Cosplay superstar! >>>
Wednesday, April 08
Exclusive Interview With Nocturnal Bloodlust
“We put a different spin to various tastes and genres of music…” >>>
VAV Reveal Hidden Secrets With Webtoon Comeback “Lost In Memories”
With the extraordinary rate that Korea pumps out their musically talented artists, the fight for the top debut is a vicious cycle. One group who are willing to fight that battle are AQ Entertainment’s new boy group VAV.
VAV are under the company AQ Entertainment and are a six member group consisting of Ace (Vampire), Jacob (Vampire), Baron (Vampire), Xiao (Vampire), St.Van (Priest), Gyeo UI (Wolf Boy) and ZeHan (Vampire – also known as the Lost Member). Under the supervision of producer Quasimodo, the group are being promoted with the help of famous Korean webtoon artist Ha Il Kwon. The idea behind VAV’s concept is a modern version of “Journey To The West” with each member being represented by a strong character within the story.
Since their debut showcase on Halloween in 2015 (which attracted more than 10,000 people on stage and through Naver’s V App), VAV are ready to make their unique comeback with their second album and webtoon collaboration titled “Lost In Memories”. Although a comeback or the news of K-pop artists working on their own webtoon isn’t a new thing in its entirety, a new group such as VAV to be collaborating so early on is a new promotional direction for a rookie group.
The webtoon itself tells the story of the origins of each of the members and how they find out their untold destiny, with hidden secrets revealed throughout. This is something that has continued on from their first album “Under The Moonlight”. The new webtoon will become available every Monday and Wednesday at 7pm through VAV’s Official Facebook, which allows their international fans easier access to the unfolding story.
VAV are currently gearing up for their comeback, the concept of which has been stated will be very different from their previous debut song. Instead of the sultry vampires they portrayed they are going in a completely different direction and are hoping to perform with a powerful hip-hop stage. MCM Buzz will be conducting an interview with VAV about their upcoming comeback, so you can get involved and be sure to comment with questions you’d like to ask below.
For more information about VAV or to show your support be sure to head on over to their Official Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Weibo and YouTube channel.
TOPP DOGG "Shut The Door" In London On Their European Tour
With TOPP DOGG‘s London concert upon us MCM Buzz sent out a small team to report on the event, get some photos and even hold an exclusive interview with the 12 members P-goon, Kidoh, Gohn, Sangdo, B-joo, Hansol, Xero, Yano, Nakta, Jenissi, A-tom and Hojoon.
Arriving at The Troxy, there was already a large queue outside, predominantly teenage girls going crazy with excitement: singing, dancing and having a general good time. We were called into the venue early to prepare for our interview, and while we waited we scoped out the venue itself. We were surprised that the event was completely seated as the The Troxy is a medium-sized venue: this is definitely an event more akin to those you see for K-pop groups in Japan or for the smaller fan meetings in Korea. There was a lower floor, upper floor and upper tier but despite the seats, the fans stood throughout, singing and dancing to the music.
Interview completed, we waited for the show to begin, watching fans running to their chairs and talking to complete strangers who obviously shared the same interests. There was a nice sense of community and we can guarantee that some new friendships were made that night. As soon as the lights dimmed the hall was filled with high-pitched screams whilst a video began to play showing the handsome TOPP DOGG members touring other countries. As soon as the video finished the band members appeared on the stage to even louder screams and began to perform their first set of songs: “Open The Door” and “Follow Me“. At this point the crowd were beside themselves singing along and showing pure dedication to the group of men up on the stage.
There was a nice moment when the members introduced themselves individually and filled the hall with laughter and screams once again; their witty jokes and cuteness winning over the crowd. They decided to calm the hyperactive crowd by performing some of their chilled music – “Keep Smiling” and “Cigarette” – which had the desired effect and left fans calm and doe-eyed. This was followed by another video break where the boys were playing a game to choose teams for another game that would happen later on during the concert.
It was then time for the specialist sub-groups to show off a little bit. The rappers Jenissi, A-tom, Kidoh and Yano performed “Pretty Mo’F#cka” to the crowd’s delight, whereas the dancers of the group performed their own little piece and were joined with the rest of the members when they began to dance to Mark Ronson Ft Bruno Mars’s “Uptown Funk“. Something fans were happy to see was when the members performed their own rendition of Ellie Goulding‘s “Love Me Like You Do” which the group had teased fans with as a music video before their tour.
Having whipped the crowd into a frenzy, it was time for some games with some lucky members of the audience. Before the concert began, specialised wrist bands were given out, each with its own unique number. After calling out random numbers TOPP DOGG participated in a “Chinese Whispers”-style game but it came with a twist: instead of whispering they had to use their bodies and dance out their subject. The event caused lots of laughter and was really amusing and funny to watch. The lucky chosen fans and winners of the game were given some merchandise (bandana and signed poster) and were allowed to get a group picture with TOPP DOGG.
After the members leave the stage to change outfits and have a very well-earned rest, another video began to play and the crowd finally found out what that earlier game to decide groups was about. The teams had to enter a haunted house to retreieve an item from the heart of the building; this alone caused mass laughter once again.
When TOPP DOGG return to the stage once again they perform two more songs, one of which was “Top Dog“, a firm favourite of MCM Buzz’s. At this point the members line up and explain to the audience what they like about being in London and performing for their fans; some of their words were really heartfelt, and some were funny. It really did feel that they had a blast coming to London and performing for their UK fans. The last song before they leave the stage was “Arario” of which fans sang along to.
The sea of fans begin to chant “Encore” into the darkness of the hall, and on cue the members come out to perform two last encore songs. When they finished their songs they said their last goodbyes and genuinely look like they don’t want to leave the stage. Both fans and group members look exhausted but completely full of adrenaline and admiration, but everyone knows the show must end at some point. The lights go down, the members leave the stage, and the lights came back on to an empty space.The fans, though, were more reluctant to leave.
Attending the show was a little daunting for the team as a few of them had never been to a K-pop concert before, nor had they heard too much about TOPP DOGG beforehand. Although they had heard their music and seen their music videos they didn’t really know much more about the group than that. TOPP DOGG, though, won them over completely and left a great lasting impact on them.
MCM Buzz would like to thank TOPP DOGG and Stardom Entertainment for their invitation to attend the concert and to interview the members. We look forward to what TOPP DOGG have up their sleeves for the near future and to reporting on their growth as a must-follow K-pop group. Be sure to check out our TOPP DOGG In London photo album on the MCM Buzz Facebook page for more photos from the concert and from our exclusive interview with the members which you can read here!
Photographer: Sarah Tsang
Writers: Kay Ibrahim & Kpopkimi
TOPP DOGG “Shut The Door” In London On Their European Tour
With TOPP DOGG‘s London concert upon us MCM Buzz sent out a small team to report on the event, get some photos and even hold an exclusive interview with the 12 members P-goon, Kidoh, Gohn, Sangdo, B-joo, Hansol, Xero, Yano, Nakta, Jenissi, A-tom and Hojoon.
Arriving at The Troxy, there was already a large queue outside, predominantly teenage girls going crazy with excitement: singing, dancing and having a general good time. We were called into the venue early to prepare for our interview, and while we waited we scoped out the venue itself. We were surprised that the event was completely seated as the The Troxy is a medium-sized venue: this is definitely an event more akin to those you see for K-pop groups in Japan or for the smaller fan meetings in Korea. There was a lower floor, upper floor and upper tier but despite the seats, the fans stood throughout, singing and dancing to the music.
Interview completed, we waited for the show to begin, watching fans running to their chairs and talking to complete strangers who obviously shared the same interests. There was a nice sense of community and we can guarantee that some new friendships were made that night. As soon as the lights dimmed the hall was filled with high-pitched screams whilst a video began to play showing the handsome TOPP DOGG members touring other countries. As soon as the video finished the band members appeared on the stage to even louder screams and began to perform their first set of songs: “Open The Door” and “Follow Me“. At this point the crowd were beside themselves singing along and showing pure dedication to the group of men up on the stage.
There was a nice moment when the members introduced themselves individually and filled the hall with laughter and screams once again; their witty jokes and cuteness winning over the crowd. They decided to calm the hyperactive crowd by performing some of their chilled music – “Keep Smiling” and “Cigarette” – which had the desired effect and left fans calm and doe-eyed. This was followed by another video break where the boys were playing a game to choose teams for another game that would happen later on during the concert.
It was then time for the specialist sub-groups to show off a little bit. The rappers Jenissi, A-tom, Kidoh and Yano performed “Pretty Mo’F#cka” to the crowd’s delight, whereas the dancers of the group performed their own little piece and were joined with the rest of the members when they began to dance to Mark Ronson Ft Bruno Mars’s “Uptown Funk“. Something fans were happy to see was when the members performed their own rendition of Ellie Goulding‘s “Love Me Like You Do” which the group had teased fans with as a music video before their tour.
Having whipped the crowd into a frenzy, it was time for some games with some lucky members of the audience. Before the concert began, specialised wrist bands were given out, each with its own unique number. After calling out random numbers TOPP DOGG participated in a “Chinese Whispers”-style game but it came with a twist: instead of whispering they had to use their bodies and dance out their subject. The event caused lots of laughter and was really amusing and funny to watch. The lucky chosen fans and winners of the game were given some merchandise (bandana and signed poster) and were allowed to get a group picture with TOPP DOGG.
After the members leave the stage to change outfits and have a very well-earned rest, another video began to play and the crowd finally found out what that earlier game to decide groups was about. The teams had to enter a haunted house to retreieve an item from the heart of the building; this alone caused mass laughter once again.
When TOPP DOGG return to the stage once again they perform two more songs, one of which was “Top Dog“, a firm favourite of MCM Buzz’s. At this point the members line up and explain to the audience what they like about being in London and performing for their fans; some of their words were really heartfelt, and some were funny. It really did feel that they had a blast coming to London and performing for their UK fans. The last song before they leave the stage was “Arario” of which fans sang along to.
The sea of fans begin to chant “Encore” into the darkness of the hall, and on cue the members come out to perform two last encore songs. When they finished their songs they said their last goodbyes and genuinely look like they don’t want to leave the stage. Both fans and group members look exhausted but completely full of adrenaline and admiration, but everyone knows the show must end at some point. The lights go down, the members leave the stage, and the lights came back on to an empty space.The fans, though, were more reluctant to leave.
Attending the show was a little daunting for the team as a few of them had never been to a K-pop concert before, nor had they heard too much about TOPP DOGG beforehand. Although they had heard their music and seen their music videos they didn’t really know much more about the group than that. TOPP DOGG, though, won them over completely and left a great lasting impact on them.
MCM Buzz would like to thank TOPP DOGG and Stardom Entertainment for their invitation to attend the concert and to interview the members. We look forward to what TOPP DOGG have up their sleeves for the near future and to reporting on their growth as a must-follow K-pop group. Be sure to check out our TOPP DOGG In London photo album on the MCM Buzz Facebook page for more photos from the concert and from our exclusive interview with the members which you can read here!
Photographer: Sarah Tsang
Writers: Kay Ibrahim & Kpopkimi
Exclusive Interview: TOPP DOGG On Upcoming Albums, Fans and Brotherly Love
Plus exclusive pics too as we talk to the K-pop sensation about their new world popularity, their fans and zombies
![DSC08562[1]](http://www.mymbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/05/DSC085621-1024x575.jpg)
Exclusive Interview: VAMPS speak about their involvement with the J-rock music scene and more!
![DSC08562[1]](https://i0.wp.com/www.mcmbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC085621.jpg)
The Japanese rock scene is full of different themes and characters that fill our ears with the kind of music that is both mentally and visually stimulating. In the run up to their performance at Japan Night at the O2 in London, VAMPS invited MCM Buzz to hold an interview with them.
It was an extremely hot and humid day, but with bright smiles and lots of laughs before the interview within the very swanky and rock-a-licious offices at Universal Music, both Hyde and Kaz were pretty excited and very happy to hear some of our readers questions, and answered them with a lot of enthusiasm. So check out what VAMPS had to say below.
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Could you please explain who and what VAMPS stands for?
HYDE: VAMPS are not human, as you might know, so we have taken inspiration from vampires.
Japanese rock music has grown overseas at a fast pace. But do you feel that J-rock has reached its peak?
HYDE: The J-rock movement has only begun to promote overseas, so there is a huge area to keep growing further, and with new people and bands entering the system there is even more growth.
KAZ: I agree, I feel there will be more bands that will travel overseas, and with that the fans who left the Japanese music scene might come back to it once again, as soon as there is more activity.
![DSC08565[1]](https://i0.wp.com/www.mcmbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC085651.jpg)
Where do you feel your position is within the movement of J-rock? What do you feel you have contributed towards its growth?
HYDE: I feel we are only at the beginning as well and that this new adventure of touring with a new album is helping the growth of Japanese music. When we reach a point when we can do what we do in Japan, such as special events and live promotions, then that’s when it will become a challenge for us.
KAZ: I feel the same as Hyde, in the fact that we are just starting out, we are working as a team with other artists who are promoting overseas to get our work out there, and hope to go on from there.
You have stated that your new album “Bloodsuckers” is one of your best to date. What is it that makes you feel so passionate about this album?
HYDE: Our basis of a good album is judged on how it plays live, so when we play a live show for our fans we look at what pleases our audience and what songs get the audience pumped. But for this album, even if we thought there was a song that was good live, we always found a better song for the album. This is why we spent so long in creating the album, making it to our highest standard. This is why we think Bloodsuckers is the best yet.
Could you tell me a little bit more about the songs that are on the “Bloodsuckers” album? Which ones are your favourites?
HYDE: Yes, ‘Vampires Love’ is my choice as we shot the music video for it in London, and it’s a very humble song for me.
KAZ: I like all the songs on the album, but if I have to choose I think I’d go for ‘Zero’ as it’s very different from our usual songs, a new fresh and novel song to play. ‘Evil’ is my second choice for its aggressive and attacking sound, it sounds pretty harsh.
You have recently been promoting overseas. Is there any difference in performing in Europe, USA, and Asia? Do you have to perform differently at all?
HYDE: For me it’s not a case of Asia, Europe or USA. It’s more like Japan and not Japan. Because we haven’t played many live performances outside of Japan, I feel it’s important we show an image of VAMPS that our Japanese fans see and to express what VAMPS stands for.
KAZ: I am always so surprised at how well the overseas fans know our songs and our lyrics, and I’m happy that they know our songs and want to sing along to them when we perform. It’s very nice and humbling to hear fans making the effort. Though one thing I notice is that when we are overseas, the English parts of our songs are sung the loudest.
You have used a lot of English throughout your recent release. Do you have any troubles when trying to perform in English?
HYDE: I have always listened to English spoken music when growing up, and when I listen to it I learn and understand parts of it. But when I am performing in English I obviously need to understand it fully, so I practice hard for my performance.
Many idols receive gifts from fans. What is the most memorable item ever given to you by a fan?
HYDE: I received a music box that was signed by David Sylvian, as I am a big fan of his. The story behind it was that a fan of mine randomly bumped into him on a bullet train in Japan, and only had this item at hand so asked him to sign it so they could give it to me as a present. It was pretty cool.
KAZ: Hyde was so fast in answering! Um… fans keep giving me frog plushies and figurines after I said I was a fan of a specific character frog. I have so many now that I have no room for more, so I am thinking of opening up a frog shop!
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A big thank you to HYDE and KAZ of VAMPS, and to Miyuki and the Universal Music team. VAMPS new album “Bloodsuckers” is available via iTunes on their the Official VAMPS website. From the album, check out the track “World’s End” below!
Photo credit to Kei Sung
EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Bangtan Boys at the "RWEL8?" showcase in Berlin
Bangtan Boys are a group of young men with some amazing talents ranging from rapping, dancing and singing. Consisting of members Jin, Rapmonster, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, they created a whole new generation of Korean hip-hop music and their own combination of old-school hip-hop with modern day K-pop idols. After debuting under BigHit Entertainment in 2013 they set their style with “No More Dream” followed by “N.O” which secured them an award for Best Newcomer at the Golden Disk Awards.
Recently BTS have released two Japanese singles for “No More Dream” and “Boy In Luv” along with a compilation album “2 Cool 4 Skool/ O!RUL8,2?”. They have starred in their own SBS MTV variety show Rookie King: Channel Bangtan and are currently airing their very own show American Hustle Life where they learn the ways of American hip-hop stars through the tutoring of “Gangsta Paradise” legend Coolio. It’s safe to say that within a very short one year time span, the Bangtan Boys have achieved some amazing feats, and it seems things can only get better from this point onwards.
After attending the press conference in the Korean Culture Centre for their “RWEL8?” showcase concert in Berlin, we were invited outside into the beautiful sunshine to host our own exclusive interview with all of the members. The atmosphere was very bright, and it seemed as though these young men and their staff were old friends of ours. We gathered around a table full of smiles and laughter, greeted each other, and with a deep breath took the opportunity to hold a relaxed and fun filled interview.
Before going to interview the Bangtan Boys I didn’t really have a clue as to how it would all go. There is always a worry about meeting someone like a brick wall, but the boys took the lead and really held their own very well.
Jin you are known amongst your fans as the mother or chef of the group after you shared some of your recipes online. Would you ever consider creating your own cookbook? What is your favourite food to cook?
JIN: I think that to publish a book is a bit hard and I would like to continue using our blog to share all of our recipes to our fans. I like healthy foods, like salads, and chicken, but the food I don’t like is something I have to cook for all of our group members. Especially when it’s for all of the members, as it’s very hard.
As for Rapmonster, being the leader of the group you must have more difficulties than the other members. What is the most difficult thing as a leader?
RAPMONSTER: For me to handle all seven people is a bit hard as I myself am a hard to handle person, and it is really hard when we are all together and for me to lead.
During one of your Bangtan Bomb videos (Lets Test BTS’s Nerve) J-hope was the only member who jumped out of his skin. Do you have any big fears?
J-HOPE: After our new show “American Hustle Life” I think I come off as more of a coward. I’m afraid of lots of things, but when someone shocks me suddenly it’s a bit scary, and I really don’t like things that jump out suddenly.
Suga has shared photos and shown off his photography skills to his fans. Whilst other idols have created their own photobooks do you have any plans to release your own?
SUGA: I like taking pictures and posting them on the blog and online, but for a photobook I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to make it yet. After I study and learn more I could possibly think about it and give it a go, but for now I have no plans to publish anything. I’ll just use the blog.
Jimin is known as being the dancer of the group and throughout your videos you share with your fans you are always seen dancing. What is your favourite dance style and dance move?
JIMIN: I like lots of different dances, like popping, hip-hop and urban dance. But my most favourite dance movement is the gun dance we use during “We Are Bulletproof”.
During the practice video for “Just One Day (Appeal Version)” V is seen laughing throughout the whole recording. What happened to make you laugh so hard? It looked like you was having all the fun by yourself.
V: During the video I was laughing a lot because of Jimin, Rapmonster and J-hope as they were making faces and messing around. I wanted to stop laughing myself, but it was too funny.
This question is for Jungkook. You have already reached a point in the Korean music industry where your name is known worldwide. This has been achieved in very little time (one year). Where do you see yourself in the future and what would you like to achieve by then?
JUNGKOOK: Thank you for knowing that we have worked hard for a short time and that you like us a lot. I am curious about many things in my life and in the future I will continue to be curious and explore other areas and do other things.
You each have your own background as rappers, vocalists and dancers. If you could swap your position with another member of the group who would you choose and why?
SUGA: I would choose J-hope because he just does what he has to do and is bright and funny, and he dances really well.
J-HOPE: I would change with Rapmonster because he is a nice cool guy, his rapping is great and he can also speak great English.
RAPMONSTER: I would change with Jungkook because I’d love to try to be the vocal within the group.
Through your Bangtan Bomb videos online you have given fans a glimpse of your lives, but if you could feature as a group or as individuals on any Korean variety shows, which ones would you pick?
J-HOPE: I want to be in some realistic shows or a programme that gives us our own show. Like American Hustle Life.
What about the variety show Running Man? It’s very popular within Europe. Would you go on that?
J-HOPE: No, I get tired, very tired (decides to act out his tiredness with some very exaggerated hand movements and panting, which was followed by all of Bangtan laughing).
Everyone has someone who inspires them to be where they are today. If you could choose someone who you look up to and who has inspired you to follow your dreams, who would you pick and why?
RAPMONSTER: Kanye West, Nas, all because they do amazing rapping.
JIN: Kanye West, yes.
SUGA: I have lots of people who inspire me, but through Kanye West I learned the culture of hip-hop.
V: Yes, I’m the same, same!
Your music and fashion style started off a new generation of music in the Korean music scene, but what kinds of songs are you all listening to at the moment? Who are your current music obsessions?
RAPMONSTER: Do you know Kendrick Lemaar and Ab-Soul? Trey Songz as his new album just came out.
V: And Tenashar.
JIN: And Chris Brown.
After a little bit of chatter whilst we packed away our gear the boys lined up against the wall ready to take some group photos. They posed professionally and well rehearsed, until we asked for a silly pose, then all hell broke loose ending with laughter all around. We bowed and said our goodbyes. I was upset that 30 minutes alone with them didn’t feel like enough. They each had their own stories they wanted to talk about, and it seemed that they were relaxed and just as happy to be meeting us as we were to meet them.
I would like to take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to BigHit Entertainment for allowing us some time with the boys, and for treating us like one of the crew members. To the staff of Kpopnonstop and Kpopmagazin for inviting us and for the absolute amazing organisation of the interview and showcase on a whole. The Korean Culture Centre of Berlin for allowing us the use of their beautiful garden to hold the interview, and for showing us around the centre filled with the majestic history of South Korea. And of course to the Bangtan Boys themselves for working extremely hard in the very hot weather, for laughing and joking with us, and for giving a moment of their busy and tiring schedule to hold this interview with us. It was also a nice touch that they all tried to speak English, and for that they have our respect.
Be sure to check out our Press Conference coverage and look out for our “RWEL8?” Berlin Showcase coverage which will be coming soon. For now be sure to pop onto the MCM Buzz Facebook Gallery and check out the rest of the pictures taken during our interview!
EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Bangtan Boys at the “RWEL8?” showcase in Berlin
Bangtan Boys are a group of young men with some amazing talents ranging from rapping, dancing and singing. Consisting of members Jin, Rapmonster, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, they created a whole new generation of Korean hip-hop music and their own combination of old-school hip-hop with modern day K-pop idols. After debuting under BigHit Entertainment in 2013 they set their style with “No More Dream” followed by “N.O” which secured them an award for Best Newcomer at the Golden Disk Awards.
Recently BTS have released two Japanese singles for “No More Dream” and “Boy In Luv” along with a compilation album “2 Cool 4 Skool/ O!RUL8,2?”. They have starred in their own SBS MTV variety show Rookie King: Channel Bangtan and are currently airing their very own show American Hustle Life where they learn the ways of American hip-hop stars through the tutoring of “Gangsta Paradise” legend Coolio. It’s safe to say that within a very short one year time span, the Bangtan Boys have achieved some amazing feats, and it seems things can only get better from this point onwards.
After attending the press conference in the Korean Culture Centre for their “RWEL8?” showcase concert in Berlin, we were invited outside into the beautiful sunshine to host our own exclusive interview with all of the members. The atmosphere was very bright, and it seemed as though these young men and their staff were old friends of ours. We gathered around a table full of smiles and laughter, greeted each other, and with a deep breath took the opportunity to hold a relaxed and fun filled interview.
Before going to interview the Bangtan Boys I didn’t really have a clue as to how it would all go. There is always a worry about meeting someone like a brick wall, but the boys took the lead and really held their own very well.
Jin you are known amongst your fans as the mother or chef of the group after you shared some of your recipes online. Would you ever consider creating your own cookbook? What is your favourite food to cook?
JIN: I think that to publish a book is a bit hard and I would like to continue using our blog to share all of our recipes to our fans. I like healthy foods, like salads, and chicken, but the food I don’t like is something I have to cook for all of our group members. Especially when it’s for all of the members, as it’s very hard.
As for Rapmonster, being the leader of the group you must have more difficulties than the other members. What is the most difficult thing as a leader?
RAPMONSTER: For me to handle all seven people is a bit hard as I myself am a hard to handle person, and it is really hard when we are all together and for me to lead.
During one of your Bangtan Bomb videos (Lets Test BTS’s Nerve) J-hope was the only member who jumped out of his skin. Do you have any big fears?
J-HOPE: After our new show “American Hustle Life” I think I come off as more of a coward. I’m afraid of lots of things, but when someone shocks me suddenly it’s a bit scary, and I really don’t like things that jump out suddenly.
Suga has shared photos and shown off his photography skills to his fans. Whilst other idols have created their own photobooks do you have any plans to release your own?
SUGA: I like taking pictures and posting them on the blog and online, but for a photobook I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to make it yet. After I study and learn more I could possibly think about it and give it a go, but for now I have no plans to publish anything. I’ll just use the blog.
Jimin is known as being the dancer of the group and throughout your videos you share with your fans you are always seen dancing. What is your favourite dance style and dance move?
JIMIN: I like lots of different dances, like popping, hip-hop and urban dance. But my most favourite dance movement is the gun dance we use during “We Are Bulletproof”.
During the practice video for “Just One Day (Appeal Version)” V is seen laughing throughout the whole recording. What happened to make you laugh so hard? It looked like you was having all the fun by yourself.
V: During the video I was laughing a lot because of Jimin, Rapmonster and J-hope as they were making faces and messing around. I wanted to stop laughing myself, but it was too funny.
This question is for Jungkook. You have already reached a point in the Korean music industry where your name is known worldwide. This has been achieved in very little time (one year). Where do you see yourself in the future and what would you like to achieve by then?
JUNGKOOK: Thank you for knowing that we have worked hard for a short time and that you like us a lot. I am curious about many things in my life and in the future I will continue to be curious and explore other areas and do other things.
You each have your own background as rappers, vocalists and dancers. If you could swap your position with another member of the group who would you choose and why?
SUGA: I would choose J-hope because he just does what he has to do and is bright and funny, and he dances really well.
J-HOPE: I would change with Rapmonster because he is a nice cool guy, his rapping is great and he can also speak great English.
RAPMONSTER: I would change with Jungkook because I’d love to try to be the vocal within the group.
Through your Bangtan Bomb videos online you have given fans a glimpse of your lives, but if you could feature as a group or as individuals on any Korean variety shows, which ones would you pick?
J-HOPE: I want to be in some realistic shows or a programme that gives us our own show. Like American Hustle Life.
What about the variety show Running Man? It’s very popular within Europe. Would you go on that?
J-HOPE: No, I get tired, very tired (decides to act out his tiredness with some very exaggerated hand movements and panting, which was followed by all of Bangtan laughing).
Everyone has someone who inspires them to be where they are today. If you could choose someone who you look up to and who has inspired you to follow your dreams, who would you pick and why?
RAPMONSTER: Kanye West, Nas, all because they do amazing rapping.
JIN: Kanye West, yes.
SUGA: I have lots of people who inspire me, but through Kanye West I learned the culture of hip-hop.
V: Yes, I’m the same, same!
Your music and fashion style started off a new generation of music in the Korean music scene, but what kinds of songs are you all listening to at the moment? Who are your current music obsessions?
RAPMONSTER: Do you know Kendrick Lemaar and Ab-Soul? Trey Songz as his new album just came out.
V: And Tenashar.
JIN: And Chris Brown.
After a little bit of chatter whilst we packed away our gear the boys lined up against the wall ready to take some group photos. They posed professionally and well rehearsed, until we asked for a silly pose, then all hell broke loose ending with laughter all around. We bowed and said our goodbyes. I was upset that 30 minutes alone with them didn’t feel like enough. They each had their own stories they wanted to talk about, and it seemed that they were relaxed and just as happy to be meeting us as we were to meet them.
I would like to take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to BigHit Entertainment for allowing us some time with the boys, and for treating us like one of the crew members. To the staff of Kpopnonstop and Kpopmagazin for inviting us and for the absolute amazing organisation of the interview and showcase on a whole. The Korean Culture Centre of Berlin for allowing us the use of their beautiful garden to hold the interview, and for showing us around the centre filled with the majestic history of South Korea. And of course to the Bangtan Boys themselves for working extremely hard in the very hot weather, for laughing and joking with us, and for giving a moment of their busy and tiring schedule to hold this interview with us. It was also a nice touch that they all tried to speak English, and for that they have our respect.
Be sure to check out our Press Conference coverage and look out for our “RWEL8?” Berlin Showcase coverage which will be coming soon. For now be sure to pop onto the MCM Buzz Facebook Gallery and check out the rest of the pictures taken during our interview!