"Bob and I met at Stratford-upon-Avon in 1976 and worked together over two seasons with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Macbeth (I was the King and Bob was Macduff); The Winter's Tale (Leontes and Camillo); and The Days of the Commune(Langevin and Papa).
Although his mentor was Alan Ayckbourn, who gave him an early job in one of his near-farces, Bob's pre-eminence was in speaking a classic text as if he was improvising it. This could involve a lot of pauses (particularly in rehearsal) while Bob convinced himself that he was ready to speak the lines as if they had never been spoken before. This amused and/or irritated some actors who liked to get a move on. But goodness Bob's delivery was always worth waiting for.
I once saw him in a new solo play in which he entered and said to the audience "I've been a teacher for 15 years now" I thought "I didn't realise Bob was a teacher in his spare time" of course he wasn't but then as so often the seam between Bob and the character he was playing was undetectable." - Ian McKellen
[170922 Kstyle] B.A.P, New Single「HONEYMOON」- “It feels like we’ve worn new clothes with this song”
B.A.P have released their new single “HONEYMOON” on September 20. This song is a shared lead track, being also featured in their 7th Korean single “BLUE” that was released on September 5. We talked to them regarding their first Japanese-Korean same-month release, behind the scenes stories about the song and music video, and their goals for the future.
―― “HONEYMOON” being released in the same month in Korea and Japan has become a hot topic. It’s a first for B.A.P, how did you prepare for it?
ZL: We always try our best at every moment, but we were really excited whilst preparing for “HONEYMOON” in anticipation of what new sides we could show. Being also the conclusion to the colour series and a new beginning, we worked hard to show an even more complete performance.
DH: Our views are expressed through the songs, so I don’t think having a dual release in Korea and Japan changes anything. However, to be able to release the song at almost the same time to the Japanese and Korean fans is nice. I say this because by promoting at almost the same time, we get to meet the Korean fans, and also the Japanese fans at an earlier date.
YJ: We work hard at making the album when we’re preparing for it since we believe we need to create a good album, so we didn’t particularly focus on the fact that it was to be released simultaneously in Korea and Japan. However, we did take in account to do the recording and music video filming at the same time for both versions.
―― What meaning is there in the title “HONEYMOON”? The lyrics have a very positive impression too. What’s the direction and concept like?
DH: Firstly, the colour series started with black, then red, and finally blue, and I feel like with each step we took, the message conveyed became lighter. There’s a common idea that runs through the colour series, but there was an intense impact for “SKYDIVE”. “WAKE ME UP” further magnified that message, whilst “HONEYMOON” expresses it in a softer manner. We have discussions with the company when we’re creating a song, so there are views from both sides included. From there, various ideas are formed.
YJ: I think marriage is the start of a new life. And since the honeymoon that the the 2 go on after their marriage becomes that starting point, “HONEYMOON” has the meaning of “a new start”.
“The reactions to the new hairstyle was split 50-50 so I cut it!”
―― The melody that revealed its grandeur and whistle-like refrain is memorable, but what image did you have in mind whilst creating the song?
DH: This song was from a foreign composer, but Yongguk and Zelo had participated in the lyrics. From there, we were able to add our own touches to create this piece. There was the connection to the black and red from the previous colour series’, and I think we were able to express that in this song too.
ZL: I think the messages embedded in B.A.P’s music is very important. I’ve been able to form my own thoughts and values as I’ve promoted as B.A.P, but it’s great that I’m able to communicate that to the fans in this generation. The theme was already decided for this number, so I wrote the rap lyrics in accordance to that.
YG: That’s right. I think we were able to thoroughly express it well to the song’s theme.
―― The times that you receive inspiration for compositions are?
YG: I’m the type to compose late at night. Then I’ll go to sleep when it’s light.
―― The clothes, hair and makeup concept for this has changed quite a bit from B.A.P’s image till now, how did the fans react?
HC: The ones with a drastic change in hairstyle was Jongup and I, and the reactions were split 50-50. And so, I cut it! It’s a different style to what’s in the music video and teaser photos. The preferences were evident so...... I believe I need to listen to the public’s views and thoughts. Whilst there are non-negotiable things we have as artists, I will keep my ears open to the responses and reflect that in my own style.
―― Do you personally like the mullet style?
HC: I don’t think it was bad. It was nice visually, but I think it was a bit too long.
JU: I personally liked it too, but it was a style that garnered a lot of reactions so I cut it. Even so, to challenge a new style and showing something eccentric is good.
If you were to “paint the world with my own colours” as per the lyrics...?
―― There are the lyrics “dance wildly to the reality you can’t accept”, but has there been any reality that you couldn’t accept recently?
ZL: These are the words I wanted to write so I wrote them and realise it myself, but it means to have fun if you can’t escape from reality. Instead of treating it as something you can’t accept, it means to rap and dance when that reality comes along.
DH: Lately, there’s an issue that’s come up as I’ve learnt the new dance. We learn the dance from our choreographer and his team, and then gather together to dance it. Since I’ve been in the dance studio often lately, I asked the choreographer directly about the dance’s image, and so whilst I have a clear image of what it should be in my mind, I get various images when I’m dancing with the members. This was an exact moment of “dancing wildly to an image differing to reality”. I had that image distinctly from what the choreographer told me, so I tried to bring that forward and in the end, it matched well.
HC: I can’t accept Jongup’s common sense (laughs)
JU: I’m me after all!
HC: I wonder what it is. It feels like he doesn’t know what he’s saying himself (laughs).
―― There are the lyrics “paint the world with my colours”, but what is “my colour” for everyone?
YJ: If I had to “paint the world with my colours” as per the lyrics, I think it’d be black. When I’m given something or doing something from my own volition, I’m the type to work with that on the limits I set rather than within the set parameters. Black is the result of various colours mixed together, so resonating with how my own parameters don’t change, I think it’ll be black.
JU: My colour is white. It’s easily coloured and will accurately display whatever colour is added to it.
HC: I think I’m gold. Since I’m a star. Worldwide star!
DH: I’m rainbow. I often want to express myself musically and have many dreams. I’m in the process of creating my own colour. It’s not rainbow yet, but I want to continue adding more colours.
ZL: Sky blue. Like Jongup with white, it has that same quality of bringing out other colours. With blue being the theme colour for this album, I want to show that with sky blue.
YG: Black and white. Good and evil, I have both sides so I think it’s black and white.
Episodes from filming the “HONEYMOON” MV at Jeju-do?
―― There are various items (goldgish, flowers, pills) and numbers (16, 5, 1, 3, 5) scattered throughout the music video, and images of “violence” & “dark” from the lyrics are reflected. Is there a deeper meaning hidden?
YJ: We made it so that the music video itself is a representation of the “BLUE” theme. Regarding those elements, since it’s in the figurative realm, there were ideas to put in multiple elements that couldn’t be understood with just one viewing, and so various items were included. What we want people to focus on is that whilst the music video is colourful and refreshing overall, there are items with a slightly heavier quality like pills and numbers submerged in red water. The fantastical yet deep message borne through those elements is also included.
―― Were the numbers a sort of puzzle for the fans?
YJ: Yes. The hint is the alphabet.
HC: Since it’s a colour series, in it’s construction, there a some elements from “WAKE ME UP” brought on through. As such, I think it’ll be interesting if you watch it with the “WAKE ME UP” music video too.
―― How was the solo filming for each member?
DH: I was filming by the seaside and although it was a little dangerous in order to get a nice picture, I also filmed on the rocks. I went to the very end and since I was barefooted, I got a few cuts. The filming was completed as I was doused by the strong waves from behind me.
―― Did you catch a cold from being wet?
DH: It was really hot so it was actually refreshing.
ZL: The place I filmed at night was a cultural property. There was a rice field nearby so there were many big bugs which the staff worried about. I danced whilst worrying about how to get a good picture, and when I looked at my hands after finishing filming, there were many green things stuck on them (laughs). I didn’t know if it was grass or something else, but it was a little gross. There were lots of bugs and there were many spider nests too. Not only me, but the staff went through a lot too.
HC: I was in the middle of a diet when we were in Jeju-do, so I couldn’t eat much. We could finish filming earlier since I filmed at the same place as Yongguk, and the abalone congee that we ate afterwards was memorable. It was really delicious.
YG: Back then, Himchan didn’t want to shoot in the morning and wanted to delay it, so I asked him to eat with me if we finish filming earlier.
HC: When I told him “I’m in the middle of a diet though”, he invited me with “it’s early in the day so you can eat” (laughs).
JU: When I was in Jeju-do, there was a day where I had no filming at all so I went to a seafood & galbi restaurant near the hotel. It was really delicious. I couldn’t order for 1 person, so I had to get the 2person serving but I ate well and even used the remaining sauce to make fried rice (laughs).
HC: After after eating with Yongguk and going to see Jongup, what really surprised me was that the restaurant [he ate at] seemed to be famous, and since there wasn’t much seating, there was a line outside. They were in pairs or with family, and Jongup was the only one by himself making fried rice. Seeing that, I thought he was an amazing child.
YJ: The weather was beautiful the whole time when we were filming, but when it was my turn, the weather made a turn for the worse. It got cloudy and we had to film with that weather.
―― How was filming at Jeju-do like? Have you been to Jeju-do before?
DH: We still haven’t gone to Jeju-do together for a holiday before. However, we have been to Okinawa with all the members previously. It was the only private holiday we’ve had. It was a very lavish trip.
DH: We ate lots and rested lots. [T/N: Not sure if it’s a editing miss that both answers are Daehyun]
―― What was the most memorable about Okinawa?
HC: The American Village was memorable. We wanted to try the teppanyaki restaurant that was famous there, but there was a line for it. The 6 of us aren’t good with waiting, and on top of that, it was really hot, so we gave up on that restaurant and ate lobster instead.
―― The most delicious thing you ate at Okinawa was?
DH: Lobster.
YG: Yakiniku!
HC: Yes, yakiniku! There was this casual home-like restaurant. We didn’t really know so we just ordered various things, and when we thought this was nice, it was galbi. It was really delicious.
DH: It really was a lavish trip.
“Being together in 10, 20 years is difficult... being together forever is our goal”
―― What sort of song is the 2nd track “ALL THE WAY UP”?
DH: It’s a little brighter than “HONEYMOON”, and conveys a softer message in sync with this concept. With a light and cheerful sound, I think it’s a song that completely represents freedom. There’s also a strong vocal line as well as rap. I think you’d feel refreshed after listening to it.
―― There’re the lyrics “let’s aim higher”; please tell us what you’re aiming towards as B.A.P or personally.
DH: We’re into our 6th year as B.A.P, and I think it’d be difficult to be together in 10, 20 years. And so, my goal is to be able to be together forever. I have bigger dreams, but I want to realise them one by one at the moment.
ZL: I don’t think anything lasts forever, but I want to be together with these members forever and aim even higher.
HC: Personally I want to win Jongup.
DH: Are you losing to Jongup right now?
HC: Personally I think I’m losing in all fronts (suddenly starts singing “makenaide” [Please don’t lose] by ZARD) Excuse me. All the B.A.P members have unique personalities and I respect everyone, but Jongup is the only one who acts against the norm and that’s something I can’t respect. Excluding that, I think we can realise all our goals (laughs).
DH: Those actions against the norm are things that normal people won’t usually do. They aren’t wrong (laughs). They are actions that something only Jongup would consider.
HC: They’re actually really good. There are times when they’re excellent and come in handy, but there are times when they’re just poison and that’s concerning (laughs).
JU: Because I’m white.
“Buying our own CD on LINE LIVE... it was very memorable”
―― Previously, when you released your album “UNLIMITED”, you went on live with Kstyle LIVE with birthday boy Daehyun being the King and such. How was that?
DH: To be honest, it was a shame that the King didn’t have many powers, but I was happy alone that they celebrated my birthday. Also I was very disappointed in the cake that the members made for me.
JU: Gochujang cake?
DH: Yes that.
HC: It was really prettily made right?
DH: It tasted terrible. Was it wasabi?
HC: Mustard.
DH: To play with food like that.
HC: It’s a work [of art]. A creation.
JU: The theme was rose. Beautiful, but there are thorns.
DH: Ok ok (laughs). But I was happy. It was a meaningful day with many fans watching on LINE.
―― Do you usually play pranks between the members?
DH: We don’t usually play pranks using food, though we do fool around with jokes. We pick up food and eat it even if it’s dropped [on the floor], so we definitely don’t play with food.
HC: Do you eat food that’s dropped on the floor?
DH: You always give me food that’s been dropped right?
―― Who pulls the most pranks?
HC: Daehyun.
YJ: It seems like Daehyun knows no limits.
DH: That’s right. I often blow a fuse so I play pranks and throw water on them (laughs).
―― Himchan and Jongup went to Tower Records, how was it like to buy your own CD for the first time?
JU: It was very memorable.
HC: When we went into Tower Records, I was really happy that our album was there. It was our first time buying our own CD. Though we have gone to see our own album in the shops before. It felt very interesting. There were panels displayed too.
―― The CD from that time was delivered to a fan and they were very happy.
HC: Ohh that’s great! It was a huge limited edition wasn’t it. It was expensive (laughs).
―― You also reached 10,000,000 hearts for the free live broadcast. There were many comments from the fans who worked hard for the hearts saying “my fingers hurt”.
DH: It was such a difficult task, I’m really grateful.
HC: At the end of the show, there’s a ranking that shows how many hearts they gave, and our manager was in the top 100. He gave around 90,000 hearts.
ZL: 90,000? I pressed around 10,000 times. I pressed subconsciously. I couldn’t control myself. After pressing it, it was more difficult than I thought.
HC: I’m very thankful to everyone’s hard efforts. We’ll work hard in response to that.
DH: Please invite us to LINE LIVE again!
Dramas, movies, games... What’s B.A.P into lately?
―― In our previous interview, Zelo said that he was obsessed with watching “Fight for My Way”, but is there any drama, music, manhwa or movie that you’ve been into lately?
HC: Afterwards, I got into it too!
DH: I’m been into the drama “Game of Thrones”. I’ve finished watching season 7! It was very interesting. But since there are members who still haven’t watched it yet so I won’t talk or it’ll be a spoiler. I really want to talk about it but... The dragons! I’ll stop there (laughs).
ZL: I stopped at season 2 or 3. I feel like I watched something I wasn’t supposed to...
DH: You’re already an adult!
ZL: No, I watched it on the plane and I was conscious of the people around me.
HC: Youngjae and I are into the drama “Stranger” [Secret Forest]. We/I watched all 20 episodes in one go, nonstop. It was really good.
JU: I like “Kimi no Na wa.” [Your Name]. It was interesting. I watched 2, 3 times. I’d actually wanted to watch it in the cinemas, but I couldn’t make the time and wasn’t able to. I like emotional Japanese animes such as “Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo” [The Girl Who Leapt Through Time] and “Kimi no Na wa.”. The movie “The Talented Mr. Ripley” was also memorable. I’m also playing the mobile game “kyou mo yomigaeri” [resurrected today as well].
ZL: I’ve watched “Fight for My Way” from episode 1, but I haven’t watched the last 2 episodes. I know what happens already, so I didn’t watch the remaining 2 episodes and watched movies at the cinemas.
YG: I bought a scooter lately so I’ve been obsessed with that.
HC: Yongguk bought the Italian scooter (Vespa) that was in Jude Law’s movie “Alfie”.
It feels like we’ve worn new clothes with “HONEYMOON”
―― Since debuting in Japan in 2013 with “WARRIOR”, 4 years have passed and this single will be your 8th one, how does it feel?
DH: I think we’ve been steadily releasing CDs after our debut. Compared to our promotion periods, we’ve really released a lot of CDs. And so, with each new release, you can see more and more of our past, and the areas that we need to improve on and develop are clearly visible. That way, there are more challenges open to us and more things that we want to try.
―― Now, a message please to the fans waiting in Japan.
DH: Let’s go on a “HONEYMOON” together.
HC: With this song, it feels like we’ve worn new clothes. I hope you have many fun and happy memories from this song. I wish this to be a album full of love and happiness.
JU: As usual, I want to meet with the fans and create good memories, and treasure those memories for life.
YJ: We worked hard this time too, so I want to show a good stage to everyone. Please give us lots of love and support. Thank you very much.
ZL: I’m happy that “HONEYMOON” gives us the chance to see everyone again. I hope this will be a good memory when you look back on it.
YG: I’m hoping this promotion will allow us more chances to meet with fans. Please give us your support. Always, thank you very much.
[170420 Kstyle] B.A.P, Their long-awaited comeback as a whole! “Gathering together like this is a true blessing, like a dream.”
In Seoul during late March when it’s still chilly. We went to interview B.A.P who had pulled off a comeback as a whole with 6.
Recently completing their 3-day Seoul concert which served as the starter for their “B.A.P 2017 WORLD TOUR ‘PARTY BABY’”, B.A.P didn’t show a trace of tiredness on their faces and worked through a day of photoshoots and interviews. At the scene of the rumoured “most-close-knit KPOP idol group”, you could see them relaxed from their core amongst sounds of joking and laughter.
Whilst talking about how they felt about the absences of the group’s pillar-like presences, Bang Yongguk & Himchan, regrouping again, and episodes from their new single to be released in late April, they also trailed off a little into past memories. From the secrets to maintaining on good terms to the cute complaints that the members spilled, we give you this harmonious interview.
“I can’t imagine B.A.P without Bang Yongguk”
―― It’s been a little while since seeing B.A.P as 6 hasn’t it! Leader Bang Yongguk has now returned, please tell us your honest thoughts about restarting activities as a whole.
DH: With Yongguk’s absence, it looks as if the group is missing something, so having his return, and standing on stage together again made me feel that we were complete. I felt confidence bubbling inside me too. The fans were really happy about it too, so it was perfect.
ZL: Yongguk carries a huge part of B.A.P, so when he came back, I thought, we really can’t make it without him. Like, I can’t imagine B.A.P with Yongguk. So I was very happy.
YJ: Promoting as 6 really is great. We’d been promoting as 6 for a long time already so although it would’ve been a given that he would come back to us, I still was truly glad.
JU: With just one person gone, the empty space is huge and I felt how important B.A.P was, how important standing on the stage together was.
HC: We got really excited and it was a good time. Gathering together like this is a true blessing, like a dream. It’s a shame that I had to pull out midway, but I came back again for the final day of the Seoul concerts yesterday and had a blast.
―― Himchan, you performed as if you had no injury at all, but how was your actual condition?
HC: Yes, I’m ok. Since I’m a pro after all.
DH: (in Japanese) Just like I thought
HC: (Laughs) There was some pain but I wanted to show my professional side on stage so.
DH: (in Japanese whilst applauding) Just like I thought
―― During the talks, you mentioned that “I felt quite a bit of pressure” about taking over the leader’s spot in Yongguk’s place for your previous release “FLY HIGH”. How’s it thinking back to then?
HC: Having to do the work of 6 people with 5 people was tough. Changing the choreographies, thinking about what to do about Yongguk’s parts which weren’t mine, it was tough to me because they were parts that I didn’t understand, but when Yongguk came back and we were 6 again, I felt at ease. It was mentally straining as well, but we worked ourselves to the bone because we wanted to show our perfect selves as pros, and although I don’t know how the viewers felt, it’d be good if our performances became good memories for everyone.
―― I’m sure Yongguk had regrets because of his condition, how did you feel about the members who were filling in your absence?
YG: All the members did well so I have thoughts that they did good work and thoughts of gratitude.
―― Releasing your 6th single “ROSE” in March in Korea and as well as appearing on many music shows, were there any memorable things?
DH: The most memorable thing was of course whilst making a comeback as a whole, and then having another slight mishap with Himchan’s injury. Our schedule was packed, so we thought to do anything to accomplish it, and that we’d make our fans worry if we don’t stand before them even as 5.
But with the concert as our platform, we were able to stand in front of everyone as 6 again and although there were many happenings during the promotion for this album, in turn, I think there will be many good things from now on so I’m looking forward to the upcoming world tour.
―― For this album, it’s been a hot topic that the production team has prominent domestic and foreign artists participating. Please tell us the reason for choosing “WAKE ME UP” as your comeback title.
DH: We were originally thinking of a different song for the title track, but after some changes, “WAKE ME UP” was the result from discussions by the members, the company and various people. It was put on the backburner twice before we made the decision, but when we tried recording “WAKE ME UP”, it turned out really well. Everyone that we showed it to commented “it’s really good”, so we decided to go with “WAKE ME UP”. The other songs “DIAMOND 4 YA” and “DYSTOPIA” were possible title track songs too.
“Our personalities are something that can’t be done, can’t be fulfilled by another member”
―― Finishing your comeback activities in Korea, next up is the release of your 7th Japanese single isn’t it. I heard the same song will be released.
HC: That’s right. Whilst preparing for this single, there was talk that an original Japanese song would be good, but because “WAKE ME UP” was created so well, we thought about a remake track instead. The Japanese fans will seem to like “WAKE ME UP” so we decided on that.
―― When releasing Korean comeback songs in Japanese, are there any things that you note in particular?
DH: When we’re recording in Japanese, the thing we prioritise the most is pronunciation. We haven’t mistaken the Japanese before, but we’re still not used to the pronunciation.
HC: (suddenly) Tsu, tsu, tsu. [T/N: A Japanese syllable]
DH: There’s nothing much apart from the pronunciation.
HC: (again, suddenly) “Nazo nazo” [T/N: ‘a riddle’]. They’re lyrics from my part (laughs).
―― Here’s a question relating to the title of the song. Whilst promoting as B.A.P, has there been anything that you’ve “woken up to or discovered”?
DH: We’re continually discovering something and always want to level up, but talking about recent events... Yongguk going on hiatus and Himchan taking a short break, I’ve felt and become aware of the member’s positions. I’ve come to properly understand “ah, this member has this role on stage, this is what they carry [in the group]”, and gain a lot in that sense. For example, in Himchan’s case, his overwhelming presence on stage and ability to grasp each and every frame. In Yongguk’s case, I think it’s the powerfulness in his rap.
ZL: The 6 of us all have different personalities, and I think that each of us have something that can’t be done, can’t be fulfilled by another member. That’s why when we allocate our parts on stage, it’s tough to try and do something about it when even 1 person is missing.
―― Is there a member who can’t “WAKE (ME) UP”, and doesn’t do well when awoken?
DH: Readyyy go! (whilst pointing at him with the other members) It’s Jongup (laughs)
JU: (in a tiny voice) Yes, it’s me.
DH: When Jongup wakes up, he’s exactly like the Pokemon “Grimer”. It’s a character that’s all grimy. He won’t wake up even if he’s called, he doesn’t answer his phone either; he’s the last person to wake. I’ve given up.
―― Then on the reverse, who has no problem with waking up early?
DH: (with confidence) That’d be me, the only one. I can wake up myself.
HC: What are you saying, I can wake up myself too.
YJ: I can wake up by myself too.
DH: You can wake up by yourselves, but you just don’t make it in time right guys (laughs).
―― Next is relating to the lyrics for “WAKE ME UP”. There is a distinctive line “up the stairs of an adult”, but is there anything that you’ve done recently that you thought you “climbed the stairs of an adult”?
HC: I feel that when I go to the TV stations. Me and Yongguk both don’t think we’ve aged that much, but there are kids who are 12 years younger than us debuting, so the age gap is huge (laughs).
DH: Samchon (laughs)
ALL: (laughs)
HC: Since it’s like that, we continue growing older and I feel that we’re going up on the stairs of an adult.
DH: I left the dorm and live by myself now, so I have to pay for the electricity, utilities, taxes, insurance and such by myself, and as I become more like a member of society, I thought “ah, there’s a process to becoming an adult”.
HC: Ohh, how cool!
DH: (pointing at Himchan) This person, about how much the utility bills are, about how the taxing system is....
HC: I know.
DH: Oh, so you know (laughs)
ZL: Those lyrics were the part I thought up and wrote. We’ve always sung songs with societal messages with a B.A.P twist, and although I’m the youngest, I have many things that I feel and want to protect. It’s the part where I wrote the lyrics, wanting to have the many people who listen to B.A.P’s music to empathise with it.
JU: Umm, when I’m going through a really rough time... (silence)
DH: Like right now? (laughs)
JU: When I’m physically and mentally worn, I think, “ah~ I’ve ageddd”.
―― In “WAKE ME UP”, what sort of dance will you show us?
DH: Firstly, not only in the title, but in the lyrics too, there are many parts with the meanings “awaken, wake up”, and in the choreography for the chorus, there are moves where you really feel that it’s “wake up!”. If you look clo~sely at the whole dance and not just that bit, [you’ll see] it’s all cool from the start to finish where you can’t miss even one move. It’s a dance with meaning so please turn your attention to that too.
―― For the limited edition of your 7th Japanese single “WAKE ME UP”, I heard that the matoki smartphone ring included is being well-received for being cute. Is there anything you’re particular about your smartphone accessories or anything that you love using right now?
DH: In the first place, we’re people who like our phones to be streamlined, so there are members who don’t even put cases on their phones. The ‘Apple’ image is cool so everyone doesn’t put on any accessories.
―― Have you actually seen the matoki smartphone ring?
ALL: Of course!
DH: It’s really cute and it seems like the fans will really like it.
(Spotting one of the staff’s phone which has a matoki smartphone ring)
DH&YJ: (in Japanese) Cute~
ZL: I want to go to Japan, and bring them all back.
―― This time, the new event called “flying kisses event” is a hot topic too.
DH: It’s our first time so I’m looking forward to it. Handshakes and high touches are often done and commonplace, so the company asked “what do you want to do?”. After discussions, the result was “flying kisses”.
―― Shortening that, it seems like you call it “furapo”.
HC: Ah, is that how it’s called? Furapo?
YJ: Ohh furapo.
DH: (whilst rolling his tongue) Furapo~!
―― (Bitter laughs) On the final day for the Seoul concert, Himchan was blowing kisses out at the end; which member blows out kisses often at concerts and such?
HC: Everyone does it a lot.
DH: Yes, we always do it at any moment.
―― Yongguk does it too?
DH: Ah, Yongguk doesn’t do it much. (laughs)
YG: I did it a lot in the world tour last year.
“We are still here, because we experienced both good and bad as 6”
―― I think you’re used to Japanese activities by now, but is there anywhere that you haven’t been to but want to visit?
ZL: Onsens, rotenburo! And then, places where the fans are. I want to try going to the countryside too.
JU: Mount Fuji.
DH: Recently, I visited Sapporo in January for fun and I love the snow. When I see Mount Fuji, the peak is always covered in snow isn’t it. That’s why I’ve always wanted to go.
HC: There’s this manga “Fantasista” that I like, and there’s this island that the protagonist Sakamoto Teppei lives at. Is it in the North? I’d like to go there.
YJ: I want to go to Disneyland. I’ve been to Disneysea, but I still haven’t gone to Land yet.
JU: Ah, I wanted to go to Disneyland too! The Disney characters, I like them.
―― If there are any things you must do or places you must visit when you come to Japan lately, then please tell us.
YJ: Eating yakiniku! There are yakiniku places in Korea as well, but the Japanese yakiniku. There’s a yakiniku restaurant that I frequent in Japan. Pork and beef too... more like, I’ll eat everything on the menu (laughs)
DH: My favourite food is tonkatsu so I have to eat tonkatsu regardless.
HC: It’s pretty hard to eat authentic Japanese-style tonkatsu in Korea. The fat is still stuck to the meat in Japan isn’t it, for the pork loin. That is reaaally delicious!
ZL: Mine is eating melon-pan. I love it.
HC: When Zelo wakes in the morning, he always eats melon-pan with milk that has blue and white packaging.
ZL: I go for bread in the mornings. In Japan too, I’ll buy bread in advance; (in native pronunciation) American style. Whether in Korea or in Japan, I like to have it with milk.
JU: I watch Japanese anime and listen to Japanese music. I don’t know a lot but I like Ikimonogakari.
YG: I will definitely go to the convenience store. I don’t know the name, but there’s a gummy that catches my eye and I always buy it. There’s grape and muscat flavours, and it has gold packaging....
(We deduced it was “kororo” afterwards.)
―― Even just talking like this, I can feel how close you are between yourselves. Are there secrets to maintaining this closeness?
YJ: Not talking to each other when we’re in a bad mood. If you talk during those moments, the relationship will only worsen.
ALL: (bursts out laughing)
DH: It’s about knowing each other very well. And not only that, we’ve endured hard times as 6, and experienced both good and bad together. That’s why I think I’m here as we are now.
―― Can you tell if they’re in a bad mood just from looking at their face?
DH: Yes, I can tell but... there’s someone who teases us whilst being aware.
―― Who is it?
DH: I can’t say that. There’s that sort of an older someone. (Laughter erupts at Himchan who stares suspiciously at Daehyun) Why do you think it’s you? It’s Yongguk~
ALL: (bursts out laughing)
JU: It’s hard to say if it’s a secret, but around debut when we were still trainees, we slept together in the same room. There were 3 beds lined up next to each other, and we would chatter away before sleeping. I wonder if that stuff made any difference.
DH&HC: That’s right, that’s right~ (The two burst out in laughter for some reason)
DH: It was really fun~ back then.
HC: It was living with 6 guys after all. All the members were lying next to each other sleeping in the one room. If you tossed and turned, it was close enough that you would bump into someone.
ZL: It was like a big family sleeping together in a huddle in the one room.
―― The youngest Zelo is 20 years old now, do you go out drinking together?
DH&HC&YJ: We often do!
DH: We don’t live together, but we’re all in the neighbourhood so.
―― What alcohol do you like?
ZL: “Horoyoi”. Although there are many flavours, I like all of them.
DH: In my fridge too, there’s some lemon flavoured “horoyoi” as well right now.
YJ: Somaek!
―― To B.A.P who are close enough that you go out drinking together, regardless, is there anything that you think “please, fix this!” about a member?
JU: Yongguk’s face is too small so I want it to be a bit bigger.
ALL: (starts clapping and laughing)
HC: I know I know. When I’m next to him in photos, my own face looks bigger.
YJ: For me, Jongup is too good at singing and dancing on stage, so I think it’s ok if he doesn’t so well.
ALL: (laughs)
JU: (in a small voice) I won’t fix that.
[170415 Korepo] B.A.P - Focus on the upgraded performance from their new song “WAKE ME UP” completed with the whole group!
After successfully completing their 3-day concert “PARTY BABY! SEOUL BOOM”, we had this interview with B.A.P somewhere in Seoul.
Amongst their busy schedules with their world tour upcoming and their leader Bang Yongguk’s return, the members welcomed us with all 6 of them as a group. They talked to us about their world tour and their new 7th Japanese single “WAKE ME UP” to be released on 4/26 and such.
Q. Firstly, you successfully finished your concert “PARTY BABY! SEOUL BOOM” from 3/24-26, how do you feel now?
DH: It was for 3 days, but since we had the new concepts, it was refreshing and interesting. It was a new challenge for us as well, I think the concert was a great success as the fan’s enjoyed it as well.
JU: For this time round, we emphasised the EDM and used the concept “PARTY BABY”, so it was very refreshing and we were able to have a lot of fun. Also, I think it was nice that we were able to show our own personalities through the solo stages.
Q. Bang Yongguk has returned, making this a concert with a complete revival; what was the most memorable?
DH: For the last album, Yongguk took a small break, and for this album, Himchan took a small break, so I don’t know, it felt like something was missing. Same as when we were on stage, we had that feeling for our usual schedules, but while we were doing this concert, that space was gone and somehow my confidence was boosted.
*Even when we challenged new concepts, it feels a little lacking when it’s only the 5 of us, but (challenging something) as 6, there’s a great synergy because we can trust and rely on each other. That’s why this concert will remain as a great one done without regrets in my memory.
YJ: Same as below*
[*T/N: Although it’s not indicated, the second paragraph of Daehyun’s answer may be Youngjae’s since it was written as a separate paragraph, and the ‘same as below’ sounds more like an editorial note than an answer. It could be simply that Youngjae’s line was left there accidently or maybe it was an editing miss.]
Q. It must’ve been tough to be the temporary leader, Himchan. How do you feel now?
HC: There wasn’t anything too different so it seems like I don’t have any particular feeling about it.
DH: If we were rookies, or only into our 1st or 2nd year, the hyungs’ position would definitely be very important, but since we’re into out 6th year already, I think we were able to make up [for the empty space] by each working our best.
HC: The system or however you would call it was well set, so there weren’t any inconveniences, but I still worried a little about the stage performances. The fact that there was an empty place... Other than that everything was fine.
Q. I heard that there was a “party look” dress code for the concert, how were the fans?
HC: Somehow, sexy shall I say? There were many fans who wore see-through pieces. It concerned me a little but I was grateful about the concert (laughs).
YJ: I thought pajamas for the home party [theme], but there were actually guests who wore pajamas. I was very thankful. They could’ve come as they were, but preparing as they did to our themes to enjoy the concert a little bit more and matching their clothes to the concert; I am very thankful. But on the other hand, I realised it might have been difficult to get to the concert [in their outfits].
Q. Your 7th Japanese single “WAKE ME UP” will finally be released on 4/26. Please introduce us to the concepts and highlights.
JU: The song “WAKE ME UP” is a very refined and upgraded song and many praised it. Personally, I’m taken by the performance of it. Somehow, it matches well with the song and it’s even more complete and elaborate than the songs we’ve done till now, so I’d like everyone to watch the stages thoroughly. You may have already heard the Korean version, but I don’t think you’ve had many chances to see it. That’s why I want to show you the stage performance for it someday in a Japanese concert.
Q. Which part of the performance in particular?
JU: From the start to the end of it, it’s packed with great parts. Each and every bit is a highlight and I think it was created very coolly.
ZL: I participated in the choreography with Jongup-hyung since “Young, Wild & Free”, and the person we call “leader” of the dance team would always think up concepts since “Young, Wild & Free”. That’s why there’re a story-like qualities to it as well. The “leader” choreographed a cool dance for us.
Q. I heard that Bang Yongguk and Zelo participated in the lyric composition for WAKE ME UP”. How was that?
ZL: We usually work with others for our songs. There’s a chance for me to participate when Yongguk hyung is producing, but it’s rare for someone else to do it for us. Although we received this song from someone else, when I said “I want to try writing the lyrics about the title”, Yongguk hyung replied “then why don’t you try writing it?”. The song was finished belatedly and I thought of many ideas in the meantime. If there are people who think “it’s nice for the general public”, then there will also be people who think “isn’t it too packed with the things that they’re trying to tell?”. I think it was a good chance to receive those sort of precious comments. I hope there will be many more chances like this in the future.
Q. What are the highlights for the “WAKE ME UP” music video?
DH: We had a meeting whilst filming the music video, and in it, there are more parts with the extras than with me. We hadn’t decided if we were going to have Korean or foreign people at the start, but I suggested “this sort of scene would be good”, “if we’re going to have extras, then they should be foreigners since it’s for the whole world to see” and such comments the whole way through. We wanted to show a rebellious image and various things in the music video too so we tried many times. It’s difficult to express everything within 3, 4 minutes after all, right? It was a difficult theme, so. When you look at the first part and the second half, there are more painful and tiring scenes in the first part. On the other hand, the second half has more images about starting again, challenges and awakening. It’s a story about experiencing pain at the start, but slowly, like an egg shell gradually cracking, to find your true self.
ZL: The emphasis was on the story, and not the performance this time, so there weren’t any scenes of us dancing (the dance scenes were added to the later-released Japanese version) and although there were many scenes included where you watch whilst listening to our voices, we appear frequently so you can both see and hear us. We often edited on the footage that the editors put together, so it was always changing. We were in it a lot so I gained some know-how too.
Q. Were there any episodes when filming the MV?
DH: There wasn’t a lot to film so it went well. Since there weren’t any group scenes but many solo shots, there aren’t any episodes in particular to talk about. On the contrary, there are scenes where we’re paired together with different concepts. Scenes with being under the sun, lights going on and off, lying on the floor and such. These parts were changed quite a bit on the day. I think it was interesting to try all these new things. Also, it’d always been me who destroyed the car (laughs), but this time the extra did it so it was very refreshing.
YJ: It was a cool BMW.
JU: It was completed whilst we were still rehearsing the dance, so it helped us with the stage practise as well and was fun.
Q. The coupling songs “BE HAPPY” and “I GUESS I NEED U” are also in Japanese; was recording in Japanese difficult?
DH: We’ve released quite a few Japanese albums. So we don’t feel burdened at all when we’re recording in Japanese, but difficult-to-pronounce words are still difficult.
ZL: It seems like it’s difficult to write it into Japanese if I make the raps too tight. So there are times where they cut and fix it before I record again. It was like that again this time. It was very tight again, so they cut the unneeded parts and changed it; it was a little tough.
Q. I heard that you’ll be newly challenging a “flying kiss event” for the release events to be held in Tokyo, Kobe and Fukuoka, please tell us how you feel.
YJ: I felt that they would like this when I saw them[the fans] being very happy when we did this sort of fanservice at concerts and such. I didn’t know that this would turn into an event (laughs).
DH: Japanese fans like these sort of detailed things.
Q. Isn’t it different doing it in front of everyone and to doing it 1 on 1?
YJ: I’m very troubled.
Q. In a sense, isn’t it a challenge for the members?
DH: It’s our first try.
Q. What determination do you have prepared?
DH: I don’t have confidence (bitter laugh)
YJ: I think I should be thankful that many of them will come.
HC: I’m thinking about what we should do next time.
Q. Is there something you want to do for next time?
DH: An event that we can do together where there’s a sense of closeness...
YJ: Like toasting, with water (laughs)
Q. If there are 1000 people then you’d have to drink 1000 cups.
DH: We’d have to drink 10,000 cups.
Q. Do you have any methods to release stress, or things that you think that “if I have this, then I can work hard”?
DH: I simply, free myself from various thoughts. I definitely won’t think about other things. Today too, whilst going through our schedules, I thought “let’s delete all these thoughts from my mind. I will do my very best”.
YJ: Lately, I’ve been enjoying lying down on my bed. In the past, even if I worked daily for a week, two weeks, or even a month, I would recover if I rested for a day. I’d sleep for 10 hours and my body would recover and my energy would come back to me so I’d go out, but lately that’s not the case (laughs). So I’ve been starting to take vitamins and such.
HC: That’s how me and Yongguk feel when we’re on stage. Previously, we’d recover in the moments between each song, but lately our recovery is slow (laughs).
ALL: Isn’t that just you Himchan hyung?
HC: Didn’t I tell you before. I’m sure we talked about this together before *A panicked Himchan*
Q. Please teach us your favourite mottos or phrases that you cherish.
YJ: Lately, around 2 years ago, I’ve started thinking “youth isn’t eternal so do everything at your best whilst you can”. That has helped me a lot.
DH: Me too, I’d thought from the past that doing my best at anything is the best. But different to this, I’ve thought more about “having perseverance”. I have a very impatient personality, and really don’t want to do things that I dislike, so I always think to “have perseverance”. I’m learning. “Have perseverance”.
ZL: For me, it’s “doing my best”.
JU: For me, it’s “don’t worry, because I’m the coolest”.
ALL: Jongup is very full of confidence (laughs).
Q. Do you not have a favourite motto Bang Yongguk?
YG: I thought about it a lot in the past, but not much in particular lately. That’s the easiest. (laughs)
Q. Finally, a message please to the Japanese fans who await your visit to Japan.
YJ: We don’t get to meet the fan in Japan often so I want to see you soon. We’ll bring a new single to you this time, so I’d be happy if many of you come to see us. We’ll do our best for you even when we’re in Japan so please enjoy yourselves too when you come see us.
ZL: I think it’ll be the first time you see these activities, but I want to give you many dreams. I’ll do my best. I love you!
HC: It’s been a while since going to Japan. It’s a shame that we can’t go often, but we’ll come and repay you with good songs and events. (in Japanese) I love you!
For the second time in 4 months, it was an interview that was completed peacefully from start to end. I felt that the members themselves were the happiest about promoting as 6. The members exchanged jokes whilst answering the questions in a joyous atmosphere. I was able to feel the trust and friendship between them from their small talk.
From 4/5, B.A.P will tour America’s Atlanta and LA, France’s Paris, Germany’s Frankfurt, Portugal’s Warsaw, Hungary’s Budapest, Russia’s Moscow amongst others before promoting in Japan. Their new single “WAKE ME UP” is receiving attention for both its title and coupling songs, and the fact that the CD cover, for the first time will not be of their mascot figure “MATOKI”, but of B.A.P members themselves, is gaining press.
Fans of course are looking forward to their visit, but even non-fans should be awaiting it.
Served as one of the ICT staff in the 2-day online panel interviews for #IskolarniGob applicants 🙂
If hindi nyo naitatanong... Scholar din ako back in high school and college (hindi nga lang Iskolar ni Gob, 'no), and, somehow, listening to the applicants' responses brought me back to the time when I was also being interviewed by scholarship grantors sa school ko before.
These interview sessions I witnessed and became a part of featured heated discussions on pressing issues, societal concerns, personal beliefs and philosophy, and a whole lot more—just the same as what I had went through nung panahon ko.
Some applicants were hesitant to speak or initiate conversation. Sa criteria pa naman ay may naka-indicate na "social interaction". And quickly, I placed myself in the applicants' shoes. What if ganto yung interviews nung panahon ko? Sa tuwing maaalala ko yung feeling ng kaba, ng fear to speak, di ko rin nga maisip kung paano ako naka-survive.
Obviously, that would put much pressure on my end—for someone like me who has #stutter—thinking that not being able to express myself fluidly through spoken communication would mean deduction syempre to my points. Kaya I believe na importante din na malaman ng interviewers if applicants have a condition, so interviews can be tailored to be more inclusive (which I did in one of my scholarship interviews in 2011 where I told the panel that I am a person with stutter). Doing so, I feel, can allow scholarship authorities to accommodate learners/applicants with speech impediments or language impairments.
Now as I am writing this, the stutter is still here with me. Akala ng iba, wala. Na baka gawa-gawa ko lang. Others assume na I have outgrown it. Some would even motivate me by asking me to shrug it off, saying it's just all in my head. But no. Me and my stutter co-exist and it will never go away. It's here to stay. Forevs.
But what's important is the now, di ba? And here we are, looking back to memories of being a #scholar, not focusing on our so-called tragic flaws that at some point in our lives made us feel less of a person.
Hmmm. On a lighter note, kelan kaya ako ulit magiging scholar? Lord, baka naman po... 😉 ❤
Online Survey: Did you know that the average company spends 7.5% of its revenue on marketing? If your business is gonna be devoting such a sizable expense to marketing, then you want to make sure that it’s effective. This means knowing your audience. An online survey is a great way to gain valuable information on your potential clientele.
But which type is right for your business or…
Interviews Online: ready-made and customized training for job interviews & mock interviews. We also conduct online job interviews with industry veterans.
Interviews Online: ready-made and customized training for job interviews & mock interviews. We also conduct online job interviews with industry veterans.
