SM crowd for being the wittiest out of all of the artists. Check back for more updates!

2PM presents a Christmas gift to 8,000 fans at their concert in Macau

On December 22nd, 2PM performed for a packed crowd of 8,000 at the Venetian Cotai Arena, setting Macau ablaze with their popularity!

The boys captivated Macau upon arrival on the 21st where they were greeted by hundreds of fans upon arrival at the airport. In the afternoon, they met with 300 lucky fans chosen through a lottery for a high touch event followed by a press conference attended by 100 different local media outlets competing for an answer from the boys as they talked about their determination and anticipations.

The excitement vibrated from the scene, where thousands of fans were seen waiting inside and outside the high touch event and concert hall. Fans had begun waiting since the early morning, surprising local officials with the popularity of the group.

As seen above, the concert kicked off to loud cheers from the audience, and the cheers only grew louder as the live performances went on. Colorful placards held up by fans from Korea, Japan, Thailand, and more were seen in the audience.

As it was held before Christmas, Nichkhun performed a special Christmas carol for the fans, singing a part of it in Cantonese. Check out his Cantonese skills below:

The members also prepared a surprise birthday for member Taecyeon‘s birthday, giving him the opportunity to spend it with 8,000 fans. For the encore, the members passed out presents to the audience.

It goes without saying that 2PM impressed the locals and officials, with many calling it the best concert in Macau of 2012.

2PM stated, “We’d like to thank our fans in Macau for giving us such a great gift of love before the 2012 Christmas holiday. With Macau as our last stop, we’ll be concluding our 2012 concert tour to prepare for our 2013 tour in Singapore, Guangzhou, the Philippines, and Thailand. We ask for your interest and support.”

2PM will be continuing their individual activities upon their return to Korea on the morning of the 23rd.

Kang Minkyung to feature in SPEED's "Last Promise" song and music video

After revealing Park Boyoung will feature in SPEED's first mini album, it's also been revealed Davichi's Kang Minkyung will also.

Kang Minkyung will feature in SPEED's "Last Promise" which was produced by Duble Sidekick who recently established themselves as hitmakers by winning Songwriter of the Year at the Melon Music Awards. "Sad Promise" is the ultimate sad song featuring SPEED's and Kang Minkyung's sorrowful voices with a spectacular brass background.

In addition, Kang Minkyung will also appear in the dance version of SPEED's "Last Promise" music video. Park Boyoung is appearing in SPEED's "It's over" dance and drama music videos.

SPEED's music video drama is directed by Cha Euntaek and has cost over 750 million won and features Park Boyoung, Ji Changwook, Ha Seokjin and Apink's Naeun. During the three day shoot, a special artistic team joined to make sure the props, uniforms and vehicles reflected that of the 80s time period. Over 700 extras were used.

On the 24th at 12:00, a teaser for SPEED's "It's over" with Park Boyoung, Ji Changwook, Ha Seokjin and Naeun will be revealed as well as a Christmas greeeting video.

SPEED's "Last Promise" featuring Kang Minkyung and it's music video are expected to be released in January. The album production process and the making of everything SPEED made will also be seen on SPEED's website on the 24th.