[NEWS-ENG TRANS] FNC artistes, why only release self-produced songs in Japan?

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(Disclaimer: The following article does not reflect the opinions of the translators, and so they do not take any responsibility for the content in the following article.)

Photo: Star Today

Apart from the bonus track, Juniel's 1st regular album release in Japan is entirely made up of self-produced songs. Juniel, CNBLUE and FTISLAND are all artistes belonging to FNC Entertainment.

The purpose of the two bands, CNBLUE and FTISLAND, is to employ self-produced songs as their spindle for activities in Japan. Additionally, CNBLUE, which has debuted for 3 years, only recently released「I'm Sorry」, an album which has this self-produced song as the title. But FTISLAND, up till now, is still promoting and singing songs made by nationally famous composers. Despite this, they are not artistes who have no composing ability, so why is there such a situation?

Firstly, the Japan and local music markets differ from that which is widely accepted- that is the biggest reason. Japan's solo and mainstream (demand) are clearly defined. Whether it is to do solo activities or prioritizing on the mainstream, the processes are all very common. In Japan, the main idea for solo activities, especially for bands, is to make use of club performances to personally interact both ways with fans, the most straightforward approach. At the first live performance, they have to gradually expand their small fanbase, which they meet for the first time, and then interact and get close to the fans. In this way, they can attract fans with the reality of their music: This is what they need to do first. Personally performing in front of the fans only can be a little embarrassing or awkward, but they only need to rely on passion, and that can melt down the fans thoroughly.

In reality, this is one of the ways how Japan popularizes. Compared to the perfect group dances and vocal ability of K-pop artistes, this is why AKB48, which is likened to the standard of an elementary school talent show, would lose its popularity. The Japanese AKB48, instead of the perfect song or dance, appeals more to the audience's attention with their serious and hardworking image.

On the other hand, even if (Korean stars) are rookies, they will meticulously produce songs; never settling for less than a perfect stage.

When self-produced songs pale in comparison to ready-made songs by professional composers, being eliminated early on is an unavoidable situation, provided the judgement is fair.

What the majority accepts is vastly different. In reality, FTISLAND used distinctive rhythms and fast-paced self-produced songs like「Let It Go」and「Neverland」to dominate the Japanese song market.

J-Rock, in the ears of the Japanese majority, is very familiar. From the 90s' X-JAPAN and other mega-stars, this convergence has already become the norm. But to the local majority, this style is naturally unfamiliar. More or less, some semblance of back-datedness is also the truth.

After all, to be able to showcase a more mature musical stance in Korea, as the trend accurately points out, the method to survival is to completely ingest the ability to compose. Composer Kim Do Hoon, who has tailored trendy and popular hits for FTISLAND and CNBLUE, also abides by this similar reason.

In actuality, as aforementioned, apart from CNBLUE's recent new song, these three groups of people have yet to embark on activities for their self-produced songs. So their company uses the same publicity method, allowing the public to recognize that they are ever-hardworking. This is one obstacle which an artiste needs to overcome in order to attain growth.


ORIGINAL URL: http://star.mk.co.kr/v2/view.php?no=171245&year=2013&twit=y
CHINESE TRANSLATIONS BY @ChoiPuha

[HD SCANS＋DL LINK] 2013 Golden Disk Awards - hot magazine (Issue 212)

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[ENG TRANS] FTISLAND Members' Choice - 2012 Best-5 Ranking

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☆SEUNGHYUN☆

BEST: Daniel 
Because it's my first time challenging (the musical), I really needed a lot of hard work to do well and let myself leave behind no regrets. My heart was full of these sort of thoughts: Even if I'm alone, I can also accomplish something. They were thoughts like this.

2nd BEST: Arena Tour Performance
To be able to complete an FTISLAND solo performance in front of so many fans, I was really very touched. After today too, I hope to seek your anticipation.

3rd BEST: Car
It's my first time changing my car. Because it's the first time I used my own money to change my car, I am very emotional. From today onwards, I plan to use it properly. (Note: The original text wrote "ride" wrongly, and it feels weird to translate it as "ride".)

4th BEST: Moving house
Because of this move, I got my own room, a space belonging to myself, so I'm very happy.

5th BEST: Minari's musical stage
To Minhwan, whose solo activities only included rest, it was a really good chance. As his friend, I also felt really excited.

☆JAEJIN☆

BEST: Arena Tour Performance
Because it was a performance where we ourselves came up with a lot of ideas, every moment was strongly embedded in my mind.

2nd BEST: Seunghyun's musical stage
I discovered a new side to Seunghyun. His hardworking side made me feel really touched.

3rd BEST: Composing「Beloved 」
Whether it's to myself per se, or to many other people out there, it's a very meaningful song. But I don't have any way to let a lot of people know about this song, and that makes me feel that it's a little wasteful.

4th BEST: Mother's Hernia surgery 
Because my mother's waist condition is not too good, so as a birthday present, I treated her to surgery.

5th BEST: Moving house
We moved to an even better place, where we have many more chances to meet friends and also compose.

☆MINHWAN☆

BEST: Saitama Super Arena
It was a passionate live performance, to the extent it even made our leader cry.

2nd BEST: (Numerous) activities
In Korea's singing programme, we got the first place for the first time in 2012.

3rd BEST: My birthday
If we count in Japan terms, I've reached 20 years of age. All the members are now adults.

4th BEST: Musical performance (Gwanghwamun Sonata)
I challenged the musical stage with a brand new challenger-spirit and created many lovely memories.

5th BEST: Moving house
Because we moved house, in my dormitory life, it's the first time I have my own room.

☆HONGKI☆

BEST: America performance
We performed together with CNBLUE. It was also our first time performing in America, so at that time, I was really nervous.

2nd BEST: Puppies
Because we moved house, so I adopted three puppies. They're very cute

3rd BEST: Arena Tour Performance
Up till this point, this is the largest scale of all the concerts we have ever held before. I really thank all the fans.

4th BEST: Movie
It's my firs movie. Although at the moment, we are still in the process of filming, I reallu can't wait and hope for it to be screened.

5th BEST: Composing and writing songs
In Korea, within the 4th regular album we released, there are two songs recorded of which I wrote the lyrics. Next, I want to take up the challenge of composing.

☆JONGHUN☆

BEST: Saitama Super Arena
While emceeing, I cried emotional tears.

2nd BEST: Japan's second album
It's an extremely meaningful album. Recorded in it were my self-composed songs, and the uniqueness of the songs were adequately highlighted.

3rd BEST: Korea's 4th regular album
There were many of our own songs recorded in it, and it's a regular album which was released after a very long hiatus. So there was an even deeper meaning to it.

4th BEST: Moving house
Because we moved house, all the environment around us changed too. Apart from learning, every other thing also requires even more concentration.

5th BEST: Exercising
Through exercising, I wanted to give everyone a view of my manliness. Apart from that, I am more mindful of issues concerning health.


ORIGINAL FROM PRIMADONNA JAPAN WEB
ORIGINAL CHINESE TRANSLATIONS BY @ejinhyun

[新聞中譯] 121108 FNC韓勝浩代表對FTISLAND的意見

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FTISLAND已經成為了亞洲頂尖韓流團體，2007年‘愛情病’出道並做出了許多主打歌 例如‘雷’、‘譃愛’、‘愛愛愛’、‘狠狠地’、‘我希望’、等等。

我遇見了FNC ENTERTAINMENT韓勝皓代表而他在以愛逗舞團為主的K-POP行業推入了新種愛逗樂團並製造了目前韓流前鋒的FTISLAND。我向他聽取了他們的過去、現在與未來。

“當時我從日本出差回來並看到年輕孩子們在那裡以樂團受到愛戴 然後就可以帶領樂團音樂。我就想了想，為什麼我們沒（樂團文化）？就如別人因為從小熱愛舞蹈而成為舞蹈演唱者，我一邊製造了FTISLAND一邊想讓喜歡樂器的孩子成為一個樂團。我不知道當時是不是不知道恐懼的意思，不過我有信心他們會是“100％成功”，所以我都沒去考慮到失敗。”

就如他的信心，FTISLAND出道時獲得了爆炸性的愛戴並在種種音樂節目上以出道主打“愛情病”三連星期獲得第一名。當然，新人獎都歸他們了。不過那期間只是暫時的。FTISLAND跟他們的不幸 渡過了很大很危險的時期。

想著這一切，他說“以首張專輯獲得大發真的很難 不過他們連續以‘愛情病’跟‘雷’做得很棒。然後因為第二專輯的軟弱回應，他們提早完成了活動並準備拍戲。但因為戲突然被取消，出現了無活動的空期。然後有位成員離開了而FTISLAND經歷了最艱難的時期。”

因為強大的艱難，FTISLAND在挫折後的回歸讓韓勝浩代表非常感動。

“一直想說他們如果不在亞洲站上前鋒他們就會無法生存，我們一直嘗試在海外出道而成果就是在韓國因為‘愛愛愛’再次獲得第一名，在日本ORICON排行榜第一名，還有武道館演唱會真的感動到我許多。我深深相信他們會做得很好但是看到事情都發生在我的眼前真的很刺激。”

他們確實是最頂級的韓流樂團不過因為FTISLAND是以愛逗樂團形象而出道，他們必須承受許多懷疑他們彈奏樂器的批評。關於這點，韓代表說，“其實有很多批評者說‘他們不會玩樂器’不過他們沒想過其實FTISLAND的技術退步了”還有“一位著名日本藝人曾在第一、二專輯預錄時稱讚過敏煥說‘他具有在任何國家成為最頂級（鼓手）的潛能’。”

接著“雖然現在誤解都沒了，但是以前的放送狀況就是只能讓樂團hand-sync演奏，觀眾對FTISLAND顯示了這門問題”還有“自然的，我認為在韓國建起一個樂團，他們必須穿著觀感衣裳而生活。我常常對他們說他們必須接受與享受它。他們在即將的未來裡會得到該屬的排名的。就因為如此，成員們在錄音時會自己彈奏樂器雖然沒人認得他們。”

是不是因為這個？人們對FTISLAND的態度正在改變。不像當初的批評偏見，他們對於FTISLAND演奏技術卓越進步表示了驚訝的反應。

“（經過了）許多演唱會跟錄音，我認為他們只能進步是一定的因為他們努力地練習。那沒有快捷方法也沒有回頭路。他們當然在韓國，也在亞洲有了許多發展 然後技術也就在當兒進步了許多。所以我們必須感謝有了很多觀感。如果他們無人氣，一年辦一次演唱會都會是難事。”

雖然他對列名為“壞蛋的第一個兒子”的FTISLAND給予許多愛，FTISLAND飯對韓代表表示失望 因為對後輩團體CNBLUE的不同待遇。

對於這點，他說“因為他們是公司的第一（藝人），一定只能出了很多差錯。我們才不過把FTISLAND那裡不足的給補貼在（CNBLUE）的活動裡不過我覺得飯們誤會了”並且加倍解釋說“不像其他藝人，FTISLAND想要更加自由 所以我們讓他們自己計畫自己的演唱會。不過如果有不足的地方，飯們就認為‘公司對他們不夠周到’。”

既然他經歷了那麼多以為了製造成功的韓流樂團FTISLAND，他對他們的目標想必也會很大吧。不過當我問起FTISLAND目標是什麼，韓勝浩意外地回答說“我要他們玩音樂玩得長長久久。”

“因為他們是我製作的第一個樂團，所以我認為如果他們用FTISLAND這個名字辦活動得很久很久，我會非常感恩。如果他們努力用功，不像舞蹈團，樂團可以繼續表演下去。所以即使他們在未來決定辦個人活動，我希望他們能繼續以FTISLAND辦活動。”


▶FTISLAND在韓勝浩代表眼力“意外的魅力

關於李洪基> “他非常喜愛小孩子。坦白說這是很意外的。因為他人很好動、很自在，我還以為他會覺得小孩子很煩人 但是我錯了。他常常對我抱怨 但是陪同我孩子玩耍的就是洪基。當我目睹他與我孩子玩耍時，我想到“他很善良，又擁有了跟孩子一般見識必須擁有的自在與善良”。”

關於崔鐘訓> “他的人很溫順而裝著很多眼淚。當大家挨罵時，都會是鐘訓在哭。如果我在罵人，如果看到鐘訓哭泣，即使我還有話想駡，他會讓我想要盡快結束。”

關於李在真> “飯們都知道 不過他對於工作與娛樂分的界限很清楚 也知道在任何場合怎麼去面對。雖然他看上去是很聽話的，但是讓人意外的是他會把心裡想說的話都說出來。我一直把他看成是幼小男孩但是有時會想說“他也變成男人了”。”


關於崔敏煥> “因為是忙內的關係 大家都似乎認為他很會撒嬌 但是他是最安靜穩重的一位。他會安安靜靜地守好自己的位置。真的沒很多像忙內的特徵。敏煥往後交女朋友時，可能我會因為他的態度改變而被嚇着吧？”

關於宋承炫> “我認為他是FTISLAND之中製造氣氛的那位。他善於交朋友。可能因為他是新成員 所以辛苦了他了，不過我認為他承擔得不錯。他是很單純很好的孩子。”

韓英翻譯： @FTIslandFacts

中英翻譯： @jh_ly
Original English translations: http://www.twitlonger.com/show/jv3ucb

[ENG TRANS] FTISLAND《FIVE TREASURE BOX》Exclusive Interviews for Warner Music Taiwan

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PART ONE

All: Hello everyone, we are FTISLAND.

HK: I am Lee Hongki.

JH: I am Choi Jonghun. 

JJ: I am Lee Jaejin.

MH: I am Choi Minhwan.

SH: I am Song Seunghyun.

Q: What is the reason for this album to be named《FIVE TREASURE BOX》?

MH:《FIVE TREASURE BOX》is the name of FTISLAND's fourth album. In it, we have recorded many songs which we wrote and composed, like it's filled with many of our most precious treasures. So we have named it 《FIVE TREASURE BOX》

Q: Which songs in 《FIVE TREASURE BOX》did FTISLAND participate in creating?

SH: Minhwan and I worked on COMPASS's composition together. That song's feel is a bit sad. And there's also WANNA GO, right? Yes, there's also WANNA GO: That's a song that we created while recalling the innocent memories of high school.
JJ: The rhythm is very light-hearted, right?
SH: Yes, the rhythm is very light-hearted. It is also a song written while thinking about us FTISLAND running and jumping around on stage while having fun together with the fans. So the feeling is that this song is even more meaningful.
JJ: My composition piece is PAPER PLANE. There is the message of hope in it; I hope everyone will like it.
JH: The pieces I created are LIFE, LET IT GO and U. For LET IT GO, it's a rock-style song. The rhythm is also faster. The lyrics which I wrote are hoping that everyone will forget the past, a meaning of wanting to work together towards moving forward. LIFE was written by Hongki. What were the contents talking about?
HK: LIFE is talking about issues regarding life.
JH: Our career, life, LIFE.
HK: Don't hold on to the past.

Q: FTISLAND finally has many female hoobaes. How does it feel becoming elder brothers?

JJ: Of course we like it.
JH: Firstly, there are new members joining into our family. We feel very happy, feel that we want to take care of them, love them. But there isn't much time, so we can't interact often,  and get to know each other. I hope we can quickly (establish a relationship).
HK: The interaction you're talking about is...?
JH: I meant being able to chat.
HK: Ah~ Chat...
JH: I hope we can quickly become familiar with them, and establish sunbae-hoobae relations.

(Subbed by sifapri4fti @ Twitter; harta karun @ YT)

PART TWO

All: Hello everyone, we are FTISLAND.

HK: I am Lee Hongki.

JH: I am Choi Jonghun. 

JJ: I am Lee Jaejin.

MH: I am Choi Minhwan.

SH: I am Song Seunghyun.

Q: Who in FTISLAND takes care of the female hoobaes most?

JJ/SH/MH: Jonghun hyung, Jonghun hyung.
HK: To the female hoobaes? Jonghun, he ...
JJ: Really dotes on the female hoobaes.
HK: He hopes to not only be of a sunbae-hoobae relationship, but also wants to be friends with them.
JH: No, no, there’s no such thing.

Q: Amongst FTISLAND, who is the most popular amongst the female hoobaes?

HK: Me.
JH: That’s not true.
HK: I’m number one for the popularity vote.
JH: There’s no such thing.
HK: Is too! Is too, right?
JJ: When was it conducted?
HK: Previously, we did have a vote before.
JJ: It was only between us two, right?
JH: Haha, only between the two of you.
HK: No, there was a time we had a vote together with CNBLUE too. The result was that I’m first and Yonghwa second.
JJ: Aye~ That’s not accurate.
JH: Anyway, believe it or not, it’s up to everyone’s judgment.
HK: Jaejin-gun didn’t even have one vote.
JH: Not accurate. Let’s all vote again to confirm.

Q: Since FTISLAND is so busy, who’s the one taking care of the puppies PRI and MADONNA?

HK: When we go out to work, the puppies’ lunch are taken care of by my mother. Actually, I will accede to their timings and be at home for their breakfast and dinners. So when I go out or come home, I will clean up their wastes and then play with them. If I meet a situation when I need to do recordings overnight, I will bring them along to work.

Q: During the photoshoot for this album cover, you also brought your dogs along. Were there any interesting things that happened?

HK: They were super disobedient.
JH: Because the dogs are still young.
HK: Yes, because they are still young, so they are disobedient. I even used food to attract their attention. If only they would obediently look at the cameras, it would be good. But they wouldn’t look; they just ran all over the place. I could only use food to attract them before a decent shot could be taken.

Q: In the I WISH MV, everyone of FTISLAND had a love scene with the female lead. Did anything interesting happen in the midst of shooting?

HK: It would have been really nice if we had one female lead for each one of us.
JH: Yes, that was a pity. And then, Minhwan-gun’s expression was too much.
HK: Did you ask the production team before?
JH: Minhwan-gun’s expression was really too much.
MH: How did you know? You didn’t even see it.
JH: It was you yourself who said it. Say it yourself.
JJ: Why did you look “too much”?
MH: Because during acting, my face was very close to the female lead’s. Therefore the corner of my mouth kept shaking. It kept shaking here like this. The distance between us was too close, so I was like this. It made me very awkward.
JJ: It was very embarrassing.
HK: But Jonghun-gun acted really well. Are you privately like that?
JH: It was only exchanging of eye contact.
SH: But, you aren’t texting the female lead, right?
JH: What are you saying?

Q: Hongki has taken over the MC for a music programme. How are your feelings?

HK: Because I’ve always liked being an MC, so when I heard that I was going to be M Countdown’s MC, I felt nervous and unsettled? A feeling like I want to jump up. After a gap of three years, I received the job of an MC again, and it makes me feel that it’s interesting, and I’m happy.

(Subbed by sifapri4fti @ Twitter; harta karun @ YT)

PART THREE

All: Hello everyone, we are FTISLAND.

HK: I am Lee Hongki.

JH: I am Choi Jonghun. 

JJ: I am Lee Jaejin.

MH: I am Choi Minhwan.

SH: Song Seunghyun.

Q: Seunghyun participated in the musical, JACK THE RIPPER; what did you gain from there? 

HK: Hmm, is there?
SH: The greatest gain I got was self-confidence.
HK: Please stop gaining self-confidence!
SH: I gained self-confidence from it. Although I don't know whether there's any evidence, but I can believe in myself. Relying on this to hold on is a good thing. Right now, we're left with the Japanese performances. I hope that the remaining performances can end smoothly and that I can present a most charming side to the audience.
HK: Seunghyun-gun.
SH: Yes?
HK: Didn't you say you achieved self-confidence?
SH: Yes.
HK: Then what was it that happened during the Chuseok special?

Q: FTISLAND has debuted for five years. What are the new challenges which each one of you wishes to face in your career?

HK: I want to become a Rocker who has our band's colour.
JH: I want to practice composing more, and I want to create our title song.
HK: Jaejin-gun?
JJ: I want to practice writing and composing too. I hope we can create an album which comprises of entirely our works only.
HK: Minhwan?
MH: For me...
HK: You want to rest, right?
MH: I hope that I can earn more money. I also want to try more of composition and writing, to be recorded into our album, creating music which belongs to the five of us.

Q: What plans does FTISLAND have for the second half of 2012? 

HK: The second half of 2012 should be centered around concerts. It could be the Asia Tour or the Korean concert. Right now, we're actually carrying on with promotional activities with the title song, I WISH.

Q: Are there any special memories or stories of when the FTISLAND members were 17 years old?

HK: At that time, we were trainees, right?
JH: Right. All of our memories at 17 years old are all related to being a trainee.
JJ: I debuted when I was 17, so I have a deep impression of my memories of being 17.
HK: The TV programme! The one we filmed at 17 before we debuted. At that time, I felt very nervous and unsettled. When we debuted, Jaejin-gun was just nice, 17 years old. At that time, he was really popular.
JJ: The program you're talking about is "Wanna Be My Girlfriend?"
HK: That's right. Then, Minhwan at 17 years old was not really attention-grabbing.
JJ: Right.
HK: Right. He was less attention-grabbing in the eyes of the audience. Seunghyun-gun, when you were 17 years old, you saw us on the television before, right?
SH: I did.
HK: That's right.
JH: Everyone's memories are different: There's excitement, there's nervousness, and ...
HK: Disappointment, obstacles...
JH: Disappointment. And as the audience ...
SH: I am the audience. I am the viewpoint of the ordinary audience.

Q: What were the dreams of the FTISLAND members at 17 years old? 

HK: For me, it's the same as my dream now, to live for music.
MH: Dreams don't change with age. So it's the same.
HK: It'll still change, I guess?
JJ: If it changes, it wouldn't count as a dream, right?
JH: We were working hard to be trainees when we were 17 years old. And our dreams are all the same. Because we really wanted to create a band, so we kept moving towards this dream.

(Subbed by sifapri4fti @ Twitter; harta karun @ YT)

ORIGINAL CHINESE TRANSLATIONS VIA WARNER MUSIC TAIWAN
VIDEOS SUBBED BY @SIFAPRI4FTI 


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[NEWS - ENG TRANS] 120907 FTISLAND: "Dating experience? Have dated top singers, and also non-celebrities"

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DEFINITELY WILL NOT DATE THE SAME GIRL

-- Do you all drink often?

JJ: Yes. Even if we each have appointments and go out, we would eventually call all the members and drink together. Everyone treats drinking as something fun.

-- When drinking, there should have been many interesting things!

JH: Seunghyun once drank until he was taken to the emergency room. After the performance, when we were having our meals, he didn't bother to eat properly and just kept drinking. There was an interview the next day; Seunghyun opened his eyes and found that his body was immobile. We later found out it was severe dehydration. Our maknae Minhwan only needs to drink and then become very touched by what the hyungs say, often crying. One of our members threw up at the front of the bathroom while in the midst of drinking together with Japanese rock band friends; both the Japanese and Korean bands took towels and started mopping the floor, it was really funny.

-- In Japan, who's the most popular member?

(All members point to Jaejin)
JJ: I have never met with celebrities. Although I've dated non-celebrities, we'll definitely not go into a relationship.

-- Which member has the most dating experience?

(Hongki raises his hand on his own, the other members point to him and Jonghun)
HK: There were quite a few instances when I dated for a short period, even with a few famous celebrities, but because we're very busy and have a lot of overseas activities, (the relationship) is impossible to withstand for long. I'm recently into games and don't have time to date; Jonghun and I are nearly equally as experienced but have not been discovered and it's all smooth.

-- Amongst the group, there ought to have been instances of reconciliation with ex-girlfriends?

JJ: No, we definitely don't reconcile. At the start of a relationship (if there is one), the members will share it out amongst us, and our band has a few rules: "Don't reconcile with girls" and "Don't get our parents involved with matters regarding work". Till date, we are still abiding by these rules.


CNBLUE: BECAUSE OF THE FEAR OF RUMOURS, THEY ONLY STAY AT HOME

-- How are your relations with company junior CNBLUE? Although they're your juniors, they are older.

HK: Because Yong Hwa and I are friends, so we go by age. Seunghyun nearly became a member of CNBLUE, so we are all friends. Instead of saying we have a senior-junior relationship, we should say it's that of working partners.

-- When FTISLAND left their seats, CNBLUE debuted; some people guessed whether there would be contradictions between the two bands. 

HK: We won't. We're very happy that CNBLUE has progressed well. But because we were the company's first group of singers, there were many repeated experiments. CNBLUE was the second group, so the company was more thoughtful. Seeing this, I felt disappointed towards the company. Moon Hee Jun and Tony Ahn hyungs said, "We were also SM's first idol group; it's always the first group which will experience helpless memories."

-- Everyone should have heard of CNBLUE's music; how would you all rate them as people? 

JH: They were afraid of us during our first and second years after debuting because of rumours. At fist, we thought, "Why would inexistent issues appear?" They were really very afraid, so they didn't dare to leave the house.


WE ARE A ROCK BAND

-- Even now, there are cynical articles asking whether you are a rock band. 

JJ: Because we are not a band which was formed by ourselves but our company, so there were criticisms which help us to grow. Of course, we'd get upset over these types of words, but our progress is a reality. So those people who say these sort of things, I hope that you can come to our live performances and look for yourselves.

-- What is your dream now? 

HK: Now, it's time to create a route which belongs to us. Before, we would wish for the first position, or hoping that the album sales would reach a certain quota. ONE OK ROCK, a rock band with whom I'm close to, told me, "We didn't know that you started off with an idol image; we thought you started off as an independent band, listening to your music. You've an idol image, you're doing music well; could it be possible for you to walk down a new path whereby you can do both?" and I felt that it expressed everything rightly. To combine the benefits of being an idol and a musician, paving a new road - this will be our new mission.

We've already had quite a few feasts with FTISLAND. Topics about games and clubs are mentioned appropriately during discussions with twenty-something, joking youths, but once we talk about music, their eyes become different. Having fully experienced sweet sorrow after climbing to the top of the popularity chart, the 5 youths of FTISLAND are filled with strong ambition. "We are stagnated at being idols who say whatever and do whatever." Because of Hongki's words, the members unanimously nodded their heads. "Before uploading cynical articles, please come and see us at our concerts". We're casting a vote for the words of FTISLAND!

ORIGINAL CHINESE TRANSLATIONS BY bag

ORIGINAL SOURCE: Nikkan Sports

URL LINK: http://blog.xuite.net/bag2828/blog/63083369

[NEWS - ENG TRANS] 120906 FTISLAND: The pain of growing up, and now

PLEASE TAKE OUT WITH FULL CREDITS, INCLUDING TRANSLATORS. THANK YOU ^^

This is the 5th year of debut for music band FTISLAND. Many things have happened in this time which is neither short nor long, causing them to grow up bit by bit. The experiences which they have accumulated are another story.

FTISLAND, who met with reporters for an interview with a relaxing attitude on 5th September, held concerts on 1st and 2nd September at the Seoul Olympic Hall, of which their voice is still ringing in our ears. The venue was packed with 7000 fans, and the members revealed, "There were so many fans who came from Denmark, Spain, Italy, France, Japan and other overseas fans; we were shocked."

The Asia Tour, which was held before this, had even better returns. In Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hongkong, Singapore and Japan, concerts were held with 40,000 fans. During March this year, they also went to Los Angeles and held a concert together with their junior band CNBLUE at the Nokia Live Centre, drawing a crowd of 5000 fans. Member Song Seunghyun revealed, "Everytime we do a concert, it feels like we've moved up a step higher."

Looking back, FTISLAND took a road far from ordinary: Setting off as a Flower Boy Band in June 2007, they immediately received attention from 10 generations of fans. Their songs also emerged at the top charts, becoming a group which led a lot of fans.

FTISLAND, which had let the public anticipate an interesting life, suddenly disappeared in their second year. In April 2008, there would be the occasional news from exchange students that FTISLAND was spotted at Japan's Tokyo subway stations. The news said that they carried their guitars and drumsticks and shuttled to and fro at a strange place.

"At that time, there was nearly no K-pop or Hallyu wave in Japan. So we went there with the mentality of being on exchange, starting a then-tough life there. We really started living from the bottom, a period where we couldn't even take a taxi without feeling guilty." (Choi Jonghun)

In order to experience the lifestyle of an underground band, they bravely set out, but the journey was not as easy as expected; there were some times when they missed the fans' screams in Korea. They had a few performances at clubs in Tokyo together with Japanese underground bands. At that time, the biggest audience only consisted of about 40 people. Choi Jonghun said, "We had a lot of issues with the language barrier, and member Lee Hongki had very serious homesickness."

Choi Minhwan recalled, "At that time, we were all very young, our performance was also not very good", "Additionally, people were suspicious of us; we were full of bitterness inside." But with every loss comes a gain: They received help from a staff member from their Korean management agency, directly experienced how to record locally. Adding in the sounds of their instruments, slowly understanding the musical interest of a band, they also later released underground singles in Japan.

6 months later, when they returned to Korea again, the music stage had a lot of changes. At the period when they were supposed to concentrate, the cost of being distracted came high: many fans left easily. In 2009, the result of their Korean activities was not smooth. Song Seunghyun stated, "We thought that we could only spend our days in the dormitory as useless people." He later added, "But the more it was like this, the stronger, the better the members' relationships became."

The chance to rebound came from Japan: In 2010, they received an invitation from Warner Music Japan to sign a contract. After discussion, some local personnel felt that returning to the local scene for activities would be better, and they have since released more than 10 CDs. Last year, for the first time, they received the first place for Japanese Oricon charts. Member Lee Jaejin said, "In the midst of our Japanese performance, there was suddenly commotion amongst the staff members; that was when we felt that something happened and then realised it was the news that we were number one." He added, "Although we also cried, the fans who have stood by us since our underground-band days cried even harder." It is now that they can frequently use the Oricon music chart's first position as a benchmark.

Another stronghold for FTISLAND is the sudden, unexpected Hallyu wave of fans from places like Europe. "Please think about it: Isn't the source of bands Europe? Don't you find it marvelous to find our fans at such a place where many great bands exist?" (Choi Jonghun)

They, full of confidence and passion, will soon embark on their Korean activities. After holding a lively Korean concert, they are expected to release, in this month, their 4th regular album after a 3-year break. The album is recorded with 10 songs, out of which half are their self-written songs. All the song are performed by themselves personally. Choi Jonghun composed U and LIFE with a modern style; Choi Minhwan and Song Seunghyun composed the rock style WANNA GO and the acoustic COMPASS.

Member Choi Minhwan expressed, "You'll see FTISLAND with more rock, and a side which is more free." and added, "I hope that we will lend a hand to the Hallyu wave, to become a band which can remembered as being able to achieve anything on our own."

ORIGINAL CHINESE TRANSLATIONS BY @lindy826

ORIGINAL SOURCE: Kyunghyang Shinmun

URL LINK: http://blog.xuite.net/lindy826/blog/63105363

[NEWS - ENG TRANS] 120905 FTISLAND opens their "FIVE TREASURE BOX" of charms

PLEASE TAKE OUT WITH FULL CREDITS, INCLUDING TRANSLATORS. THANK YOU ^^

All the members participated in writing and composing... There are punk, modern and many different colours; all of which are quickly altering the music world... Standing on the stage where they want everyone to listen and presenting what they want everyone to see

Rock band FTISLAND has returned. After concluding their fourth mini album "Severely" activities, it's been 6 months; and this time, they present their album, the fourth regular album, "FIVE TREASURE BOX", which is packed with 10 songs, showcasing a different side of FTISLAND, different from 3 years before.

FTISLAND, whom we recently met, had a solo concert, TAKE FTISLAND on 1st and 2nd September at the Seoul Olympic Hall, meeting with more than 8000 fans, and their emotions from there seem to not have been reduced. Although this is a group which has debuted for 6 years, FTISLAND said "Before releasing a new album or song, we would be as nervous and excited as newcomers". Let's take a look at what is in their "Treasure Boxes".

"During the concert, we released a little of the new hit song, only releasing the chorus part. Everyone should be thinking that this is an exciting song, but it's not, they can expect the opposite." (Lee Hongki)

During these activities, FTISLAND should be hoping to get the first place for hit song "I Wish". This song starts off with the acoustic guitar as the focus, then a melody which builds up the energy as we progress to the chorus. It is the work of "Hit Song Producer" composer Kim Do Hoon; just this point alone drove up the anticipation of the fans, but FTISLAND, which brought along their regular album, also demonstrated their work, which are the self-written songs infused with the members' individual charms.

"FIVE TREASURE BOX refers to the 5 members, and at the same time, includes 5 self-written songs; the album being named as such brings with it a desire to let everyone listen to songs as precious and eye-catching as treasures." (Choi Minhwan)

"The members' written works are known by many Japanese fans, but in Korea, we didn't let everyone know. We want to let Korean fans feel that, 'FTISLAND can sing these kind of songs?'." (Lee Jaejin)

FIVE TREASURE BOX includes 5 songs which were released and altered from their Japanese activities. FTISLAND unanimously relayed that "We want to let Korean fans listen to the songs we let Japanese fans listen to."

"The atmosphere of listening to songs in Japan and Korea is slightly different; there are a lot of songs which only allowing a certain group of people to listen to is wasteful. We are very confident in the recorded self-written songs in FIVE TREASURE BOX, that's the reason why we're even more happy with this album." (Song Seunghyun)

Together with Lee Hongki's lyrics in STAY WITH ME, Lee Jaejin-written PAPER PLANE and WANNA GO's lyrics; and Choi Jonghun-composed LET IT GO! were recorded in this album. Lee Hongki, Choi Minhwan and Song Seunghyun respectively wrote and composed COMPASS; Lee Hongki and Choi Jonghun wrote and composed LIFE, which were also recorded in it; Punk, Modern, Acoustic and many other types, stretching the boundaries of music, a theme of a journey for the sake searching for the meaning of life and in the midst of everyday life, reminiscing a girl's ever-existing love.

"In reality, the recent music market has changed a lot, I feel it is regretful. Even where activities are concerned, 3 or 4 weeks is not considered a long time. Even if you're number one on the music charts, it's only a matter of that instant. This is a well-prepared album... Towards the quickly-evolving music market, I sometimes feel very dejected." (Choi Jonghun)

Even on the eve of presenting an album which is more well-loved than any other time, the members' excited feelings also have a bitter side. FTISLAND, which estimates promoting for 6 or 7 weeks, just wants to have more interaction with fans.

"No matter how the market changes or how the world changes, we don't want to be swept away. We only want to sing songs for everyone to listen to, stand on the stage to present; This is the direction FTISLAND wants to go, it's a dream." (Lee Hongki)

Just like what Lee Hongki said, FTISLAND, to meet the areas of expectations of fans, are in the midst of working hard for performances. Because of Japan, Hongkong, Singapore, etc and European countries, even extending to America's global attention, they have become busier physically and psychologically. FTISLAND, which has "spearheaded musical exchange" in Japan where the band culture is more ingrained than in Korea, recalled their recent concert in America with CNBLUE, saying "It was really a new venture".

"Although we've done album promotions in other countries, in comparison to Korea or Japan, it's an insignificant standard. But when we see people who like us, I feel very shocked." (Choi Minhwan)

"Before going to America, I felt very vexed. I read Yoon Do Hyun senior's book saying that at when doing a performance at an American celebration, if they don't hear a popular song but a song of another language, hamburgers or beers will fly (to the stage). In my heart, I was thinking, there must be half of the people there who know and another half who didn't know who we were. Thankfully, the performance atmosphere was good, the response was also warm, the female fans were especially passionate. (laughs)" (Lee Jaejin)

FTISLAND, who recalled their American performance, changed the topic because of PSY's GANGNAM STYLE, which swept a wave of craze recently across New York, LA, New Jersey and other parts of America. Up till now, K-pop and the Hallyu wave is still at the stage of experiencing the foreign American atmosphere; how huge the response to GANGNAM STYLE is from America will show its influence.

"I feel that PSY senior's GANGNAM STYLE is a chance to showcase the faces of Korea's music industry, to let the world focus on this country, Korea, to be concerned about our culture, not just the passion of fans towards K-pop; the phenomenon of the ordinary masses being passionate is really remarkable." (Choi Minhwan)

"We also want to make music like this which can inspire change. It's all because of PSY senior that the juniors can follow suit. To make people believe and follow the road we inspired, we will work even harder." (Lee Hongki)


ORIGINAL CHINESE TRANSLATIONS BY bag
ORIGINAL SOURCE: SPORTS
URL LINK: http://blog.xuite.net/bag2828/blog/63063288