U-Kiss was in the Philippines when we gave them a call, and they was in Thailand when we scored a photoshoot deal with them, and finally arrived at the studio 36 hours after returning to Korea.
U-Kiss is soaring high to be the group that reached out to all over Asia.
SOOHYUN
You performed with some artists in Bangkok, and just came back yesterday. I heard that U-KISS received great cheers.
Based on when I saw the audience's response, we're among the top 3 out of the 18 teams? As you know, Alexander hyung and Kevin are part of Arirang TV 'Pops In Seoul', which is broadcasted in 188 countries around the world. I guess, that is the reason of the well-known U-KISS.
I heard that you spent about 3 years as a trainee, (during that time) have you ever wavered a bit about your dream as a singer?
Not at all. But I've had lots of up and down moments such as moving to other company or my contract might be terminated. In fact, I almost didn't make it as U-KISS member too. U-KISS's original concept was a pretty boy idol group, but honestly, I'm not that good looking. Because if this, during audition, it was really hard for me to convince the president even though I gave all my best.
These days, I could see you showing your sense of humor through variety shows like 'Star Golden Bell' and 'God Of Cookery Expedition'. Did you get recognition because of it?
I talked a lot during my school days and my friends would laughed at it. My middle school friends thought that I will become a comedian. Because of that, I didn't feel nervous and had lots of fun while recording. I know what I'm supposed to say when it was the time for me to speak up. I feel really good when I can burst out the 'bbang' feeling to people. This is what people will look at when they watch variety shows. I feel very comfortable and enjoy it a lot because this is my personality.
In one cable channel TV, I saw you on a date with a girl, and witnessed that you treated your partner really well. Is that the real you? Or it's just for broadcasting purposes?
It's 50-50. Because we were a couple for one day, I wanted to give the best that I can during that time. Actually, girls would feel bored if they were treated nicely everyday. I know that for sure. Haha.
Among the 7 U-KISS's members, you are one of them that can legally drink alcohol. What is your alcohol tolerant?
I can drink really well. I don't really know my level of tolerant. Until I feel dizzy? I feel like dying whenever I drink until dizzy.
U-KISS is growing as the time passes by. What is your goal?
Since we are the multinational group, our goal is to become the world star. I hope that there will be an opportunity to personally work and releasing a special album with my friends. At the moment, our music has the 'idol feelings' in it, but I hope that one day, we would be recognized as musician.
KIBUM
What were you doing before today's shooting?
I was exercising at the gym. When debuting, I was given the cheerful concept but it didn't really matched with me. Because of that, I started exercising during the preparation period of 'Man Man Ha Ni'. I had a slim appearance back then, but now, I have some muscles and and a build body. But when I saw Rain sunbae, who is recently making a comeback, my muscles got shocked. (Laugh)
I saw you guys during the photoshoot session, and witnessed that there are so much hype and you guys laughed a lot too.
We do not hide anything and everything, no matter where we go. It's really hard for us to force a smile. Usually, the photographer will say 'Give me a smile' and then, one of the member will give a big 'Ha ha ha' laugh. Then, the rest of the members will follow the laugh too, because it's funny.
You are one of MBC Every1 'Bokbulbok 2' cast, is it hard to fit in with the seniors who are a lot older than you?
There were lots of worries at first. I heard lots of scary rumor for several times. But when we met, everyone treated the maknae really well. The hyungs will come to me first and called me 'Kibum-ah~' and asked for my number.
Usually, how do you spend your leisure time? Perhaps, playing computer game with your hyung (SS501's Kim Hyungjun)?
Both of us really like gaming. If we came home late after all the schedules ends, we could play games until 5 am and then, go back to work at 7am. Maybe it's an addiction.
Kim Hyungjun and Kim Kibum, do you guys have a good brotherhood since young?
Lots of people ask about that. We do not lie about the closeness of our brotherhood for the sake of broadcasting. When you were young, of course you would fight. However, at home, the two of us would never fight because we're busy with our computer. Due to our busy schedules, we could only meet for a short time to have fun. I don't see the point of fighting between brothers.
The competition between idol groups are very fierce nowadays. What is U-KISS strategy?
As you've heard, we're the 'international band' because our members come from different nationalities and speak different languages. Another thing, the relationships between our members are very good. Even during broadcasting, we're very comfortable and being frank with each other, and maybe that's what make us appeal to the public. The friendly feeling, that's what U-KISS is.
KEVIN
You were born and raised in America, who inspired to have a dream as a singer?
I was exposed to music at the very young age because there are lots of people in my house that like music. I even joined the School and Church choir. When I saw Rain sunbaenim performed in America, that's when I started to dream that 'I should be a singer'.
Because of this dream, you’ve had to leave your family in America.
I came to audition in Korea with my mother in 2006. My mother won't leave me alone since she was really worried about me, so she's living with me. My father and older sister live in America though.
I heard that the members often said that they are jealous of Kevin’s singing skills. Mind sharing you secret in singing well?
I'm still lacking a lot. I think that the best and faster way to improve is to sing your favorite songs a lot of time rather than just forcing yourself to practice.
You became a hot topic recently, thanks to your pretty appearance as a woman in 'Star King'.
I was really embarrassed at that time. I have to wear wigs and makeup, girl's inner clothes and stocking. It made me think that it's really hard being a woman. But thanks to that, my name reached the #1 spot in search ranking for the first time.
I observed you today, and I think that you are really sweet and polite. When on stage, isn't it hard to be yourselves and then transform to someone else?
I don't show my sweet look while singing intense songs. It was really awkward during practice, but I'm glad that people noticed the differences. I feel really good when hearing people said that "I have charisma (on stage)". I want to be a singer that does well in any genres, including sad songs and lively songs.
Among the 7 members, who is the member that fits you laugh's code?
The members that have the experience living in foreign country Alexander hyung and Eli? The three of us will just laughed whenever we're watching movies or drama, but the other members will ask why were we laughing when it wasn't even funny.
What kind of image do you want to show more to the public?
I want appeal to various ages. Whether I'm singing or acting, I want to hear people say "Ah, Kevin looks totally different". I need to gain more weight and exercise too.
Exactly. You’re too thin.
I'm so busy until the point where I can't gain weight. However, I'm happier that we're busier. I just want to work even if it's our rest day.
Credits: Elle Korea (Source) + canityoADORES (link) + jaymie501@ROCKETBOXX.NET (Eng Trans) + micsummer@ROCKETBOXX.NET (Eng Trans) + miru@ROCKETBOXX.NET (Eng Trans)
Posted by Kacey @ Dailykpopnews
